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Many Penn State students are interested in demonstrating their technology skills to future employers. Jack Rayman, Director of Career Services, said "There are a number of ways to do it." One way you can show your technology skills is through your resume. By both listing and elaborating on how you have used a particular software package, an employer can be more confident of your familiarity with that specific program.

Another alternative would be to include a reference who could attest to your technological abilities. If a student has received certification in a particular technology, listing the certification on a resume would be another option for students. Rayman said, "The certification has universal utility."

Students can also demonstrate their technology skills through the use of an e-portfolio or the creation of a website. Rayman noted that a student could demonstrate use of a particular software package by preparing an e-portfolio.

Work samples obtained through an internship or co-op are especially helpful in terms of a student's demonstrating his or her technology skills. Rayman said, "There is no better test than that." He added that a work sample is the best predictor of job performance because "A work sample takes place over a longer period of time and is a better indication of long-term performance."

Some potential employers also use validating tests, which may include the use of a computer and various software packages. For example, computer programming and accounting employers have used such validating tests. Rayman said that a test is a small sample of an individual's work. Rayman explained that work samples are so valuable because it's the difference between telling people you have the skills and demonstrating that you possess those skills through validation by another person or through taking a test in their presence.

While demonstrating technological skills is important, students often make common mistakes when posting material or writing a resume. Rayman advised students to include any information that they think will help them on a resume. Rayman explained that you are trying to demonstrate your skill and confidence. Some of the common mistakes Rayman has noticed on both resumes and student websites is poor grammar and punctuation. He also advised students to not include sexist or racist language, value laden language, or information that politicizes the type of work a student has completed.

Some students may wonder how to safeguard themselves against making common errors on either their website or resume. Rayman suggested that students should have multiple people review the evidence of a student's work. He added that the person reviewing the information does not have to be a professional. The person a student selects could also be someone whose judgment that he or she trusts. This review process allows for more objectivity.

There are a variety of ways students demonstrate their technology skills. Rayman noted that students most commonly demonstrate their technology skills in a behavioral interview. In the second interview, potential employees will often be given a written or on-line test as a means for potential employees to display their skills. The type of required demonstration of technology skills is very field specific. For example, engineering students may be given a problem where they have an hour to solve it. They may use a fully loaded computer during this type of test.

When going to a Career Fair, it's important in the preparation of your resume to be aware of the types of technological skills a company is interested in and to be specific about that particular program(s). By describing a particular program in detail, Rayman explained that the potential employer will be more confident that you possess that particular technological skill. He added that a certificate, license, or degree is the best way to describe the skills you possess in written form. Rayman said, "It tells them an awful lot about the skills you have." Rayman added that if you have a degree and a license in a particular field, this license will set you apart from other applicants because the license verifies that you have proven confidence in this particular area.

There are specific technology skills that employers are placing a greater emphasis on than before. Rayman noted that individuals who are unable to use some type of Office Suite are at a disadvantage. Knowledge of how to use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint is an asset. Familiarity with in-house specific programs is also critical. If you are already familiar with a particular in-house program, you will have a leg up on those who lack such familiarity.