How To Prepare For A Job Interview

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How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Four Parts:

1. Interview Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2

2. Before the Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6

3. The Day of the Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

4. After the Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 13

A job interview is one of the most drawn-out and intimidating
ways of making first impression. However, its also your
opportunity to get on an employers good side, which can give
you a distinct edge over even those applicants whose
credentials are better than yours. To prepare for a job interview,
use these pointers.

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Interview Help

Questions and responses

Q: How will you advance this company?

This question should be answered with some tangible examples. Provide facts to
support the talent you will claim to bring. Make sure you offer skills that will actually
be useful to them.

A: My expertise in accounting has saved thousands and, in some cases, millions of
dollars for the different companies Ive worked with. With the welfare of the very
infrastructure at stake, every penny counts, and I make it my priority to account for
each of those pennies. As noted on my resume, I was responsible for sourcing a
funds leak disguised as a supplies expense account at Innitech Corp. I can bring
that same relentless scrutiny to the books here.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

This is a good opportunity to be honest and incorporate your goals and priorities
into the conversation.

A. I dont really plan my life by year or by month. My goal is to continue
developing useful software and applications for the open source community and
keep learning. So, if I had to say, Id like to still be learning in ten years. Id like to
have contributed enough useful programs to provide a whole new generation of
coders with the tools they need to make life easier. I dont really believe in
retirement either, so I plan on doing this as long as Im up and running.

Q: Why did you choose this company?

Potential employers dont just want someone talented. They want to see if youll
mesh with the company.

A: This has been my dream company all along. Ive been building up my
experience and developing my talent so that I could qualify for a position here.
The people are genuine and among the most talented in the world, you value
progress and cultivating a community of learning, and the focus is on quality work
rather than arbitrary rules of conduct and performance quotas. Everyone is here
because they want to be here, and theyre the best at what they do. The sense of
responsibility and high standards fits in perfectly with my values.

Q: Why are you the best person for this position?

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Dont be afraid to stroke your own ego here. Dont say anything self deprecating.
Focus on this position in this company. Why shouldnt they hire someone else?

A: Im the best for this position here because Ive been following this companys
progress for years. Any time there was a new release or you were mentioned in the
news, I was all over it. I already know the infrastructure and history of this place like
the back of my hand. Not only was my latest project focused specifically on the
new language developed here, but Ive been implementing it in my own personal
work since its release six months ago. I can see being here for a very long time if
the company continues in the direction its going.

Q: What is your biggest flaw?

Dont panic! Theyre not trying to trick you here. Everyone has flaws. What they
want to know is if it will interfere with your work and whether or not youre doing
anything about it.

I tend to be a bit too polite. When youre too nice, people perceive you as a bit of
a pushover. While I would never be rude to anyone, I try to keep the small talk from
become excessive in order to maintain a no-nonsense reputation.

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Interview Strengths and Weaknesses

Types of
strengths
Examples Sample answer
Job-specific - computer skills
- technical training
- product/industry
knowledge
One of my greatest strengths is my proficiency
with Microsoft Excel. I have a tremendous
amount of experience working with the
program.
Transferrable - proficient in a
language
- written or oral
communication skills
- problem solving
I have often been praised for my ability to
come up with out-of-the-box solutions to
problems facing my team or work group.
Personal
characteristics
- punctual
- self-motivated
- adaptable
I am excellent at adapting to changes and
becoming comfortable in new settings. This has
benefitted me greatly in my career as a travel
nurse.

Types of
weaknesses
Examples Sample answer
Those unrelated
to the position
you are seeking
Fear of speaking
before
groups, if the job
doesnt
require it
lack of computer
skills, if
the job doesnt
require the use of
one
I have learned through other jobs Ive held
that I am not a gifted salesman. Thats one of
the reasons I am looking forward to the
potential to change careers.
Those that can
be turned into
positives
Lack of attention to
detail, as a result of
seeing too much of
the big picture
Difficulty multitasking,
due to an intense
focus on the task at
hand
Because I concentrate so much on what Im
doing, I often have a hard time juggling
interruptions and other things that come up.
Those that you
are working to
improve
Learning to delegate
and spend less time
on
assignments
spelling
Im such a perfectionist by nature that I
sometimes spend much more time on tasks
that necessary. As a result, Ive learned to keep
a large clock on my desk. By giving myself
small deadlines all day, I make sure I dont
waste too much time.

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Interview Tips and Tricks
Do Dont
Start preparing early. Take as much
time as you have available to you.
Wait until the last minute.
Do your homework. Learn as much as
you can about the company and the
interviewers.
Go in knowing nothing about the
industry or the position for which youre
interviewing.
Be prepared. Anticipate likely interview
questions and plan your answers.
Be caught off guard. A lack of
preparation makes you seem like you
dont want the job.
Make a good first impression. Show up
early and looking well dressed and well
rested.
Arrive late or looking disheveled.
Practice everything from your
handshake to your introduction.
Fumble for words or sound unsure of
yourself because you havent
rehearsed
Answer questions completely honestly.
Paint yourself in the best light, but
remain humble and brief.
Exaggerate or lie about your
accomplishments. Droning on about
your achievements can make you look
phony.
Remain polite, respectful, and positive. Badmouth former employers or
complain about prior jobs youve held.
Have educated questions for the
interviewers.
Ask questions for the sake of asking, or
ask something you could have found
out on your own.
Follow up with a thank-you note after
the interview and email later if you
havent heard of them
Hound the hiring manager, as it could
hurt your chances.

