11 Ways To Help Your Job Search In 5 Minutes
You might have heard the saying, “Looking for a job is a full-time job.” Although a job search needs a lot of attention and focus, it doesn’t need to take up your entire day. If you have a few minutes to spare while you’re sitting on the train or having a cup of coffee, you can improve your chances of finding your next job. A few moments here and there might not seem like a big deal, but over time they add up. Soon you’ll realize your job search is in great shape.
Here are 11 ways you can help your job search in 5 minutes:
1. Replace the objective statement
“Replace the objective statement at the top of your CV with a branded headline that conveys your value to the reader, i.e., ‘Registered nurse committed to providing safe, effective patient care,” says Laurie Berenson, certified master CV writer and founder of Sterling Career Concepts LLC.
2. Connect with your network
“Connect with one person from your network with whom you haven’t spoken in at least one month,” Berenson advises. “Pick up the phone, too –don’t rely on emailing.”
3. Update your social profiles
Keeping your social profiles accurate and fresh serves two important purposes:“First, to keep it current, but also so the activity puts your name in front of every one of your contacts as a network update on their home page,” Berenson says.
4. Conduct research
“A lack of basic understanding of the agency’s mission and/or philosophy shows a lack of preparation and interest,” says Natasha R.W. Eldridge, founding partner and director of human resources for Eldridge Overton Educational Programs.
5. Make your voicemail more professional
“Remove ringtones and silly voicemail recordings from voicemail,” Eldridge says. “I am not going to leave a professional message on the voicemail of an applicant that has music blasting as a ringtone. It shows me that job searching is not a priority.”
6. Prepare for the interview
“Preparation is everything,” says Bruce A. Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing Ltd. “Make up a list of the questions you do not want to be asked; then answer them in the company of a friend. Tell the friend you want honest feedback to make certain that you are giving confident, credible and professional-sounding answers. Once you are comfortable with the difficult questions … you will be more than prepared for the ‘easy’ questions.”
7. Join industry associations
“Contact and join a local professional association,” says Raina Kropp, HR talent partner at Vistage International. “Sometimes you can get student or in-transition discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask. These are the people you want to network with since they could be your future manager or colleague.”
8. Clean up your CV
“Remove irrelevant experience from your CV,” says Katie Niekrash, senior managing director of the recruitment firm Execu-Search. “While the summer after college that you spent scooping ice cream may have been the best [time] of your life, it doesn’t really apply to a career in finance. Pick and choose your relevant experience, and tailor it to the job you’re applying for.”
9. Get your references ready
“Prepare your list of references before the interview,” Niekrash says. “Once you have confirmed your two to three references, create a simple document that lists all the relevant information the employer would need to know about them—name, title, contact information, etc. Bring this document with you to all your interviews, so this way, if the hiring manager asks you for your references, you’ll be prepared and look organised.”
10. Stay organised
“Create a master list for all the jobs you apply for. The key to a successful job search is organisation,” Niekrash says. “To do this, create an Excel spreadsheet that contains a row for each job you apply for, and include these columns: the date you applied; the company; the contact; the position for which you applied; how you applied; if, when and with whom you interviewed; when you should next follow up or what your next steps are; and the current status of the application. Creating this document should only take a few minutes, and updating it as you proactively apply for jobs should only take a few seconds.”
11. Proofread your materials
Read every piece of your job search materials—from your CV to your social profiles—front to back, and then back to front, says Karen Southall Watts, business consultant, coach and speaker. “That’s right—read from the last sentence to the first sentence. This editing technique forces you to examine each sentence separately and keeps you from skipping over mistakes because you know what you meant to say next. By reading your materials backward, you can avoid those common typos and errors that plague all of us when our brains go faster than our typing skills.”
Susan Ricker is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Here are 11 ways you can help your job search in 5 minutes:
1. Replace the objective statement
“Replace the objective statement at the top of your CV with a branded headline that conveys your value to the reader, i.e., ‘Registered nurse committed to providing safe, effective patient care,” says Laurie Berenson, certified master CV writer and founder of Sterling Career Concepts LLC.
“Replace the objective statement at the top of your CV with a branded headline that conveys your value to the reader, i.e., ‘Registered nurse committed to providing safe, effective patient care,” says Laurie Berenson, certified master CV writer and founder of Sterling Career Concepts LLC.
2. Connect with your network
“Connect with one person from your network with whom you haven’t spoken in at least one month,” Berenson advises. “Pick up the phone, too –don’t rely on emailing.”
“Connect with one person from your network with whom you haven’t spoken in at least one month,” Berenson advises. “Pick up the phone, too –don’t rely on emailing.”
3. Update your social profiles
Keeping your social profiles accurate and fresh serves two important purposes:“First, to keep it current, but also so the activity puts your name in front of every one of your contacts as a network update on their home page,” Berenson says.
Keeping your social profiles accurate and fresh serves two important purposes:“First, to keep it current, but also so the activity puts your name in front of every one of your contacts as a network update on their home page,” Berenson says.
4. Conduct research
“A lack of basic understanding of the agency’s mission and/or philosophy shows a lack of preparation and interest,” says Natasha R.W. Eldridge, founding partner and director of human resources for Eldridge Overton Educational Programs.
“A lack of basic understanding of the agency’s mission and/or philosophy shows a lack of preparation and interest,” says Natasha R.W. Eldridge, founding partner and director of human resources for Eldridge Overton Educational Programs.
5. Make your voicemail more professional
“Remove ringtones and silly voicemail recordings from voicemail,” Eldridge says. “I am not going to leave a professional message on the voicemail of an applicant that has music blasting as a ringtone. It shows me that job searching is not a priority.”
“Remove ringtones and silly voicemail recordings from voicemail,” Eldridge says. “I am not going to leave a professional message on the voicemail of an applicant that has music blasting as a ringtone. It shows me that job searching is not a priority.”
6. Prepare for the interview
“Preparation is everything,” says Bruce A. Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing Ltd. “Make up a list of the questions you do not want to be asked; then answer them in the company of a friend. Tell the friend you want honest feedback to make certain that you are giving confident, credible and professional-sounding answers. Once you are comfortable with the difficult questions … you will be more than prepared for the ‘easy’ questions.”
“Preparation is everything,” says Bruce A. Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing Ltd. “Make up a list of the questions you do not want to be asked; then answer them in the company of a friend. Tell the friend you want honest feedback to make certain that you are giving confident, credible and professional-sounding answers. Once you are comfortable with the difficult questions … you will be more than prepared for the ‘easy’ questions.”
7. Join industry associations
“Contact and join a local professional association,” says Raina Kropp, HR talent partner at Vistage International. “Sometimes you can get student or in-transition discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask. These are the people you want to network with since they could be your future manager or colleague.”
