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Resume and Interview Tips
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| THE DO’S OF RESUME WRITING
WHAT NOT TO DO ON A RESUME
KEY RESUME WORDS A resume should verbally show you are a “doer.” In describing activities and offices held or work experiences, use words that show some progress or accomplishments while serving in that capacity. Do not use “I.” The following lists will help focus on the performance in a positive manner. KEY WORDS FOR RESUME PREPARATION ACTION WORDS active accelerate administer analyze approve coordinate conceived conduct completed control created delegate develop demonstrate direct effect eliminated established expanded expedite founded generate increased influence implemented interpret improve launched lead lecture maintain manage motivated organized participated perform plan pinpointed program proposed proved provide proficient recommend reduced reinforced reorganized revamped responsible revise review schedule set up solve strategy structure streamline supervise supplemented support targeted teach
SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS adaptable aggressive alert ambitious analytical attentive broad-minded conscientious consistent constructive creative dependable determined diplomatic disciplined discrete economical efficient energetic enterprising enthusiastic extroverted fair forceful imaginative independent logical loyal mature methodical objective optimistic perceptive personable pleasant positive practical productive realistic reliable resourceful respective self-reliant self-starter sense-of-humor sincere sophisticated systematic tactful talented will travel or relocate
INTERVIEWING TIPS
Ace That Interview, Get That Job Any Questions They Throw at You, We’ve Got the Answers Interview Winners: Interview Killers: **Do speak with confidence. **Don’t be cocky. **Do be specific. **Don’t offer irrelevant information. **Do talk positively. **Don’t be negative. **Do research the company/ industry. **Don’t show up unprepared. **Do sound ambitious. **Don’t be vague.
NO: “I grew up in Michigan with two brothers and one sister. Then I went to college in Atlanta…..” MAYBE: “Um, well, I’m now sure where to start.” (But you can save by following up with: “What aspect of my background are you interested in?”) YES: “I’m a quick learner and a hard worker. For example, last month I taught myself Quark Xpress so I could complete a report in time for a visit from the shareholders.”
NO: “I find my boss extremely difficult to work with.” YES: “While I really like my job and I’ve been able to take on responsibilities, there’s no room for me to advance at my company.” NO: “It’s been three years and I haven’t been promoted.” YES: “I’ve always admired your company. I was particularly impressed by what I read in Sprocket News about the success of your new ad campaign.”
YES: “With a greater sense of responsibility, maybe supervising a department or overseeing larger projects such as the design of my own product line.” NO: “I’d really like to be doing what you do.” NO: “I haven’t really thought about it, but I hope to have a better idea of what I want to do by then.”
NO: “I often take on too many responsibilities, which makes me feel overwhelmed.” NO: “I’m such a perfectionist that I become really impatient when other people don’t work as hard as I do.” NO: “I can’t do long division in my head.” NO: “I get so caught up in projects that I try to do everything myself.” YES: “In the past, I felt nervous about speaking up in groups, but since I’ve started giving presentations at department meetings, I am now much more confident.”
MAYBE: “I don’t like to brag, so let’s go on to the next question.” (You can save by saying: “But my last review commended me for…”) YES: “I perform well under pressure. For example, when the team leader on the January sales drive was sick for a week, I worked with her over the phone, helping to meet our deadline.” NO: “I am not afraid to be unpopular if that’s what it takes to get the job done.” NO: “I’m always there for my friends. They know they can call me, even late at night.”
YES: “Though I wouldn’t want to spend my entire day at meetings, I think you get the most done when You have a combination of brainstorming with others and working individually. For instance, when my group was told last year that we had only forty eight hours to complete our entry for the Sprocket of the Year contest, we came up with individual proposals and then worked on the best one, putting together the winning Sprocket. NO: “On my own, I’m a firm believer in the saying, ‘If you want the job done right, you should do it yourself.’” YES: “I like doing both. After all, there are times when you need to buckle down and hammer away on your own, and times when it’s important to be part of a team.” NO: “I’m the team member who usually ends up leading everyone else. For instance, last year, after my boss made a mess of an account proposal, I took over and made it presentable.” NO: “I enjoy working on a team.”
YES: “Someone who is accessible to employees and is open to their ideas. For instance, my boss asked everyone for ways in which our standard Sprocket could be improved. She read through all of our suggestions and ended up following many of them, including one of mine.” NO: “Well, I can tell you what a bad boss is like because my last one was a good example of that.” NO: “Someone who realizes that employees are people and is willing to let you take a mental health sick day off when you need one. For example, my car was stolen and my cat was sick…”
YES: “I really like sports. Right now I’m on the company softball team and I’m thinking about joining the community volleyball league this winter.” NO: “What spare time? I’m so wrapped up in work that I just flip through a few magazines before I go to sleep.” YES: “I like cooking and I’ve just learned to make crepes. I’m hoping to master soufflés next.” NO: “I just got engaged, so nearly all my time is taken up planning for the wedding. You know, taffeta or silk? Band or DJ? And we’d like to start having kids soon, so I’ve been thinking about preschools.