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Part 1 of 3: Before the Interview

1. Research the company's profile
and background.

Start by looking into their future goals
and plans. Conducting the interview
with this in mind will make you seem
like a good long-term investment. You
should also be ready to talk in depth
about the industry, the organization,
and the position you are applying for.

Learn your interviewers name and job position before going to the
interview. You may need to call the company to find out.
Talk to current employees. Show initiative while getting a feel for the office
environment. Learn as much as you can about the company from people
who work there.
Know as much about the company as possible. You can't change your
employment history or your qualifications, but you can work harder than
every other applicant by being supremely knowledgeable about the
company. Use the company's website, their annual report, and
newspaper/business magazine articles to gather as much information as
possible.

2. Think of questions to ask your
interviewer.

Participating actively during the
interview gives a good impression of
your level of interest in the job. It's a
good idea to come prepared with at
least three thought-provoking
questions to ask your interviewer.
(Avoid asking anything that could be
easily answered through a quick
internet search, or you will simply
come across as lazy.)

Ask questions that reflect your interest in future prospects. Which are new
markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years? or
What are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity? both
show that you want to be on the same page as the people youll be
working for.

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Ask questions to bond with the interviewer and project your enthusiasm.
Inquire about his/her position and background or how long (s)he has been
with the company.
Ask questions about what is discussed during the interview itself. Though you
may be tempted to respond to everything with an Absolutely! or a Sure
thing! to show how competent you are, this will actually make it look like
youre not listening. Show that you are paying attention by asking for more
details whenever something isnt clear. (Avoid asking questions for the sake
of asking, though, or itll seem like you cant keep up.)

3. Practice with a peer.

If you have a friend who is also
preparing for an interview, consider
preparing together. Not only will this
give you a way to structure your
preparation, but it will also help you
get comfortable with giving answers,
telling anecdotes, and using
appropriate terminology. Practice
giving concise, complete answers and
maintaining eye contact with the
interviewer(s) while you give them. Make sure you aren't speaking too slow or too
fast and that your answers are stated with confidence.

Get feedback from your peer. Even if you think their feedback isn't on the
mark, it's something to consider: We don't always know how we come off to
other people, and the actual interviewer could share some of the same
concerns.
Know basically what you want to talk about before the interview. If you're
stumbling and fumbling for an answer on a very basic question, you're not
putting your best foot forward. Have your very basic answers down pat, and
anticipate some of the tougher questions before you step into the interview.

4. Anticipate questions from the
interviewer.

Its best to prepare for a wide variety
of questions by thinking about your
own career goals, long-term plans,
past successes, and work strengths,
but you should also brace yourself for
the deceptively simple questions that
most employers like to throw at their
interviewees.

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Whats your biggest weakness? is a classic canned interview question that
many people dread. Answering this question is a bit of a tightrope walk:
While you dont want to be too honest (I have a really hard time staying
motivated), you wont fool anyone by trying to spin an obviously good
quality into a weakness (I just cant bear to do less-than-outstanding
work!). Instead, think of a genuine issue you have as well as ways you have
managed to work with/around it (Im not naturally a very organized
thinker, but Ive become very organized on paper and in my personal
space as a result).
Where do you see yourself in five years? is another common question that
can take you off guard if you dont see it coming. Your panicked reaction
might be to blurt out, Working diligently for you, of course! but unless you
are actually trying to get a job in your chosen career, this probably isnt a
good strategy. If youre going after what will clearly be a short-term job or
even one that lasts only several years be honest about what your greater
aspirations are (ex. going back to school, starting your own business);
ambition is a very desirable trait in an employee to say nothing of honesty.
Why do you want this job? is so straightforward it can throw you for a loop.
If youre going into a field you care about, you will have a much easier time
answering this. However, if, like many people, youre just trying to make
ends meet, you can answer the question by using it as a way of highlighting
your skills (I shine in fast-paced, high-pressure situations and would love to
have the opportunity to cultivate my talents here).
Why did you leave your last job? is a common question that shouldnt be
hard to answer provided that you didnt have a major blowout with your
previous employer. If you did, be honest (without being bitter or laying
blame, as this will make you look ungracious and hard to work with) and try
to put a positive spin on things.
Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. While you
definitely want to seem knowledgeable, don't lie to make it seem like you
know something you don't. You probably won't fool your interviewer, and
admitting to not knowing something is much more impressive than lying
during your interview. If need be, just acknowledge that you do not know
the answer but will find out more about it and let them know afterwards.

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Part 2 of 3: The Day of the Interview

1. Dress for the interview.

As a rule of thumb, you should dress
for the interview the way you would
for the job itself. (If the job is unusually
casual, however, you might want to
show up in business-casual clothes to
be safe.) Choose subdued colors
(blues, browns, grays, black) and
make sure that your clothes are lint-
and wrinkle-free. Avoid wearing
perfume, after-shave, or scented
lotion (but do wear deodorant).

