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Job Search Advice

Resume

The best resume uses a bullet point format and concisely summarizes your work history. Your resume needs to be factual. Avoid including responsibilities and skills in which you lack experience.

 

General Tips

  • Keep it short
    A one-page resume is ideal; 2 pages are acceptable. Give more weight to recent jobs and less to those in the past.
  • Be Concise
    The more concisely you describe what you have done, the more likely your resume will be read.
  • Typeface & Layout
    Stick to a simple, clean typeface and do not combine different typeface styles. When laying out your resume, leave open spaces, which will make your resume easier to read.
  • Accuracy
    Proofread your resume at every step in the preparation process. Once your resume is complete, have an independent person review your resume for proper wording, proper dates, grammar, punctuation, typo’s etc. A mistake on your resume may prevent you from getting an interview.
  • Content
    Describe your formal education first if your work experience is less than 5 years. List any special awards/scholarships in this section.

If you have more than 10 years of experience, begin your resume with a summary of qualifications.

For each position, focus on your responsibilities and accomplishments. State specific examples that highlight your accomplishments. Often times these are written as phrases, beginning with the words “improved, saved, achieved or implemented.”

List computer skills separately under its own section.

Interview Preparation

Preparing for an interview takes time, especially if you are just starting the process. Advance preparation will make you less nervous and your overall presentation will come across much more self-confident.

General Tips

  • Do not wait until the night before an interview to prepare. Give yourself at least 3 days in advance.
  • Research the company and be prepared to answer questions specifically about the company. Check the company website for the latest press releases.
  • Review your resume in great detail. Many interviewers will use your resume as a guide for their questions. Be prepared to speak in detail about all the information listed on your resume.
  • Get directions from the company website (Waze may not be as direct). An advance test drive to the location is advised.
  • Prepare 3-5 questions to ask each interviewer.
  • Write out your answers to the interview questions; making several revisions and then practice your answers out loud. Have a family member/friend listen to your answers.

Employment BEWARE – Pitfalls of Social Networking Sites

If you have a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account, best to make sure your profile and all pictures are considered appropriate (including your wallpaper) since today potential employers are reviewing these websites as part of the interviewing process.

 

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Interviewing does not come natural to most people, so give yourself enough time to prepare.

Common Interview Questions

Note: these questions are a “general list” of common interview questions. A QUAD656 consultant will provide you with a “comprehensive list” of common interview questions to best prepare you for your interview.

Tell me about yourself?

Your response should focus on a combination of your personal background, professional experience, education, personal interests, and professional goals.

Tell me about your background?

Be prepared to walk an employer through your professional background. Do not go into too much detail but be sure to highlight skill sets developed in each position.

Why are you considering a change from your current employer?

Describe what you are looking for in a new position; be positive and always avoid discussing negative issues about any employer.

What are you looking for in a new position?

Describe how your career growth will be furthered by a new position with “their” company. Stay away from personal items such as salary increase or different hours.

What are your strengths?

Describe 3 to 5 strengths, supported by specific examples, and how they are applicable to the position you are interviewing for.

What is a weakness?

Give an example of a skill that is not yet developed (i.e. supervisory experience).

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Explain your career goals and how you intend on getting there. Describe the next logical step or steps in your career path.

What do you know about our company?

From doing your research you should know about the company’s products and/or services, history, size, reputation and values.

What salary are you looking for?

This answer requires a thoughtful response. A QUAD656 consultant can best assist you in properly answering this question.

Questions to Ask During the Interview

  • Your QUAD656 consultant will assist you in determining the appropriate questions to ask.
  • Astute and relevant questions are very important.
  • Employers place value on the types of questions you ask. The questions you ask will vary based on the opportunity you are interviewing for.

Thank You Notes

Thank you notes should be emailed to everyone you interviewed with within 48-72 hours of your interview. Your note should be brief and should reiterate your interest. It should also explain why you are a fit for the position/company.