Preparing your Resume
Your goal is to land a job interview, and your resume is the tool that will get you in the door. To create a professional resume, follow these steps:
Make a list.
A good way to start the resume-writing process is to make a list of everything you've achieved and accomplished over the years. Be as thorough as you can and break your list down into categories such as the following: education, employment, activities, honors and skills. You may not use everything on your list, but it will make sure that you don't forget anything important.
Choose a format.
Although there are many different ways to format a resume, a good general way to organize information is to keep it under the following headlines:
- Objective: write a brief 10-15 word statement describing your career goal.
- Experience: list your job history in reverse order (start with the most current). Include company name, title, dates of employment, responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Education: list high school and any college or vocational schools with graduation dates, degrees, certifications or honors achieved.
- Other Skills/Information/Awards: List any computer or language skills and any associations or memberships to which you've belonged, as well as any awards or recognitions you've received.
Not to be included on your resume.
Your resume should NOT include date of birth, nationality, marital status, height, weight or a photograph.
Be honest.
Always be honest and factual. Lying will most likely backfire and cost you the job.
Showcase your talents.
By referring to your list, you can highlight some of the many talents you've picked up over the years in different capacities, volunteer or otherwise.
Sell yourself.
Accentuate your best qualities; especially those that show you have the skills and aptitude needed to be successful in the position.
Make sure it looks as good as its reads.
Keep your resume to 1-2 pages. Use simple, easy to read fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Palatino and Times. Keep the font size no smaller than 10 and no larger than 12. Your name and contact information should stand out by making it bold or all caps. Headers, names of schools and former employers should be bold. Make sure you are consistent with punctuation, bolding and indents.
Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.
Do not underestimate the importance of proofreading. Just one typo could send your resume into the trash. Proofread it several times and then have as many people as you can proofread it for you.
Before the Interview
Learn as much as you can about the company and its industry.
Knowing specific facts about the company you're interviewing with will have a positive effect on the interviewer. Visit the company's website and do some research or, if you're working with a recruiter, sit down with them and learn as much as you can about the company. Also, be sure to memorize the name and title of the person with whom you are interviewing.
Think about questions that may arise during the interview.
Here are a few common ones:
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- What about this position interests you most?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
- What is your ultimate career goal?
- How have you solved problems in the past? Give an example.
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- What makes you the ideal candidate for this job?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- How will your previous work benefit our company?
Think about questions you would like to ask the interviewer.
You may want to consider the following:
- What are the most important responsibilities of the position?
- What are the goals of this department or company for the upcoming year?
- What are the greatest challenges in this job?
- What qualities are most important in employees who report directly to you?
- What career paths are available to me?
Dress to impress.
Make sure your attire is clean, presentable and appropriate. If you are interviewing for a corporate position, it’s a good idea to wear a black, navy blue or gray suit. If the workplace is casual, nice slacks, a collared button-down shirt and tie are appropriate for men while women should wear a dress or blouse and skirt or slacks. Overdressed is always better than underdressed. Don't wear cologne or perfume.
Be prepared.
Bring a portfolio notebook with extra copies of your resume, a reference list and a pen for taking notes.
During the Interview
Arrive Early.
Show up at your interview 10 minutes early. Don't be late!
Treat everyone with respect and professionalism.
The interviewer may ask other people their impression of you.
Don't chew gum.
If you are worried about your breath, finish a breath mint before your interview.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
If you have something to contribute, then you should do so. But always wait until the interviewer is finished talking.
Be confident but not arrogant.
Sit up straight, smile and maintain eye contact. Shake hands with a firm grip. Be confident in your abilities but don't go overboard trying to make yourself sound good.
Listen carefully.
Ask for clarification if you don't understand the question. Be clear and concise in your communication and try not to ramble on with too many unnecessary details – you will risk losing the interviewer.
Keep things positive.
Don't say anything negative about your last employer.
Find out the next step.
Tell the interviewer you are excited about the position and ask what the next steps are.
Exit gracefully.
At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, offer a firm handshake, smile and make eye contact before leaving.
After the Interview
Send a thank you note immediately.
If you were interviewed by more than one person, send them each a note. Keep it short but remind them of your interest in the position and confidence in your qualifications.
Follow up with a phone call.
If you haven't heard anything within a week, call the employer. Politely ask when a decision might be made. If a date is given, call again if you haven't heard by then.