Career Tips

Resume Tips:
A good resume will not get you a job, but a bad one will surely rob you of a chance to interview for many excellent positions for which you may be qualified. The following are some basic tips to help you prepare a winning resume:

• Prepare your resume yourself



• Information gathering. Write down as much information as you can think of about your accomplishments, experience, education, activities and business life.



• Resume should include:
  
  • Name
    
  • Address
    
  • Phone number
    
  • E-mail address
    
  • Employment History
    
  • Accomplishments
    
  • References available upon request
    


• Resumes should NOT include personal information (i.e. age, marital status, religious affiliation, etc.)



• Final Review - your resume must be letter perfect. Review for accuracy and spelling.



• Review the final product and ask yourself, "Would I bring this person in for an interview?"



• Keep your resume simple and to the point. The average reader gives a resume 15-30 seconds before making a decision. Make sure you get your point across within that time frame.

Interview Tips
The interview should be more than just a question and answer period. It is your one chance to provide the prospective employer a look at who you are beyond your resume. It is also an opportunity for you to find out all you need to know about the company and career opportunity that lies ahead to make sure the company is right for you.

In preparation for the interview:

• Review your resume in great detail



• Be prepared to answer all questions as it relates to the resume and background you have presented.



• Know the selling points of your background. Make sure you mention each and every one of them before the interview is over.



• Assume that with every answer to an interview question, there will be a related follow up question.



• Anticipate the five most difficult questions a potential employer may ask you and prepare a thorough answer for each.



• Researech the company in great detail. Use the internet, local newspapers, the company's investor relations department, etc.



• First impressions are lasting ones:
  • Dress professionally
    
  • Strong positive handshake
    
  • Make solid eye contact throughout your conversation
    
  • Use your interviewers name when appropriate
    


• Always be on time but not too early.



• Be enthusiastic toward everyone you come in contact with



• Be confident



• All answers should be conversational in tone but yet succinct and to the point.



• Have a sense of humor



• When the interview is over, if interested, let the interviewer know. Don't be afraid to ask for the job.

Follow up all interviews with a short thank you note to all those people with which you had contact. The note should be short and to the point. Take special care to insure all names and titles are correctly spelled.

Remember, when the offer comes, there are no dream jobs. This is merely the next step in building a successful career. Ask yourself if " Will I be bettering myself with this job?"