Job Seeker Tips

Resume and Interview Tips

Andre's Resume tips:

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Keep in mind that when there is an open position within a company and they mention that they are accepting resumes, your resume will not be the only one accepted. It is important to have your resume "stick out from the crowd", but there are ways to have your resume noticed which does not include scented or coloured paper, different fonts or borders.

#1. If possible, try to direct your resume to a specific person.
Look at the job positing or call the front desk to see who the resume should be addressed to. If you feel like the individual answering the phone is not rushed for time, take the opportunity to ask questions regarding the position

• Who will be reviewing the resume?...so that you can direct it to their attention
• What is their title?...so you can customize your resume to that individual
• What stage are they in the interview process?...allows you to determine if you are playing catch-up or if you are ahead of the game
• Do you know when they will be making a decision?...Preparation is key at this stage

#2. Research the company.
Try to understand their culture and how they communicate with each other. It will allow you to see the terminology they are accustomed to and most of all, I would recommend that you take this opportunity to see if you would enjoy working in that environment. That last thing you want to do is make all the efforts for an interview and once you begin your employment, you realize that it is not what you wanted.

#3. Keep your resume short and to the point.
Because that is how most people read them.

#4. Include a summary on the first page with an emphasis on the skills they are looking for.
Most people like to talk about themselves and mention everything they've accomplished in their introduction. It's never bad to talk about your accomplishments but always keep in mind that the individual reviewing your resume looks at your introduction for key words that reflect the open position. This can make or brake your chances for an interview.
Example:
Company:

We are currently looking for an Accountant.
3-5 yrs experience with Quick books
Must be capable of working well under minimum supervision
Capable of leading a team of 2-6 at any given time

I am currently working for a large accounting firm as an Accountant. I have
over 4 yrs of experience using Quick Books and I supervise 8-10 accountants
everyday. I have over 6 yrs of management experience and I am more them
capable of working under minimum supervision.

#5. When preparing your resume you must always gear the information in the resume to reflect the position you are inquiring about.
Similar to the introduction, you must gear the information of your resume to the job description. Do not describe in length your experience that does not reflect the job description because the individual reading your resume will not spend any time looking over something that does not apply. Instead, focus your energy on describing in details your duties that reflect the open position.

#6. Don't be afraid to brag about your accomplishments.
Companies will often look for confidence in an individual. Always remember that there is a fine line between mentioning your accomplishments and excessive bragging. Passion for what you do and a good attitude will always put you above someone who has the same qualifications.
If the position calls for someone who has achieved a certain level of education, certification or a level a sales success, it is important that you mention these accomplishments, especially when they are asking for them.

#7. Never, ever, ever write lies on your resume.
Not only will the truth eventually come out but when it does, there is a good chance that you can be removed from your responsibilities and removed from any other opportunity within the company and in the worst case scenario, you can be considered as the first person on the list when layoffs occur. Most companies want employees who are trust worthy and loyal, if they catch you in a lie while reading your resume or during your interview, you can assure that you will not be hired.

#8. Always follow up unless there is specific mention not to.
It is important that you respect these types of requests because they might work against you in the future. Employers normally mention that they will call you if you are considered. You need to understand they are reviewing several resumes and they will call the individuals who's resumes reflect the job description and they do not have time to explain to every individual why they where not considered. More often then not, if you are not considered it is because you either do not qualify or you did not make the appropriate efforts to emphasis the skills they are looking for. Always remember that a Company will always want to meet a qualified candidate...you simply need to make them realize that you qualify.

#9. Always be prepared for an interview.
Companies might call you with no notice to see if you can come in for an interview.
If you are currently not working, I would recommend that you are always prepared with the appropriate clothes for the interview and transportation to get there. A failure to prepare the appropriate clothing or reliable transportation can result in you not being considered for the position. Dependability is always a factor when considering someone for a position.
If you are currently employed, I would recommend that you make it clear in your resume your available times. This will allow the individual who is looking at your resume to prepare options.

