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

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

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

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

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

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

ELECTRONIC RESUMES & TECHNOLOGY text resumes: o Use left-hand justified, plain text format o Avoid tabs, bullets, underlining, bold and graphics attachment resumes: o 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