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• Use action verbs such as “developed,” “managed,” “coordinated,” and “maintained.”



• Don’t use “I” to start every sentence.



• Do use your own words to explain your experience



• Proofread carefully!

Resume Information

• Keep your name, phone number and address current.



• Include dates of employment in a month/year format (example: 05/02 – 08/02).



• Include references. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

Resume Appearance

• Use 1” margins on all sides.



• Use a standard font that is easy to read.



• Use bold font and italics to highlight information.



• Make sure to leave some white space in between sections.



• Don’t label your resume. The title “Resume” is unnecessary.



• Your resume can be longer than 1 page. A good rule of thumb is 1 page for each 10 years of work history

COVER LETTER

Why should I include a cover letter along with my application?

A cover letter can be a helpful tool to highlight your skills. Use a cover letter to show how your skills are appropriate for the job. A cover letter can also be used as a marketing tool – think of it as your personal sales brochure! You should use a cover letter anytime you use a resume.

Can I use one starndard cove letter on each of my applications?

You will need to submit a separate cover letter with each set of application materials. Since the cover letter is a way to help interest employers in your skills and how they are suited to the particular job, it is a good idea to customize your cover letter for each position that you are applying for

What information do I include in my cover letter?

• Identify the job for which you are applying.


• Include the title and vacancy number.


• Mention where you found out about the job (newspaper ad, web page, etc.).


• If you were referred by someone, mention that person. Briefly highlight your skills and experience. Don’t include all of the information found on your resume.


• Tell the hiring supervisor what he/she will gain by hiring you.


• Close the letter by stating what you would like to happen next.


• Mention where you can be reached by phone or email.

What format do I use?

Your cover letter should be in standard business letter format.

Should I include a cover letter if I submit my materials through email?

Yes.

• How long has it existed?


• What is its mission?


• What does it produce?


• Who does it serve?


• Size?


• Location?

Visit the organization's website to help you research companies and organizations. In addition, expand your search by conducting informational interviews.

Prepare and Practice

Develop specific examples that highlight your skills. Make sure that you can answer each question honestly and sincerely without sounding like you prepared them. But remember, this is not an exhaustive list of possible interview questions, but rather some general samples to help you begin thinking about what may be asked during an interview.

Anticipate Difficult Questions

• Can you explain your low grade point average?


• Why did you change you major three times?

Do not try to avoid these questions, explain the situation honestly and in a positive manner. Try to turn a weakness into a strength, i.e., “Yes, my GPA is low, but this is because I worked thirty hours a week to put myself through school.”

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer

• What are the educational opportunities?


• What training will I receive?

The end of the interview is usually reserved for your questions. Do not just ask generic questions, and do not ask questions that could easily be found in company literature. Ask questions that will help you determine if you are a good match for the position and organization, such as the questions above

1. For both men n women

• All clothes should be neatly pressed.


• Conservative two-piece business suite (solid dark blue or gray is best)


• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)


• Clean, polished, conservative shoes


• Clean and well-groomed hairstyle


• Clean, trimmed fingernails


• Minimal cologne or perfume


• Empty pockets – no noisy coins


• No gum, candy or cigarettes

2. For men

• Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern


• Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best);


• clean and polished Dark socks (black is best)


• Short hair always fairs best in interviews


• No beards – mustaches are acceptable (keep neat and trimmed)


• No earrings


• No heavy cologne

3. For women

1. Always wear a suit with a jacket; or a sheath dress with a jacket


2. Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes


3. Do not wear open-toe shoes or mules (they are more casual)


4. Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)


5. If you wear nail polish (not required),


6. use clear or a conservative color One set of earrings only Conservative makeup


7. No heavy perfume


8. No heavy cologne

• What are my skills and abilities?


• What are my strengths?


• How do my skills and experiences relate to the position and employers’ needs?


• What contributions will I bring to the employer?


• Am I willing to relocate?


• How do my values compare to the philosophy of the organization?


• What points do I want to be sure to get across during the interview?


• How does this position fit into my career goals?


• If interviewing in a country other than your home country, do you understand the cultural expectations?