NO: “I’ve heard the people here are really fun.” YES: “I love your product. I am particularly impressed with the pocket-sized Super Sprocket that doubles as an espresso maker for your car.” NO: “I’ve read that this business is the one to get into.” YES: “This company is the best in the field. For instance, I couldn’t help noticing that your Sprocket ‘07 line is already on store shelves.” 10. Why are you the right person for this job? YES: “Because of all my experience. Ever since I worked in a bookstore in college, I’ve been balancing books and watching the bottom line.” NO: “What can I say? I’m available, and I’ll work hard.” YES: “With my background working for a competitor, I’m aware of what this position requires and I know I have what it takes.” NO: “You’ll have a hard time finding anyone better than me.”
Surefire Saves Interviewing for a job isn’t like being on Jeopardy—you won’t succeed by answering as quickly as possible. When you find yourself stumped by a tricky question (and you will), its okay to give yourself a conversational break with one of our no-fail time buyers. Caution: Use sparingly. Limit yourself to two pauses and/or saves per 30-minute interview. *** “That’s an interesting question. It will take me a moment to get my thoughts together.” (Note: A two-beat pause is okay.) *** “I may have spoken too soon, What I meant to say is…” *** “I could answer that in several ways. Let me think about it for a second.” *** “Could you be a little more specific? I just want to make sure I’m addressing your concerns?”
DO’S FOR INTERVIEWING
*Prepare yourself. *Find out all you can about the company. *Have facts about yourself stored in your memory. An extra resume is a good safety measure. *Know the name of the person you are to see. *Have a business-like, first class appearance. Men should wear a suit or at least, a coat and tie. Women should use their own discretion as to whether pant suits are appropriate, but dresses are suggested. *Be on time. Rehearse the trip—traffic, traffic lights, road construction or car trouble. *Display poise and good posture. Smile and keep hands out of pockets. *Stand until invited to sit; sit down with poise. No slouching or touching anything on the interviewer’s desk. *Listen very carefully. Use good grammar. *Be ready with answers for “Hard to Answer Questions.” *Look directly at the interviewer. Have good eye contact. *Be honest and direct. *Have a good attitude. *Practice an interview. *Be prepared for employment tests; typing, math, spelling, filing, drug tests, or any other possible examinations. Keep calm. *Leave promptly. Express thanks to the interviewer and to the receptionist who ushered you into the office. *Evaluate yourself objectively after leaving. *Write a follow-up, thank you letter for the interview immediately. *Answer questions with more than a yes or no response. *Go by yourself to the interview. DON’TS FOR INTERVIEWING DO NOT be late. DO NOT smoke or chew gum during the interview. DO NOT take books or packages with you. DO NOT lie during an interview. Answer questions truthfully. DO NOT show outward signs of nervousness- twirling hair, cracking knuckles or biting fingernails. DO NOT argue with an interviewer’s statement. DO NOT mispronounce words. DO NOT use slang: “okay,” “you know,” “sure thing,” and other similar terms. DO NOT be a whiner, complainer, or a trouble maker. The interviewer does not care that you have a sick relative or that you “need” a job. DO NOT spoil the interview with an awkward or delayed departure. DO NOT say “I’ll take anything.” DO NOT reflect a “what’s-in-it-for-me” attitude. Think “what can I do for the company?” DO NOT be discouraged if you fail to get the job. Take steps to strengthen your potential; more training, more experience, more skills, and/or more education. DO NOT beg for a job or brag about yourself.
QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY INTERVIEWERS
Tell me about yourself. Describe your most rewarding college experience. If you were hiring college graduates, what would you look for? What have you gained by participating in extracurricular activities? Have you applied to graduate school? What are your future educational plans? Why did you select the major you did? Why did you select to go to that particular school? Are your grades indicative of your abilities? Which classes did you enjoy the most? What long and short range goals have you set for yourself? Describe to me the ideal job. How are you going to achieve your goals? What kind of salary do you think you are worth? What would you be expecting to make in five years? Tell me about a weakness that you have. What is it that you do really well? How do you think others would describe you? How has college prepared you for your career? Why should I hire you? Give me your definition of success. How do you feel you can contribute to our organizing? What makes a good employer? Give me an example of a time when you’ve been under pressure. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? Tell me about your work experience. What factors are most important to you in a job? What kind of references would your last employer give you? Tell me what you know about our organization. Why did you choose to interview with our organization? What criteria are you using to evaluate potential employees? Do you have any geographical preferences? Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to go through a six month training program? Are you willing to travel? How much? Tell me about a job that you have had and did not like. Who has inspired you most in your life? If you could do your education over, what would you change? Is there anything important that you have not been able to tell me yet? Do you have any questions for me?
BEFORE AN INTERVIEW…. The following is a sample of questions you can research before the interview. How large is the organization? What are its assets? How long has it been established? How diversified are its products and services? What kind of reputation does it have locally? Does the firm or agency have branch offices that could offer you a geographical preference? What kind of management breakdowns does the company/ agency have? What is the nature of the employer’s business? What kind of benefits does the employer provide? Is the company/ agency in a growth period? Are there prospects for growth? What kind of staff does the company/agency have? The following are areas which recruiters in the past stressed as being “knock out” factors in the interview:
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