By Margaux Kay LaPointe, '11
 

Three Villanova graduates were on the panel for a Communication résumé and interview workshop on Monday, Feb. 9, which sponsored by Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honor society. They provided advice, critiqued two résumés, and conducted a mock interview.

The panel included: Bryan Adams, ’07, an event planner at Vanguard; Stephanie Balan, ’05, an executive vice president of the TriState REALTORS Commercial Alliance; and Kristen Insalaco, ’03, a freelance public relations writer and consultant.

Résumé Writing Tips

• Have a consistent format, including alignment and spacing
• Write out months and seasons (February 2009 instead of Feb. 2009 or 02/09)
• Write out “and” instead of using ampersands
• Name an objective
• Instead of listing tasks performed at a job, explain projects
• Be as specific as possible
• Use active verbs
• It is not necessary to include high school information
• Follow up after submitting a résumé

Cover Letter Writing Tips

• A cover letter sets candidates apart
• Rather than addressing it “to whom it may concern,” find out who is accepting the applications

Interviewing Tips

• Dress appropriately and consider the culture of the business
• Smile
• Arrive early
• Research the industry standard salary
• Expect long hours
• Consider the interview like a short-answer exam – give a general statement and support it with specific points
• Instead of saying negative things, spin them positively as a learning experience
• It’s given that applicants like working with people, so instead, mention things like working in groups
• Have examples prepared so you can tell a good story
• Send a thank-you note after an interview

 

Margaux Kay LaPointe, ’11, is a sophomore from Lebanon, Pa. She is an intern in the Office of Communications in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University. Margaux is majoring in communication with a specialization in public relations.