Prepare Yourself

• Obtain a copy of the job description.


• Use the employer information and the employer’s websites to gather information (annual reports, employee handbooks, policy statements, employee newsletters) on the organization.


• Locate the employer’s home page on the Internet.


• Conduct informational interviews with persons in similar positions to learn about the career field and how your skills may apply.


• Develop a list of appropriate questions that reflect your research.


• Be sure to know the culture of the country where you are interviewing.


• U.S. employers are expecting you to articulate your future career goals and past accomplishments.


• They are assessing you according to American values such as self-confidence, initiative, directness, and individualism.

Practice Review

• attached list of questions most asked during an interview as well as list of questions to prospective employers.


• Practice answering interview questions (out loud).


• Schedule a mock interview, through the Office of Career Services, to gain experience and feedback.


• Be aware of your body language…what is your body language under pressure? Remember to smile and be yourself!

Checklist

• Confirm date, time and place of interview.


• Pack several copies of your resume; a list of references, including names, titles, addresses and telephone numbers; writing samples if appropriate; and letters of recommendation.


• Dress appropriately (conservative business attire).


• Be punctual. Plan to arrive early.

Research the Occupation:

• Know the area in which you are interested:


• Read articles written by people who are in the field.


• Inform yourself about future trends.


• Check if your interests and abilities compare to the requirements of the position.


• Find out the average income earned by people in the occupation.


• Some methods of finding this information include:

1. Conduct information interviews.


2. Reading the information in the Connection Centre (Student Life & Career Services), either through Internet or hard copy publications.


3. Talking to friends, relatives or others.

Researching the Organization:

• Before the job interview, you should research the organization. It is easier to convince an employer that you would be of benefit to the organization if you are knowledgeable about it. In addition, information obtained through research can help you decide whether you want to work for a specific organization.


• General areas to research:


• How old is the organization, and what is its history of development?


• Where are the plants, offices, or stores located? What are its products or services?


• If the organization sells, what are its markets? Retailers? Wholesalers?


• What are its new products? Is it a public or non-profit organization? What purpose does it serve? How is it funded? Whom does it serve?


• What functions does it perform?


• How does this organization rank in the industry?


• What is the financial status of the company? Last year’s sales? Growth record? Are there any plans for expansion?


• What is the organizational structure?


• How does the organization fit into the community?


• To what degree is it committed to solving community problems?


• What problems does the organization need to overcome? (By identifying the problems that the organization faces, you can match your abilities to these ends during the interview.)


• One of the best ways to find company information is on the Internet. You should be able to find plenty of information to get you started by exploring the Web with a good browser and search engine.


• Just entering the company name in the search engine will usually result in success. Here are five things that most employers want to know about you.

1. They want to know if you are qualified for the position. What are your greatest strengths? Do you have experience in this field? What do you believe you bring to this job? Why should I hire you?

2. They want to know what motivates you. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? Where do you see yourself five years from now? What is more important to you, the money or the job? What did you like most about your last job?

3. They want to know about the negatives. Why did you leave your previous job? What did you like least about your last supervisor? What is your greatest weakness? What did you like least about your last job? Why have you been unemployed so long?

4. They want to know if you are a good fit. What kind of people do you find it hard to work with? Tell me about a time when you worked as a member of a team. In what kind of environment are you most comfortable? Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

5. They want to know if you want their job with their company. What are you looking for in a position? Who else are you interviewing with? Why are you interested in this position? What do you know about the company?

• Address it to the recruiter, by name and title


• Mention the names of the people you met at the interview.


• Send a letter to appropriate individuals you interviewed with (always send to the main interviewer).


• Keep the letter short, less than one page.


• Mail the letter within 24 hours of the interview.


• Thank the interviewer for his/her time. Send a thank you letter for every interview you go on.


• Demonstrate employer knowledge in 2-3 sentences.


• Restate employment objective. Answer the question – “What can you do for them?” based on something specifically discussed during your contact. Use accomplishment/ results statements that demonstrate your ability to meet those needs. Sample Thank you Letter