Applicants in banking or wealth management, business, academia, politics,
and health-related sectors should show up for an interview in business
formal clothing unless otherwise noted. For women, this means a skirt suit or
pant suit in a dark color, along with closed toe shoes and subtle makeup.
For men, this means a dark-colored suit and tie and dark-colored shoes.
Applicants in the service sector are usually invited to wear business casual
to an interview, although business formal is optional. For women, this means
a simple, knee length dress with conservative shoes (no jeans). For men, this
means dark or khaki pants with a collared button-up and leather shoes.
If you're unsure of the customary interview clothing expected by the
company, simply ask the HR rep or interview liaison. There's no shame in it.
There is shame in feeling horribly over- or under-dressed when you show up
for an interview.

2. Show up in the best possible
shape.

Make sure you know exactly how to
get there and just where to park so
that you can arrive 15 to 20 minutes
before the scheduled interview time.
Go to bed early the day (or the days)
before the interview so that you look
rested and healthy on the big day.
Bring an extra copy of your resume,
CV, and/or references in case your
interviewer wants to go over any
points with you or neglects to bring their own copy.

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If the interview is in the morning, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast. This is
not just an empty suggestion. A breakfast high in antioxidants, omega-3
fatty acids, and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, will help
improve brain function and leave you feeling more alert and invigorated.
Consider exercising before the interview to annihilate stress and increase
blood flow. If you're generally nervous or fidgety before an interview, it
might be a good idea to work out before your interview. Go hard for an
hour, and give your body at least another hour to calm down. Shower after
exercising.

3. Show courtesy to everyone
during the interview.

This means everyone from the
reception staff to the interviewer
herself. You never know who has input
in the hiring process, and you can only
make a first impression once.

Look everyone in the eye and
smile. Looking people in the eye will
telegraph alertness, and smiling will
signal friendliness.
Speak clearly and say "please"
and "thank you." Make sure the
people you talk to during the interview
can make out what you're saying. Talking audibly, with good enunciation,
tells people you're confident, while good manners tells them you're
considerate of other people.
Don't noodle around on your phone or electronic device while waiting. In
fact, leave it in your car. Even though it's practically acceptable, playing
around on your phone can communicate boredom and frivolousness (even
if that's not the case). Stick with a book or review your notes while waiting.

4. Be honest.

Many people think that an interview is
the perfect time to embellish. While
you want to structure your answers so
that your best, most qualified aspects
take center stage, you don't want to
deceive or outright lie. Companies do
perform background checks, and

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lying about your experience is simply not worth it.
In a pinch, take a cue from politicians. When a politician hears a question
they don't like, they simply answer a different question. You don't want to do
this all the time, but you can do it in a pinch.

5. Keep things simple and short.

Talking about yourself can be very
difficult to well: You're trying to
convince someone you don't know
that you're qualified for a position
without sounding too cocky or
pompous. Stick to what you know well,
and keep things short and sweet.

Structure your answers so that
you're talking in 30-90 second chunks.
Any less and you're likely to seem
unqualified; any more and your
interviewer is likely to lose interest in
what you're saying. In the "tell me
about yourself" question, highlight 2-3
illustrative examples about yourself before wrapping up.
Don't use slang or off-color humor during your interview. It's important not to
say "awesome" or "rad" during an interview, unless you're interviewing for the
local lifeguard position. It's also a good rule to avoid off-color humor; you
never know when someone might take offense, and it's best not to risk it.
Talk about what other people think you do well. Don't add the preamble,
"My friends think I'm a competent social organizer." Just go out and say it
with the right touch of confidence and humility. Women tend to
underestimate their overall job performance, so be aware of that before
you second-guess or undercut yourself, because it's unlikely to get you a
job.
Don't criticize your former employer. When you're talking about your past
experience, be courteous about your former places of employment. Be
honest about your experience what you liked and disliked but don't
indict your former boss unnecessarily. Your class and restraint will shine
through.

6. Be personable.

Try to come off as a genuinely likable
person if you can. If you're cynical,
pessimistic, and absolutely disabused
of any faith in humanity, try to tone it

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down during the interview. Being personable is about getting the interviewer's
emotional side to like you and believe in you. Employers don't always hire the
candidates most qualified for the job, but rather the candidates they like the best.

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Part 3 of 3: After the Interview

1. Shake hands with the
interviewer and exchange
pleasantries.

Try to invest some feeling into the
handshake and pleasantries, even if
you think you bombed the interview.
The interviewer should give you a time
frame for when to expect to get a
callback, if applicable.
Hold your head high and keep your cool. Your emotions are probably
teetering at the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, but try to stay
measured. Project a cool confidence not cockiness and walk out of
the interview with your head held high.
If the interviewer does not tell you when they will contact you if you're a
good fit for the position, it's appropriate to ask, "When can I expect to hear
back from you about the position?" This will prove important later on.

2. Send a thank-you letter to your
interviewer and/or liaison.

Now is a good time to thank the
person you interviewed with, even if
it's just a formality. You can say
something like:

"Dear [interviewer's name],
Thank you for the opportunity to
discuss my qualifications with you. I
remain very impressed by
[interviewer's company], and invite
you to contact me if you have any
further questions. I look forward to
hearing from you about this position."
If you missed any important points in your interview you wanted to stress,
you may include one or two in the thank-you letter. Keep the points brief,
and tie them into a discussion point that you or the interviewer made during
the interview.
If you received any help in getting the interview, follow up with appropriate
parts of your network. Inform them that you received an interview, are
grateful they helped you in your career search, and would be eager to help
them in the future.

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3. Follow up with the interviewer at
the appropriate time.

