resume and interview tips

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Resume and Interview Tips

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Page 1: Resume and Interview Tips

Resume and Interview Tips

Page 2: Resume and Interview Tips

Overview Resume Job Sourcing and Applications Interviewing Offer Stage

Page 3: Resume and Interview Tips

Resume Writing

Page 4: Resume and Interview Tips

Resume - Objective

• If your resume does what its supposed to do you will be called for an interview.

• If your not getting any interviews then the problems lies with your resume

Introduce

Promote Entice

Page 5: Resume and Interview Tips

Resume Content

• Contact Information• Highlights/Qualifications• Work Experience • Education• Training & Certifications• Software• Languages

Page 6: Resume and Interview Tips

Resume Writing

Keep the overall length of your resume short. Depending upon your experience, one or two pages is ideal. A three-page resume should be considered only if it is absolutely necessary to do justice to your career experience.

Keep it consistent. Use the same font and size throughout. Make sure your resume is easy to read. Use concise, unambiguous sentences and avoid

over-writing. Focus on information that's relevant to your own career goals. If you're making a career

change, stress what skills are transferable to support your new career objectives. Neatness counts.  A poorly structured, badly typed resume tells the reader much about

the applicant. Use a chronological format: for employment, list your most recent or present job first; for

education, list the most recent school you attended or the school you are currently attending, and continue in reverse chronological order.

Place your name, address, telephone number and email address somewhere at the top of the first page of your résumé where the reader will notice it.

Make sure that if your resume is two pages, your name and the page number "2" is somewhere at the top of the second page.

Page 7: Resume and Interview Tips

Do use strong, action verbs instead of weak, passive verbs. Do use implied pronouns (understood by the reader although they are not stated) all the

time. Stress your past accomplishments and the skills you used to get the desired results. Do include a cover letter with your resume which is custom-made for each individual

application (see handout on cover letters for more information). Do be sure to have someone else proof-read your resume and cover letter for spelling,

grammar and syntax errors, and to tell you if the résumé has visual appeal. Do follow up on your application by calling soon after to ask whether a decision has been

made and/or if you can come in for an interview.

Resume Writing

Page 8: Resume and Interview Tips

Common Resume Mistakes

• Grammar and Spelling• Redundancy • Inconsistency in

Formatting• Not Using Action Verbs • Limited Detail

Page 9: Resume and Interview Tips

Job Interviewing

Page 10: Resume and Interview Tips

Job InterviewingPreparation Know the exact time and location of

your interview; know how long it takes to get there and park.

Take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview, if able.

Do your research and know the type of interview you will encounter.

Prepare intelligent, well thought out examples of your experience and accomplishments.

Ask past employers or people who you wish to use as references first before giving out any information about them, and then only provide this information if it is specifically requested.

Page 11: Resume and Interview Tips

Interviewing – Hiring Manager Questions

• Tell me about yourself? • What are your strengths? • What is an example of a weakness? • What do you like most about your job, your boss, your company, and your

industry? • What do you dislike most about them? • What are your career goals? • What new skills or ideas do you bring to the job that other candidates aren’t likely

to offer? • Give an example of how you saw a project through, despite obstacles. • Tell me about your relationship with your previous bosses? Co-workers? • Are you most productive working alone or in a group? • Tell me about a major accomplishment or contribution. • Give an example of a time you delivered more than was expected. • How do you handle conflict?

Preparation

Practice answering common interview questions

Page 12: Resume and Interview Tips

Interviewing – Candidate Questions

Why is this position open? How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons? What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position? What would my first 30 – 90 days look like as far as training and responsibility? What are some of the main challenges I would face in this position? What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position? How is one evaluated in this position? What kind of person is successful within the company? What is your plan for employee retention?

SAMPLE CLOSING QUESTIONS How do I compare with the other candidates you've interviewed so far? What’s the next step?

Preparation

Prepare questions for the interviewer

Page 13: Resume and Interview Tips

Job InterviewingInterview Dress the part for the job, the company, the

industry. And do err on the side of conservatism. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy

and respect. This situation is where you make your first impression with the employer.

Bring extra resumes to the interview. Turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and

respect. Greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and

last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.

Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.

Page 14: Resume and Interview Tips

Job InterviewingInterview Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture:

sit upright and look alert and interested at all times.  Make good eye contact with your interviewer(s) and maintain good posture. Show enthusiasm in the position and the company. Make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Ask intelligent, well thought out questions about the job, company, and industry. Avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words. Have a high confidence and energy level. Stress your achievements. Show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to

questions. Explain what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you. Repeat the question aloud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time

to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. 

Page 15: Resume and Interview Tips

Job InterviewingInterview Remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the

interviewer and the company he or she represents. Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer

and the opportunity presented. Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing.

Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it. Try to get business cards from each person you interviewed with or at least the

correct spelling of their first and last names. Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know

when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any.

Close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)

When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact.

Page 16: Resume and Interview Tips

Job Interviewing

Post Interview Immediately take down

notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details. 

Write thank you letters within 24 hours to each interviewer.

Page 17: Resume and Interview Tips

Interviewing – Common Mistakes

Asking about PTO, Benefits, Overtime etc. unless it is brought up by the interviewer

Arriving Late

Not Prepared Attire Communicat

ion

M i s t a k e s

Page 18: Resume and Interview Tips

Next Steps

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We offer 30 years of expertise, personalized service, and commitment to deliver quality results.

To begin your job search with Horn Solutions, contact us today at 281-207-7702!

Let Horn Solutions help you with your next job search