One of the many services offered by the CACD is a free resume critique. To better prepare for my job search I attended a critique. I thought my resume didn’t need much critiquing, but I was wrong! The career counselor gave me very valuable insight about my resume. She gave me the following tips:

-Keep your resume in the proper tense.
-Use power words
-Use a design that sells
-Sell the benefits of your skills
-Prioritize your content

While some of these tips may seem obvious, mistakes are easily made when building a resume. My previous resume was too wordy, so I used bullet points to highlight my accomplishments. I also omitted the WSU logo, changed my font and separated my internship experience from my work experience.

I encourage all students to attend a resume critique before graduation. With the poor economy and difficult job market, a good resume gives you a competitive edge over other job applicants.

To have your resume critiqued, come to Lighty 180 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM or call (509) 335-6000 to set up an appointment.

*Click to see a PDF copy of my resume. Bess Resume

Last night I attended the CACD etiquette dinner in the CUB Senior Ballroom. I arrived around 5:00 PM to help set up information for the CACD offices as well as the check-in table. I couldn’t believe the CUB’s decor, it looked very professional. At 6:00 PM, students began to show up for check-in. I signed in students, gave them name tags and their table assignment.

At 6:30 PM students took their seats. Students met their table hosts and other dinner guests. I knew three people at my table, making me feel more comfortable. CACD Events Coordinator Katie Boyle and Associate VP of the Office of Student Affairs Susan Poch welcomed us to the Etiquette Dinner. Our guest speaker Christa Stream, worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Christa graduated from WSU six years ago, and now oversees the recruiting operations for Enterprise for Eastern Washington and Alaska.

While Christa spoke, servers brought out our starter, a wedge salad with romaine lettuce hearts, crumbled blue cheese and almonds. We also ate assorted artisan breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

For an entree we ate Mediterranean chicken, a semi-boneless chicken breast roasted with herbs, garlic and olive oil. We also had orzo pasta and fresh asparagus. The chicken tasted delicious and very moist, unlike other catered meals I’ve eaten. For a vegetarian option, you could order Tofu Napoleon, char-broiled herbed tofu stacked with grilled Portobello mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and and haystack onions.

For desert we ate Valrhona chocolate-dipped won tons layered with creme patisserie, assorted fresh berries with powdered sugar, whipped cream and raspberry sauce. Delicious, I’m hungry just thinking about it!

I enjoyed my time at the Etiquette Dinner. I met great people and networked with many employers. I strongly encourage students to attend next year. The dinner may cost $15, but the experience is priceless.

The Center for Advising and Career Development recently traded offices with the Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity Office. Join us in celebrating our move at the CACD Open House. Stop by Lighty 180 and Lighty 260 on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We will have free appetizers, desert and informational materials on career planning. You can also have your resume critiqued to prepare for the upcoming Career Fair. Students of all ages and grade levels are encouraged to attend. This is one event you don’t want to miss!

The Center for Advising and Career Development will host the Spring 2009 Career Expo on February 18, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Beasley Coliseum. Students will have the opportunity to network with employers from top companies and graduate schools across the nation. Some employers will also stay for next day interviews.

Students from all majors and grade levels are encouraged to attend. Don’t wait any longer to start looking for a summer job, internship or career. The economy is going through a tough time so take advantage of this once-a-semester networking opportunity.

For more details visit:
www.CACD.WSU.edu

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009 the Center for Advising and Career Development and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are hosting the Spring 2009 “Be a Star” etiquette dinner. Students have the opportunity to network with potential employers, while enjoying a three course meal.

The evening begins with a networking mixer during check-in, followed by dinner and a presentation about etiquette by a guest speaker and WSU alumni. Dinner will be served during the presentation.

The Etiquette Dinner will be held in the CUB Senior Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with dinner served at 6:30 PM. Please come in professional business attire (no jeans). Tickets cost only $15. A small price to pay for a delicious three-course meal, networking opportunities and etiquette education.

Previous dinners sold out, with over 200 students attending and receiving rave reviews, reserve your spot today. Fill out the attached registration form. Forms are also available at the front desk in Lighty 160. Visit the CACD offices in Lighty 180 or call (509) 335-6000 for more information.

This semester I am an intern at the Center for Advising and Career Development, or CACD. My job title is a Career Development Specialist. Besides Alive!, WSU’s freshmen orientation, I had never been to the Center for Advising and Career Development. Many students, including myself, are unaware of the CACD’s history and what services they offer. After applying for my internship, I gained a better understanding of CACD and what they aim to do.

For over ten years, CACD provided students with services to foster learning and development throughout their academic careers. The CACD office is located in Lighty 180. Services offered include academic advising, individual career counseling, college success workshops, resume critiques, peer tutorial programs, WSU CareerLink, career fairs and numerous other programs to aid in your educational development.

I am working with six other interns to gain knowledge about CACD and promote events. Upcoming CACD events include an etiquette dinner, mock interviews, open hours and career expo. Check back for future blogs about upcoming CACD events. Until then, you can read more about CACD services and events on www.cacd.wsu.edu or contact CACD at (509) 335-6000.