Resumes

Interviews

Cover Letters

Applications

     

Resumes

Your resume is your advertisement. It won't get you a job, but it should get you an interview. Here are some tips for writing a resume:

1. Good grammar, correct spelling and no typographical errors are essential. Proofread.
2. Be concise. Make the employer want to know more about you.
3. Use action words to describe your abilities. rather than saying "Duties included designing and building...," start with "Designed" or "Built."
4. Develop a strong skill section explaining the experience, education or work that relates to the position.
5. Select an attractive format. Make impor-tant information stand out by using bold face type, bullets, spacing, all caps, italics, underlining or indentation.
6. Don't use: I, me or my.
7. Use high quality paper and a good production method.
8. Have someone read and critique your resume.
9. Keep your resume up-to-date.
10. Make a professional first impression; it may be the only chance you get.

Click here for additional resume information including a template you can use to build your own.

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Interviews

A successful interview can result in achieving your goals of finding employment.

Preparation:
 Learn all you can about the company.
 Practice responding to typical questions - role play.
 Take resume and reference materials
    (name, address, phone number) with you.
 Determine what you will wear.

Presentation:
 Arrive 15 minutes early and alone.
 Greet the interviewer by name, with a smile, firm
    handshake, and good eye contact.
 Be confident, poised, and sincere. Stress achievements;
    be enthusiastic.
 Answer questions completely-don't be afraid to expand
    on answers to sell yourself.
 Do not chew gum or smoke.
 Be positive about former employers and
    working conditions.
 Be prepared with questions that will help you make a
    sound decision.
 Do not inquire about salary or benefits during the
    interview process, wait for the actual offer.
 Thank the employer for the opportunity to interview.

Follow-up:
 Send a typed thank-you letter. Be brief.
 Evaluate the interview to discover ways to improve
    your technique.
 Inquire about the status of the position if you haven't
    heard from the company by the set time.

Click here for interviewing information including sample questions and answers.

Clinton students can practice interviewing using a software called "Perfect Interview". Students interested in using "Perfect Interview" must contact Marcus Harris in the Student Services office.

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Cover Letters

 A typed cover letter, on paper that matches your
    resume, should accompany every mailed resume.
 Address it to a specific person if at all possible.
    Make sure you have the correct spelling
    of the person's name.
 Use a three paragraph format.
       Introduction - How you found out about
          the position.
       Sales - Zero in on the qualifications you have that
          the employer is seeking.
       Close - Ask for an interview. Tell them how they
          may contact you.
 Sign the letter.

Click here for cover letter samples.

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Applications

 Follow the instructions.
 Complete the entire application neatly, or type it if
    you're able to take it home.
 Be prepared with dates of employment and Names of
    employers and supervisors.
 Be honest.
 Sign and date the application.

 

Jobs from Iowa companies to Iowans. Iowacareer.net helps students find Iowa careers that match their degrees, and gives employers access to qualified graduates for their companies.

 
 Helpful Job Search Links:
   Iowa Career Net
   Iowa Workforce
   "indeed" Job Search
   JobDig