“Contact and join a local professional association,” says Raina Kropp, HR talent partner at Vistage International. “Sometimes you can get student or in-transition discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask. These are the people you want to network with since they could be your future manager or colleague.”
8. Clean up your CV
“Remove irrelevant experience from your CV,” says Katie Niekrash, senior managing director of the recruitment firm Execu-Search. “While the summer after college that you spent scooping ice cream may have been the best [time] of your life, it doesn’t really apply to a career in finance. Pick and choose your relevant experience, and tailor it to the job you’re applying for.”
“Remove irrelevant experience from your CV,” says Katie Niekrash, senior managing director of the recruitment firm Execu-Search. “While the summer after college that you spent scooping ice cream may have been the best [time] of your life, it doesn’t really apply to a career in finance. Pick and choose your relevant experience, and tailor it to the job you’re applying for.”
9. Get your references ready
“Prepare your list of references before the interview,” Niekrash says. “Once you have confirmed your two to three references, create a simple document that lists all the relevant information the employer would need to know about them—name, title, contact information, etc. Bring this document with you to all your interviews, so this way, if the hiring manager asks you for your references, you’ll be prepared and look organised.”
“Prepare your list of references before the interview,” Niekrash says. “Once you have confirmed your two to three references, create a simple document that lists all the relevant information the employer would need to know about them—name, title, contact information, etc. Bring this document with you to all your interviews, so this way, if the hiring manager asks you for your references, you’ll be prepared and look organised.”
10. Stay organised
“Create a master list for all the jobs you apply for. The key to a successful job search is organisation,” Niekrash says. “To do this, create an Excel spreadsheet that contains a row for each job you apply for, and include these columns: the date you applied; the company; the contact; the position for which you applied; how you applied; if, when and with whom you interviewed; when you should next follow up or what your next steps are; and the current status of the application. Creating this document should only take a few minutes, and updating it as you proactively apply for jobs should only take a few seconds.”
“Create a master list for all the jobs you apply for. The key to a successful job search is organisation,” Niekrash says. “To do this, create an Excel spreadsheet that contains a row for each job you apply for, and include these columns: the date you applied; the company; the contact; the position for which you applied; how you applied; if, when and with whom you interviewed; when you should next follow up or what your next steps are; and the current status of the application. Creating this document should only take a few minutes, and updating it as you proactively apply for jobs should only take a few seconds.”
11. Proofread your materials
Read every piece of your job search materials—from your CV to your social profiles—front to back, and then back to front, says Karen Southall Watts, business consultant, coach and speaker. “That’s right—read from the last sentence to the first sentence. This editing technique forces you to examine each sentence separately and keeps you from skipping over mistakes because you know what you meant to say next. By reading your materials backward, you can avoid those common typos and errors that plague all of us when our brains go faster than our typing skills.”
Read every piece of your job search materials—from your CV to your social profiles—front to back, and then back to front, says Karen Southall Watts, business consultant, coach and speaker. “That’s right—read from the last sentence to the first sentence. This editing technique forces you to examine each sentence separately and keeps you from skipping over mistakes because you know what you meant to say next. By reading your materials backward, you can avoid those common typos and errors that plague all of us when our brains go faster than our typing skills.”
Susan Ricker is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Handling Toxic Coworkers At The Workplace
Toxic workers at the workplace vary from that one person who likes to sabotage your plan without you knowing them, that person who is a naysayer to every other idea you may want to give, a person who is a constant stress-giver and that person who likes to have sadistic pleasure when you are being chided by the boss. These coworkers are nothing but toxic, and there are special ways to handle them.
Worry not; we are here for your rescue-
Don’t Look Down Upon Them
Believe that something is wrong with them and treat them with your best behavior. Some coworkers lack the emotional intelligence to gather the natural happenings around them, or pick up certain social signals. You should never vilify them or their work. That just does not go down well with them.
Believe that something is wrong with them and treat them with your best behavior. Some coworkers lack the emotional intelligence to gather the natural happenings around them, or pick up certain social signals. You should never vilify them or their work. That just does not go down well with them.
Clarity Be Your Mothertongue
Clear and crisp statements do the trick with most of these toxic workers who are trying to bring you down. Tell them the whole story, the whole idea and record it somewhere, so that you have proof of your stuff somewhere. The intention of keeping proof is to make them understand at some later time how viable the idea was.
Clear and crisp statements do the trick with most of these toxic workers who are trying to bring you down. Tell them the whole story, the whole idea and record it somewhere, so that you have proof of your stuff somewhere. The intention of keeping proof is to make them understand at some later time how viable the idea was.
Calm The Nerves Down
It is but obvious, that you feel angry with the behavior you are subjected to and you feel the need to retaliate. Control that need for a better hour and for better work. Talent never goes waste, while the negativity has a stipulated time. Calm. Wait. Work. Lethal coworkers should not take the zest of work away from you.
It is but obvious, that you feel angry with the behavior you are subjected to and you feel the need to retaliate. Control that need for a better hour and for better work. Talent never goes waste, while the negativity has a stipulated time. Calm. Wait. Work. Lethal coworkers should not take the zest of work away from you.
Keep The Distance Alive
To keep your days happy and lively, try be as much away from them as possible. Do not cross their paths, until it is only professional necessary to do so. If the coworker happens to be sitting around you, dumb down your brain to not listen or respond to the things he/she says, no matter what. You don’t want to get into unnecessary verbal hustle.
To keep your days happy and lively, try be as much away from them as possible. Do not cross their paths, until it is only professional necessary to do so. If the coworker happens to be sitting around you, dumb down your brain to not listen or respond to the things he/she says, no matter what. You don’t want to get into unnecessary verbal hustle.
Most importantly, coworkers are difficult because you make them difficult in your head. Empathize with these personalities!
Crazy Things People Say In Interviews and Still Get The Job
Beating the Monday morning down to the dust, we have some of the funniest and craziest things people said in thier job interviews and surprisingly still got the job. Their stories are not only funny to read, but enigmatic too. Here goes-
Rick Stephan
He defines himself as a curious introvert trying to make a mark in the marketing world.
In an interview with Microsoft Canada for the Co-Op position many years ago, he committed the following blunder-
He defines himself as a curious introvert trying to make a mark in the marketing world.
In an interview with Microsoft Canada for the Co-Op position many years ago, he committed the following blunder-
Interviewer: So our department manages things like Microsoft Hardware, Software, X-Box, and the Zune…
Rick: The Zune?
Interview: The Zune is our version of the iPod. I’m surprised you didn’t know that!
Rick (with a grin): Well I suppose that’s your fault, isn’t it?
