Local professionals critiqued students’ résumés for free during the semi-annual Café Résumé event hosted by the Office of Career Services.
The critiques were offered at two times — during lunch and in the evening — at a booth in front of the University Grounds Coffee Shop.
“Twice a year, we invite employers and HR professionals here,” Jim Kanning, director of Career Services, said. “These are people who see résumés all the time, and know what they are looking for.”
Kanning said they have been hosting Café Résumé once every fall and spring semester for the past two years. They named the event Café Résumé because students can grab a coffee and discussed their résumés with professionals.
“We have done this numerous times,” Kanning said. “Each semester, these professionals are willing to volunteer their expertise and knowledge.”
About 14 students turned out for the event, which was a lower amount than in the past few years. Kanning said this was normal for the fall semester.
“During the spring, we have about 25 students stop by mainly because of commencement,” Kanning said. “I guess people think it is not as important to have résumés looked at in the fall.”
Kanning said the event was still a success in his opinion.
“We had about eight people show up during lunch, but we spoke to several students,” Kanning said. “Now four times as many students are aware of our office and its services.”
Jody Grizz, continuity program coordinator for E.ON U.S., was one of the professionals who volunteered for the event.
“A résumé is the first impression,” Grizz said. “Depending on what it looks like can determine if someone gets an interview or a job.”
Grizz said a crisp and well-put-together résumé is important for more than just appearance.
“If you are not going to put the time into designing its content, then why should I provide time for you?” Grizz said. “Students should do their research and tailor each résumé to the specific job they are applying for.”
Grizz said he thinks students should embrace events like Café Résumé.
“It is another set of eyes,” Grizz said. “People tend to exaggerate on their résumés, but here we can tell them what is important to put in there and what is not.”
Another local professional at the event was Heather Whipple, director of human resources and internships at the Speed Art Museum.
“I think it is really important for students to have other people review their résumé,” Whipple said. “It is hard to know how to design it and know what is important to include in it when you are just starting out.”
Velislav Ganev, finance senior, said he has been actively looking for an internship and thought a professional résumé review would be a great step to finding one.
“I wanted to improve my résumé,” Ganev said. “I think it is important to be able to express yourself correctly through it.”
He said the professionals offered a lot of good advice, and students should bring their résumés to these types of events.
“They were very helpful,” Ganev said. “I think even sophomores, even though they are not graduating soon, should participate. It is a good experience.”
Sarah Yeager, accounting junior, said she liked having the opportunity to have human resource professionals look at her résumé.
“I have already had it critiqued a lot by Career Services,” Yeager said. “However, it is good to know what people who are in the process of hiring would basically be looking for.”
She said the professionals stressed format is just as important as content.
By MORIAH WHITTAKER
Staff
whittakm@umail.iu.edu
