Cv For Interviews

Posts Tagged ‘Appearance’

Are you currently job hunting?  If you are, you will likely find a number of job listings that you want to apply for, if you haven’t already done so.  No matter what type of job you are applying for, whether you want to be a contractor, a secretary, or a retail store manager, you will want to make a resume for yourself.  Resumes are often used to replace or supplement a traditional job application. The only thing is that your resume needs to be professional in nature.

When it comes to resumes that are professional in nature, there are many individuals who wonder why having a professional resume is so important.  In all honesty, there are a number of different reasons. Just a few of the many reasons why having a professional resume, at least a professional looking one, is important are touched on below.

Perhaps, the biggest reason as to why you need to submit a resume that is professional in nature is because the resume is often the first thing that a hiring employer will see.  With many employers using the internet and newspaper employment sections to find qualified candidates, many are not meeting their prospective employees in person.  Most just simply submit their resume as an email attachment or mail it in.  Since your face will not be seen and your personality will not be witnessed right away, your resume will essentially end up doing all of the talking for you. That is why you want to make sure that it looks and feels professional.

What you may not realize is that there are many employers who classify all of their applicants based on their resumes.  Yes, this may not necessarily be fair, especially when that classification is based solely on appearance, but it is something that does happen.  That is why you will want to make sure that your resume gives a good first impression.  You don’t want it to be tossed to the side, just for its appearance.  For the best chance of success, print your resume out on traditional white computer paper, use standard font, and make sure that it is easy to read.

A professional resume, even just a professionally looking one, is also important because it can help give you an edge above the competition.  For many, submitting a resume that is professional in nature, right to the point, and easy to read is common sense, but for others it isn’t so obvious.  You may actually be surprised with how many applicants respond to a job listing with a resume that should have never left their house.  Depending on the job listing you are responding to, you may end up being one of hundreds of applicants. That is why it is important that you get an edge.  However, the way to do this is with a professional resume, not one that will get laughed at all the way to the trash can.

As you can see, from being outlined above, there are a number of different reasons as to why the resumes that you submit to hopeful employers should be professional in nature.  The term professional in nature is used because your resume doesn’t actually have to be professionally done.  If you do have some writing experience, particularly concerning resumes, you may be able to produce your own professional resume.  If not, you are advised to look into using the services of a professional resume writer.

Immediately upon graduation, most college students start filling in job applications in hopes of securing a job interview. Prior to this, these graduates need to have an impressive graduate resume. Resume writing is an art that is best left to professional resume writers that specialize in graduate and entry level resumes. A good cover letter and an impressive resume is the first step towards being granted a job interview.

Now that you have secured an interview, you need to prepare for the tough questions that lie behind the employers’ door. The majority of people considers the expected questions and prepare for these. Many rehearse the answers so that they sound confident while answering them. Practicing responses in advance keeps a check on nervousness, and you sound professional and confident. However, with the job market so competitive and so many applicants applying for the same job, employers have come up with a way to weed out applicants and let the cream rise to the top. Employers will ask questions that are difficult, make your pulse race and be tough to answer.

Tough Questions You Can Expect
Let us take a closer look at some of the tough questions you may be asked and what a likely response could be:

•    You have no experience. Why should I consider you? – You need to be persuasive. Mention your ability to overcome deficiencies. Also, mention how you increased your knowledge through education, internships and summer jobs. Perhaps explain how your ability to master new technology made your colleagues turn to you for advice. Detail how your budding management skills would have a positive impact on the organization.

•    How did you resolve a conflict, if you had any, with your professor or last employer? – You need to accept that you had disagreements with your professors or past employers that required resolution. Give specific examples of how you coped and resolved the issue without being judgmental of your professor or previous employer. To answer this question correctly, you need to show that you are able to see the other persons view in the dispute, consider all options and then act rationally. That is what the employer is looking for. The employer really does not care who was right or wrong but what is important is how you handled yourself and the situation.

•    How would your professors (or last employer) describe you? – Explain that all would agree that you were a very energetic person who always accomplished whatever task was at hand. You were dependable, creative and possessed a keen eye to apply your knowledge in a very practical sense. Inform the interviewer that you have references for his consideration to backup your comments.

•    In your opinion, what are the qualities of a successful manager? – Be brief, clear and meaningful with your answer – as this is a true quality of an excellent manager. Some qualities you could mention are collaborative leadership, visionary planning, understanding the corporate objectives. Also, highlight how to interpret these to increase revenues and service the clientele. You can finish your response by giving an example of a person you consider to be a true leader.

•    What is your greatest weakness? – Everyone has one so never answer this question in a lame manner. Be precise and confident in expressing to the employer what you feel your greatest weakness is. Then immediately explain how your main achievement has been to recognize your greatest weakness and work on overcoming the issue.

Are you looking for a new job or a new career?  If you are, have you already started using the internet or your local newspapers to find jobs?  If you have, you may be at the applying stage. The applying stage of job hunting is perhaps the most important part.  Many times, you are only required to send in a job application or submit your resume.  Since your face and your personality will not originally be seen, you will need to let your resume to all of the work for you. That is why it is extremely important that your resume is professional looking. A few tips that you may want to keep in mind when making your resume are outlined below.