And he got the job.
Richard Waddington
Richard had been in the same company for over a decade and thought it was time to move on. So one fine day he went for an interview after a long time, keeping everything perfect, right from his hair to his shoes.
As he was heading out, his daughter who was four at that time handed him a little plastic cow from a play set for good luck. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Richard gave her a big hug and headed for the interview.
Richard had been in the same company for over a decade and thought it was time to move on. So one fine day he went for an interview after a long time, keeping everything perfect, right from his hair to his shoes.
As he was heading out, his daughter who was four at that time handed him a little plastic cow from a play set for good luck. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Richard gave her a big hug and headed for the interview.
Richard was happy as he was prodded about technical questions and at last the VP of the HR department asks – says “I’ve heard good things from the interview team, but I do have one concern. You look like a pretty straight-laced guy, and, well, things get a little crazy here from time to time. How do I know you’ll fit in?”
Without thinking Richard blurted out, “I have a cow in my pocket!”
He got the job.
Ram Visvanathan
Ram was sitting for a campus interview during his undergrad from a reputed technical institute in India. Here is how the story unfolds-
Ram was sitting for a campus interview during his undergrad from a reputed technical institute in India. Here is how the story unfolds-
Interviewer: Tell me something about you that we can’t get from your resume
Ram: I’m a very popular person in our class.
Interviewer: How popular?
Ram: (Without stopping to think for a minute): 8th popular person in class.
Interviewer: (Little puzzled with the answer) 8th popular?
Ram: Yes. There are 7 girls in our class.
Ram: I’m a very popular person in our class.
Interviewer: How popular?
Ram: (Without stopping to think for a minute): 8th popular person in class.
Interviewer: (Little puzzled with the answer) 8th popular?
Ram: Yes. There are 7 girls in our class.
The interviewer(s) burst into laughter.
Of course he got the job!
Try something different in your next job interview!
Try something different in your next job interview!
Source-
www.quora.com
www.quora.com
A Guide to Helping You Get That Interview and The Job
4 Lies You Shouldn't Tell Your Interviewer...
People who lie during their interview or on their résumé can get stressed out because it may lead to complications during the hiring process. They may also keep worrying about the interviewer finding out. It’s always good to be honest, although perhaps you should wait until you’re asked before volunteering certain information. Here are a couple of lies you should refrain from telling:
Why, yes! I do kind of live here.
If you’ve used a different address on your résumé to tailor it to where the job is based, don’t lie about it when it comes up in the interview. If your potential employer asks you where you live, tell them where you currently live, but let them know that you’re willing to move for the job. The problem with this lie is you may have several rounds of interviews and you’ll have to keep flying back and forth for them. If they think you live in the city, they’ll probably give you short notice for interviews and those last-minute flights can be really expensive.
I make so much more than my real salary.
If your interviewer asks you how much you made at your last job, you may think it’s a white lie to fudge the numbers a little. However, some employers ask for a copy of your W2, so you may want to be cautious about giving a fake amount because it can be construed as unethical. If you don’t want to cough up your previous salary, let it be known that you don’t think it has any bearing on this new job and cite the typical industry number.
If you’re pushed to give your previous income, tell them you won’t consider an offer below $XX. This is a gray area that many have different opinions on — some like Bargaineering founder Jim Wang don’t think that there’s anything wrong with a little inflation, while others vehemently disagree.
That’s totally my GPA.
If you think that inflating your grade point average will get you the job, you may want to reconsider. Some companies request a copy of your transcript or verification with the school, especially those with job positions that require a minimum GPA.
No, I didn’t get fired at my last job.
Given the bad economy, there are plenty of people that have been laid off so don’t be afraid to let the interviewer know. Try not to go into the details, especially if you harbor resentment, and let her know what happened and what you learned from the experience.
Remember, the general rule of thumb is to be honest during your interview. It’s different for everyone, but if you get asked uncomfortable questions, there’s always a polite way of refusing to answer.
Tips to prepare for Aptitude Questions...
Tip#1:
Segregate the syllabus based on which part the questions will be asked More. For e.g Problems on Trains, Time and Work, Profit and Loss etc these are the parts where the aptitude questions will ask predominantly.
Tip#2:
Write down the formulas related to that syllabus and stick somewhere in room.
Tip#3:
Daily take time to memorize(read) the formulas once.
Tip#4:
Once you feel you are good enough with the formulas. Then segregate the problem type under syllabus as simple, Medium and Complex.
Tip#5:
First go through with the simple problems which is directly derived from formulas in all the areas.
Tip#6:
Once you feel you are able to solve simple problems. Try to solve the intermediate level problems by your own.
Tip#7:
You can check your knowledge on particular areas by taking online tests related to specific topic.
Tip#8:
Schedule the dates as to how many days you need for Formulas, segregating syllabus and practice for Aptitude.
Tip#9:
Practice, practice and Practice . Only the practice helps you to solve your problems with high accuracy . Practice makes a man perfect hence practice the problems rather than just viewing
Tip#10:
Time management plays a major role of completing the Aptitude. You can achieve this time management only by practise.
5 Questions You Should Ask at Every Job Interview..
When you go into a job interview, you likely have rehearsed what you’re going to stay to the interviewer about your skills and experience. But then comes the part of the interview when your potential employer offers you the opportunity to ask questions. Many in the hot seat will often reply that they don’t have any, even though their brain is rapid-firing plenty of unanswered questions.
The presented opportunity to learn more about a company hiring new employees is one that should not be wasted. You want to be sure you are pursuing vacancies that are actually worth going after. If a job or company is not right for you, you will end up wasting everyone’s time. If a job does sound like a good fit, you will want to be sure you have the right expectations if you do get hired.
How Often Does Your Current Staff Receive Promotions?
You should understand how committed a company is to promoting from within. Many employees take positions just to get a job but fail to find out what the advancement potential is in a company. If the employer has a lot of positive things to say about an employee’s ability to move up the ladder, you can ask more specific questions relevant to your own career path. If they are unable to provide you with information or try to avoid the question, you need to carefully consider whether the opportunity is right for you.
How Are Employees Compensated for a Job Well Done?
There are a wide variety of ways a company shows appreciation for loyal employees that exceed expectations. While financial rewards are always good, it is important to explore what else the company may provide outside of money. You want to identify businesses that do not acknowledge employee efforts, and asking such a question can give you a more in-depth look at how a company treats its staff.
Have You Ever Mentored an Employee to Help Achieve Their Career Goals?
If the interviewer is the person who will be your direct supervisor, you can learn a lot about their leadership characteristics through their answer to this question. There are many great leaders who are happy to help others get ahead and there are many in leadership positions just looking for a paycheck.