PREPARATION IS KEY

3 Major deciding factors

1. Are you capable of doing the job?
2. Are you willing to do the job?
3. Are you a good match for the company and the team?

This could be a very stressful moment for some. Understandably, you entire work history will be in question. The following interview tips are standard preparations tips that anyone could use, whether you are looking for a job or a career.

Step-by-Step

• 1-5 Days Before The Interview
• During The Interview
• At The End of The Interview
• After The Interview

Be willing to accommodate their schedule...if possible, try to accept a time that allows you the time to prepare.
Research the company...always make sure that this is the right work environment for you.
Update your resume...most employers don't concern themselves with what you did 5 yrs ago unless it relates to the position.
Understand why you want to work there...this question is often asked by the interviewer and that is why your research about the Company is so important. The ability to answer this question with confidence will definitely give you the upper hand.
Practice the day before...practice answering questions that might be asked during an Interview.

Almost every company will ask these TOP 10 QUESTIONS:

• Why did you leave your last job?
• Have you ever been fired?
• Why have you had so many jobs in such a short period of time?
• Tell me why there is a large gap in your employment history?
• What have you been doing since you were last employed?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why should we hire YOU? What can you offer us that someone else cannot?
• Have you ever experienced a problem with a supervisor or a coworker? Describe to me the situation. Was the conflict resolved? How?
• What is your motivation to go above and beyond your targeted goals?
• Do you prefer working alone or in teams? How well do you work with people?

More...

• Tell me time when you where not pleased with your performance? What did you do about it?
• Have you ever been faced with a problem on the job? Tell me how you solved it.
• Describe to me a time when you had set an important goal and tell me about your success in achieving that goal.
• Tell me the time when you played a role in your department's most recent success?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Have you learned anything from your mistakes? Describe in detail some of changes you've made?
• What was the best decision you have ever made?
• Tell about a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work? How did you deal with the situation?
• Are you a competitive person? How do you deal with competition?
• What would you consider an ideal work environment?
• What are your future career objectives, and what steps have you taken to obtaining them?
• Has there ever been a time when you had successfully accomplished a task while working with a group that would have otherwise been extremely difficult to handle on your own?
• Tell me about a time when you where in charge of a project and had to gain the attention of a group over which you had little authority? How did you deal with it?
• Would you say that you are a leader? Tell me what you consider leadership qualities?
• Tell me a time when you have had people disagree with your ideas?
• Tell me a time when you experienced working with someone who did no like you? How did you handle it?
• Have you ever had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion?
• Have you ever been asked to complete a very important document?
• Explain to me a time when you were given a difficult project. In detail, what steps did you take to prepare for the project? Were you pleased with your results? Would you have done any step differently if the opportunity were given?
• Give me an example of a time when you have failed to complete a task? Did this discourage you? How did you handle it?
• What is your career objective in life? What do you see yourself doing in five years, ten years?
• What does being successful mean to you? According to your answer, would you say that you've achieved that level of success?
• If you can do anything you wanted and money and time is not a factor, what would you do?
• What is the greatest thing you have ever experienced?
• Do you consider yourself creative and if so what is the most creative thing you have ever done?
• I don't think you have the right kind of experience.
• Do you think you are overqualified or too experienced for the job?

Make sure that your dress code is appropriate...your ability to show the interviewer that you take this job seriously and that you've done your research and understand what is expected of you whether it is a general labour position, executive assistant position, sales, management etc...
Bring extra resumes...This falls under the "always being prepared" category. Sometimes the interviewer might not have your resume and sometime the interviewer might be testing you. Since you are already bringing a not pad to take notes, slip in a few extra copies of your resume. It can't hurt.
Rest...you always want to come to interview looking alert and prepared for anything, this also shows the interviewer that you take this opportunity very seriously.
Arrive early...First impressions do matter!!! Arriving late can never help your chances of employment. I recommend that you plan our your route the previous day and arrive at the location approx. 10 minutes before the meeting. If you are there 15 minutes or more before the interview it might make the interviewer rushed therefore your eagerness might actually work against you.

