Jobs

Your Résumé (not) To-Do List

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We’re at the time of year where many students are polishing (or perhaps creating) their résumés for summer employment opportunities. In FYE, we get to see some great (and not-so-great) résumés from student leaders who support new students, so these tips I’m sharing with you are based on years of observation of what doesn’t work on a student résumé.

Disclaimer: My opinion is just one in a sea of opinions about résumés; it also comes with the caveat that you should heed the recommendations of the Career Services office for your college or department (especially if you are seeking to become gainfully employed in that field or discipline).

Extravagant paper

You never know who you’re offending with pink, speckled paper, and the print on dark colors can be difficult to read if the résumé is photocopied. Stick to white or cream résumé paper.

Graphics or pictures of any kind

Who doesn’t love a good cat pic or NFL logo? There is a time and a place for those things, but it should not include your résumé (plus, you may be violating copyright laws). Be remembered for the content of your package, not its wrapping paper.

Inconsistent formatting

A résumé is not the time to experiment with funky fonts, lightning bolts as bullet points, or zigzag margins. Each element of your résumé should look the same as all other elements; for example:

  • Bullet point margins should line up
  • Dates should be formatted identically throughout (9/14 or September 2014…not both)
  • Use of bold, italic or underlined words should be used consistently (e.g., put every job title in bold, underline all section headers)

More than two pages in length

Some people will tell you a résumé should only be one page; regardless, it should never be more than two pages. If you exceed two pages, you are either being too robust in your work history and details, or you are using 18pt font and 3in margins.

Using acronyms

Ohio State is full of acronyms (RPAC, CABS, RA) that the average non-Buckeye may not understand. If the acronym is common and you’ll use it more than once in the résumé, explain what it stands for in your first reference–e.g., Resident Advisor (RA); then, continue to refer to it by its acronym.

Inadequate description of responsibilities

Employers want to be able to determine employee/environment fit for a position, and they need to quickly ascertain which skills you have that are transferable to the job for which you are applying. Choose dynamic words and phrases to illustrate your accomplishments, and aim for 3-5 bullet points for each job or experience listed on your résumé. If you can’t come up with at least three bullet points, it may not be significant enough to include. Download a list of action verbs from Career Counseling and Support Services.

Overwhelming description of responsibilities

Too much content makes it difficult for an employer to discern relevant components of your experience. Again, you’re aiming for 3-5 bullet points per experience that (concisely) demonstrate transferrable skills.

Falsifying information

Lying is bad. Don’t do it.

Spelling and grammatical errors

Two of my favorites: people who say they worked in costumer service (which I guess is helping clowns get dressed?); and, the unfortunate soul who once said she was a lifeguard for the pubic pool. Proofread your résumé, and then ask a trusted friend to look at it as well.

Using a Microsoft Word template

The convenience is alluring, to be sure, but there is nothing about a Word template (that literally anyone with Word can use) that says you are an original, creative person who is more qualified than any other applicant. Create your own template that best represents your identify and experiences.

Additional tips for success

  • Email address – make it appropriate!
  • Objective statement – not necessary unless you’re posting your résumé on a job website.
  • Section headings (and their order) – education should go first (since you’re currently in college) and others depend on the position for which you’re applying (put the most relevant experience next).
  • Font selection and size – nothing too fancy, and it should be between 10pt and 12pt.
  • Sending electronic copies – save and send as a PDF when possible to avoid formatting issues on the receiving end.
  • Using job descriptions/expectations – save your job descriptions or ask your former supervisor(s) for it, then use it to build your résumé bullet points.
  • Envision your “ideal” résumé – pursue opportunities that get you there.

Remember me? That Bernie guy…

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Oh hey! I remember you; you’re that funny guy from Orientation!

That’s how most you of know me. At least that’s what you say when you see me on campus. Yes, I was the guy who welcomed you to Orientation. It’s a great job, it really is. But sadly, that’s probably the last time most of you saw me or my colleagues in First Year Experience. And why should we expect any different. We work on the third floor of the Student Academic Services building on the far edge of campus. You have no reason to wander up here.

Many of you are probably still connected to your Orientation Leader, right? I’m sure they may help you from time to time. “Yes, but Bernie, they don’t actually work for you anymore,” you might say. That’s right. The summer is over. The red polo shirts have been retired.