How Do You Promote Teamwork and Maintain a Motivated Environment?
If you are interviewing just to secure an income, you may not care to pose this question. However, if you are interviewing for a long-term career positions, you will want to check out the health of the work environment and understand things from the management’s perspective. You may also want to reach out after the interview to employees who already work for the company to see how their experience compares. If you get a positive review from management and a negative one from current employees, you may want to do more research into the realities of the work environment.
What Is the Process for Employee Reviews?
Career-focused individuals should want to know how they are doing periodically. Find out how employee reviews are done and if they are done on a regular basis. Some employers do not bother to communicate effectively with their staff, which can ultimately leave you dissatisfied and frustrated on the job in the near future.
While there are many more situation-specific questions to ask during an interview, you can use these starter questions to help you brainstorm. Ideally, you should take time to prepare your questions on paper in advance of your appointment day. As people tend to be nervous during the interview process, they forget their concerns and leave with too many unanswered questions.
A job interview should be much more than just finding out what the salary and benefits will be. If you plan to commit to a job, you should have a good understanding of the company policies and the right expectations about the kind of work environment you will be reporting to every day.
How To Write A Resume: 12 Steps To Your Next Job...
Self-promotion is not easy. Whether you’re a high six-figure consultant, or earning $10 an hour in retail, you still have to talk about yourself in the right way. And one of the key ingredients of self-promotion is the resume. Nail it, and you get your foot in the door. Blow it, and you blow your chances at a better job, better career or even a better life.
Now, I’m not promising that this article will guarantee you a new job. Obviously, your own experience and background is, at the end of the day, the deciding factor. But I can give you advice that will at least get you noticed for all the right reasons. Ready? Then let’s begin.
1: Use a word processing program
Employ a program like Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, MS Works or even a professional design application (e.g. InDesign or Adobe Illustrator) to layout your resume. In the past, it was OK to use a typewriter or, in some cases, write it by hand, but no-one will take you seriously if you can’t demonstrate basic computer skills. However, try and avoid a standard resume template.
Employ a program like Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, MS Works or even a professional design application (e.g. InDesign or Adobe Illustrator) to layout your resume. In the past, it was OK to use a typewriter or, in some cases, write it by hand, but no-one will take you seriously if you can’t demonstrate basic computer skills. However, try and avoid a standard resume template.
Your resume should include:
- contact information
- an objective
- employment history
- education
- a summary, including any other pertinent information or affiliations
- references (it’s permissible to say “references available on request”)
Lay this out neatly in your own way, and your resume will not look like a carbon copy of everyone else’s resume. Remember, you are selling YOU as an individual. Your resume, even the way it looks, is a reflection of who you are.
2: Use good (but not perfect) grammar
You don’t need to go out of your way to make your resume read like an English term paper, but use good judgment. A resume is a professional document and should be treated in that way. Just as you wouldn’t start a business letter with “Like hey dude, how’s it going?” you shouldn’t be as lax with your resume.
You don’t need to go out of your way to make your resume read like an English term paper, but use good judgment. A resume is a professional document and should be treated in that way. Just as you wouldn’t start a business letter with “Like hey dude, how’s it going?” you shouldn’t be as lax with your resume.
However, these are modern times and you can use a little conversational verbiage, coupled with a few grammatical rule-breakers. It’s OK to end a sentence with a preposition, it’s even OK to have a one or two word sentence. If you work in a very creative industry, you can break even more rules (I once saw a great resume that was written as a poem…but that was a huge exception to the rule). In general, make it respectful, polite and something you would be happy for your bank manager to read.
3. Practice the art of concision
Mark Twain once wrote “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” It’s not easy to be concise, but a resume is an essential place to practice restraint. In these tough economic times, employers are inundated with hundreds of applicants for every one job opening. They don’t have the time or inclination to read your life story over a five or six page resume. ONE PAGE is ideal, but it is acceptable to go to two pages. Any longer than that and you may as well mail your resume to the nearest paper recycling plant. Some of you may say that I could use a lesson in concision myself, but this blog gives me the luxury of limitless writing space and an audience that is looking to read, and be entertained as well as informed. An employer’s time is valuable; the information is paramount.
Mark Twain once wrote “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” It’s not easy to be concise, but a resume is an essential place to practice restraint. In these tough economic times, employers are inundated with hundreds of applicants for every one job opening. They don’t have the time or inclination to read your life story over a five or six page resume. ONE PAGE is ideal, but it is acceptable to go to two pages. Any longer than that and you may as well mail your resume to the nearest paper recycling plant. Some of you may say that I could use a lesson in concision myself, but this blog gives me the luxury of limitless writing space and an audience that is looking to read, and be entertained as well as informed. An employer’s time is valuable; the information is paramount.
4. Don’t include pointless and obvious information
I have lost track of the number of times I have read about hobbies that include movies, reading, sports, eating out and spending time with family. While you’re at it, why not put “breathing, sleeping a minimum of six hours per night, and eating three square meals per day.” If you have something stellar as a hobby, and it has some relevance to the job, by all means put it down. But if you have nothing out of the ordinary to say, don’t say it. Your collection of antique teapots may mean the world to you, but it won’t to your average human resources manager in an accounting firm.
I have lost track of the number of times I have read about hobbies that include movies, reading, sports, eating out and spending time with family. While you’re at it, why not put “breathing, sleeping a minimum of six hours per night, and eating three square meals per day.” If you have something stellar as a hobby, and it has some relevance to the job, by all means put it down. But if you have nothing out of the ordinary to say, don’t say it. Your collection of antique teapots may mean the world to you, but it won’t to your average human resources manager in an accounting firm.
5. Never, ever lie
Don’t ever be tempted to lie, or embellish your resume. The problem with lies is that they will catch up with you sooner or later. You will either be discovered before you are hired, or even worse, get found out when you’re doing the job. Be honest and give the right dates, places, numbers and facts about previous employment. Don’t make up education you don’t have, and don’t say you’re a whiz on Photoshop when you can hardly even open your email.
Don’t ever be tempted to lie, or embellish your resume. The problem with lies is that they will catch up with you sooner or later. You will either be discovered before you are hired, or even worse, get found out when you’re doing the job. Be honest and give the right dates, places, numbers and facts about previous employment. Don’t make up education you don’t have, and don’t say you’re a whiz on Photoshop when you can hardly even open your email.
6. Custom-build your resume
Every job is different; therefore, every resume should be different. When I talk about concision, it also applies to the kind of information you include, or don’t, on your resume. If you have some great experience in marketing, you obviously push that on a resume for a marketing or advertising job. If you’re applying to be a bartender, you may want to put a focus on something else. Tailor your resume to fit the job you’re applying for.
