Resumes & Interviewing

Resumes & Interviewing Susan Moumblow

A resume: • Is the first meeting between you and the employer • Tells a great deal about you • Gets you the interview • First impressions are lasting

Appearance Avoid templates: • Difficult to edit • Does not allow you to use the most effective format Length: • One page resume • Two page resume only if you have more than 10 years of experience

Font: • Times New Roman or Arial • 11-12 point size • Use black ink Spacing: • Margins should be 1-inch on all sides Layout: • Use bullets, bold, capitalization • Balance white space for an uncluttered look

Format: • Reverse chronological order • Use headings such as Summary of Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills and Community Involvement Professionalism: • Eliminate all typos and misspellings by asking others to proofread • No pretty colors or pictures

Highlight your qualifications • Select 3 core qualities that define you • List skills and accomplishments that reflect these core qualities • Focus on the employers needs

Use action verbs demonstrating enthusiasm and achievement: advised, coordinated, managed, planned, increased • Quantify statements when possible: “Supervised 20 call center associates”

Feedback: • Allow others to give constructive criticism to strengthen your resume • Use NWTC Career Services, professionals, co-workers, family, friends • Decide if the changes suggested are useful

ELECTRONIC RESUMES &TECHNOLOGY Email text resumes: • Use left-hand justified, plain text format • Avoid tabs, bullets, underlining, bold and graphics Email attachment resumes: • Use your name in the document title, not just resume.doc

Resume Tips Summary • Have a clear job target before writing your resume • Tailor your resume to each specific position • Always send a cover letter with your resume • Limit your resume to 1-2 pages • Avoid technical jargon or abbreviations • Have your resume critiqued by a career coach • Use words/phrases from job order • Most relevant information listed first • Show at least 3 jobs, try not to show your age • Do not state, “references available on request”

Resume Tips Summary • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! • Do not cram too much on one page – whitespace is important • Don’t lie! It will come back to haunt you. • Do not staple or title it “Resume”

Interviewing Guidelines • Practice on your own and participate in at least one mock interview • Research the company and be familiar with the job description • Dress at least one step above what you would be wearing to work • Bathe and do not smoke or eat garlic before your interview • Prepare a list of questions you will want to ask the interview team

Interviewing Guidelines • Arrive at least 10 minutes early • Smile, relax, treat everyone you meet the way you want to be treated • Listen and answer questions completely and be concise • Use the PAR technique: describe the problem or situation, action you took, and the result • Sit up straight, do not fidget, practice good eye contact

Interviewing Guidelines • Communicate your strengths • Remember every question they ask is asking “Why should I hire you instead of someone else?” • Ask for the job, assure them of your interest • Follow-up with a thank you

Common Questions • Tell us how your experience makes you a good fit for this job. • Why are you interested in this position? • Describe a time when you had a problem with a co-worker…how did you handle it…what was the result. • What strengths do you bring to this position? • What duties or expectations might be a stretch for you? • Why did you leave your last job?

Next Steps For more information, a resume critique, or to schedule a mock interview… Contact NWTC Career Services 920-498-6250

Resumes & Interviewing