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How to write an effective resume.
You're in the process of starting your job search and you're probably suffering from a bad case of writers block trying to figure what you need to put on your resume. Formatting your resume is time consuming, but you always have to keep in the back of your mind that this piece of paper is your own personal advertisement that speaks to potential employers. This means, like any ad campaign in order to draw attention to your audience it must stand out from the rest. Below are some tips on how to go from the recycling bin to the call back pile:
- Use the job description to tailor your resume to the position.1
- Try to avoid industry jargon and over expressing words such as "facilitated" or "value-added" when describing your skills and experiences.1
- Your resume should show how you can benefit an employer -- not just list your features and skills.1
- Explain how you made a past employer money, saved them money or improved a process or product.1
- Think about instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty.1
- Be honest - There are a number of tools recruiters use to perform extensive background checks.1
- A lot of recruiters use software that helps them screen resumes faster by picking up key words. Therefore, use key words that stand out such as "flexible", "teamwork", "detailed-oriented", "can manage multiple projects", "self-motivated"
Getting Over those First Interview Jitters (Part 1)
You're resume just opened up a door to "opportunity". You just received a call back from a recruiter to set up an interview with you to discuss your qualifications. Now this is the hard part, you'll be placed in a room where you'll meet with one, two, three, or more people to talk about how you can fit in the organization. Unlike American Idol, there is no Simon to beat up your confidence. However, these judges are going to be listening to every word say and how you say it. Moreover, they're going to be looking at how you present and carry yourself. So this is your time to shine and show them why they need to hire you.
Interviews can be both nerve racking and overwhelming. Some can be long and some can be short. However, you must always prepare for the expected and unexpected. Below are some interviewing strategies that can help you get that job:
Before the Interview
- Always prepare in advance. This will help relieve any anxiety you have and will increase your chances of getting the job.
- Review your interviewing skills. Assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- Go online and review commonly asked questions that are asked during an interview. This will help you prepare and tailor your answers to show how you can meet the company's needs.
- Always do research on the company. The more you know about the company the better you'll be able to answer the questions. Furthermore, this will show the employer how interested you are in the company.
- Always arrive early. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before. In the event that you will be late call ahead of time to notify the employer.
During the interview
The average interview usually consists of three phases: The introductory phase, the middle phase, and the closing phase.
Introductory Phase
This is one of the most important phases. This is where you want to make a good first impression. Always remember you only have one chance to make a good first impression.
Always remember to arrive early and greet the interviewer or interviewers with a smile and a firm hand shake. You're first impression will set the tone of the interview and can determine whether or not you get the job.
Middle Phase
During this phase of the interview, questions will be asked about your work experience, skills that you have developed and challenges that you faced and how you over came them. This will eventually lead you into scenario type questions.
Remember the interviewer(s) is assessing the way you handle different scenarios that may arise within their organization. They want to see if your responses match up with the culture of their company. So make sure and provide good examples that relate to the company's objectives.
Closing Phase
This is the phase where you can now breathe and relax. This doesn't mean you have to loosen your tie but just know that the hard part is over!
To conclude the interview the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Make sure and ask questions about the role and what some of your daily duties are going to be like. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and ask them for a business card so that you can send him or her a thank you note.
Look out for part 2 of "Getting Over those First Interview Jitters" in the next edition, when we talk about preparing for behavioural type interviews.
When searching for a job which method do you think is most effective?