Every job is different; therefore, every resume should be different. When I talk about concision, it also applies to the kind of information you include, or don’t, on your resume. If you have some great experience in marketing, you obviously push that on a resume for a marketing or advertising job. If you’re applying to be a bartender, you may want to put a focus on something else. Tailor your resume to fit the job you’re applying for.
7. Don’t be shy about major successes
Be specific about your past and current achievements and accomplishments. Employers love facts that back up your story, so if you increased productivity in your department by 125%, don’t by shy about saying so. If you tripled sales, let people know. If you were promoted in record time, make a note of it. This is the perfect time to blow your own trumpet.
Be specific about your past and current achievements and accomplishments. Employers love facts that back up your story, so if you increased productivity in your department by 125%, don’t by shy about saying so. If you tripled sales, let people know. If you were promoted in record time, make a note of it. This is the perfect time to blow your own trumpet.
8. Don’t make assumptions
Although concision is vitally important, make sure you don’t cut so much information that the employer becomes confused. For instance, you may know all too well what “Scrambunkle & Son” did as a company, but your future employer may not know them from Adam. And although you know what an acronym stands for, it may not be as famous as N.A.S.A., so spell it out once. Basically, be brief, but clarify important points.
Although concision is vitally important, make sure you don’t cut so much information that the employer becomes confused. For instance, you may know all too well what “Scrambunkle & Son” did as a company, but your future employer may not know them from Adam. And although you know what an acronym stands for, it may not be as famous as N.A.S.A., so spell it out once. Basically, be brief, but clarify important points.
9. Big words won’t impress most people
I’ve seen a few resumes come across my desk that looked like a page from a Dickensian thesaurus. Sure, you may feel proud of yourself for using words like floccinaucinihilipilification (which is, for those of you not in the know, the “estimation of something as valueless”); but your average employer will appreciate it if your resume is not like reading War & Peace. There’s no need to hide your intelligence, and again you should tailor it to the job, but use common sense. Write well, write clearly, write concisely, and write without trying to prove you’re a smartass.
I’ve seen a few resumes come across my desk that looked like a page from a Dickensian thesaurus. Sure, you may feel proud of yourself for using words like floccinaucinihilipilification (which is, for those of you not in the know, the “estimation of something as valueless”); but your average employer will appreciate it if your resume is not like reading War & Peace. There’s no need to hide your intelligence, and again you should tailor it to the job, but use common sense. Write well, write clearly, write concisely, and write without trying to prove you’re a smartass.
10. Good spelling is not optional
Speaking of writing well, this one is paramount: please, please double-check the spelling and then ask someone else to double-check it for you (they may catch something you’ve become blind to). And DO NOT proof it on-screen; print it out, it’s much easier to catch errors that way. A typo in your resume is one huge fly in the ointment. It’s the equivalent of turning up to an interview wearing a ketchup-stained t-shirt. Your resume is the first impression you will give to your interviewer; what do you think they will do with a resume that has not even been spell-checked? Yep, it’s lining the cat’s litter box.
Speaking of writing well, this one is paramount: please, please double-check the spelling and then ask someone else to double-check it for you (they may catch something you’ve become blind to). And DO NOT proof it on-screen; print it out, it’s much easier to catch errors that way. A typo in your resume is one huge fly in the ointment. It’s the equivalent of turning up to an interview wearing a ketchup-stained t-shirt. Your resume is the first impression you will give to your interviewer; what do you think they will do with a resume that has not even been spell-checked? Yep, it’s lining the cat’s litter box.
11. Consistency is important
This is another exercise in putting your best foot forward. If you start each heading in 12pt Helvetica Bold Italic, do them all that way. If you italicize a heading, italicize them all. If the first section of your resume is indented, all of them should be. The age of email and instant messenger has made many of us lazy, but a resume is no place to be careless. And choose a readable font too, preferably a classic serif font like Times 11pt. With consistency, you make your resume easier to read. Without it, your potential future employer won’t know what to make of the various formatting choices.
This is another exercise in putting your best foot forward. If you start each heading in 12pt Helvetica Bold Italic, do them all that way. If you italicize a heading, italicize them all. If the first section of your resume is indented, all of them should be. The age of email and instant messenger has made many of us lazy, but a resume is no place to be careless. And choose a readable font too, preferably a classic serif font like Times 11pt. With consistency, you make your resume easier to read. Without it, your potential future employer won’t know what to make of the various formatting choices.
12. Don’t be cheap with paper choices
This is one of the rare occasions that I will advise you to splurge. A beautifully formatted, perfectly spelled, amazingly concise resume is not going to look as impressive on crappy paper. Pop down to the local Kinkos and ask them to print out some copies on a good quality paper, perhaps one with a watermark or slight tint to it. Alternatively, buy some good paper and print it out yourself on your home-printer’s highest setting. Either way, you will have something that looks and feels like a quality document worthy of consideration.
This is one of the rare occasions that I will advise you to splurge. A beautifully formatted, perfectly spelled, amazingly concise resume is not going to look as impressive on crappy paper. Pop down to the local Kinkos and ask them to print out some copies on a good quality paper, perhaps one with a watermark or slight tint to it. Alternatively, buy some good paper and print it out yourself on your home-printer’s highest setting. Either way, you will have something that looks and feels like a quality document worthy of consideration.
Those are my 12 steps to a good resume. I’m sure many professional resume writers can add to the list (and please, use the comments area for additional advice) but I believe this is an excellent list for anyone taking on the task of writing their own resume.
Next time, I’ll give some advice on writing a cover letter. I don’t see it as being as important as a resume because it’s not always required. But when it is, you need to get that just right as well. Good luck.
How to Answer 23 of the Most Common Interview Questions?
1. So, tell me a little about yourself.
I’d be very surprised if you haven’t been asked this one at every interview. It’s probably the most asked question because it sets the stage for the interview and it gets you talking. Be careful not to give the interviewer your life story here. You don’t need to explain everything from birth to present day. Relevant facts about education, your career and your current life situation are fine.
2. Why are you looking (or why did you leave you last job)?
This should be a straightforward question to answer, but it can trip you up. Presumably you are looking for a new job (or any job) because you want to advance your career and get a position that allows you to grow as a person and an employee. It’s not a good idea to mention money here, it can make you sound mercenary. And if you are in the unfortunate situation of having been downsized, stay positive and be as brief as possible about it. If you were fired, you’ll need a good explanation. But once again, stay positive.
3. Tell me what you know about this company.
Do your homework before you go to any interview. Whether it’s being the VP of marketing or the mailroom clerk, you should know about the company or business you’re going to work for. Has this company been in the news lately? Who are the people in the company you should know about? Do the background work, it will make you stand out as someone who comes prepared, and is genuinely interested in the company and the job.
