|
The Staffing Industry specializes in finding people employment. The first step in this process is knowing how to market your best skills to perspective employers. The following information is designed to provide job seekers with the right tools to market themselves.
Resume Tips
A resume is a brief outline of your experience, education, and skills designed to convince prospective employers to contact you for an interview. A resume must be clear and concise and be able to quickly demonstrate your capabilities. Your resume provides the employer's first impression of you. The more thoroughly you prepare to market you achievements, the chances of successfully getting an interview and the job increase.
Although there are many resume styles, the two most common formats are chronological and functional. Chronological resumes are organized by job titles, with the most recent position listed first. Employers tend to prefer this style because it is fact-based and quickly reviewed. This resume is most effective for job seekers with solid experience and a logical job history.
A functional resume is more effective for those job seekers changing or beginning careers, who lack formal on-the-job experience required for the positions they seek. Functional resumes highlight areas of skills and accomplishment rather than previous employment. When utilizing this format, never omit the chronological listing of your work experience. An employer must be able to visualize your overall work history and link your achievement statements to it.
Whichever format you chose, the following are some basic characteristics that make a resume successful:
• A resume should list all the information necessary to grab an employer's attention. Basic information such as name, address, & phone number should be at the top center of the page in bold. Be sure to include your internet address, if applicable.
• Limit your resume to one page. A resume is a brief outline of your experience & skills. You can elaborate during the interview. If you have many years experience, limit your experience to the last 10 years and a maximum of 2 pages.
• A resume should be visually attractive & professional in appearance. Use clean, simple fonts, such as Arial, Tahoma and CG Times, and print in black ink. Use simple, light colored bond paper (white or beige), which will scan or fax well.
• Proofread your resume for misspellings, grammatical and typographical errors. The quickest way to limit your job search is to have a mistake on your resume.
• If you can, customize your resume & objective to the position's requirements. If you intend to submit a resume with a generalized objective statement, be sure to customize your attached cover letter.
• Keep job descriptions brief. List the most important responsibilities first. Make sure to use active verbs, such as directed, coordinated, achieved, increased, organized. Keep verb tenses consistent throughout your resume.
• List references on a separate page to be handed out at the interview.
Cover Letters
A resume should never be sent to a prospective employer without a cover letter (even handwritten, if necessary). A cover letter offers you another opportunity to emphasize what you can contribute to a company. A cover letter is not another summary of your resume but a highlight of how your skills and abilities apply to the particular position.
Use the tips below when writing a cover letter:
• Make sure to proofread your cover letter to avoid any spelling or typing errors.
• If possible, address the letter to the person who can hire you. Be sure to spell the person's name and title correctly. Call the company anonymously to try and find out the information.
• Employers are looking for knowledge, focus, & enthusiasm. Write the cover letter in your own words (but watch for grammatical errors!)
• Do some research and show the employer that you know something about the company and industry. You'll be glad you did once you get the interview.
• Use terms that are meaningful to the employer (again, here's where your research come into play). If you are applying for an advertised position, incorporate the requirements into your skills.
Interview Tips
• Timing is everything. Arrive to the site of your interview at least 1/2 hour early. Arrive at the reception desk at least 5 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin. If you know that you are going to be late, call the office with an apology and estimated time of arrival. Know the exact location of the office you are interviewing.
• First impressions do count. Always dress professionally for interviews, even if the company's dress is casual. Have 10-12 unfolded copies of your resume and a list of professional references. Also have a pen and small notepad, just in case.
• Maintain poise during the interview. Start the interview with a firm handshake and a smile. Stay alert and maintain eye contact, looking away only briefly during your answers. Don't slouch or use slang. Show enthusiasm and smile throughout the interview. Most importantly, listen to the interviewer instead of thinking about what you are going to say next.
• Be prepared to intelligently and concisely answer interview questions. Practice answers to basic questions before the interview. Some sample interview questions are:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ten years?
• What did your like the most about your last position?
• Why do you want to leave your present position? Hint: Don't talk poorly about your current employer.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? Trick Question! You should describe your at least 3 strengths and 1 weakness. Provide a positive aspect of a possible weakness, such as "I am often impatient to get the work done".
• Be prepared to explain the negatives about your resume. These include any gaps in employment, such as staying home to care for children, etc. Supply an acceptable explanation. You don't have to hide that you were let go because of a layoff or downsizing.
• Be sure to ask questions about the position when the opportunity arises. Examples may include:
• What is the most important part of my duties?
• Where is the employee who had the job before me?
• What is the opportunity for growth within the company?
• Avoid smoking immediately before you go into an interview and in the car on the way there. Cigarette smoke lingers on your clothes, breath, and hands long after the cigarette is gone. Breath mints and cologne do not cover it up.
• At the end of the interview, ask the interview about the next step in the interview process. Close the interview by looking the interviewer in the eye, smile, shake hands firmly and ask for the job: "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. This has been very interesting. Based upon what I have learned about this company, I know I would enjoy working here and would be an excellent match for the position. I hope to hear from you soon."
• Be sure to ask for a business card so a thank you note can be sent. A thank you note should be brief , thanking the interviewer for their time and how interested you are in the position. Send the letter as soon as possible.
On the Job
Once you have a job, these important tips can go a long way to improve your career:
• Always arrive at work at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. Be seated and at your work station, prepared to work, at your designated time.
• Never bring your boss a problem without a solution. You're being paid to think, not to complain.
• Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
• Help other people to network for jobs. What goes around comes around.
• Don't us a sick day unless you are really sick.
• Never count on anyone to keep a secret.
• Treat everyone, from the janitor to the president with respect, and don't ever be patronizing.
• Never take credit for someone else's work.
• Always go to company parties and events... but don't drink too much!
• Keep track of everything you do and write it down; Your boss is sure to ask.
• Always have an updated resume ready.
• There is no such thing as job security.
|