You should have received some
information about when you could
expect to hear back from the
employer. The standard time is about
two weeks, but it can depend. If
you've waited past the designated
callback date or the callback date
wasn't set and it's been two weeks
follow up with the interviewer in a short
email. You can say something like:

"Dear [interviewer's name], I interviewed at your company [at such and
such date], and am still interested in the position if it hasn't yet been filled. I'd
greatly appreciate any information you might have about my candidacy. I
look forward to hearing from you."
While you can't control your past experience or the way someone measures
you against someone else, you can control how much of your time you
dedicate to showing the interviewer you really want the position. Don't be
needy, and don't be greedy, but be persistent and courteous. You'll work
harder than at least half the other candidates, and it could be the decisive
factor in getting a job offer.

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Tips

As you are about to enter the interview room take 2 or 3 deep breaths to
calm your nerves. You will do better if you are relaxed and have a calm
mind.
Your preparation for the job interview should be taken seriously. The
competition against another candidate with a better qualification is fierce.
Preparation helps you keep what's in your mind, and not slip it when you're
in a most uncomfortable position. An interview is the key before a company
hires you, so you better discover how to sell yourself before meeting with the
prospective employer.
When you are introduced to the panel of interviewers, shake hands firmly
with each person, create eye contact with each person & say that you are
pleased to meet them, and smile as you say so.
Dont be afraid to be confident. Set your mind to why you are the best
candidate for the job. If you truly feel that way, it's likely you'll pass the
sentiment on to your interviewer.
If the venue is far from your place of residence, stop in the washroom when
you arrive to reset your hair, tie, etc.
Don't say something you'll regret later. Think before you speak.
Don't play with your chair while waiting to be called.
Don't munch on junk food while waiting for the interview. You wouldn't want
to offer a crumb-covered or sticky hand to the interviewer.
Start preparing for the interview well before the interview day. Thorough
preparation is a prerequisite to success in any interview. Ideally, start
preparing about a month before the interview. If that isn't possible, start
preparing as soon as you are able.

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Practice with Interview Questions:

Before you go to a job interview, take the time to review the most common
interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also, review sample answers and
advice on how to answer these typical interview questions.

Then take the time to research the company and to prepare for an interview. This
way, you will be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions
that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.

Interview Questions About You

What is your greatest weakness?
What is your greatest strength?
How will your greatest strength help you perform?
Are you lucky?
Are you nice?
How would you describe yourself?
Describe a typical work week.
Describe your work style.
Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
Do you work well with other people?
Do you take work home with you?
How do you view yourself? Who do you compare yourself to?
How many hours do you normally work?
How would you adjust to working for a new company?
How would you describe the pace at which you work?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
What motivates you?
Are you a self motivator?
What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
Tell me about yourself.
What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
What are you passionate about?
What are your hobbies?
What are your pet peeves?
What do people most often criticize about you?
What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss?
What is the worst thing that you have ever gotten away with?
What is your dream job?
What is your professional development plan?
What makes you angry?
When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
Why did you choose your major?
Why did you go back to school?

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Why should I take a risk on you?
If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?
If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would
they say?
Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
Give some examples of teamwork.
What type of work environment do you prefer?
How do you evaluate success?
If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?
Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.

Questions About Your Qualifications

Are you overqualified for this job?
Describe how you managed a problem employee.
How did you impact the bottom line?
Interview questions about your abilities.
What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
What part of the job will be the least challenging for you?
Which parts of this job are the most challenging for you?
What philosophy guides your work?
What strength will help you the most to succeed?
Why are you interested in taking a lower level job?
Why are you interested in a non-management job?

Interview Questions About Your Work History

Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.
What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
What were your responsibilities?
What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
What have you learned from your mistakes?
What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
Which was most / least rewarding?
What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
What was it like working for your supervisor?
What do you expect from a supervisor?
What problems have you encountered at work?
Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
Have you worked with someone who didn't like your work?
How did you fit in with the company culture?
Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
Describe your ideal boss.
Describe the gap in your employment history.

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Why are you leaving your job?
Why do you want to change jobs?
Why were you fired?
Why were you laid-off?
Why did you quit your job?
Why did you resign?
What have you been doing since your last job?
Why have you been out of work so long?
Why weren't you promoted at your last job?

Interview Questions About Money

What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
What are your salary expectations?
What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?
Why would you take a job for less money?

Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company

Should employees use social media at work?
What interests you about this job?
Why do you want this job?
What can you do for this company?
Why should we hire you?
Why shouldn't we hire you?
Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants for the job?
Why are you the best person for the job?
What do you know about this company?
Why do you want to work here?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?
What can you contribute to this company?
What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job?
What would you do if you found out the company were doing something illegal?
Are you willing to travel?
What are the most significant trends in your field?
What is good customer service?
How long do you expect to remain employed with this company?
When could you start work?
Please rate me as an interviewer.
Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like
to know?

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Interview Questions About the Future

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? (for older applicants)
What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
How do you plan to achieve those goals?
How would you feel about working for a younger manager?
What will you do if you don't get this position?
Where else are you interviewing?

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Getting ready for a job interview.

1. Job Interview Questions About Yourself and Sample Answers

When the questions are "personal", about you, it can be a very slippery slope. The
answers below are guidelines so you can write out your answers long before you
go to the interview. Then, when the question is asked, you can take the few
seconds (expected by the interviewer) to think about the question and how you
will frame your answer (which you already know).

What would you do differently if you could start your working life over?