4. Why do you want to work at X Company?
This should be directly related to the last question. Any research you’ve done on the company should have led you to the conclusion that you’d want to work there. After all, you’re at the interview, right? Put some thought into this answer before you have your interview, mention your career goals and highlight forward-thinking goals and career plans.
5. What relevant experience do you have?
Hopefully if you’re applying for this position you have bags of related experience, and if that’s the case you should mention it all. But if you’re switching careers or trying something a little different, your experience may initially not look like it’s matching up. That’s when you need a little honest creativity to match the experiences required with the ones you have. People skills are people skills after all, you just need to show how customer service skills can apply to internal management positions, and so on.
6. If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?
Ok, this is not the time for full disclosure. If some people from your past are going to say you’re a boring A-hole, you don’t need to bring that up. Stay positive, always, and maybe have a few specific quotes in mind. “They’d say I was a hard worker” or even better “John Doe has always said I was the most reliable, creative problem-solver he’d ever met.”
7. Have you done anything to further your experience?
This could include anything from night classes to hobbies and sports. If it’s related, it’s worth mentioning. Obviously anything to do with further education is great, but maybe you’re spending time on a home improvement project to work on skills such as self-sufficiency, time management and motivation.
8. Where else have you applied?
This is a good way to hint that you’re in demand, without sounding like you’re whoring yourself all over town. So, be honest and mention a few other companies but don’t go into detail. The fact that you’re seriously looking and keeping your options open is what the interviewer is driving at.
9. How are you when you’re working under pressure?
Once again, there are a few ways to answer this but they should all be positive. You may work well under pressure, you may thrive under pressure, and you may actually PREFER working under pressure. If you say you crumble like aged blue cheese, this is not going to help you get your foot in the door.
10. What motivates you to do a good job?
The answer to this one is not money, even if it is. You should be motivated by life’s noble pursuits. You want recognition for a job well done. You want to become better at your job. You want to help others or be a leader in your field.
11. What’s your greatest strength?
This is your chance to shine. You’re being asked to explain why you are a great employee, so don’t hold back and stay do stay positive. You could be someone who thrives under pressure, a great motivator, an amazing problem solver or someone with extraordinary attention to detail. If your greatest strength, however, is to drink anyone under the table or get a top score on Mario Kart, keep it to yourself. The interviewer is looking for work-related strengths.
12. What’s your biggest weakness?
If you’re completely honest, you may be kicking yourself in the butt. If you say you don’t have one, you’re obviously lying. This is a horrible question and one that politicians have become masters at answering. They say things like “I’m perhaps too committed to my work and don’t spend enough time with my family.” Oh, there’s a fireable offense. I’ve even heard “I think I’m too good at my job, it can often make people jealous.” Please, let’s keep our feet on the ground. If you’re asked this question, give a small, work-related flaw that you’re working hard to improve. Example: “I’ve been told I occasionally focus on details and miss the bigger picture, so I’ve been spending time laying out the complete project every day to see my overall progress.”
13. Let’s talk about salary. What are you looking for?
Run for cover! This is one tricky game to play in an interview. Even if you know the salary range for the job, if you answer first you’re already showing all your cards. You want as much as possible, the employer wants you for as little as you’re willing to take. Before you apply, take a look at salary.com for a good idea of what someone with your specific experience should be paid. You may want to say, “well, that’s something I’ve thought long and hard about and I think someone with my experience should get between X & Y.” Or, you could be sly and say, “right now, I’m more interested in talking more about what the position can offer my career.” That could at least buy you a little time to scope out the situation. But if you do have a specific figure in mind and you are confident that you can get it, I’d say go for it. I have on many occasions, and every time I got very close to that figure (both below and sometimes above).
14. Are you good at working in a team?
Unless you have the I.Q. of a houseplant, you’ll always answer YES to this one. It’s the only answer. How can anyone function inside an organization if they are a loner? You may want to mention what part you like to play in a team though; it’s a great chance to explain that you’re a natural leader.
15. Tell me a suggestion you have made that was implemented.
It’s important here to focus on the word “implemented.” There’s nothing wrong with having a thousand great ideas, but if the only place they live is on your notepad what’s the point? Better still, you need a good ending. If your previous company took your advice and ended up going bankrupt, that’s not such a great example either. Be prepared with a story about an idea of yours that was taken from idea to implementation, and considered successful.
16. Has anything ever irritated you about people you’ve worked with?
Of course, you have a list as long as your arm. But you can’t say that, it shows you as being negative and difficult to work with. The best way to answer this one is to think for a while and then say something like “I’ve always got on just fine with my co-workers actually.”
17. Is there anyone you just could not work with?
No. Well, unless you’re talking about murderers, racists, rapists, thieves or other dastardly characters, you can work with anyone. Otherwise you could be flagged as someone who’s picky and difficult if you say, “I can’t work with anyone who’s a Bronco’s fan. Sorry.”
18. Tell me about any issues you’ve had with a previous boss.
Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn’t be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you’ll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you’ve never had any issues.
19. Would you rather work for money or job satisfaction?
It’s not a very fair question is it? We’d all love to get paid a Trump-like salary doing a job we love but that’s rare indeed. It’s fine to say money is important, but remember that NOTHING is more important to you than the job. Otherwise, you’re just someone looking for a bigger paycheck.
20. Would you rather be liked or feared?
I have been asked this a lot, in various incarnations. The first time I just drew a blank and said, “I don’t know.” That went over badly, but it was right at the start of my career when I had little to no experience. Since then I’ve realized that my genuine answer is “Neither, I’d rather be respected.” You don’t want to be feared because fear is no way to motivate a team. You may got the job done but at what cost? Similarly, if you’re everyone’s best friend you’ll find it difficult to make tough decisions or hit deadlines. But when you’re respected, you don’t have to be a complete bastard or a lame duck to get the job done.
21. Are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own?
Again, another nasty question. If you say yes, you’re a corporate whore who doesn’t care about family. If you say no, you’re disloyal to the company. I’m afraid that you’ll probably have to say yes to this one though, because you’re trying to be the perfect employee at this point, and perfect employees don’t cut out early for Jimmy’s baseball game.
22. So, explain why I should hire you.
As I’m sure you know, “because I’m great” or “I really need a job” are not good answers here. This is a time to give the employer a laundry list of your greatest talents that just so happen to match the job description. It’s also good to avoid taking potshots at other potential candidates here. Focus on yourself and your talents, not other people’s flaws.
