Resume, Cover Letter and Interviewing Tips

Posted by dinesh
RESUME




Why should I use a resume along with my application?


A resume can help Human Resource Services staff and the hiring supervisor understand what skills, experience, and education you have that are relevant to a job. A well-done resume makes your application look more professional. You can use a resume to help demonstrate your communication skills.




What should I include in my resume?


Use your resume to help target your job search. Include relevant job history, education, volunteer experience, and memberships/associations. Use your resume to highlight important work experience and skills. Do not include information regarding marital status, parental status, religious affiliation, photos, age, or weight.




Resume Language




  • 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.

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25 things to avoid in an Interview

Posted by dinesh
1. Poor personal appearance


2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent


3. Over-emphasis on money


4. Criticism of past employer


5. Poor eye contact with interviewer


6. Late to interview


7. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time


8. Asks no questions about the job


9. Unwillingness to relocate


10. Indefinite answer to question


11. Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex


12. Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar


13. Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals


14. Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease


15. Failure to participate in activities


16. Expects too much too soon


17. Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record


18. Lack of tact


19. Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered


20. Lack of vitality


21. Lack of maturity


22. Sloppy application form


23. No interest in company or industry


24. Cynical


25. Intolerant, strong prejudices
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Interview During a Meal

Posted by dinesh
It is rare that a first interview will take place during a meal; second interviews sometimes involve lunch or dinner. In any case, if you are having a discussion in an office, which then continues over a meal, remember that you are being “interviewed” in both settings. What you say and do will be under review until you say goodbye.


A few guidelines will help to make the meal less stressful. If you have questions about table manners, brush up with an etiquette book. Order something that is easy to eat—stay away from items such as shish kebab, french onion soup, and spaghetti or linguine. Beware of finger food. You will want to be able to eat small bites of your food without dropping or spilling anything.


Follow the lead of your host(s) regarding which courses and generally which items to order. You may want to ask, “What do you recommend here?” so that you will have an idea of what they are likely to order. Order items within the same price range or lower, and never order the most expensive item on the menu. If others are ordering an appetizer and an entrée, you should do the same. If no one orders dessert, you should refrain.


It is almost always unwise to drink alcohol in an interview setting. If you are at a group dinner or a cocktail reception where wine is served and your hosts are having a glass, you can have a glass to be sociable, but don’t drink all of it. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment.


Be prepared to ask a few questions during the meal, or you may end up with a full plate of food when others are ready for coffee. A meal may be a good time to ask your interviewer(s) about his or her career path(s).
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The Purpose of an Interview

Posted by dinesh
Goal of Candidate:

Gather information on position and employer.Evaluate position, job-setting, co-workers.Determine if position is suitable – “Do I want to work here?”Communicate information about yourself – convince employer to hire you because you are qualified for the position.


Goal of Interviewer:

Promote organization.Attract the best candidate, gather information, and assess candidate’s qualifications.Determine if the candidate fits the position.

Research the Position

Make sure you understand the details, requirements, and responsibilities of the job you are applying for. This information can be typically found by reviewing interview bulletins, recruiting information, and company literature. Additionally, conducting your own informational interviews can often provide valuable information. Finally, be able to relate your skills and qualifications to the stated job responsibilities.

Research the Organization


  • 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

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