The interviewer is looking for a detour that continues to be a professional block in
your career.

Looking back over my career, I would have returned to school much earlier to
complete my Masters degree. Even though I got my degree later than I had
originally anticipated, I never lost sight of the goal.

How do you balance life and work?

The interviewer wonders if you've made arrangements for the days when your
child is too sick to go to school and/or daycare or if you're "out of there" as soon as
it's quitting time.

Best Answer: Being organized helps me balance my professional life and personal
life. Consequently, I can be fully engaged while I'm at work. For those unexpected
times, I have a good back-up system of child care for my children.

What is your preferred way to communicate?

This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting
your preferences when necessary.

At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established
pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method I've followed
their lead.

Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?

The interviewer is wondering whether they will always be able to find you.

Best Answer: While on vacation, I can be reached for emergencies; however, I
also know the people with whom I work are very capable of making good
decisions while I'm away. I understand the importance of recharging my battery.

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What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie?

The interviewer wants to know whether you read to stay current and if you will you
fit into the company culture.

Best Answer (include your personal favorites): I read many different kinds of books.
My current "favorite" book is The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. My favorite
movie? Miracle on Ice.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

The interviewer wants to know whether you are well read and what characteristics
you admire.

Best Answer (include historical figures you personally admire): Personally, I most
admire Abigail Adams, John Adam's wife; professionally I admired the leadership
style of Ronald Reagan.

What did you do during this six month gap in employment?

Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not "waste
it".

Best Answer: For the first month, I worked on my "to do list" at home and
accomplished a great deal. Then I began building a plan to reenter the
workplace. While it took a little longer than I'd anticipated, I've learned a great
deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the
workplace.

What led you to this point in your life?

The interviewer wants to know if you are unhappy, frustrated, or lost?

My "road of life" has been interesting, sometimes challenging and always
rewarding. The steps along the way that have led to this point in my life are, in
some ways, very different than I had imagined; however, I like who I am today in
part because of my past. An example is when the second company on my
resume suddenly closed their doors during a down-turn in the economy. For a very
brief time, the road ahead was unknown; however, I discovered I had previously
untapped strengths such as perseverance.

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2. Job Interview Questions About Your Abilities and Sample Answers

Tell me about a time that you worked conveying technical information to a
nontechnical audience.

The Interviewer wants to know how you relate to people outside your area of
expertise.

While I worked for Mr. Smith in the accounting department, I was selected to
explain the financial section of the employee's paycheck to all new hires. After my
first two sessions, I realized I needed to reframe my information so the new hires
would have an accurate understanding of the impact of their decisions as it
related to their pay. I worked with colleagues in human resources and marketing,
and developed a training outline that was implemented at the other locations
throughout the company.

Tell me about a time that you worked with data, interpreting data, and presenting
data.

If you are in a non-technical profession, this question is designed to see if you are
comfortable with information not directly related to your position.

While at the GHI corporation, one of my job assignments was to work with the IT
department to prepare the annual meeting brochure complete with financial
data, graphs and related SEC requirements. I became proficient at designing
graphs that gave an accurate picture of the financial data, as well as editing the
legal information into a more readable format.

Why do you think you will be successful at this job?

The interviewer is concerned as to whether you see this as a career move, or stop-
gap employment.

As my resume reflects, I have been successful at each of my previous places of
employment. My research of your company, the job description outlined, and the
information we've exchanged today, lead me to believe I have the skills and
experience for which you are looking; and I'm eager to be a contributing
employee.

Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?

Companies, for the most part, do not want "Lone-Rangers" - - they are looking for
employees who will adapt to the company culture and get along with others.

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In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band.
Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be
a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while
on my sorority's debate team and through my advanced marketing class where
we had numerous team assignments.

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3. How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Your Resume

Interviewers frequently start a job interview by asking you to provide an overview
of your experience. This will often take the form of a request like "Walk me through
your resume."

Typically, candidates will recount their experiences in order from past to present
and focus their presentation on their job titles and the names of their employers.
However, interviewees taking this approach don't tell employers much that they
don't already know - and miss out on a critical opportunity to frame their case
positively.

Be Selective

You can take advantage of the opportunity to create a favorable impression early
in the interview by leading the interviewer through your resume in a more selective
manner. You should highlight the most compelling elements of your experience.
You don't need to share everything you have done.

Prepare by analyzing the most critical requirements for the job for which you are
interviewing. Then select the aspects of your work, academic and volunteer history
which best demonstrate that you have the right stuff to excel in that position.

Focus on Your Accomplishments and Skills

Rather than a bland rendition of your position titles and responsibilities, cite key
accomplishments and reference the skills that enabled you to achieve those
successes.

Be sure to mention how you impacted the bottom line in those roles, and how you
added value to your employer. Try to present your points in the form of stories that
portray problems you solved and challenges you met.

You Don't Have to Cover Everything on Your Resume

Feel free to leave out jobs that are not relevant or impressive, and to deviate from
a chronological presentation. At the end of your presentation, the interviewer
should have a clear understanding of 5 - 7 assets in your background that will
enable you to perform at a high level in the job for which you are interviewing.

Get Your Facts Straight

It's important be accurate when you're recounting your work history. When you're
stressed about interviewing, it can be easy to forget the exact details of your
employment history. Review your resume ahead of time and bring a copy with you

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to the interview. Here's information on sharing your work history during job
interviews.