23. Finally, do you have any questions to ask me?
I’ll finish the way I started, with one of the most common questions asked in interviews. This directly relates to the research you’ve done on the company and also gives you a chance to show how eager and prepared you are. You’ll probably want to ask about benefits if they haven’t been covered already. A good generic one is “how soon could I start, if I were offered the job of course.” You may also ask what you’d be working on. Specifically, in the role you’re applying for and how that affects the rest of the company. Always have questions ready, greeting this one with a blank stare is a rotten way to finish your interview. Good luck and happy job hunting.
First impressions matter, especially on job interviews.
As much as we all wish that actual qualifications mattered most, research suggests that first impressions shape perceptions of professional competence. Those who perform well in the “rapport-building stage” of an interview (when you meet and greet people) are often rated higher on evaluations of professional capabilities, whether or not they are better qualified. Higher ratings lead to more follow-up interviews and eventually more job offers.
So, making a good impression can help you land a job. Here are 13 ways to shine.
1. Dress for the Job You Want
Dress in professional attire as if you were making an important presentation, meeting with a key client, or having lunch with the senior vice president or CEO.
Make sure your clothes are not too tight, too revealing, or too baggy. If you have a question about whether your attire is inappropriate, don’t ask a friend to confirm your choice. Just change your outfit. Also avoid wearing too much jewelry, perfume, or aftershave lotion.
Determining the exact clothing to wear can be tricky as dress codes vary. In many office settings, a suit is the recommended attire. For others, the dress depends on the targeted position, so research (e.g., contact HR, ask a friend who works at the company, and peruse LinkedIn profiles) to decide what to wear, leaning toward classic rather than trendy colors and patterns.
2. Arrive on Time, but Not Too Early
Ideally, you should arrive about 10-15 minutes before your interview.
Being late for an interview sends the signal that you are unreliable and inattentive to details. Showing up too early makes you seem over-eager and stalker-like. If you arrive 30 minutes or more before your scheduled session, then the hiring manager may feel rushed to greet you or uncomfortable with the prospect of having you hang out in a reception area.
Demonstrate promptness without seeming like you have nothing better to do than wait around for a prospective employer. To get the timing right, visit the interview location and determine the appropriate travel time before your meeting day.
3. Enter a Room Confidently
Your entrance is a key to making a positive impression, according to career and professional development advisor Elizabeth Dexter-Wilson. She recommends keeping your head up, acknowledging those in the room or reception area, smiling, and saying hello.
4. Offer a Firm Handshake
Shake hands with a firm grip. A firm handshake, not too tight and not at all limp, demonstrates confidence.
Extend your hand in greeting to human resource representatives, hiring managers, senior-level managers, and potential colleagues. And, if you are not already standing, stand up when someone enters the room prior to shaking hands.
5. Be Kind to Everyone
Show kindness to everyone you meet. You want to make a good first impression in all encounters, not only for kindness’ sake but also because those on the front lines may share their perceptions about you with hiring decision-makers.
Be gracious to each and every person including parking lot attendants, security officers, receptionists, executive assistants, human resources team members, potential co-workers, and hiring managers.
6. Act Interested
Behave like you are excited about the job, even if you are secretly wondering if the position is a good fit for your talents.
Acting interested can help you engage the interviewers. Then, you can learn more about the organization and its needs, and determine whether you should pursue the position.
7. Don’t Open a Conversation With Careless Remarks
Though most interviewees wouldn’t intend to be insulting or insensitive, you might accidentally say something you regret. Avoid conversation starters using too-casual or off-color slang or make comments about personal appearances, politics, religion, or controversial topics.
Plan your opening remarks and be gracious if someone makes an unkind comment to you.
8. Be Prepared to Talk About the Company and Yourself
Be ready for conversation with knowledge about the company, responses to common interview question, and questions of your own.
Don’t act like you know everything or you will seem arrogant. But certainly read the organization’s website and relevant news so you can talk intelligently about the company.
Practice your responses to typical questions and prepare stories about your recent accomplishments, particularly ones that illustrate how you make you a great fit for the organization. Finally, put together a list of questions to pose when the interviewer asks if you have questions.
9. Do a Pre-Interview Body Check
Take stock of yourself quickly, beyond your make-up and appearance. Career-services professional Barbara Safani recommends three simple actions to prevent distraction and embarrassment:
- remove loose change from your pockets;
- turn off your cell phone;
- toss your cup of coffee or bottle of water.
10. Check Your Smile
Make sure your smile is nice.
Deal with major issues by visiting a dentist or dental hygienist before you begin the job-search process. On the day of your interview, brush your teeth and floss, and avoid eating right before your meeting.
During the interview, remember to smile.
11. Carry a Portfolio
You’ll want to bring hard copies of your resume, references, and other job-search materials to the interview. Carry these in a portfolio for a polished look.
12. Know the Answer to “Why Are You Here?”
To start your interview well, prepare your response to the question, “Why are you here?”
Note that the response should be more substantial and insightful than “to interview for a job.” Tell the interviewer why you are excited about the prospect of joining this particular organization. Briefly explain how your expertise could contribute to the company’s success.
13. Get Your Interviewer’s Name Right
Impress your interviewer by getting her name right the first time. This technique is especially helpful if you are meeting someone with an unusual name or if you have difficulty retaining new information.
Research the names and titles of those you may be meeting for the first time (hint: look them up on LinkedIn or ask human resources for this information). Rather than ask someone to repeat her name during a face-to-face meeting, memorize the name ahead of time.
How have you made a good first impression on a potential employer?
How To Succeed in the Interview
Lessons I Learned From 30 Years of Interviewing
- It's OK to be nervous! It just means you really want the position. But please know that there is nothing more compelling to an interviewer than a person that walks that fine line as confident but not cocky.
- It's True...I had most of my decisions made within the first 5 minutes. First impressions are the most important! You can't "un-ring" a bell.
- Always Be On Time...30 Minutes Early is Better than 30 Seconds late! Keep in mind that some interviews require you to fill out paperwork in advance.
- Be sure to survey the surroundings of the Interviewer. Be able to discuss "sports memorabilia", art or anything relevant in generalities. HOWEVER, be smart....If you see picture of children on the interviewers desk...Don't ask "How long have you been married?"
- The Interviewer really wants you to "interview" them as well as that will say a lot about you! It's all about CONFIDENCE. Be sure to ask compelling questions that prove you know their company. Review the company's website and be prepared to ask a range of questions that prove to the interviewer you are serious about your application. Also, I always took notice of candidates that asked questions about challenges that each company faces..."What are some of the most challenging issues facing your company today?".
- Whenever I interviewed a candidate from a "Fortune 500" organization I was always concerned if the candidate would demonstrate his/her ability to "role up their sleeves" and contribute to many different roles in the organization as is the nature of small business. If you this applies to you....make sure you let the interviewer know that your background gives you a great structure but you understand that small business is defined by "speed...agility...change".
