Congratulations!

I know that for a lot of you, the school year is almost at an end. For some, these are your last finals and classes that you have in college! For others, this is only the beginning. I just wanted to let you know that all of us at Adventist Health System are proud of your accomplishments! Great job! Remember to look me up for employment opportunities! stephanie.murrill@ahss.org

Guidelines for Resumes

This is a list of several items that actual employers listed as advice for prospective applicants when creating resumes.

1) Resumes and cover letters are visual representations that also demonstrate one's writing skills. Make sure you take the time to proofread your resume for grammatical and structural mistakes.

2) Include Accomplishments--that is what sets people apart.

3) The more relevant the work experience the better, but any work experience is better than NO work experience.

4) A GPA below 2.5 is usually screened out unless there are very extenuating circumstances, so don't publicize.

5) If you use a career objective, it should be specific. You can also use a summary statement and explain what you have to offer to the company.

6) In the cover letter, show that you know something about the company; show a sense of direction, enthusiasm, assertiveness, and confidence.

7) Don't exaggerate.

8) Target the cover letter. Don't use a form letter. I have received a few cover letters that were actually intended for another company and it was very obvious. It made me not take the resume very seriously.

9) If you worked while going to school, that shows initiative. Also, if you did volunteering or internships, make sure to list them.

10) For some organizations, if you have the ability to relocate you will have an advantage.

11) Don't put salary requirements on a resume!

12) Do not include any personal information such as marital status, age, etc.

13) Do not include a picture.

14) Do not assemble a lot of information in a plastic cover.

15) Be brief in your cover letter--it shouldn't be longer than four paragraphs.

16) Put the effort into yourself. A solid resume and cover letter will definitely set you a apart.


Thanks to Jim Wampler and Kari Shultz

Top Mistakes Candidates Make at an Interview

As you begin interview season, I thought I would remind you of some things NOT to do:) Enjoy!

1) Arrive Late to your interview.
2) Explain you were late because of bad directions given by staff there.
3) Look disheveled or dress inappropriately.
4) Don't make good eye contact with your interviewer.
5) Plan on learning about the company during the interview by asking, "So, what do you guys do here?"
6) Slouch in your seat.
7) Don't let the employer know how you could fill the needs of the company.
8) Brag about all of your accomplishments and how awesome you are.
9) Give responses with not clear answers. Ramble.
10) Act like you don't even want the job.
11) Answer all questions with "yes" or "no".
12) Appear desperate for a job--any job.
13) Call the interviewer by their first name or the wrong name.
14) Give memorized responses without feeling or sincerity.
15) Badmouth your former boss or company.
16) Ask the interviewer "How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?"
17) When they ask if you have any questions, say "NO!".

www.yourmanners.com - Caryl and Ronald Krannich

Good luck! Don't forget to practice your interviewing skills and have a trusted friend critique you on your professionalism and responses. Be open to their ideas and suggestions!

Quote of the Week

"People forget how fast you did a job, but they remember how well you did it." -Howard Newton

As many of you will be starting new jobs (some your new careers, others just summer employment) don't forget to do your best no matter what. Make sure that you are proud of everything you put your name on.

Shake it Up!

You probably don't think twice when shaking someones hand, but a handshake can say a lot about you. Here are a few tips that can make your handshake a step above the rest.

1. Make Eye Contact

2. Smile

3. Extend your hand with the four fingers together; your thumb extended upward; the "web" of your hand making contact with the "web" of the other person's hand.

4. Close your hand firmly around the other hand...not too tight and definitely no too loose...just firm; this applies to both men and women. A man should be careful not to squeeze a woman's hand too tightly.

5. Say "Nice to meet you (the other persons name.")
Example: "So nice to meet you Mr. Smith."

6. Give several shakes and then let go of the hand.

7. It is proper to exchange a handshake when meeting AND when saying goodbye.

8. It is proper for women to exchange a handshake for social and business introductions.

9. A woman may offer a man her hand first to shake.

Taken from www.yourmanners.com