Grads Need Resume, Interviewing Skills
By Rodney Tanaka Staff Writer© Pasadena Star-News, May 21, 2006
A strong job market offers opportunities for graduates to start their careers, but they must be prepared to make a great first impression, experts say.
Those looking to enter the work force must be smart about their resume and confident - but not cocky at the job interview.
A resume represents the first piece of information that promotes a person's candidacy, and it should not have any misspelled words or typographical errors, said Gary Kaplan, president of the Pasadena-based Gary Kaplan & Associates.
"Nothing will disqualify an entry-level candidate more than a poorly written resume, which gives an employer the impression that this person is not well-educated and literate," he said.
Resumes should be limited to one page, said David Portney, a teacher and trainer of resume and interviewing skills.
"What most people don't recognize about the resume and interview process is it's a screening out process, not a screening in process," Portney said. "Most job seekers think that employers are looking for reasons to hire you. They're actually looking for reasons not to hire you."
Recent graduates typically don't have a lot of work experience, so their resumes should focus on how their skills and abilities can specifically benefit an employer, Portney said.
Students should find ways to separate themselves from the pack, which starts long before they send out resumes, said Justina Rivadeneyra, a career counselor and coordinator with the Center for Teacher Excellence at Citrus College in Glendora.
Internships, community service and other activities build skills that are transferable to the work place, she said.
Job shadowing and networking are also important. One student was interested in sports and business, so she talked to a marketing executive at the Staples Center. Not only did she learn about that career, she found out about an internship opportunity, Rivadeneyra said.
Recent graduates should include summer or part-time employment on their resumes, Kaplan said. Working as a lifeguard or at McDonald's might demonstrate a person's work style or ability to get along with others.
"Although the employment may not be applicable to the position they're seeking, it shows you've been industrious and motivated," Kaplan said.
But the resume is only the first step. Candidates must also make a good impression at the job interview.
Unless directed otherwise, wear business-formal clothing that is conservative and appropriate, Kaplan said.
"It sounds like a very shallow statement, but image is everything," he said. "The very first evaluation or judgement made of you is when the interviewer greets you in the reception area."
Go in well-prepared for the interview - research the company and write down questions that have to do with the nature of the organization, Kaplan said. Don't ask questions about compensation and benefits in the initial interview.
"The best approach, in particular for recent graduates, is to go in to every interview with the objective of winning," Kaplan said. "You're objective is ultimately to get an offer from that organization."
Southern California is known for its traffic jams, but don't be late for the interview, Portney said.
Never answer questions with negative responses or talk about negative job experiences, he said. Answers should be brief and to the point.
Employers realize that people are nervous in a job interview, Portney said, but nervousness can ruin your chances.
"Have a sense of certainty about yourself and your ability," he said. "That's what can get a person hired even over someone more qualified."