- To The NEW TO THE JOB MARKET CANDIDATE...We all had first interviews and first jobs. The interviewer knows that but you were called in for an interview anyway. The interviewer knows you don't have any ON THE JOB experience. The "new to the job market" candidate (whether out of school or new to the job market after 20 years of raising a family)...must convey to the interviewer that "YOU GET IT". Very simply put...If I you don't know that a ditch has to be dug or where to dig it...That is OK since you're new to the job market...BUT if you don't know you need a shovel to dig a ditch....You will be disqualified. You have to know certain "obvious things" about any job...even if you never held that or any position before. Anyone applying for a sales position should know that "you have to been on the phone virtually all of the time in the beginning and that you will be told "NO" 95% of the time. Anyone that is applying for a position in accounting should know that all accounting information is the life line of any company and therefore must be done quickly and accurately etc. It's up to you to prove that you get it...
- A Person who wants to be a Sales Person will tell you how great he/she is in front of a client....A Real Sales Person will tell you how he/she got in front of the client in the first place. Be prepared to discuss your plan of attack for getting in front of a client....The interviewer already knows how you will be in front of the client....Your interview is a sales call.
- If you are interviewing for a sales position (within the same industry) you need to be extra careful regarding your response to the question of "Why are you looking for a new job?". If you are interviewing for a position in the same industry that you presently work you really do have 1 strike against you as most interviewers will assume you're looking for a new job due to the fact that you aren't selling enough with your present employer...If you go in armed with this in mind, you can win. The best answers to the question of "Why are you looking for a new job?" if you are in sales are..."I want to work at your company to be able to provide a wider array of products and services to my clients as this will make me much more effective and productive"....."I've heard great things about your company from my clients and I know I can contribute much to your future success". "I want to work at a company that shares the same client focused vision as mine". DO NOT talk about any changes in commission plans or compensation. All commission plans within the same industry are similar.
- If you say "I can learn a lot here"...you've already lost. You're not being paid to learn you are paid to contribute.
- If you say "I can contribute a lot"...you're still in the game...
- Remember the company's success comes first...then yours.
- Every action you take in the company must result in the company becoming...BETTER...FASTER...MORE PROFITABLE..That's it. If you convey that you acknowledge this fact....You're in the game.
- Working from home is a "benefit" to the employee. It does not benefit the employer. Treat it as a benefit.
- You must acknowledge that you understand and are willing to change throughout your career and that it is your responsibility to be able to change.
- If the Interview ask for your faults or weaknesses DO NOT answer with "I'm a Perfectionist" or "I'm expect too much from myself". Be honest and say "I need to work on my organizational skills" or "I need to work on my communication skills with my fellow employees"...It's OK to be honest.
- Be able to discuss your mistakes and how you learned from them. The only employee that doesn't make mistakes is "the employee that does nothing".
- Don't ask any questions about compensation, benefits, salary increases, etc. There will be time for that "after" a job offer is given to you.
- It is true....Be sure to ask intelligent questions and be able to prove you researched the company you are interviewing with.
We have great and exciting openings for great and exciting people!
Let StaffNet-Work for You! www.staffnetconsulting.com. Please email us at employment@staffnetconsulting.com or email me directly at sjwilk@staffnetconsulting.com. Please call me at (908) 963-9000.
Steven J. Wilk is Executive Director of StaffNet Consulting and Placement Group, LLC and was President of TransNet Corporation for 28 years
Resume DO's and DONT'S
Your resume is the first or second impression you will make on a potential employer. Further, it is most likely screened by a recruiter.....so you have to make this count.
Below are some important points.
- DO NOT include your picture with your resume - In today's world, you do not know who is looking at these pictures. You may look young/old for your age. You may remind the screener of a bad situation. Perhaps you don't photograph well.
- Make sure to include a OBJECTIVE that directly includes how you will use your skills and personal characteristics to achieve your objective(s). ALWAYS include that your primary mission is to "assist the company achieve it's goals" and that you acknowledge the need for "continual process improvement". Companies are concerned about employees ability to change in today's environment. Be proactive and acknowledge that "changing" is part of your job description.
- List all previous positions with the most current on the top of the list. The reality is that most potential employers only care about your last 3 years of employment. For any other issues, they just are required to confirm employment dates. PLEASE NOTE THAT EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION IS ONLY REQUIRED TO CONFIRM DATES OF EMPLOYMENT, POSITION AND SALARY.
- Note your "detailed" accomplishments at each position. If you were in sales be sure to indicate your sales revenue results per month/quarter and how that exceeded quota. If you were in purchasing be sure to indicate how quickly product was delivered to the required location and how you monitored inventory.
- IT'S OK to have different versions of your resume. Many sales positions are looking for expertise in selling to different sectors...Medical, Finance, Food and Beverage etc. You may have sold to all three, so be able to offer all three versions.
- If you are applying for a position that would result in a "promotion" to management be sure to note how you acknowledge that all companies/departments must work as a team and you spent much of your time "mentoring" new employees or participated in their selection.
Be sure to follow up with a phone call after you mail/email your resume.
Let StaffNet-Work for You. Please email us at employment@staffnetconsulting.com or call us at (908) 963-9000. My direct email is sjwilk@staffnetconsulting.com.
What Interviewers DO and DON'T Want to Hear!
During your interview there are certain things that you may say or not say that "you think" are beneficial to your cause but may have the opposite effect.
- If the interviewer asks when you are available to start work (and you are presently employed)...DO NOT say "I am available immediately". The interviewer understands that you must/should give your present employer "at least" a 2 week notice. If you say "I am available immediately" the interviewer will assume a lack of loyalty and will assume you would do the same to them.
- If the interviewer ask for some personal weakness or faults...DO NOT say "I am a perfectionist" or "I Expect too much from myself". The interview has heard that before. It's OK to state your real weaknesses..We all have them.
- The interviewer wants to hear that work is very important to you but that you are also committed (if not more so) to family/friends/charities....etc.
- The interviewer doesn't want to hear how great you as much as what you are doing to get even better improve yourself.
- The interviewer wants to hear about something in your life you are passionate about....besides your work.
- The interviewer wants to hear that you understand that you are not just a team player but you want to take an active role in continual process improvement.
- The interviewer wants to hear that you know that you will only advance if the company and your co-workers succeed.
- The interviewer doesn't want to hear why you want to leave your present employer as much as they want to hear "Why do you want to join our company?"
- The interviewer doesn't want to hear that "I can learn a lot here!" but rather the interviewer wants to hear "I can contribute a lot here!".
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