Vivid, strong, powerful, rich, executive-worthyPower Resumes

PreviewPreparationObjectives Education/TrainingExperience/SkillsOthers

A strong résumé can . . .Act as your spokesperson during the interview selection process. Prepare you for the interview.Remind interviewers of your strengths after the interview.

A strong résumé . . .Can stand on its own.Is more than a recitation of all you have done in your professional/educational life.(This will result in a résumé that lacks focus, punch, and ultimately results.)Should focus on things that enhance your ability to shine in the job you have targeted as the next step in your career.Demonstrate with quantifiable (where possible) deliverables.

PreparationComplete a thorough list of your skills and strengths, as well as understand your desired career. How can you provide value to an organization? What differentiates you from other applicants? What are your notable accomplishments? Visit with a professor in your specialized MIS area. Ensure you understand the skills that an ideal candidate possesses in this area.Find a job announcement for a position that interests you.

Preparation (cont.)Create a résumé. Study others’ résumé models (Be careful, yours must be totally truthful and accurate). Take the résumé to Career Services for a review. (Please keep all drafts of the résumé.)Revise résumé with content presented tonight.

Remember to focus on what the audience wantsWhat will get you the job?How are you better than the person who interviewed before you?

You Will Need A(n)…Assessment of the related IT job marketUnderstand the IT skills, management skills, business skills, and soft skills needed Assessment of your strongest traits and abilitiesMatch your skills to the job descriptionLearn to market yourselfCollection of project successes and failure storiesSolid, vivid resumePower cover letterProject portfolio (website or digital reference)Reference list

Position YourselfIt is all about tailoring and branding!Always include the what and the how.You must come to life on paper.Lower the employers’ risk!Add value!

Job Description (database)The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of hands- on database development experience, experience with SQL Server 2008 or greater, strong proficiency in SQL Server development using T-SQL (writing stored procedures, functions, triggers and SSIS or SSRS packages) and extensive knowledge of principles of database design, data acquisition, and data access analysis and design.

Job Description (database)Experience with SQL query writing and relational database concepts Experience with configuration and support of Microsoft SQL Server Experience in software support and working with clients Strong Microsoft Excel skills

Job Description(Database)The SQL Developer will be responsible for developing and supporting tools used by operations, finance, and support staff. Write complex T-SQL queries, functions, views and stored procedures.Design, develop, and deploy complex reports using SQL Server Reporting Services.Involved in the entire report development process including: research, creation of the report/prototype, testing, deployment and training users.Design, develop, and test application code and forms using Microsoft Access and Microsoft Visual Studio

Job Description(IT)Understanding of Javascript, jQuery, HTML, and CSS Understanding of JSON, XML, and AJAX Experience working with Microsoft SharePoint or similar platform Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills Capable of working effectively with minimal direct supervision

ObjectivesBe SpecificSeek database administrator position utilizingOver two years’ intense database programming, exceeding expectations on project work Excellent supervisory, multimedia, and communication skills Extensive computer account management of over 1,000 accounts

ObjectivesBe SpecificExemplary ethical leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills Business Ambassador for School of Business Executive Officer for USU Student Alumni Association AIS Communications Officer Strong Database Programming and Analytical experience Marketing research database project Strong peer and project manager evaluationsMIS major and Public Relations minor Huntsman Scholar Asian Study Abroad Dean’s List

Education/Training Section (assuming relevant and applicable to this section of résumé)Major MinorAcademic EmphasisCourses (be careful in selection)Workshops – executive, professional, and personal developmentPodcasts and online workshops/webinars Training sessions/seminarsPartner’s program – networking, workshops, seminar coordinatorStudent involvement – organizations and functions – PBL, DEX, AMA, ACM, etc.Academic competitionsSchool committees and leadershipAcademic honors, i.e. Dean’s List, honor roll, “A” listScholarshipsCertificates/CertificationsGPA - overall, major, COBLanguagesTravelStudy abroad opportunitiesInternshipsScholarly workValedictorian, Salutatorian, Sterling Scholar, State/National honors Financed percentage of education

Remember Concrete and Vivid Frosts an Individual!Differentiating sectionsAdverbsAdjectivesStrong wordsHigh-impact descriptionsBusiness is measured with results; why then do resumes forget this?

