Resume Tips
- Always use a standard letter size ivory, cream or neutral color paper.
- Use an easy to read Font Style - typically 12 point works well, Universal or Times New Roman.
- Avoid excessive graphics use, boxes or distracting lines and designs.
- Make sure your name is larger than anything else on the page.
- Be sure your name and address and phone number are on each page you use for job hunting.
- Check your tabs. Check your space between sections. Is everything lined up?
- Check your vocabulary. Your entire resume should be consistent in vocabulary and verb tense.
- Always include your computer skills.
- It is highly effective to use bullet points for each job duty you are describing. If someone is scanning your resume it helps to decipher one point from another.
- Do not include your previous supervisors name or your salary history.
- Drop off work experience that is more than 10 or 15 years back; it isn't current.
- Don't put anything personal on your resume. (i.e. birth date, marital status, height, hobbies, etc.) These items are inappropriate.
- A one page resume is best, but do not crowd your resume - shorten the margins if you need more space or if you find it necessary to do a two page resume, make sure you balance the information on each page. Don't put just one section on the second page. Be careful about where the page break occurs.
- It is very important to keep your resume updated. Don't have "9/92 to Present," if you ended your job two months ago. People perceive that as misrepresentation. Do not cross out and handwrite on your resume. People perceive that as unprofessional.
- Never lie on your resume.
- Understand and remember everything written on your resume. Be able to back up all statements with specific examples.
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Interviewing Tips
This is the opportunity you have been waiting for!! Interviewing can be somewhat intimidating - following these guidelines can help you alleviate some of your stress.
Preparation
- Do research on the company. What do they do? How large are they? What is their growth development?
- Practice answers to commonly asked questions. This will help you to answer questions without stumbling over your words.
- Get a good night's sleep and try to relax.
First Impression
- Be on time. Do not show up early or late. If you're running late, call. Don't walk in more than ten minutes early.
- Always dress professionally.
- Have a firm handshake. Practice it in advance. Your handshake gives people an indication of your personality.
- Know the name of the person you are interviewing with. Make sure you pronounce it correctly.
Waiting
- Sit professionally. Don't slouch.
- If you are asked to fill out an application, fill it out completely, even if you have a resume.
- Be courteous to the receptionist.
Body Language
- Don't slump back in your chair, put your foot on your knee, or dangle one arm over the back of the chair. That makes you look apathetic or arrogant.
- Don't put anything or move anything on the interviewer's desk.
- Be careful to use hand motions in moderation. If you use your hands excessively, the interviewer will remember your hands, not your skills.
- Be careful to match your facial expressions with your words. If you say "That's exciting," and look like you just woke up, you'll be sending a mixed message.
Responding To Questions
- When answering a question, don't wander off to another subject. Answer the specific question as completely as you can without going into unnecessary detail.
- Don't interrupt.
- Don't just start giving out information or telling stories.
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5 Questions You Should Ask
Write out a list of at least five questions to ask at the end of an interview. If you have only thought of one or two, this becomes a problem if your questions are already answered during the interview. It is much more difficult to think of a well worded question when you are under pressure.
- Please explain what my day to day responsibilities would be.
- Can you please describe the organization of the company?
- What are the short term / long term goals for this department and how does that relate to the company as a whole?
- What are some of the abilities and skills needed to be successful in this position?
- Tell me about the company's management style.
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10 Commonly Asked Questions
You should practice answers to these commonly asked questions. This will help you to answer questions without stumbling over your words.
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are your best accomplishments?
- Which areas do you need to develop?
- Describe your ideal position?
- Describe your ideal supervisor?
- Site some examples of your ability to be a team player?
- What did you like best / least about your previous position?
- Describe how you work under stress / pressure?
- What motivates you?
- Why should I hire you?
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References
The majority of employers WILL check your references. For many companies this is a standard procedure and often an offer is contingent upon references checking out.
- References can make or break you. Be selective in the people you list.
- Always give a copy of your resume to each of your references.
- List a minimum of three references.
- List professional references. Employers will want to speak with people that have supervised you and your work.
- Make sure you contact all of the people you have listed BEFORE you distribute their names and phone numbers.
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Other Other Resources
Features virtual interviews, quizzes on interviewing strategies, and tips on how to prepare for different types of interviews. The site also links to Monster.com's other career-planning sections.
Great database of potential interview questions and sample answers. Other article topics include interview do's and don'ts, on-site interview tips, and phone-interviewing strategies.
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