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4. How to Respond to Interview Questions About Demotions

If you've made any obvious steps down the career ladder, you should be
prepared for your potential employer to ask about the demotion during your
interview. While this doesn't have to be a deal breaker for the position, you should
try to frame that transition in the least damaging way possible.

The Best Way to Answer Interview Questions About a Demotion

If your demotion was in the past and you have now moved on to a higher level
job, you can emphasize what you have learned and accomplished since the
demotion, and how it qualifies you for a higher level job. Perhaps you identified a
weakness and took steps like courses or workshops to strengthen that area.

Your task will be more challenging if you are currently in a job which represents a
step down. You should emphasize the skills you have applied and the positive
results which you have generated in your current role. If there were circumstances
beyond your control, like a restructuring which reduced the number of
management positions, then you can explain those factors.

Don't Criticize the Company

Regardless of which angle you're coming from, be careful not to criticize
management in any way. If you have identified any issues in your skill set or
performance which led to your demotion and taken concrete, documented steps
to address those issues, you might include some of that information.

For example, if a previous job required you to create reports in Excel and you were
demoted because you weren't able to do so, but now have taken online courses
and mastered Excel, then you might reference that development.

A preemptive way to defuse any concern about a demotion is to acquire a
reference from a boss or colleague at that organization which clearly affirms the
value you have added as an employee. You can also start the spin in a positive
direction by framing the issue in your cover letter or resume, so you have a
foundation which you can elaborate on during the interview.

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5. Job Interview Answers to Questions About Your Supervisor
How to Answer Interview Questions About Co-Workers and Managers

Job Interview Questions About Co-Workers and Supervisors and Sample Answers

For the most part, the following questions may be asked to determine if you are a
team player. Take a few seconds, when asked a difficult question, before you
answer. An interviewer is not expecting you to have a ready answer. However, the
Boy Scout Motto - Be Prepared - - certainly applies here as well.

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a co-worker who wasn't doing
his/her fair share of the work. What did you do and what was the outcome?

I worked closely with Ann who, for the most part, always carried her fair share of
the work load. During a stressful time, working on a project with a deadline, I
realized Ann's contributions to the project were almost minimal. I made the
decision to wait until after the project to speak with her. I'm glad I did, because I
learned she'd been going through a very tough time in her personal life and she
appreciated my willingness to go the extra mile so the project was completed on
time. As a result, our ability to work well together significantly increased.

Give me an example of a time when you took the time to share a co-worker's or
supervisor's achievements with other?

At my most recent position, one of my co-workers, Dan, did an outstanding job of
calming an irate customer, solving the customer's problem and completing a sale.
When our boss asked me how things were going, I told him everything was going
fine and that Dan had just completed calming an irate customer and closing a
sale. It was a win-win-win- for our boss, Dan and the customer.

Tell me about a time that you didn't work well with a supervisor. What was the
outcome and how would you have changed the outcome?

Early in my career, I had a supervisor (Judy) who was in a fairly good mood on
Monday, but it deteriorated each day until by Friday, the supervisor was finding
fault with everything I did. I didn't realize, until I left that position, that I had been a
contributor to the decline in her mood. Judy would ask me how my weekend was
(on Monday) and during the week she would ask how it was going. I would tell her
how much fun I was having (I was single) and how I was looking forward to the
weekend plans. After I left, I realized my life was in complete contrast to hers and I
reminded her of it almost daily. When she asked the questions, I should have had a
quick answer, and then asked her how she was doing!

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Have you worked with someone you didn't like? If so, how did you handle it?

Yes, I've worked with someone whom I found difficult to like as a person. However,
when I focused on the skills they brought to the job, their ability to solve problems
and the two things I did appreciate, slowly my attitude towards them changed.
We were never friends, but we did work well together.

Tell me about a time that you helped someone.

Most recently, we had a new hire (Paul) that was really struggling with getting to
work on time, and I knew the boss (Harry) was getting irritated. Over lunch one day
I explained to Paul how important it was to our boss for everyone to be there at
least 10 minutes early. It was personal with the Harry, but you could really get on his
bad side when you were frequently late. The new employee was grateful for the
advice. At his previous employment, the boss was only concerned about the work
getting done on time; he/she did not "watch the clock".

Tell me about a time that you misjudged a person.

There was a long-time employee (George) at my second company who was very
gruff when he spoke to me. At first, I went out of my way to win the George's
approval. Then I realized that was compounding the problem. So I observed how
he interacted with other employees and discovered I wasn't alone. He was gruff to
most people. I quit trying to gain his approval and, in the process, discovered he'd
learned his behavior from a former boss he'd had whom he admired.

How do you get along with older (younger) co-workers?

Suggested answer if your co-workers are older: There are times when I just know
that a new way of doing something makes more sense to me; but, first hand, I
learned that my "better way" may not be the best way to get the job done. As a
consequence, I respect my older co-workers knowledge and I've learned how to
make a suggestion at the appropriate time.

Suggested answer if your co-workers are younger: I quickly realized it was not my
job to "parent" the younger people with whom I work; it was my job to get to know
them and for us to find common ground where we could effectively work
together. It took time, but the result was worth the effort.

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6. Job Interview Answers to Questions About Your Career Goals
How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Goals

Job Interview Questions About Your Career Goals and Sample Answers

The overall theme for each of the answers below is: have you thought about the
impact of your decisions at the time you made them - or do you have a reactive
response to most situations. Far too often, a person's career appears to have
happened by chance. In todays fast-paced, ever changing world of work,
employer's want to know if they can count on you to make good decisions, not
knee-jerk reactions.

