The Resume,The Interview, And Presenting Yourself To The Prospective Employer!
Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2011
by elle kynzer
Well you have finally found a position that interests you, and there are parts of your work history that apply. Your education is nearly what they want, however you can take your work experience training to fill in the gaps of education which fulfills their requirements. What do you do now?
First, you do a Resume, but not so detailed it takes five pages. If you can't get the basics on ONE PAGE, forget it, it will end up in the trash. You must get the interviewers attention within 30 seconds of his/her picking up your Resume. Next, a cover letter to let them know why you want the job, and that you are able to learn whatever may be lacking in experience. Offer the work related references, or personal references upon request in the letter near the end, so they know you can back up what you say.
In preparing a Resume, you need a balanced page: your name centered and the contact information under that first, then your education to the left. Your volunteer, or extra curricular activities below that, only if they give you merit for the job. Things such as supervisory experience, or skills requested in the job description lacking in your paid position.
There usually is a need for some references, and some may need to be job related, and some personal....maybe 2 or 3 of each, only refer to them on the Resume do not give details, as you will refer to them in the cover letter to inspire confidence. To keep the Resume to one page, just add "References provided upon request" under your work experience. Not all companies need the personal references. Always allow them to contact former employers, and do not try to explain situations that may never come up, it will scare them away.
Once you are called for an interview, let the interviewer set the pace for the interview. Always be sure to ask 'what' you need to bring to the interview.
Human Resource people, who hire for a living, must get workers who will stay and do a good job, it reflects on their selection performance. Expect that they will check some of your information, and depending on the job... it is most likely to be technical abilities, licenses, degrees, etc., things that require expertise.
Internal employee problems are usually not going to come up, unless you were arrested, or it was with the boss who will be giving you a work reference. Some performance reports are paper, and great ones should be kept and taken along to the interview, in case you have an opportunity to show them, if they apply to the sought position. Take a small folder for papers, don't carry them loose.
Never, I repeat, never be arrogant, a know it all, or a wise guy, this is not the time for humor or long stories. Resist being too friendly, too talkative, or figidity. Relax, smile, and learn about body language; don't sit with your arms crossed, or lean too far back or forward, just know that the interviewer may test you by being overly friendly. Accomodate general questions, but do not get personal, unless it applies to the job.
Women, please do NOT dress provacatively, and be modest, this is not a playboy interview. Most interviewers write you off, when overdressed, too casual, or too seductive. Be professional, even if you are interviewing for a cook's job. Most companies frown on workplace lewdness as a manner of dress. This interview is not the place to flaunt your sexual preferences, or to flirt. You would be surprised how many people do bizarre things, and then wonder why they did not get the job.
If you cannot put together a nice Resume, then hire a professional to do it. There are lots of places that do inexpensive Resume's that look great. Never put your social security number, or birthdays on your resume. Be sure to give those during an interview to a person, who will not be using them incorrectly, if it is required. Where those questions are asked, it should say "optional." I don't even give my real birthday anywhere on the internet, it's a matter of protecting oneself from identity theft. Some questions are illegal to ask, although if hired you must give them for IRS tax purposes.
If you have been in the military, full time, or as a reservist, that should be listed underneath your education on the Resume, either before your work history or as part of your work history. Remember that your military schools are just as important as college, or other classes, especially if it compares to the position you are trying to get, so seperate from your service which is considered employment and list those schools under education. Let your background scream qualified on the Resume, and Application. Be neat, print if you have to fill out an application, because if they can't read it, they will toss it.
Use all avenues of information that apply to experience or on the job training, that will fulfill their requirements for the position. Veterans get a ten point preferance for hiring purposes. And never talk politics during an interview, that area must be neutral, or you could lose a job over your political beliefs and never know it. Companies are looking for workers who will perform their job, and not political activists who will stir up trouble on company time, be realistic.
Let's review the process. You filled out the application, and presented your one page Resume with a nice cover letter. The company has called you for an interview. You are clean, with nice hair, and professional dress. You arrive 1-5 minutes early, not fifteen or thirty. You go to the bathroom before you leave home, and you check yourself in the mirror for any lint, misapplied make-up (not too much and not too little either), and make sure you do not eat in your clothes on the way to the interview, because accidents happen.
I read an article recently about a survey that said most people trust women who wear makeup, but not lots of it, and do not go without any...the article said they don't trust women who do not wear makeup, odd but true. What do your shoes look like? Shoes can make an inexpensive outfit look great, so make sure they are clean, conservative, and appropriate. This may not be the place for exotic, open, five inch heels, because if you don't know the interviewer, it is posssible he is 5' 2", and is intimidated by tall women. Apply a balance to your attire.
Being professional is taking into consideration the job, the company, and the 'first impression' you want them to have, because "you won't get a second chance to make a first impression". One company has three blocks on their website to the upper right, that may help you, it's Pepsico. The link is provided here, as they talk about all of these issues, in regards to seeking a position with them. Check it out, it might help you with other companies. Think positive, if you feel good about yourself, then they will feel good about you too. Here's to a great paycheck from a successful job search!
http://www.pepsico.com/Careers/Applicant-Help/Our-Hiring-Process.html
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)This is as good a summary of resume writing and interviewing as I've seen lately. You address all necessary points and anyone seeking a position will do well to read this succinctly written article. I've hired my fair share of people that I ultimately had to manage at Travelers. I well know that a first impression, good handshake, smile, "rapt" attention, and questions together with a concise resume plus cover letter (preferably addressed to the interviewer's name) are imperative. A candidate is even lucky these days to be "granted" an interview. It's a tough market and has been for a long time. I think any candidate preparing for an interview should go to the company website and learn important facts about the company. This will enable him or her to interject interest, knowledge and more INTEREST in the company. Fine article. You're hired!Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks Heidi...and you are right, interviews are competitive.Please log in to respond to this comment.
This is great. My 1995 book is about these topics. Very thorough and full of great insight.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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