Resumes & Interviewing with Sadijah Wallace – Alumni Network Session

On Friday, April 17th, 2026, Microsoft Senior Technical Recruiter Sadijah Wallace joined the Alumni Network to speak about resumes and interviewing. Sadijah presented in detail how to craft an impactful resume and how to prepare for interviews confidently. Below are notes from the session.

The Alumni Network is free to join by filling out this interest form.

Session Notes:

Resumes

• Start with a strong header. Your name should stand out and your professional title should be specific (e.g., “Senior Technical Recruiter” not “Recruiting Professional”)
• List work experience starting with the most recent and make sure they show progression, impact, and results, not just responsibilities
• Keep it to 3–4 bullet points per role with concise, quantitative data (e.g., “managed 5 people”)
• Write an engaging summary that connects your experience to the role and tells recruiters who you are, what you bring, and what you’re targeting
• Include a skills section to help ATS scanners match you to job descriptions. The skills section should reinforce qualifications, not just repeat job descriptions
• Only list certifications relevant to the role you’re applying for
• Tailor your resume for every job, because one resume rarely fits all
• Keep formatting clean and readable. Save creative designs for after you land an interview
• Proofread carefully and use tools like Grammarly
• Recent grads: keep it to one page, only list GPA if it is 3.8 and higher or top 10%, and include relevant clubs, leadership, and organizations

Networking & Applications:

• Leverage LinkedIn and attend networking events to connect with people in your target industry
• Submit applications on time by setting your own deadlines
• Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and consistent with your resume

Interviews:

• Research the company, the role, and its day-to-day responsibilities before your interview
• Be ready to speak to everything on your resume
• Have a list of references prepared
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering questions
• Frame weaknesses as past challenges you’ve improved. Avoid anything that undermines your fit for the role
• Never badmouth a former employer
• Greet interviewers by name, smile, make eye contact, and speak slowly and clearly. Practice this with family.
• Dress appropriately and always send a thank-you follow-up email
• Always negotiate the salary. Remember employers cannot legally ask what you currently make