[End scene]

My colleagues and I started a conversation just like this a little over a year ago. It wasn’t hard to figure out that we’ve been doing this all wrong. The people you might actually listen to, connect with and reach out to when you have a question (your peers, that is)…we let those people go. Every August. And now, during the school year, we’re hoping you’ll listen to us. A bunch of staff members who haven’t been college students for 10 or even 20 years. Heck, my son is closer to your age and he’s nine.

So, I hope you’re not offended, but starting this fall, when it comes time to actually connect with you, it won’t be me or my colleagues leading the charge anymore. Instead, we’re going to let you connect with and talk to a fellow student. And not some random upper-class student you haven’t met before (because honestly, that’s always awkward) but those same students you’ve come to know and trust because they helped you feel at home, get some answers and have a great time at Orientation.

Now, there will be a slight change. We won’t call them Orientation Leaders anymore. They’ll be so much more than that. They’ll meet and help new students like you over the summer at Orientation, just like they always did, but now they’ll stay in touch, answer your questions and help you explore Ohio State all throughout the year. And the new name: FYE Peer Leaders. Simple, right?

I have a hunch that some of you (if you’ve read this far), might be thinking, “Bernie, how can I apply for this new Peer Leader job?” Well, I have good news for you. The application is available now (through January 30). All you have to do is go to our webpage to find out more about applying. I hope you’ll watch the short video and maybe even join us this month at an info session.

The one catch is that this job isn’t for everyone, and you may not be ready…just yet. I say that because I remember applying for a pretty amazing job on campus my first year, one that had the potential to impact other students. I started the process, filled out the application and even successfully made it through the group interview. But then, just before getting the final word, I removed myself from the process. Why? Well, I knew I wasn’t ready yet. I barely knew myself, how was I going to help others. I still had some growing up to do. The next year, my sophomore year, I applied again. And this time I stayed with the process. The very next fall I became an RA in Taylor Tower and had the time of my life helping other students.

I hope, when the time is right, you’ll apply to be an FYE Peer Leader. First-year students need people like you in their lives. We understand that now.

Quick Guide to Getting a Campus Job

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We’ve all been there. 

You’re going through the semester eating lots of 20¢ pasta, trying to make your money last as long as possible, but now you’re running low on cash!? It’s time to kick it in gear and get a job! On-campus jobs are a great way to stay involved and connected to the university, even if you live off campus.

On-campus jobs come with a lot of benefits:

• Flexible scheduling

• Little to no experience required

• Expectation that school comes first

• Meet other awesome Ohio State students

• Possible free food! (Half of the reason to ever do anything in college…)

• Easy transportation/commuting options

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Things to Consider:

1. Do you qualify for Work Study?

– Check on your Buckeyelink account to see if you qualify. Certain jobs require students to be in Work Study in order to get the job. If you are a part of Work Study there is a specific website with available jobs on the Student Financial Aid website. Click on the “Jobs” tab and a drop down box will show “Work Study”

2. Are you an International student?

Refer to this website for specific information regarding the number of hours you are eligible to work on-campus

2. How much time do you have to work?

– Pay attention to how many hours each position expects you to work. Make sure you can manage your schedule so you’re not too stressed! Also consider clubs, activities, friends, study sessions, significant others, etc. that also take up time!

3. Do you know anyone who works on campus?

– Ask them how they found their job, if the place they work is hiring or what it is like. The saying, “It’s all about who you know” is SO true when it comes to job searches.

4. What kinds of jobs are available?

– Students can work as research assistants, in the libraries, at information desks, or any dining service on campus.  These are just a few of the many positions available.

 5. Where do you apply for jobs anyway??

– On-campus DINING jobs can be applied for here: food.osu.edu/jobs/

– Other On-campus jobs can be listed here:  sfa.osu.edu/jobs/

– Also look out for emails from your college or advisors that advertise for different positions needed within your major!

6. What if I don’t get the job?

– Keep applying! It’s possible that your schedule conflicted with the hours they needed someone to work. There are many more places to consider applying. It can be time consuming but it will be worth it the second you land that job!

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It is important to remember no job is fun 100% of the time, that’s why it is called a job. There are ways to make it better though. Find out if the places you spend most of your time on campus are hiring. Also, remember working with friends can also make it more enjoyable too!

Lastly, if on-campus jobs aren’t quite what you’re looking for – another option to consider is off-campus jobs. Plenty of places around campus are hiring year-round. These jobs can be just as flexible and considerate that you’re a student first and foremost.

Now get to… 

Watch Britney Spears' "Work Bitch" video, and check out our GIF wall!