Finding a job is not easy. It is not just a simple matter of saying, “Hey, I want to work here. Here's why and here's what I can do.” Finding a job is a process that has rules, both written and unwritten, which you must follow in order to be considered a viable candidate for whatever position you've applied for.
A resume that is geared toward the position for which you are applying, and not just a jumble of job history, is only one of many ways to impress a hiring manager before you ever meet him or her. An application that is filled out completely, neatly, and without error, is another. Below I have written some tips on creating a resume that will capture the attention of hiring personnel before you even set foot in the door. I have also included some information on filling out a paper or online application, as well as how to carry off a great professional interview.
RESUME
- Start by creating one all-encompassing “Master” resume to help you keep track of dates, jobs, companies, job functions and skill sets as well as your education information. This is the resume you will continually add to as your jobs change or as you further your education, but this resume should never be submitted to a prospective employer.
- Use your Master resume as a guide. Cut and paste from it to help you customize a resume that focuses on any skills and jobs you've held which most closely relate to the position for which you are applying.
- The last thing an employer wants to do is read through five pages of work you've done since you turned 16! A one page resume is usually sufficient, but don't try to cram relevant information onto one page. If you need to use two pages, you can, as long as the information is applicable.
- Use bullet points or a brief paragraph to describe job functions; you do not need to elaborate. You need just enough relevant information to make your resume stand out among the many an employer receives.
- If you have spent time working various jobs for a Temporary Employment Agency, always list the Temp Agency first, and then each individual job held through the agency on your Master resume. Remember, you may be asked to account for a lapse in your work history and if you spent that time working small jobs for an employment agency, it is still employment for which you were paid and should be listed as such.
- Review your resume and know it in detail
- Bring your Master resume with you to your interview and use it to help you answer any questions with regard to lapses in working dates. You will find it useful when answering a multitude of other previous job-related interview questions as well.
- Always submit a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter should also be customized to relate to the position for which you are applying.
APPLICATION
- When filling out an application (either on paper or online), complete it as thoroughly as you can. Read and re-read every section to be sure you are including the correct information.
- Many employers want to know the last five, seven or even ten years of employment history. If the application requests this information, give it completely. It works like this: If you've held fifteen different jobs in the last seven years and the application wants seven years of employment history, you need to include every single job (temporary or otherwise) you've held in that time period. On the flip side, if you've held just one job for the last ten years and the application wants ten years of employment history, you can be confident that the one job will cover what the hiring manager needs to know.
- It is OK to ask for more than one copy of a paper application. You can then read through the application and fill out a draft. Once your draft application is completed, you can review it for accuracy, consistency, and spelling (using your Master resume as a guide) and then transfer the information onto a clean copy of the application. This way, there are no mistakes, crossed out words, or uncertain dates.
- Take it home and take your time!
- If you have questions about your application, ask someone. The hiring personnel are asked questions all day long and will not think twice about helping you out.
- When you go into a business to request an application, also request a business card with the phone number or e-mail address of someone in charge of hiring. This way, if you have questions about the application or the application process, you can call.
INTERVIEW
- If, for any reason, you cannot make it to a scheduled interview, call your prospective employer immediately to discuss your options. (Another good reason to request a business card!) If you are proactive about informing them of any changes in your schedule, they will almost always work with you to reschedule an interview for a more convenient time.
- Give a firm handshake
- Look your interviewer in the eye.
- Speak clearly
- Listen to the questions that are asked, in their entirety, before answering. If you don't understand the question, or were unsure of the question in any way, it is OK to ask it to be repeated. You can also repeat part of the question back to the interviewer as part of your response, to indicate you've heard the question clearly.
- Be concise. Say what you want or need to say and don't elaborate unless you are asked.
- Don't tell the interviewer what you think they want to hear.
- Don't lie or be evasive about any aspect of your former job history or education; tell it like it is. If your interviewer takes issue with something in your past, you will not get the job - end of story. Lying or weaving a false truth will not change anything and will only come back to bite you later. If you cannot get the job on job history, skills, and truthfulness alone, then you don't need the job to begin with and it is better to continue looking.
- It is OK if you decide mid-way through your interview that the position for which you are interviewing is not for you. In fact, your prospective employer will most likely be grateful that you are not a time waster; that you understand the value of time within the confines of business. This will be a plus in everyone's book and even though you did not complete the interview, your prospective employer will remember you with fondly, and with respect.
- Never burn a bridge. You never know when you may need to cross it later.
If you present a relevant resume, clean application and a professional appearance your chances of moving on to the next round are quite good. Just remember, always be honest, and always be no one else but who you are.
