Step 1
 

The  Objective

There is much debate regarding the inclusion/exclusion of a job objective-use your judgment. It is usually placed right under the heading. This should be a targeted, but brief description of the specific kind of job you are seeking: legal administrator, bookkeeper, medical transcriber, diesel mechanic, etc.

Review the ad you are responding to or investigate the company you are applying to and tailor your objective to their needs or business focus. Avoid vagueness here, if you can't be specific leave it off the resume. It should be specific to the point of repeating what the advertisement/announcement stated. Since you may need a different resume for each opening you locate, you may also need to change the job objective. If you leave it off you can always discuss your objective in the cover letter.
 
Do not assume that any job objective is better than no job objective. If your objective is vague or unfocused, you will appear unable to decide what you want to do with the next part of your life. Target it to the specific kind of job you are seeking, e.g., secretary, bookkeeper, sales representative, medical transcriber, backhoe operator, etc. To often resume reviewers take your objective very literally and will eliminate you from consideration if it does not closely match their needs.

Example:

Position teaching science and/or math at the secondary school level.

Position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.

The profile is an alternative to an objective statement. It gives you the opportunity to present your strengths at the very beginning of the résumé.

Example: Profile Marketing...Finance...Management

Eager to contribute to the growth of a progressive company with quality products or services. Qualified by business education, customer service and administrative experience. Professional appearance and advanced interpersonal communication. Highly motivated, strong work ethic; available as needed for training, travel, overtime, etc. Financed 80% of college tuition and expenses; additional 20% through scholarships.

In writing the major areas of your résumé, it is important to emphasize your abilities and accomplishments more than past duties. You may also want to indicate how well you performed. This will help infuse personal qualities such as character and personality into your résumé.

Step 2
 
Education
This category is particularly important if you have not had a great deal of work experience.

Remember, your most recent educational experience should be listed first.

Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution(s) attended, date of graduation, minors or concentrations, and any special workshops, seminars, related coursework or senior projects. A G.P.A. of higher than a 3.5 (either overall G.P.A. or G.P.A. in major) should also be noted here.

Step 3

Work Experience
 If you are a student, recent college graduate or have limited paid work experience, but have been involved in volunteer, internship, practicum or student teaching work experiences, be sure to point this out to the employer. This is what your skills are and what you can do on the job. Be sure to include all significant work experience in reverse chronological order.

Note to teacher candidates: Be sure to include your student teaching experience on your résumé. 
You should include:

• The title of your position
• The name of the organization
• The location of work (town, state)
• The dates of jobs held

You should describe your work responsibilities with an emphasis on achievements using action words to communicate your skills. List the most important and related responsibilities first. Identify the most relevant work experiences and describe them fully. Be brief with the relevant experiences or omit them. It is sometimes useful to divide your work experience into two categories: Relevant Experience and Other Experience. Remember sometimes less is more, the objective of the resume is to get the interview, you should describe in part your experience leaving the reader wanting to know more. Additionally the longer your resume the less likely it will be read in it’s entirety.

You may want to add that work was performed to earn a certain percent of college expenses.
Example: Earned 75% of college expenses through the following part-time jobs.

Step 4

Additional Information
This category is useful for displaying information that doesn't fit in any other category. Although Interests, Computer Knowledge, and Activities can be separate categories, especially if they are very strong, they can be listed here as well. Languages spoken or any extra, relevant bit of information can be placed here as well. 

Interests
This is sometimes used to evaluate your suitability to a geographic area or to understand your "personality type". Include this section if you have available space. Include social or civic activities, health and fitness or sports activities, or hobbies which indicate how you spend your leisure time. Computer Knowledge: If using computers is a necessary skill for the job you are seeking, be sure to highlight your knowledge in this section.

Example:
Databases: Oracle 8.x, SQL Server, Sybase
Client/Server: Power Builder 3.x/4.x/5.x/6.x/7.x, Visual Basic Oracle Skills: SQL, PL/SQL, Replication, Database Administration, Oracle Web toolkit
Web skills: HTML, XML, Sybase EA Server, Power Dynamo, Power Site, Jaguar Component Transaction Server, Oracle Application Server
Data modeling: Erwin Object modeling: Rational Rose, BPWin
Hardware: Sun Workstations, Windows / Unix Servers / Linux,
Operating Systems: Windows NT, UNIX, Linux
Programming Languages: Java, C, C++, Perl 

Activities, Honors, and Leadership are also important categories to include. If the activities involved work responsibility, note it in some detail. The employer is interested in the skills you have developed whether through volunteer or paid experiences. If you were elected to offices or committees, mention it. Recognition and demonstration of leadership roles are valuable.