Start with your graduation from college and explain the rationale behind each of
your career moves.

When I graduated from college, I was immediately recruited by the ABC
Company. As my resume reflects, I received two promotions and then a recruiter
contacted for the position at the XYZ Company. I've been there for the past 4
years and have learned a great deal, while making significant contributions to my
department.

Also, explain the thinking process that went into make each of those decisions.

For my first job, I was happy to know I would be working in a job that utilized my
education. It was exciting to know that within just a few weeks of graduation, I had
my first paycheck. My thinking behind the XYZ position centered on the fact that
they have a global presence, it was a definite promotion and positioned me to be
a viable candidate for the marketing position with your company.

How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done?

I use my time efficiently at work and, for the most part, it's not the number of hours I
work; but how effective my time has been to accomplish the job. I'm sure my
references will tell you I was more than willing to put in the time to be sure the job
was completed as quickly and as professionally as possible.

If you stayed with your current company, what would be your next move?

The upward mobility at my current company would most likely be in the global
marketing department.

How do you measure success?

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I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work,
the feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates. Personally, it is
to know I'm regarded as a good husband, father and member of society.

Describe your dream job.

As a child, I dreamed of being the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. When I
realized I did not have a fast ball, or a change -up; I concentrated on my skills in
marketing because I realized it is an area where I not only can make significant
contributions, but I enjoy using my talent in a corporate environment.

More Interview Questions About Your Goals

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?

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Using the STAR technique to shine at job interviews

There are many types of interviews, from the free flowing to the formal, but one
that you are likely to come up against at some point is the competency-based
interview.

They're designed to make the job application process as objective as possible,
removing any conscious or subconscious bias by the interviewer by asking each
candidate the same questions. Some people feel this type of interview is more
stilted there can be less opportunity to build rapport. However, they are very
common, especially in large organizations and the public sector, so it's worth
refining your technique.

The questions will be driven by a competency framework that's required for the
job. For example, a marketing executive may require problem-solving skills, or a job
in customer services may require conflict management skills.

The interview questions tend to start with a variation of, "Tell me about a time
when" This may sound simple but, in the heat of the interview, it's easy to give an
unstructured answer, miss out key details, or let the story peter to a halt.

One way of avoiding this is by using the STAR acronym to structure your response.
Here are two examples of how to implement the technique:

A candidate for a marketing executive role might be asked: "Tell me about a time
that you solved a problem to a tight timescale." Here's how you could structure
your response:

Situation set the context for your story. For example, "We were due to be
delivering a presentation to a group of 30 interested industry players on our new
product and Stuart, the guy due to deliver it, got stuck on a train from
Birmingham."

Task what was required of you. For example, "It was my responsibility to find an
alternative so it didn't reflect badly on the company and we didn't waste the
opportunity."

Activity what you actually did. For example, "I spoke to the event organizers to
find out if they could change the running order. They agreed so we bought
ourselves some time. I contacted Susan, another member of the team, who at a
push could step in. She agreed to drop what she was doing and head to the
event."

Result how well the situation played out. For example, "Stuart didn't make the
meeting on time but we explained the problem to the delegates and Susan's

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presentation went well a bit rough around the edges but it was warmly received.
Stuart managed to get there for the last 15 minutes to answer questions. As a result
we gained some good contacts, at least two of which we converted into paying
clients."

There are a few things to note with this response: it's important to speak in specific
rather than general terms and quantify your success. In this example, we
mentioned 30 delegates, the names of the people involved and quantified two
contacts converted to clients. From a listener's perspective, this makes the story
more interesting and they are more able to gauge your success. Nameless figures
and undefined successes can make the answer less feel less convincing. Secondly,
as there are likely to be many questions and interviewers have short attention
spans, it's important to keep your answers concise: convey the maximum
achievement in the minimum time. Finally, it's important to finish on a positive note
so the overall impression is strong.

In a second example, a candidate for a customer services role is asked: "Describe
a situation when you had to deliver excellent customer service following a
complaint"

Situation: "A customer rang up complaining that they'd waited more than two
weeks for a reply from our sales team regarding a product query."

Task: "I needed to address the client's immediate query and find out what went
wrong in the normal process."

Activity: "I apologized, got the details and passed them to our head salesperson,
who contacted the client within the hour. I investigated why the query hadn't
been answered. I discovered that it was a combination of a wrong mobile number
and a generic email address that wasn't being checked. I let the client know and
we offered a goodwill discount on her next order."

Result: "The client not only continued to order from us but posted a positive
customer service tweet."

Used at its best, the STAR structure is invisible to the listener and it simply comes
across as a well-articulated example. Create a bank of answers in this format in
advance, so don't struggle to do it on the day and can make it appear as
seamless as possible.

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How to succeed at a job interview

For many people, a job interview can be one of the most stressful experiences of
their lives. Although many believe that only the best qualified candidates are
selected, the truth is that many highly talented and qualified people never get
hired because of the poor impression they make at the interview, while less
competent candidates who know how to present themselves well will often get
the job.

When you are competing with a large number of applicants your job search can
be a lot like musical chairs: winning often means surviving until the last round, when
everyone else has been eliminated. In todays competitive job market, you need
to make the best possible impression to ensure that you will be one of the handful
of people they consider for the position.

