Resume Writing Tips

For a successful interview

Resume Writing Tips

Always look at your resume from the eyes of the hiring manager. Make sure his time is not wasted because you have not been clear about your skills and responsibilities. Your resume format may differ from others based on specific experiences and qualifications. The most qualified applicant is not usually the first person selected for an interview. The applicant with the best resume is usually the person first selected. Because of our close working relationships with many hiring managers, we have been able to record and assimilate a number of key principles, which if followed will lead to creating a successful resume. Some key points to remember are:

• Use only a few fonts - a resume with constant changes in font, size and shade can be difficult to read and may be distracting from the content.
• Be Clear and Concise.
• Do not use first person to describe your experience. When you use the phrase "I did this" or "I did that" - it sounds unprofessional and may come across as if you are not a team player and do not share in the team work or you are very self consumed. It is much better to use phrases like "Responsible for" or "Duties included" to describe your experience.
• Proof-read your resume and then have a friend or colleague proof-read your resume. A simple typographical error will reflect on you poorly.

An effective resume should typically contain the following:

SUMMARY: The summary typically should be a short paragraph which highlights your area of expertise, technical skills, key strengths, accomplishments and experience.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Most people will come to focus just above the center of a page when first given a quick glance. For this reason we have found that it is good to distinguish your key technical and managerial skills in this area. To capture the attention of the person reading your resume it is best to set this section apart from the rest of the page by creating a small table or distinct skills list. Most managers appreciate seeing your skills listed in order of strength along with indicating the years of experience.

Make sure you are specific on your experience in technologies by clearly stating: Hardware, Operating Systems, Languages, Tools, Architecture, Applications, ERP. It is always advisable to put your skills in the matrix form so it is clear to the hiring manager.

At the end of each project description, make sure you clearly state the technical environment of the project.

EXPERIENCE: This is the body of your resume. In this section, in addition to stating the name of companies worked at and duration, you also need to mention team size and a description of your responsibilities and experiences during this time frame. Your most recent experience should be listed first. State your accomplishments clearly.

The hiring managers need to know what you specifically worked on in your previous jobs. They are not so interested in what the company does

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:

INTERVIEW TIPS

 For a successful interview- always remember PEA - Positive, Enthusiastic Attitude!

The most qualified candidate, based on academic background, skills and accomplishments, doesn't always win the job. Soft skills are very important. How you handle your rapport building and presentation in the interview is equally important too, if not more important than, building the interviewer's confidence that you are the best fit for the position. First identify Opportunities. Then convert these opportunities into Needs, Wants, or Desires.

 In an interview, you have three primary objectives:

Ø  Getting a Job Offer

Ø  Gain Knowledge: Each interview should be much better than the previous interview because of knowledge gained in the process.

Ø  End-With-A-Friend - develop relationships with everyone you meet - especially those who interview you.

To achieve these objectives, you need to establish rapport, establish credibility, set the tone, and identify a direction.

Always Be Prepared. You should never go into an interview without advance preparation. Learn pertinent facts about the company, the project.

Below are some questions typically asked during an interview. Your responses should come naturally.

• Tell me about yourself, your background, your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments.
• On your Team Building skills- can others count on you when in need of assistance? How flexible are you? Are you team oriented, goal oriented?
• Why should we hire you for this position? What skills will you bring to this company?

Some important "Do's" and "Don'ts" of successful interviewing:

DO's:

• Arrive early. Greet the interviewer by name.
• Smile and shake hands firmly. Look alert, confident and interested at all times.
• Look the interviewer in the eye while speaking. Structure your comments in a positive manner. Speak clearly

DON'T:

• Appear excessively nervous or exhibit overbearing, overaggressive or egotistical behavior.
• Overemphasize your compensation.
• Make excuses for unfavorable factors in your work history or disparage past employers, managers or projects
• Answer only "yes" or "no" to questions

Telephone Interviews: Always Remember PEA- Positive Enthusiastic Attitude.

Most Important- Stand up and talk. Always smile when you talk, it makes your voice sound much more friendly and enthusiastic. Remember, that they are focusing on your experience and technical skills as they relate to their project. Assist the interviewer understand your competencies and accomplishments. They will be judging you by your overall responses, communication, tone, enthusiasm in addition to team building abilities and/or management skills and organizational fit.

Never answer a question with a simple "yes" or "no". Elaborate with specific information on what you did, how you did it, and how much experience you have with it. If the answer is "no", try to relate something you have done or used that is similar, and express a willingness to learn. Be clear and concise. Allow them to do the questioning for the most part. Do not interrupt their thought process. Be specific and remember, you have 60 seconds to make your point, or you will lose your listener. Use professional language no matter what. Never use slang, sarcastic humor. Be professional at all times.

Ending the Interview:

• Establish immediacy - The need to take action NOW! If you are interested in the position, let them know.
• Ask the interviewer, "Are there any concerns you have about my background?" This is your opportunity to readdress any objections before you leave. Otherwise you probably will not get another chance.
• Always send a Thank You note to the interviewer summarizing your interview, indicating how you could be the best fit for the job. Demonstrate clearly how your skills can be applied to support their stated needs, wants, or desires.