Resume Tips | Prepare for the Interview | The Interview
Interview Tips | Follow-up

Resume Tips

• Include a very brief summary at the beginning of the resume which highlights your critical expertise.
• Proofread extremely carefully-don't just use spell check.
• Include descriptive skills used within each job. For example:

  "Provide support to project teams in systems analysis, system design, development and implementation using C++ and Visual Basic."
  Or " Sold networking products to Data Center managers in public sector accounts in Virginia and DC. Achieved 115% of quota on revenues of $1.4M."

• Be complete, but brief.-2 pages is ideal. Don't put in lots of details on jobs that are 10 to 15 years old.

Prepare for the Interview

Research the company prior to the interview. The internet is a great resource. Think of questions to ask in the interview that relate to the job and/or the company. Be ready to present your background and accomplishments clearly and concisely. Show how you have contributed to your current and prior employers. When the interviewer says, "Do you have any questions?", be ready with a question that shows you've done some research on the company and the position.

The Interview

Phone Screen This is as important as the "face to face" interview. Plan to go to a quiet room with no distractions. It is better not to use a cell phone for an interview since the reception could be poor.

Face to Face Dress for success. The "face to face" interview calls for professional attire even if the company dress code is casual. Men should wear a business suit, tie and dress shoes. Women should wear a business suit or conservative dress with low to moderate heels. Remember to keep jewelry to a minimum.

• Do not say anything negative about any former employer, school, boss, co-worker, etc.
• Do not lie about anything - salary, dates, etc. It can, and will, come back to haunt you.
• Show what you can do for the company. Companies hire people that they feel will contribute the most to the team, department and overall organization.
• Go for the offer!! Even if you are undecided about the position, sell yourself. You can always turn an offer down later. (If you don't sell yourself, you'll never get an offer to turn down.)
• If an area in which you have experience is discussed, indicate your competence. If it's something you have little or no experience with, suggest that based on what you've done in another area you feel capable of tackling a new challenge. Turn a negative into a positive.
• Don't discuss money or benefits. Never pin yourself down to a dollar amount. Instead you might say:

  "I'd feel comfortable with your making me an offer based on what you feel my skills are worth." Or "Money is important but other things are equally important: challenge, career development, team environment, etc."

• In asking about a career path, you might say, "Assuming I'm doing an excellent job, what would my career path be in the next 2 to 5 years?"
• Cover all objections up front. An objection is something questionable in your background that will probably come up during the interview. It's better for you to bring it up first. (For example: numerous jobs, unemployment, job gaps, etc.)
• If you like the position, say so! Ask what the next step is in the interview process.
• Be prepared for this important question: "Tell me about yourself." You need to have an answer that presents a 2 or 3 sentence summary of your professional background and strengths.

Send a thank you note to the decision maker (or decision makers) on plain stationery or, if the decision will be made quickly, send an e-mail note. The purpose is to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

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