Resumes
A resume is a one or two page summary of your qualifications that relate to the position for which you are applying. It serves as an advertisement and creates a prospective employer’s first impression of you.
The resume should be concise, yet provide sufficient information to present effectively your qualifications and to interest the employer enough to invite you for an interview. A resume is a personal statement and should reflect your style, and will differ from any other person’s resume.
Cover Letters
The purpose of the cover letter, like the resume, is to introduce yourself to a potential employer. It is generally accepted practice to include a cover letter with a mailed resume. The cover letter should be one-page and should not be another version of the resume. It generally contains three sections:
1) An introductory paragraph, which includes how you found out about the position and that you want to apply.
2) A paragraph that contains some personal information about yourself. This generally includes your educational background and a few sentences about your experience.
3) In the final paragraph, ask for the interview and let them know how to get in touch with you.
Interviews
1. Be on time. This means a few minutes early.
2. Learn the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it. You should use Mr. or Ms.
3. Bring a spare copy of your resume, pen and paper in a briefcase or folder.
4. Expect to spend some time developing rapport.
5. Be aware of your non-verbal communication including eye contact and posture.
6. Nervousness is not a negative. Nervousness indicates that you are interested in the position. However, avoid nervous mannerisms, like tapping your fingers, playing with a pen, etc.
7. Do not exaggerate or lie.
8. Do not take over the interview. Answer each question and wait for the next question.
9. Be prepared for some personal questions, even some inappropriate ones. Some interviewers may not be aware of what they can ask, legally. Try to anticipate how you would handle personal questions.
10. Be sure you understand the question. Feel free to ask for clarification.
11. Do not apologize for lack of experience or weaknesses.
12. Be self-confident, but not over-confident.
13. Let the interviewer bring up salary.
14. Silence is not a problem. Feel free to take a few moments to think about an answer.
15. Emphasize what you can do for the organization. Jobs.Employers want to know what you can do for them.
16. Do not try to give the answer the interviewer wants.
17. Always focus on the positive. Do not talk negative about previous supervisors, co-workers, etc.
18. Have a few questions ready. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to research the company.
19. Don’t expect an offer on the spot. It may take a few weeks to process your application.
20. Be yourself. You don’t want to get hired on the basis of something you are not. You want to be hired for who you are.
- What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- How would you describe yourself?
- How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
- Why should I hire you?
- What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in business?
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- Why did you select your college or university?
- What led you to choose your field of major study?
- What college subjects did you like the least? Why?
- What college subjects did you like best?
- How has you college experience prepared you for a business career?
- Describe your most rewarding college experience.
- Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
- Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
- What have you learned form participating in extracurricular activities?
- What do you know about our company?
- In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
-What qualities do you look for in potential employees?
-What does it take to advance in your field?
-Has your company hired UA Fort Smith graduates before? How have they done?
-What do you consider to be your organization’s three most important assets?
-What do you see ahead for your company/organization in the next ten years?
-Is this a newly created position or is someone being replaced?
-How would I spend a typical day?
-When might a decision be made as to whom will be offered the job?
-Can I provide you with any further information?
- Select conservative, professional apparel. Do not allow your apparel to divert the interviewer’s attention from what you say and your qualifications.
- Make sure your hair is clean, neat, and professionally styled.
- Remove piercings other than single-ear jewelry for interviews.
- Cover visible tattoos.
- Wear clean and pressed clothing.
- Apparel should fit well and remain in place while sitting and/or walking.
- Choose professional apparel in accordance with industry standard or specific company policy.
-Wear a conservative (dark blue or gray) two-piece business suit.
-Skirts are traditionally knee-length but those slightly shorter or longer are also acceptable.
-Avoid transparent, tight-fitting clothing, low necklines, or revealing waistlines.
-Wear conservative hosiery.
-Do not wear strong perfume.
-Use natural-looking makeup and conservative nail polish.
-Carry a purse or briefcase with extra resumes.
-Wear conservative shoes that match the suit.
-Accessories should be worn in moderation.
- Wear a conservative matching suit in navy, black or gray or wear a navy blazer and gray dress slacks.
- Wear white or a light blue dress shirt that coordinates with the jacket and pant.
- Wear a conservative silk tie that coordinates with the jacket and pant.
- Socks should be dark blue, black or gray, and coordinate with the suit.
- Wear conservative, clean, and polished shoes that coordinate with your suit.
- Wear a belt that matches your shoes.
- Wear minimal jewelry.
- Wear minimal cologne.
- Bring a portfolio with extra resumes.