Step 5

References
Be sure to ask individuals if they would be willing to be a reference for you prior to mentioning their names to prospective employers. Names of individuals are not usually listed on the resume but you should prepare a typed list of three references to provide at the interview. This list should include name, title, employer, address, business and home telephone number, and business relationship. References are people who can attest to your skills, work ethic, intelligence, and contribution. These are not personal references from friends, family, clergy or school chums. You may also state at the bottom of your résumé "References furnished upon request."

Step 6

Power Words
Employers today want to know concrete things about you, and what you can produce. Most résumés today are filled with empty generalizations, failing to be distinguished in any way from the crowd of respondents. By beginning sentences with Action or Power Words, you are showing employers you are capable of tactical strategic thinking and have proven results. Here are some Power Words to get you started:

accelerated	accomplished	achieved	adapted
administered	analyzed	approved	conceived
conducted	completed	controlled	coordinated
created	delegated	demonstrated	designed
developed	directed	earned	effected
eliminated	established	evaluated	expanded
expedited	facilitated	found	generated
implemented	improved	increased	influenced
initiated	inspected	instructed	interpreted
launched	led	lectured	maintained
managed	mastered	motivated	operated
ordered	originated	organized	participated
performed	pinpointed	planned	prepared
produced	programmed	proposed	proved
provided	proficient in	purchased	recommended
reduced	reinforced	reorganized	revamped
reviewed	revised	scheduled	simplified
set up	solved	streamlined	structured
supervised	supported	surpassed	taught
trained	translated	used	utilized
won	wrote

 
Step 7

The Cover Letter
Never send a résumé without a cover letter. The purpose of a cover letter is to express your interest in an organization and to request an interview. The opening paragraph must get the reader's attention and interest in your employment potential. This paragraph should also refer to the specific position sought and areas in your background that make you an attractive candidate for it.

The development section (usually one or two paragraphs) highlights specific aspects of your education, training, and experience that relate to the position or organization to which you are applying. It also refers the reader to your experience listed in the résumé which could have more details.

The concluding paragraph should request action by the reader. You should request an opportunity to meet with the person to discuss your qualifications and employment potential in greater detail. Include information on how you can be contacted by providing both day and evening phone numbers.

When creating a cover letter it should be specific to the company or job you are applying for, this will take a little more time but if it makes the difference in getting the interview it is well worth it. Also try to make the cover letter page one of your resume. By sending one document you have a much better chance of it being read, given two documents to review many will skip over the cover letter and review only the resume.  

Important: If you are expecting a prospective employer to contact you at home and you have an answering machine, this may be a good time to review your outgoing message. This is the employer’s first contact with you. Be sure your outgoing message is respectable.

 
"Serving Science & Industry Through People"

Interview Prep Points 
 

  

You should know the Job requirements in depth and be able to address this with the hiring manager.

Company history, sales, products, noteworthy facts, number of people, department size - how you might fit in, expected duties, advancement possibilities, background of the person your interviewing with, etc.  Negatives of company (if applicable) history of industry, competitors, etc.) Review their web site in detail. Pull them up on search engines that may have articles about the company. Do this for the management team as well and review their Bio’s, or papers they have written.  

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Late is not excusable, if you are early they won’t know what to do with you except make you wait. This may make them uncomfortable. 

It is difficult to tell you how to dress but you need to be careful you don't leave anything to chance. I have found the easiest way to insure you dress appropriately is to remember that a hiring manager believes that your appearance in the interview is the BEST you will ever look. After the hire people are more relaxed about their appearance. 

Bring two to three resumes. In the event you would speak to other people. 

You should be enthusiastic, "hyped up" and excited about the company.  (This is directly related to how well you do your homework). 

