In sports, there’s no better way to learn proper technique than from an accomplished athlete. Likewise, there’s no better way to train for resumé writing and job interviewing than with those who do the hiring.
Each semester, the Marriott School provides training opportunities for students to meet with professional mentors. The school continues to see an increase in student interest and participation. In winter 2006, nearly two hundred undergrads came for a dose of professional advice.
“It’s a great opportunity to get my resumé in front of more people other than my teachers,” says Karla Mancilla, a 2006 marketing graduate from Mexico City. “Having an A-plus resumé opens a lot of doors to some great job opportunities.”
Students sign up for thirty-minute time slots to have their resumé reviewed or participate in a mock interview. Matthew Forsyth of the Utah Department of Workforce Services was one of twenty-five mentors who proofread resumés and provided valuable tips during winter semester.
“Our approach was primarily to help the students better describe their skills and work history to convey the advantages they would bring to an employer,” Forsyth explains.
Improving conciseness was also a big area of focus. “I learned how to describe my training and experience in a much more effective style,” Mancilla says.
Workshops are not restricted to resumés and interviews. Mentors also provide handouts with job-seeking tips, and students are encouraged to ask for advice on anything ranging from dress standards to business etiquette.
The Marriott School initiated the workshops two years ago in response to a growing number of student requests. In addition, the school received feedback from recruiters who mentioned a need for more professional resumés.
With a limited number of available faculty members who could mentor students, administrators decided to ask alumni and friends of the school for assistance.
“Our job was to help students express who they really are,” says Clint Halverson, a winter semester mentor and director of internal audit for Extra Space Strategy. “Also, the mock interviews took the edge off and gave them an opportunity to get a feel for what it’s like in a non-confrontational setting.”
Halverson, who has previous recruiting
and mock interview experience, also says he is amazed with the caliber of participants. “BYU students have a lot of focus and know what they want in life,” he says. “They are more driven than a lot of the other job seekers out there.”
Bill Brady, director of the school’s career center, says the resumé workshop is not a new concept but definitely something many students need. Mentors are seeing several areas the students could improve on—even down to misspellings.
Brady says there is no limit to the number involved, especially when the program is open to all BYU students.
“We received a great deal of positive feedback from the mentors as well as the students,” Brady says. “We are truly excited about the program’s continued growth.”