Skill/Soft Skill definitions from BusinessDictionary.comAbility and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions involving ideas (cognitive skills), things (technical skills), and/or people (interpersonal skills). See also competence.Communicating, conflict management, human relations, making presentations, negotiating, team building, and other such ability, defined in terms of expected outcomes and not as a specific method or technique such as statistical analysis.Additional MIS soft skills – project management, training (interpersonal), multitasking, sustainable design, result-oriented, design thinking…

For StrengtheningRemember…Communication, Honesty/Integrity, Adaptability, Interpersonal, Common sense, Emotional control, Organization, Computer, Analytical/Problem solving, Work ethic and habits, Self- confidence, Enthusiasm

Computer/Technical SkillsSQL Development Skills – extensive complex T-SQL queries, correlated subqueries, joins, functions, views, aggregates, and stored proceduresWeb Development Skills – server-side ASP programming, code-intensive C# to handle complex routines, dynamic visual presentations Flash implementation with ActionScript scripting language to add interactivity20Detail is Critical

Professional/Relevant Skills SamplePROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE21Management and TrainingStructured a micro-finance program that trains and finances Peruvian entrepreneurs; oversaw the disbursement of over $21,000 in loansTrained employees on successful prospecting strategies Undertook project training and management responsibilitiesVolunteered two years of full-time service teaching, participating in humanitarian projects, and delivering language training in SpainIT and Operational ExcellenceApplied Lean principles in IT project, including management, operations, and accounting Implemented a IT audit system, which made the operations more secure, covering all PCI compliance itemsLearned normalizing practices in the classroom and honed through internship, class projects, and simulation exercisesResulting in…By __%ComplementedAnalyzed ListenedUse Business TermsStrategically…Describe marketNote averagesUse job desc. termsUse current business periodicals and pubs

Projects SampleAccurately performed an IT audit of Cardinal Health and presented recommendations to the VP of operationsEffectively worked with team of 30 students to design and develop a database, utilizing up-to-date database design and data acquisition techniquesTrained 529 voters in two months for Fall 20XX electionIT PROJECTS22Result…Enhanced…Utilized…Extent of involvement…Produced…Demonstrated…Learned…Changes…Effected…

Other Work Experience Page 25 in Career Services PacketWORK EXPERIENCERetail Associate, The Buckle, Logan, UT, May 20XX to PresentDemonstrated effective persuasive skills in exceeding retail sales quotasProvided excellent customer service by phone and in personResolved customer complaints effectively by using problem-solving skillsRecognized by supervisors as being efficient and detail-orientedAccount Manager Intern, Good Luck Rent-a-Car, Chicago, IL, Summer 20XXFrequently served as store supervisor in the manager’s absenceDeveloped 26 new corporate accounts Trained 12 employees in rental procedures and liability issuesDeveloped Access database to track frequency of customer usageTranslator, Valley Hispanic Center, Logan, UT, May 20XX to March 20XXTranslated documents into English for native Spanish speakersDeveloped relationships with inter-community agenciesWorked with center director to create guide to community services23Rework, Tailor

Have You Addressed the “HOW”?Have You Branded Yourself? Addressed Tag Line?Have You Noted the Following?Results (soft skills, numbers, %)Transfer skillsImportant peopleSpecifics, proofSuccessesNumber of hoursThe extent!Your strengthsBenefits to parties involvedWhat was Learned, concludedEnhancedUtilizedDemonstratedDevelopedRelationshipsProcessesValue-Added Information

Achieve Concrete, Vivid Descriptions to Experiences, Ensure Solid Answers to the Following QuestionsFrom Proven Resumes, by Regina PontowWhom did you work for or with? Will mentioning them strengthen your image?Will describing the size of the department you worked for strengthen your image?Will using numbers to describe your responsibilities strengthen your image?Did you create, reorganize, conceive, or establish any procedures or systems?Have you increased productivity, saved money, or reduced labor?Did you have responsibility for special projects? If so, how large were they?

Cont.Have you been complimented for special talents?Do you have technical or special skills relevant to your objective?Do you have experience training or supervising staff? If so, how many?Have you received promotions that demonstrate achievement?Have you received any awards or certificates that relate to your job objective?Have you identified the top five skill requirements for the position you want?

In Addition…Descriptions sell!The two-liner ruleAdverbsStrong action wordsProfound statements create interest!Show connections and conclusions you drawInclude details; i.e., listeningShow analysis and problem-solving abilities

Note Business VerbageProject management Design Thinking, System ThinkingBusiness Process Enhancement, value-addedStrategic InnovationAlignmentStreamlineEmpowermentClient-centric or customer-focused developmentROIImpact, CatalystGlobal “Going Green”LeverageVisibilityAnalyticsBest practicesBenchmarking, BaseliningIntegrating, interdisciplinaryBuzzwords relating to your major!

Activities/Leadership/Service SamplesLeadership/Volunteer ExperienceService Coordinator, AIAA Student Chapter, 20XX to PresentVolunteer Math Tutor, STICKS Program, Fall Semester 20XXSpanish-Speaking Volunteer, Baja, Mexico, 20XX-20XXVice President, AIS Club, USU, 20XX-20XXTutored 12 elementary-age students in computer security and safety Helped chapter receive “Superior” national ranking29Explain – detail, # of hours involved, commitment, resultsHow well did you perform your duties? How did you excel?TELL ME detail and transfer skills

ReviewPreparationObjectives EducationExperience/Skills