TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS
Your resume is your first contact with a prospective employer. Make the most of this opportunity to make a positive first impression. Your Institech recruiter is always available to offer any suggestions regarding your resume. Prompting the hiring manager to schedule an interview with you is what the resume should accomplish. Follow these key rules to ensure that your resume takes you to that next level:
1.
Presentation
Visual appearance is critical. Be sure
your resume stands out with a sharp-looking,
distinctive typeface on conservative paper.
Use a quality printer. Attempt to keep the
resume to one page in length.
2. Format
Decide on format after you have written
your text. Keep paragraphs short or use
bullets, don't overdo bold / italic types,
and avoid clutter.
3.
Spelling
Make sure there are no spelling, grammar
or syntax errors.
4.
Content
Avoid generalizations. Be specific.
Highlight your strengths and write strong,
results-driven summaries.
5. Dates
Be sure your dates are accurate and list
the months as well as the years.
6.
Tailoring
Write your resume to fit the job you
want. Point out that you meet five of the
six requirements for the position. Have two
or more core resumes that each focus on a
key skill.
7. Focus
Use clear language and be direct when
stating what your experience and goals are.
Avoid unnecessary details. For example, omit
the objective and instead write an
attention-grabbing career profile.
8.
Selling
Make your resume more than a list of
jobs. Use it as a tool to sell yourself to
the prospective employer. Take credit for
your accomplishments. Describe them in a way
that sells your achievements versus listing
your responsibilities.
It is normal to feel anxious about interviewing. Keep in mind that your Institech recruiter has been through the interviewing process and knows the client companies well. We can answer your questions regarding dress code, required testing, and the timetable for decisions. Follow this approach for a stress-free interview:
1.
Expectations
Keep a realistic grasp of the process
and participate fully in each stage of that
process. Don't expect an offer after the
first interview.
2. Goals
Be specific and emphasize your past
accomplishments. Hopefully you thought these
through while writing your resume. This is
your opportunity to elaborate.
3.
Research
Learn about the company (website), know
their trends and products. Talk to your
Institech recruiter for insight.
4.
Questions
Have a list of question prepared that
demonstrate your interest in the position
you are interviewing for as well as in the
company.
5. Worth
Have a clear idea of the salary level
for the position as compared to the value of
your skills. Institech can assist you with
negotiations.
6. Resume
Know what is on your resume and be ready
to discuss it. Have an extra copy with you.
7.
Applications
It is not unusual for a company to ask
that you fill out their application before
the interview. Be sure that the dates you
list on the application match those on your
resume.
8.
Communicate
Be ready to answer questions. Practice
answering difficult questions beforehand,
especially if you have quit or been fired
from a previous position. In addition, be
sure to ask your questions in a concise
manner. Remember you also communicate with
your appearance, by listening, and with body
language. Be positive and avoid negativity.
9. The
Basics
Get a good nights sleep, have a snack
beforehand, select comfortable clothes that
make you feel confident, and arrive early.
Practice smiling and showing enthusiasm
about yourself and the position for which
you are interviewing.
10.
Follow-up
Send a thank you note or email.
It is important to perform a focused job search. A well-thought-out plan of action carries through to your resume and interview. When you find the right position, you want to be able to communicate to the employer why you are the right fit. Here are some things to consider as you begin your search.
1.
Professionalism
Be prepared for calls from prospective
employers at any time. Make sure the
messages on your answering machine and cell
phone are professional.
2. Ideal
Position
Know what you would like to be doing and
focus your search accordingly. What did you
like best / least about past positions and
employers.
3. Skills
Consider your current skills and how
they relate to the type of position in which
you want to be employed. Research the
industry or position to find out which
skills you need to enhance. Be willing to
take classes to advance these skills.
4.
Employers
Research prospective employers based on
growth, location, flexibility, employee
retention and training offered. Compile a
wish list of companies where you would like
to work.
5.
Network
Get out and talk to people - family,
friends, past employers, recruiters. You
never know where that great lead is going to
come from. Make use of on-line resources
including sites like Linkedin.
6.
Options
Give yourself time to consider options
and offers. Realize that you might like to
try a contract position first especially if
you are switching careers. Make sure it is
the right move for you. Contract-to-direct
positions also offer an opportunity to
"test" a company before you become their
direct employee.