Getting HiredLoews Miami Beach Hotel

Agenda

Resumes• Formats• Writing Tips• Resources for Help

Interviews• How to prepare for the Job Interview• Interview Types• Making a Good Impression• Interview Questions• Common Job Interview Mistakes

Resume

A Resume is an individually designed document that focuses attention on those aspects of your background which are most relevant to your current employment objective. It should portray you in a positive professional manner and can open interview doors.• Your promotional brochure

• Example of your communication and organizational skills.

Resume Formats

The following are some accepted ways to present the information in your resume:

• Chronological• Functional• Combination

Chronological

This is the most common resume style. In the Chronological format, the emphasis is placed on employment experience. The applicant’s job history is presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent placed at the top of the list.

Advantage- It is clear and unambiguous. Presents job experience is related to the job you are applying for.

Disadvantage- may highlight your lack of experience, gaps in employment or changing careers .

The format- work objective, career highlight, work experience to date, education & specialized training.

Functional

Highlights skills, experience and accomplishments without identifying specific dates, names and places. This format is organized by functions or skills, advertising the specific qualifications that the candidate can apply to the position in question.

Advantage- there is no chronological listing of employment.

Disadvantage- employer may think you are withholding information (inexperience or a long gap in your employment history).

The format- work objective, qualifications summary, relevant skills, education & training.

Combination

This kind of Resume brings together the best of both types. It features a functional section that highlights skills, accomplishments and experiences. It also includes a chronological listing of employment, education and employment related experiences.

The format- work objective, qualification summary, relevant skills, employment history (short), education & training.

The Internet…

Companies now receive 80% or more of the resumes by e-mail. As a result, Electronic Resumes are fast becoming the standard for recruiters. • Electronic Resume- there are 3 basic file

formats: plain text, rich text and hypertext.• Resume Website- it can be made to look

exactly like a Resume should look.

Writing Tips

Make your words count• Avoid large paragraphs (over 7 lines)• Use action verbs (past tense vs. present tense)

Keep it concise (1-2 pages)• Don’t use declarative sentences• Avoid passive constructions

Make the most of your experience• Don’t be vague• Be honest

More Writing Tips… Don’t neglect appearance

• Check proper grammar• Make the resume easy on the eyes

• Do not use more than two styles of bullets

• Use a quality bond paper with a high cotton fiber content. The most accepted colors to use are white, off-white or a light gray.

Eliminate superfluous details• Don’t mention personal characteristics (pictures, SS#, driver

license, marital status, age, etc.)• Don’t list hobbies & interests unless they are related to the job

you’re applying for.

Action Words…

Abstracted

Achieved

Advocated

Balanced

Budgeted

Calculated

Coached

Completed

Delegated

Delivered

Developed

Enforced

Evaluated

Employed

Facilitated

Followed

Gained

Generated

Guided

Handled

Headed

Illustrated

Improved

Influenced

Identified Located

Lectured

Maintained

Managed

Mentored

Navigated

Negotiated

Observed

Obtained

Ordered

Participated

Produced

Promoted

Questioned Received

Referred

Revamped

Scheduled

Selected

Shaped

Tabulated

Tested

Trained

Updated

Utilized

Upgrated

Won

Worked

Wrote

Get Help!

Internet Sites • ProvenResumes.com

Books• Resumes for Dummies

by, Joyce Lain Kennedy

How to prepare for a Job Interview

Research the Company & the position• Office locations• Products & services• Customers• Competitors• Philosophy• History• Recent news

Get prepared… Prepare for the Actual Interview

• Dress professionally and comfortably:• For women

– A straight-forward business suit is best.

– Be moderate with make-up and perfume.

– Wear simple jewelry

– Hair & fingernails should be well-groomed.

Get prepared…

• For Men:– A clean, ironed shirt & conservative tie are a must.

– A simple jacket or business suit.

– Shoes should be polished.

– Face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed.

– Hair & fingernails should be well groomed.

– Use cologne or after-shave sparingly.

What to Bring…

A knowledge of the company-your research. Bring several copies of your resume with a list of

references (panel interview). Bring pen and notepad to write down any info.

You may need to remember. Do not bring

• Another person, tobacco products, food or drink (including gum or candy)

Interview Types

One-On-One Interview• Goal is to establish rapport with the interviewer

and show him/her that your qualifications will benefit the company.

Screening Interview• Goal is to screen out the unqualified candidates.

Providing facts about your skills is more important than establishing rapport.

Interview Types Cont.

Telephone Interview• Screen and eliminate poorly qualified candidates so

that only a few are left for personal interviews.• Anticipate the dialogue- focus on skills, experiences &

accomplishments.

• Keep your notes handy- resume, notes about the company.

• Avoid salary issues• Push for a face to face meeting- “I am very interested in exploring

the possibility of working with your company. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person so we can further discuss my opportunities.”

It’s all about you…

Tips on making a good impression• Before the interview

• Get a good night’s sleep• Be on time. Be sure your vehicle has gas in it!• Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable

• During the interview• Make eye contact• Listen & Reflect before answering a difficult question.• Ask questions• Don’t ask questions that may raise red flags.• Show you want the job.• Avoid negative body language.

It’s all about you…

• Avoid signs of nervousness and tension:• Touching your mouth

• Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question.

• Gnawing on your lip

• Folding or crossing your arms

• Slouching

• Avoiding eye contact

• Chewing gum

• Using cellular phones during the interview.

• Swinging your foot or leg.

After the interview...

End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his/her time.

Send a “Thank You” letter Follow up with a phone

call if you are not contacted within a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.

Common Job Interview Questions “Tell me about yourself” Why do you want to work here? Why did you leave your last job? What are your best skills? What is your major weakness? What are your future plans? Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

Questions you should ask in the interview What are the opportunities for advancement? How would you describe the organization’s

culture/environment? What makes your organization different from it’s

competitors? How will my performance be evaluated? Does the position offer exposure to other facets of

your organization?

Questions you shouldn’t ask during a Job Interview What does your company do? Can you guarantee me that I will still have a job a year

from now? How can you determine my qualifications in a short

interview? What does this company consider a good absenteeism

record? What do you mean by “relocate”? Do I really have to work weekends? How many holidays does the company celebrate?

Common Job Interview Mistakes Arrive late for the interview Slouch in your seat One doesn’t maintain good eye-contact with the interviewer. Brag about how good you are, but neglect to cite evidence of

your accomplishments. Badmouth your current or former employer. Appear desperate for a job--any job. Answer most questions with simple “yes” and “no” answers. Give memorized responses, forgetting part in the process. When asked “Do you have any questions?”, reply “No”.