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Pay careful attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style
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Focus on nouns, not verbs
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Proofread carefully, using a dictionary and stylebook, as well as
having others review your resume
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Organize information in a logical fashion with strong concentration
on skills that reflect toward your major or career interest
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Include relevant work history, but also include other work experience
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Keep descriptions clear and concise
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Strive to keep information to one page
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Use a simple, easy-to-read font (10 to 14 points) and format
such as Arial or Times New Roman
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Avoid script and underlined passages
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Avoid graphics and shading
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Avoid horizontal and vertical lines
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Avoid staples and folds; if folding, do not fold on a line of text
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Use good quality white or near white bond paper
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Keep your resume updated, especially in areas of contact (address,
phone, and e-mail)
- Seek help at your placement office for assistance and additional information on effective resumes
Don't argue or allow yourself to be drawn into a discussion of controversial subjects.
Don't be shy about answering questions on your experience and accomplishments.
Don't chew gum!
Don't say, " I'll take anything." Do say, "I don't mind hard work. I
don't mind starting at the bottom if there is a possibility I can move up later after I
have proved myself."
Don't criticize your present or past employers.
Don't inquire about salary, vacation, or other fringe benefits until you are sure that the
person is interested in hiring you.
Don't be overbearing, over aggressive, or conceited with a "know it all"
attitude.
Don't say you want the job for a short time.
Do not smoke. Even if the interviewer smokes and offers you one, do not accept.
Don't arrive at an employment office five minutes before closing time and expect to be
interviewed without an appointment.
Don't be upset and act like it if you are asked to take employment tests. Most
employers do not ask you to take tests unless they are seriously interested in you.
Don't tell the interviewers about all the jobs you did not get. He/she might decide that
if all those employers did not want you, neither do they.
Be on time for the interview. Arrive at least 10 to 15
minutes early so that you will have time to catch your breathe and in case the interviewer
is ahead of schedule. Allow plenty of time to find parking and the office you are seeking
(be sure you have change for a parking meter) .
Learn the interviewer's name and use it. Using a person's name personalizes the
conversation and adds warmth. If you don't know the person's name, call the
switchboard operator in advance and ask.
Bring an extra copy of your resume. Even if you already mailed a copy of your
resume, bring one in case the interviewer does not have it in front of him/her.
Have with you any items you may need. This includes your social security card, pen
or pencil, small note pad for any notes you wish to take, etc.
Dress neatly and appropriately and be well groomed.
Shake hands firmly if a hand is offered.
Expect to spend some time building rapport. The personal chemistry that develops
during the informal conversation sometimes means more than your skills.
Watch your non-verbal communication. Pay particular attention to you posture and eye
contact. Avoid distracting movements, especially nervous repetitions such as
fiddling with objects.
Follow the Interviewer's lead. Don't try to take over the interview. Stick to the
subject at hand but don't spend too much time on one point. Do speak up and
out. The interviewer should not have to wring answers and comments from you.
Do not use too many one-word answers.
Answer questions directly and without hesitation. Be sure that you understand the
question. Ask for clarification if necessary.
Emphasize the positive. Be frank and positive but don't apologize for the lack of
experience or weaknesses. Be self confident but don't sound cocky.
Commonly Asked Interview Questions
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During the interview you will be asked specific questions. Questions may
cover your background and experience, your values and feelings, and your
objectives and long range goals.
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As a rule, the interviewer will ask open-ended questions to get you to reveal as much
about yourself as possible. Listen carefully to each question and answer it
carefully. Do not start answering the questions asked and
then get off on another trail. One way to avoid this is to think about questions in
advance and prepare your answers for them.
- Listed below are commonly asked interview questions. You can copy these questions into a text document and print them out. Then, in the space provided below each question, jot down a few ideas about how you could respond.
Job History
- What do you feel were your most significant accomplishments in your last job?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
- Can you get recommendations from your previous employers?
- What jobs have you enjoyed the most and why?
- What jobs have you enjoyed the least and why?
- What are some examples of important types of decisions or recommendations you have been called upon to make?
- Tell me about your last (or present) job.
- What have you done that indicates you are qualified for this job
- What were your major responsibilities in your last job?
- What did you feel that you did particularly well in your last job?
Job and People Attitude
- What are some of the problems you faced in your last job?
- How do you feel about the progress you made with your last company?
- How have you developed in your job?
- Give examples of how you have handled pressure in previous positions.
- How do you feel about overtime?
- What would your supervisor tell me about you?
- What would your supervisor tell me about co-workers or subordinates?
- What type of supervisor gets the best work out of you?
- What kind of people do you find it most difficult to work with?
- Do you prefer to work with others or to work alone? Why?
Job Objectives
- Why do you think you would like to work for our company?
- In what position are you most interested?
- Are you willing to: Move? Travel? Work overtime?
- What interests you most about the available position?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are your long-range goals or plans?
Self Image
- Tell me about yourself.
- What activities have you done that show initiative and willingness to work?
- Do you have any questions I can answer?
Sample Questions To Ask An Interviewer:
Is this a permanent job, or is it a training ground for something else?
What are you looking for in the person you hire for this position?
How does this area of the company fit into the organization?
Am I under serious consideration for this position?
Does the organization have a policy regarding promotion from within?How much on-the-job training is there?
What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?
Are employees given an opportunity for continuing education?
A Sample of a Follow-up "Thank You Note" to an interviewer:
1313 James Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37400
March 1, 2000
Marion Burkhart
Human Resources Manager
XYZ Company
700 Plantation Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37401
Dear Mr. Burkhart:
I appreciated the opportunity to talk with you on Friday, February 26. The information you shared with me about the XYZ Company was excellent, and I am excited about the possibility of applying my education and experience to the position we discussed.
If I can provide you with any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jane Smitherman