You should be able to tell the hiring manager why you fit, what you have done that specifically relates to the job duties.  What you  are looking for - be specific. 

You know exactly where company is, how to get there, explicit directions and the contact phone number’s in case you get hung up. 

Prepare probing in depth questions about the company product, expected duties, company's future, etc. Remember you are INTERVIEWING them also. 

Do not talk money - leave $ open. "Make me a fair offer and I'll seriously consider it." "Sink the hook first before making salary demands."   “I haven’t given a lot of thought to the package you might offer, however I am confident that, should you want to make me an offer we will find common ground. My previous earnings were …” 

Be positive and sell  yourself.  If you are interested show it. If you think you can do the job, tell them. 

Don't be shy or bashful; if you like what you see, let them know.  If there are negatives, investigate them later. Sell yourself. 

Always attempt to close the deal.

• “I like what I have heard here today, what is the next step?” 
• “Is there anything else I can share with you to ensure my consideration for this position?”
• “I am sure you are talking with others about this opportunity, I certainly hope you will consider me for this position” 

You will increase your offer ratio by thoroughly preparing yourself for the interview.  Don’t forget to follow up with the manager. Desire and interest will often tilt the balance when making a decision. 

If you really don’t want the job, do not burn the bridge. You never know where your paths will cross or if there might be another position they would consider you for.   

• Think you're ready for the interview? 
• Do you know when to say "I accept?"
• Attitude is Everything!

 
Top Tips

POWER! Words
These words will help your resume stand out from the others.

Networking
Stand up while making your call. It empowers your presentation, creates confidence.

Resume
You should have more than one.  Tailored to the job, the company your objectives, and value.

Interview
Have several questions memorized. About Company and personal growth options, direction, hurdles, strengths, this is not the time to ask about benefits.

Negotiating
What the job is really worth. Does your value exceed the cost.

Thank You Letter
Shows off your follow-up skills. E-mail or snail mail a thank you note for the managers time.

Don’t forget the close!
Ask for the Job.

 
"Serving Science & Industry Through People"

20 Question Applicants Should Be Prepared to Answer in an Interview
 
 

 

1. "Tell me about yourself."
   Talk for 2 minutes or so, Be logical, Start anywhere, high school, college, first job. Interviewer is looking for communication skills and linear thinking. Try to include a major personal attribute..
    
2. "Why are you leaving your current position?"
   This is a very critical question. Do Not "bad mouth" your current employer. Don't sound "too opportunistic." Best is shut-down, buy-out, or after long  personal consideration your chance to make a contribution is low due to company changes or lack of changes.
    
3. "What do you consider your most significant accomplishment?"
   This could get you the job. Be prepared to spend about two minutes outlining this with details, discuss your personal involvement, effort, long hours, pressures, hurtles you overcame, company benefit
    
4. " Why do you believe you are qualified for the position?"
   Pick two or three factors about the job, and that are about you that are the most relevant. Discuss for two minutes, select technical skills, a specific management skill, strength you possess that will assist in solving  the companies problems.
    
5. "Have you ever accomplished something you didn't think you could?"
   Interviewer is trying to determine your work ethic, personal commitment, and integrity. Provide good example of where you overcame numerous difficulties to succeed. Prove your not a quitter, you will keep going when others may not."
    
6. "What do you like / dislike about your current position?"
   Interviewer is comparing your compatibility with the open position. If you are interested in the position be careful, stating you don't like overtime, details, paperwork, or you really like to manage and it's not a management position could cost you the job.  There is nothing wrong with liking challenges, pressure situations, opportunity to grow, or to dislike bureaucracy and frustrating situations.
    
7. "How do you handle pressure? Do you like or dislike these situations ?"
   High achievers tend to perform well in pressure situations. Conversely, the question could imply that the position is pressure packed and out of control. There is  nothing wrong with this as long as you know  what your getting into. If you perform well under stress, provide a good example with details, let the interviewer feel the stress by your description."
    
8. "The sign of a good employee is the ability to take initiative. Can you describe any situations like this about yourself?"
   A results-oriented,  pro-active person doesn't have to be told what to do. This is one of the major success attributes. To convince the interviewer you possess this trait you must give a series of short examples describing your self motivation. Try to discuss at least one example in depth. The extra effort, strong work  ethic and creative side of you must be demonstrated."
    
