Resume Tips
Everyone knows it’s important to make a great first impression. Your resume and cover letter likely will be the first impression a potential employer has of you – so make it a good one!
Focus on what you bring to the employer. This is an opportunity for you to market yourself and stand out from the other candidates. Make sure your cover letter highlights the specific skills and experience you offer that can help a prospective employer achieve its goals.
Do the basics. Carefully proofread both your cover letter and resume for spelling, grammar and formatting. They should be neat and accurate, feature the most important information about your work experience, skills and education; and include any information specifically requested by the potential employer.
Share your passion. Let the prospective employer know what your aspirations are and how you can contribute to the employer’s team with a strong job target/objective statement. Sell yourself.
Target your cover letters and resumes. No doubt you can tell when you receive a form letter. So can a potential employer! Tweak your cover letter and resume so that they demonstrate your specific interest in the potential employer and the opportunity for which you are applying.
Interview Tips
Prepare to be your best. Preparing for your interview by researching the company and talking to others that you may know who work there will help you feel confident during the interview process – and it will show!
Build on your positive first impression. Your cover letter and resume got you in the door – know it’s time to work it! Be on time. Dress professionally. Smile, make eye contact, be positive and show enthusiasm.
Sell yourself. The product you are selling is you. Give the employer reasons to buy. Emphasize the specific skills and experience you offer that would benefit the company and the manager hiring for the position.
Ask questions. Remember, interviewing is a two-way process. It is also your chance to learn more about the company, position and hiring manager so that you can determine if this opportunity meets your needs.
Follow Up. Thank you letters are still a very important part of the interview process. You should follow up with a formal, hard-copy note to each of the individuals you interviewed with, reinforcing your continued interest in the position.
Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won't earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression.
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