During the interview

Never chew gum...Either throw out your gum before you enter the office or have a mint just before you entering the office. Not only is it impolite but if you are chewing gum during the interview, the interview is spending most of their time distracted by your chewing, therefore minimizing your chances of employment.
Attitude...The only attitude that you should ever bring to an interview is a positive one and one that chose confidence. Attitude is often a determining factor when employers have to make a decision between several candidates. WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK WITH SOMEONE LIKE YOURSELF?
Posture...First things first; stand straight only sit down when you are asked to. You don't want to start making yourself at home before the process begins. Proper posture is associated with body language. Your body language while sitting in your seat should show that you are attentive. Sitting upright with your back up against the backrest is recommended for comfort. The last thing you want to do is continuously move around in your chair. This will only prolong the interview and distract everyone in the room.
Smile, shake hands and make eye contact...Body language is very key in setting the mood for an interview. You need to know that not everyone is comfortable talking one on one; this also includes the person doing the interview. If these 3 things (smile, shake hands and eye contact are done correctly you will make the interviewer feel more comfortable and you will feel more at ease while answering the questions.
Speak clearly...Breath, relax and understand that you have already been chosen for an interview so the most difficult hurdle is over. At this point they want to know:

1. Are you capable of doing the job?
2. Are you willing to do the job?
3. Are you a good match for the company and the team?

So when answering questions, take your time to answer the question and do not talk for nothing all they want is the answer to the question, take your time, be honest, have a good understanding of your skills and enjoy the opportunity you have to explain to the person given the interview your past history to show them why you have become the person you are today.
Be a good listener...There is normally an 80-20 rule that applies during an interview. The interviewer plans on talking only 20% of the time while the interviewer expects you to talk the other 80%. The interviewer will talk very little so listening to their questions and concerns is very important.
Take notes...Taking notes shows that you are paying attention and it allows you to right down your questions when you think of them. Keep track of your questions so that when you are asked if you have any question, you will already have a list prepared. Please reserve your questions until the end of the interview.
Do not talk about salary...Salary should only be discussed when the interviewer brings up the topic. Bringing up the salary before the interview process is complete will appear that your level of interest is limited to the monetary value.

At the end of the interview

Ask questions...Most interviewers want you to ask questions, it will show that you where attentive during the interview and that you where taking notes and most of all, you care about where you work and those you will be working with. You can also come up with a few questions during the research stage. Their website should give you several ideas for questions to ask. Commenting on their past history and their achievements also shows initiative.
Thank the interviewer for their time...Being polite is never a bad thing. Everyone's time is valuable and you must realize that this person saw potential in you and their efforts to meet and spending time with you to get to know you better should be appreciated. A simple "thank you for taking the time to meet with me today" is just fine.
Ask for a business card...This is the first step you would take to show the company that you have every intention of following up. It will also allow you to keep track of who you have met. It is always more professional to refer to someone by name when following up.
Ask when they will be making a decision...Asking this question will let you know when to expect a response and will give you time line for following up if you do not receive a response by the given date. Sitting by the phone is never a good way to spend the day.

After the interview

Thank you letter...This is a good way to show your appreciation. It is also considered very professional. The people who get a break, often create them through effort and this is the kind of effort that will get you noticed and "stick out from the crowd".
Follow up...There's a fine line between following up and harassment Always remember to follow up unless there is specific mention not to. It is important that you respect these types of requests because they might work against you in the future. Employers normally mention that they will call you if you are considered. You need to understand they might be interviewing several Candidates and they will call the individuals whose profile reflects the job description and they do not have time to explain to every individual why they where not considered. More often then not, if you are not considered it is because you either do not qualify or you did not make the appropriate efforts to emphasis the skills they are looking for. If the decision time has passed and you have not received a response, a quick e-mail to the individual who interviewed you is the best way to proceed from this point. It gives the person the time to respond and does not seem intrusive.