9. "What was the worst or most embarrassing aspect of your business career?, How would you do things differently now with 20/20 hind sight?."
   This is a general question to learn how introspective you are. Also to see if you can learn from your mistakes. If you can it indicates and open, more flexible  personality. Don't be afraid to talk about your failures, particularly if you have learned from them. This is a critical aspect of high potential individuals.
    
10. "How have you grown or changed over the past few years?"
    This requires thought. Maturation, increased technical skills, or increased self confidence are important aspects human development. To discuss this effectively is indicative of a well balanced intelligent individual. Overcoming personal obstacles recognizing manageable weaknesses can brand you as an approachable and desirable employee.
     
11. “What do you consider your most significant strengths?”
    Know 4 or 5 of your strengths, and specific examples. Select those attributes that are most compatible with the position. Most people say management or working with people. These are meaningless unless you can give specifics like planning, organizing, results, staffing, or how your interpersonal skills have contributed to your success. 
     
12. "What do you consider your most significant weakness?"
    Don't look for deep character flaws, rather discuss tolerable faults, that you are aware of and trying to improve. Show how a weakness can be turned into a  strength, for example being a perfectionist often slows the process but does increase the quality of work. 
     
13. "Deadlines, frustrations, difficult people, and silly rules can make a job more difficult. How do you handle these situations?"
    Most companies, unfortunately face these type of problems. If you can't deal with the petty frustrations you will be seen as a problem. You can certainly state your displeasure with such things, but how you over come them is more important. Diplomacy, perseverance, and common sense often prevail even in the most difficult situations. Unfortunately this is part of corporate America and you must be able to  deal  with it on a regular basis.
     
14. "One of our biggest problems is _______. What has been your experience with this? How would you deal with it?"
    Think on your feet, ask questions to get more details. Break it into sub-parts. Highly likely you have some experience with portions of the problem. If you can't be specific with a solution respond with a method or thought process that would indicate your ability as a problem solver and an analytical thinker
     
15. "How do you compare your technical skills to your management skills?"
    Many people tend to minimize their technical skills, either because they don't have any or  they don't like getting into detail. Most successful managers possess good technical skills and get into enough detail to understand the information being presented by their group. Try for a good balance here if you want to be seriously considered for the job.
     
16. "How has your technical ability been important in accomplishing results?"
    Clearly the interviewer believes he needs a strong level of technical competence. Most strong managers have good technical backgrounds, even if they have gotten away from the detail. Describe specific details  of your technical acumen, but, don't be afraid to say your not current. You could also give an example of how you resolved a technical issue by "accelerated research".
     
17. "How would you handle a situation with tight deadlines. low morale, inadequate resources?"
    If you pull this off effectively, it would indicate your strong management skills. Creativity plays a big part here, give an example of  one of your toughest management tasks even if it doesn't meet all the criteria. Good managers should be able to address each issue even if they are not concurrent. Handling this question  is indicative of your skills. 
     
18. "Are you satisfied with your career to date?  What would you change ?"
    Be honest. The interviewer wants to know if he can keep you happy. It is important to know if you will make some sacrifice to get your career on the right track. Your degree of motivation is an important selection criteria. 
     
19. "What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
    Most importantly be realistic! Blue sky brands you as immature. One or two management jumps in 3 - 5  years is a reasonable goal. If your track record indicates accelerated growth use it as a reference but not  a  mandate.  However if you've had a rocky road, better to be introspective.. 
     

 

20. "Why should we hire you for this position? What kind of contribution would you make?
    This is a good chance to summarize. By now you know their problems. Re-state and show how you would address them. Qualify the response with the need for more information, don't be cocky, but, demonstrate a thoughtful, organized approach and strong effort kind of attitude.

There are many more questions that may come up in the interview process. Most interviewers are trying to measure your abilities against other candidates, but also trying to determine such traits as  RELIABILITY,  PERSONALITY,  ATTITUDE,  TENACITY. The potential employer has a very short time to assess who you are. This is not the time to be modest. If you believe you can do the job tell the employer and why YOU are qualified.  This is where self confidence and your desire to succeed can make the difference.

  
"Serving Science & Industry Through People"