Use a professional email on your resume. Unprofessional emails make a bad first impression.
List current contact information at the top of your resume. Make it easy for an employer to contact you!
Resume objectives are no longer necessary. They take up valuable real estate on your resume. Use the extra space to highlight some of your accomplishments.
Make your resume clear and concise; utilize bullet points. This makes your resume easy to read for employers.
With the exception of a few specialized industries, keep resume to no more than 2 pages. Recruiters are typically reviewing several resumes at once.
Only include relevant job history on your resume. If you have more than 10 years of experience, it is acceptable to only go back 10 years.
List relevant volunteer experience.
Be truthful. Do not falsify your resume. You will most likely be found out and could be terminated from your job if hired.
Provide only professional references on your resume. Use past supervisors, colleagues, professors, volunteer contacts.
Review your resume several times for grammatical errors. Have at least one additional person review your resume.
Don’t apply for a job unless you meet the qualifications. Carefully read the job description and apply only if you hit at least 85% of the requirements. This way you are not wasting your time, or the recruiter's.
Pre-Interview Tips
Change your voicemail to something professional and simple.
Answer your phone respectfully when receiving calls. It could be your future employer!
Ensure your social media pages are displayed appropriately, or better yet, tighten your security settings!
Follow directions on how to apply for the position. Recruiters appreciate when you use the correct process.
Understand where you are going for the interview to be fully prepared. Map your route in advance and account for traffic and parking.
Arrive 5-15 minutes early. No earlier or the interviewer will feel rushed. If you arrive too early, wait in your car or grab coffee nearby.
Receive ample rest the night before your interview.
Dress professionally. Err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously.
Do your homework on the company you are applying with. Review their website and the job description.
Turn off your cell phone.
Arrive alone to your interview. Do not bring along another person.
Be polite and cordial to everyone you meet when coming to the company for an interview.
Come prepared with questions. Asking questions shows you are interested in the company and have done your research.
Need some ideas?
How does the company provide growth opportunities?
What are the common attributes of your top performers?
How does the company measure success?
Be prepared for common interview questions.
Have an idea of specific examples you can give from a previous work history that exemplifies your strengths and what you have gained from that experience.
For virtual interviews, test your WIFI connection in advance and be aware of what will be visible in your background.
During Your Interview
Do’s
Find a quiet location if your interview is over the phone or virtual.
Maintain eye contact.
Shake the interviewer's hand.
Be yourself.
Show enthusiasm for the position.
Have a positive attitude.
Be honest when answering questions.
Sell yourself.
Listen.
Take a moment to think the questions through before answering.
Give specific examples to questions.
Show appreciation for the interviewer's time.
Answer the questions with confidence and humility.
Keep a phone interview conversational.
Be mindful of your body language.
Practice interviewing before coming in for the real thing.
Don'ts
Don’t talk too quickly.
Don’t chew gum.
Don’t use slang.
Don’t talk about your personal life.
Don’t badmouth previous employers.
Don’t digress from your answers.
Don’t be arrogant.
Don’t act nervous.
Post Interview
Send a thank you note via email or card.
Understand next steps in the hiring process.
Follow up appropriately if necessary. If the interviewer tells you they will notify you, let them.
