Team TTI Shares Insight on Resumes that Stand Out to Recruiters
Sept. 21, 2020
UArizona students learned about resumes - from the people reviewing them!
On September 8th, the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing hosted Techtronic Industries, TTI, for a resume building workshop for students at the University of Arizona. TTI, a corporate sponsor for the Terry J. Lundgren Center, volunteered to host the session in preparation for the University of Arizona’s fall career fairs. But this year’s career fair will not be like those held in previous years.
“This year it is vitally important for students to prepare strong digital materials for employers,” said Sheila Kressler-Crowley, Associate Director for the TJLC. “Students aren’t able to approach the recruiters in person because of the pandemic, so having a well thought out resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile is going to be how students attract employers in this digital space.”
Students have felt the changes in their own job searches, too. Retailing and Consumer Sciences Senior, Brenna Doyle, shared how the landscape of retail has changed these last few months. “I felt like I had a solid plan for my job search, but with the condensing of my summer in-person internship to a week-long remote, virtual learning experience and, with a lot of my top choices furloughing or having hiring freezes, I really had to rethink my plan.” Brenna has shifted from an interest in specifically fashion retail to considering a career in retail technology. “I have reached out to a couple of my connections in retail tech and am finding a lot of opportunities I didn’t know existed.”
Olivia Chupp and Jennifer Butterbrodt represented Team TTI during the workshop session and shared valuable insight from the perspective of recruiters, and of University of Arizona alumni. Olivia, who is currently a Territory Manager, and Jennifer, a Divisional Sales Manager, shared TTI’s model for advancement, leadership development and the history of the company. In addition, it was reassuring to students to see this sector of retail continuing to perform during the pandemic.
Olivia and Jennifer provided great advice to students when it came to formatting, organizing and presenting information on their resume. They discussed buzz words and suggested alternative language which would make candidates stand out to recruiters. They also discussed the anxiety-inducing GPA question, where Jennifer shared some personal insight. “Recruiters know that your GPA doesn’t define you and they are much more interested in your experiences and skills over your GPA.” Jennifer shared that she talks with many students who feel insecure presenting their GPA to employers, and that she too felt that way applying for jobs after college, however most recruiters know that candidates are also people who have overcome different obstacles to get where they are today.
At the conclusion of the session, students were ready to forge ahead, perfecting their resumes and getting ready to put their best self out there for upcoming internship and job opportunities as we continue to navigate the many ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the retail industry.
A special thank you to TTI’s Olivia Chupp and Jennifer Butterbrodt for their time and expertise!
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