Preparing a Resume for Today's Standards
Most leading companies are now using electronic applicant tracking systems that allow resumes to be
electronically scanned. When your resume is scanned into a computer as an image, "optical character
recognition" software creates a text document based on the letters and numbers it recognizes. The document
is then placed in a database and made available to searches by recruiters across the company. For your
resume to follow this process without a hitch, you want your resume to be as clean and readable by the
computer as possible. (If your resume produces too many recognition errors, it will likely be returned to you
with a request to submit a more "scannable" resume.) Additionally, the more recognizable keywords in your
resume, the better the chances it will appear in recruiters' search results. When preparing your resume, try
using the tips below to help you create a scannable resume that will maximize your chances of being matched
to a job opening:
Format tips to maximize the scannability of your resume:
Where possible, use e-mail or an online resume builder to submit your resume. Because the resume will already be in electronic format, the applicant tracking software can bypass the optical character recognition process, thus producing a clean, error-free resume. If you are unable to submit a resume electronically, use the following guidelines to create a scannable hard copy resume:
Create a one-column document on white paper without lines, graphics, italics, or bullets. A poor quality resume that has an unusual format such as a newsletter layout, adjusted spacing, small font sizes, graphics or lines, type that is too light, or paper that is too dark make it difficult for the computer to read. Provide a laser-printed original.
Use a single font size between 10 and 14 points throughout the document. It's best to stick to fonts in the sans serif family (such as Arial and Helvetica).
Always list your name at the top, followed by your address on a separate line. Keep phone and fax numbers on separate lines. Use all capital letters to distinguish section headings and your name. Where possible, avoid faxing your resume.
Faxed resumes produce the greatest amount of recognition errors.
Content tips to maximize "hits":
Interview Tips
There are a number of concrete steps you can take to increase the probability that a job interview will be
successful. (you will receive an offer or will be invited to return for additional interviews). Being well prepared
will increase your self-confidence and peace of mind, which will in turn improve your performance in the
interview.
First, a word about interviews in general. Remember that while interviews can occasionally be adversarial,
more often an interviewer wants to find an outstanding candidate for the job as much as you want to find a
fulfilling job. It helps to think of the process as one where both parties are hoping for a positive outcome.
Throughout your life you will be interviewed by some people who are skilled interviewers and by others who
are not. There is no one "right" way to interview, and no matter what the format, it is your responsibility to do
the best you can in each situation. Because interviewing is an unrehearsed conversation between two
strangers, the discussion can take as many paths as there are people. For that reason, it is
crucial to be comfortable with the unfolding of the process. Comfort comes in large measure from advance
preparation. The only thing you can know for certain is that every interview is unique!
Interviewing with recruiters is important. It could have a major impact on your future. To help make it a
positive experience both for you and the company, Here are 7 valuable tips:
1. Ask yourself these questions.
- What do you want to do?
- Where do you want to work?
- What do you have to offer?
- What is my lifestyle, salary $, location?
2. Research Yourself.
- Skills that you would like to develop or improve.
- Talents and abilities that you have and would like to use in a job setting.
- Activities and tasks that you would like to avoid in a job setting.
- Kinds of people and environment that you prefer.
- Current career and educational goals.
- Past experiences that you would like to highlight and what you have learned from them. (These could be any kind of experience including work, volunteer, academic, athletic, artistic, and travel. Think broadly.)
3. Submit your resume beforehand.
This gives the recruiter a "snapshot" of you prior to the interview and guides the line of questioning. If possible, bring a list of your course work to the interview.
4. Research The Company.
Read Company recruitment literature, attend Company information sessions and technical presentations, and talk to Company representatives or employees. Read about them in current and past issues of newspapers, business magazines and technical journals. See if company also have an on-line news home page.
5. Demonstrate your abilities.
Be prepared to answer technical questions, especially about projects you've worked on in class or related work experience and hobbies, and to walk us through the processes involved. Companies will be as interested in how you arrived at the answers you came up with as in the answers themselves. If possible, bring a concrete sample of something that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities. In the case of team projects, tell us about your role in the group.
6. Differentiate yourself.
Let the interviewer know why you should get a job over other candidates. Show your enthusiasm. Let the interviewer know what professional areas you are excited and curious about. Remember that the interview also is an opportunity for you to check out whether that company is where you want to be. You should ask questions (but don't dominate the meeting).
7. Discuss your important personal strengths.
Companies wants candidates with expertise in their field, but we're looking for applicants who also have the following qualities:
- Interpersonal skills
- ability to work well with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Flexibility: ability to handle frequent change.
- Team Player: ability to both a good team member and a good team leader.
- Analytical thinking skills: ability to ask pertinent questions, see the big picture as well as its parts, and evaluate how the parts fit together.
- Communication: ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, nonjudgmental manner.
- Commitment: especially to continuous improvement, both professionally/personally.
The age-old advice to "be yourself" is still the best general thought to keep in mind as you prepare for an interview. If you know yourself and the answers to these questions, you'll be better positioned for your interview.
The Easy Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why did you select your major?
Tell me about your job at ________?
What are you looking for in a job?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your long and short-term goals?
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you know about this company?
The Hard Ones
Describe a time you were placed in a difficult situation - how did you resolve it?
How do you work in tight deadline situations? - describe a time you worked under a tight deadline.
Describe a situation where you had a conflict with someone professionally - how did you resolve the situation?
Why should I hire you?
Now the ball is in your court, ask some questions!
[Examples] Where do you see xyz company in the next five years?
How do you see this department growing along with xyz company?
Can you tell me a little bit about your own experience with the company?
You would like some feedback on how your interview went.
Five (5) Interview Mistakes:
1. Arriving Late:
This will set the tone for the entire interview. You've also just proved to the interviewer that you will be late for work. Why would they hire you?
2. Arriving Early:
It's good to be prompt but not too overanxious. If you arrive too early, you may put the interviewer under pressure.
3. Not Dressing Appropriately:
We've all heard the phrase, "You only get one chance to make a first impression". Well, this is your first impression - don't mess it up with strange or casual attire. A tailored suit in a low-key color like black, brown, gray or navy works just great.
4. Chewing Gum or Smoking:
Both of these activities are signs of nervousness. Chewing gum is just rude and most buildings these days are smoke-free.
5. Not knowing the business:
If you don't know your stuff, it will look like you don't want to work for the company. Do some research on the company - check the Internet for their Web site or trade magazines and local newspapers for articles.
A Few Other Pointers
Get a good night's rest the evening before the interview so that you are alert.
Sit up straight and maintain good eye contact. These characteristics show that you are confident in yourself.
Be sure to shake your interviewer's hand firmly upon meeting and again at the end of the interview. Firm is the key. A weak handshake may indicate timidity or an overly tight one may appear overbearing.
Finally, be yourself. Be certain to answer the questions honestly so that the interviewer can get a good feel for the real you.
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