As a reminder, your resume is the first thing that an employer will see.  If you apply for a job that you saw advertised online or in your local newspaper, there is a good chance that you will not be submitting your resume in person.  Although it isn’t always fair, many employers categorize their applicants solely on their resumes.  That is why it is extremely important that you thoroughly review your resume before turning it into hopeful employers.  In most cases, the resume is what makes or breaks an applicant’s chance of getting the job that they were seeking.

Perhaps, the most important tip to remember, when creating a new resume for yourself or reviewing your current resume, is the appearance.  Many people mistakenly believe that they stand the best chance if their resume stands out.  Yes, you want your resume to stand out, but in a good way; a professional way.  At all costs, you will want to try and avoid colored paper and flashy, hard to read print.  As stated above, many employers categorize their applicants by their resumes.  Having an unattractive, unprofessional resume is the quickest way to get your resume into that “don’t bother,” pile.

It is also advised that you tailor your resume to the job that you are applying to, or at least the industry that you are hoping to get into. For instance, if you are looking for a job in retail, your resume objective may want to mention “looking for a career in a faced paced retail environment,” or such.  Tailoring your resume to each specific job will help to keep you one step above the competition.  There are many hiring employers who wonder if their applicants even read through the job listing before applying.  You do not want to be one of those applicants.  Outlining the need for a job in the construction industry, while applying for a job in the retail industry is another quick way to get your resume into that “don’t bother,” pile.

Another tip that you will want to remember, when it comes to making a nice, professional resume, is length.  Yes, you want to make sure that your resume includes as much information as it can, but you will want to make sure that it isn’t jam packed with information.  If, at all possible, you are advised to keep your resume around one or two pages long.  Be sure to include all applicable information, like your work history and your education. When outlining your previous work experience and your education, you want to include the basic information, just that.  Anything else can further be discussed in an interview.  Many employers hate reading long resumes, especially when the information isn’t always applicable.

The above mentioned tips should be able to help you create a professional resume; one that will be looked at.  If you are not dropping your resume off in person, you will want to create a cover letter for yourself.  A cover letter should be short and to the point. Outline the job that you are applying for, the experience that you have which makes you a good candidate, and ask the hiring employer to see your attached resume for additional information.

The interview follow up letter can make or break your chances of becoming hired.  For that reason it should become an essential part of your job hunting tool box, right in there with the other tools you use: resume, cover letter, thank you note, reference sheet and salary history.

Think of the letter as a second chance.  Some people don’t interview in person as well as they can write.  Living up to the standards your resume set for you may be difficult.  If that is the case, then the interview follow up letter will improve your appearance after the fact.  Other people interview well in person, and are able to use this letter to reemphasize key points discussed with the hiring manager, and remind the hiring manager of the good points about the applicant.  In either case the interview follow up letter is essential and if prepared properly will help the applicant get the job.

The following sample interview follow up letter gives an idea of what should be included.

The time I spent interviewing with you today gave me a clear picture of your organization’s operation as well as your work environment.  I want to thank you for the thorough picture you painted of your organizational needs.

I left our meeting feeling very enthusiastic about the scope of the position as well as its close match to my abilities. I believe the key strengths that I can offer you are:

• Experience in dealing with people of all types and backgrounds through my life experience, education and training.

• Proven ability to operate a business at a profit, supervise and train personnel,  facilitate activities to improve morale and cash flow,  and interact successfully with both staff and customers.

• Excellent communication skills—particularly the ability to gain feedback and summarize succinctly.

With my energetic work style, strong people skills and attention to detail, I believe that I am an excellent match for this position.  I welcome a chance to meet with you  further to elaborate on my background and possibilities of future association.

Thank you for your time.  I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Sincerely,
John Doe
You’ll notice that it is written in a positive and upbeat style.  In sales, many successful salesmen assume the close.  This does essentially that. The applicant in writing this letter is controlling the conversation and steering it towards positive attributes that he or she possesses, which would make the applicant appear valuable to the company.  In addition, by using an interview follow up letter an applicant is “walking the walk as well as talking the talk” simply because most applicants fail to use an interview follow up letter after an interview.  Using a letter like this shows that the applicant is conscientious, thoughtful, intelligent, and just the kind of person the company needs.  Using an interview follow up letter will lead to more job offers and more jobs.

For many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes. The following is a list some of the most common mistakes during an Interview.

1. Failure to research the company: An interviewer will expect candidates to spend time researching and reading about their company. Do your homework before the interview; really know what the company does and who their competitors are. If you have not taken the time to review the employer website and understand what they are recruiting for, then you are reducing your chances of continuing successfully through the interview process.

2. Not clear on what you’re interviewing for: Be familiar with the job description so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities to connect with company needs. Highlight how you’re suited to that particular job.

3. Not marketing yourself correctly: Define yourself. What makes you different from others? Know your major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the job you are applying for and the company.

4. Not asking meaningful questions: Have at least 3-4 intelligent questions to ask the recruiter. It’s OK (it actually leaves a positive impression with the recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the appropriate time. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not coming in with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole interview.

5. Under-dressing for the interview: Professional attire and attention to detail still count. You can never be too professional. Remember that everything - your appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct -contributes to the impression (positive or negative) that you make. Be presentable - wear a pressed suit and shirt and polished shoes.