Many times, the things you dont do at an interview can be as important as the
things you do. Thats why we have prepared a list of dos and donts to help you
put your best foot forward at your next job interview.

DONT

Arrive late

Nothing makes a worse impression than arriving late. If you cant get there on time
for your interview, what can the company expect from you as an employee? If
theres even the slightest chance that traffic, the weather, or difficult-to-follow
directions might give a problem, leave ridiculously early, just to be sure.

Smoke

Smoking is guaranteed to turn off interviewers who are non-smokers. Even if you
happen to be interviewed by a smoker, studies show that 90 per cent of all
executives say that they would hire a nonsmoker over a smoker if their
qualifications were the same. Whats more, smoking makes you look nervous, not a
good thing in an interview situation.

Chew gum

It should go without saying that chewing gum looks extremely unprofessional.

Bring a friend or relative

Although many people like to bring someone along for support, you should come
to the interview on your own. Even saying goodbye to someone at the door of the

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building can make you look as if you arent independent enough to arrive on your
own. The same can be said of having someone pick you up after the interview.
Bad-mouth your boss

Never say negative things about a company that you worked for in the past, since
it tends to make you look like a complainer. No matter how bad your experience
was, you probably learned something from it. Always emphasize the positive, and
do it with a smile.

Try to improvise

No one would try to make an important speech or presentation without practicing
first, but thats exactly what many people do at interviews. Visualize the entire
interview beforehand, from start to finish, and try to see yourself performing with
style and confidence. Make a list of questions you think are likely to be asked, and
practice answering them with a friend or a tape recorder.

Lose your cool

In some situations, interviewers will deliberately ask questions designed to provoke
or intimidate you. They do this in order to see how professional and self-assured you
can be under pressure. Stay calm, and answer as best you can without losing your
cool.

DO

Prepare for the interview

It sounds obvious, but too many people walk into an interview without knowing
enough about the industry or the company. Find out as much as you can about
the position, the company, and its needs. Try to show how your background and
qualifications can help meet those needs.

Dress appropriately

Remember, how you look has a great deal to do how you are seen. Dressing too
casually or too flamboyantly can ruin your chances of getting the job. The best
choice for any interview situation is a tailored suit in a conservative color like dark
blue, gray, or tan. Make sure that your clothes are in good condition the night
before: your shoes should be polished, you shirt/blouse or pants/skirt should be
pressed, and there should be no missing buttons or dangling threads.

Be well-groomed

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Cleanliness is extremely important. Your hair should be clean, neat, and
conservatively styled. Fingernails should be cut short and no visible dirt under them.
You should avoid wearing excessive make-up and jewelry. If you wear perfume or
cologne, make sure its not overpowering.

Have a good handshake

A good, firm handshake projects confidence. A limp or otherwise distasteful
handshake can set a negative tone that will affect the entire interview. Work on
developing a strong handshake that doesnt feel like youre trying to crush the
interviewers bones.

Show enthusiasm and make eye contact

You can show enthusiasm by looking the interviewer directly in the eye, and
keeping and interested expression on your face. Be sure to nod and gesture when
appropriate, but keep in mind the excessive movement can distract and annoy
the interviewer. Body language is important: stand straight, move confidently, and
sit slightly forward in your chair.

Have good communication skills

Having good grammar and articulate speech are essential to presenting yourself
well. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with your family if you think you need
to work on this area. Listening is another important skill; be sure to listen carefully
and ask questions to probe deeper into what the interviewer is telling you.

Ask questions

Many interviewers will ask if you have any questions. If you dont have any, it
makes you look uninterested, unimaginative, or both. Be prepared to ask questions
that show you have done some research on the company, and indicate an
interest in learning more about the position and show you can be of value to the
company.

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Writing a Rsum

Part 1: The Objective

One of the most important elements of a job search in the US is a well-written
rsum. Although a Curriculum Vitae is common in many countries, almost all
American employers will ask for a rsum. What is the difference between a CV
and a rsum? In general, a CV is usually long, often running to several pages; a
rsum is short, ideally no more than one page is length. In order to give a
prospective employer a good idea of your background and skills in such a limited
document, its important to follow a format that includes all of your relevant
information. In the next several classes, we will be looking at the important
elements of a rsum, and how to write each section. By the end of this unit, you
will have a complete and effective rsum

After your contact information, the first section that you should include is your
objective. With a clearly defined career objective, you can design your rsum to
reflect the experience, skills, and training that show your potential employer that
you are the best candidate for the position. Keep in mind that hiring managers
often have to work through hundreds or even thousands of rsums for a single job
opening; be sure to keep your objective short and to the point.

Its important to focus how you will benefit the employer, not how the employer
would benefit you; your objective should therefore include a description of the
values or skills that the company is looking for.

The following formula that you can use to write your objective:

OBJECTIVE: A/An _____1_____ position in an organization seeking
_____2_____ and _____3_____

In the sentence above, __1__ is the name of the title of the position you are
applying for. ___2___ and ___3___ are the most important abilities, achievements,
or qualities that will work in your favor; its important to find out what is most
important to your prospective employer when filling in these blanks.

Below are some sample objectives for a variety of job descriptions:

A vice president of marketing position in an organization seeking a
professional with a strong track record of increasing market share and
Internet experience.
A senior staff position at a bank seeking to use my expertise in commercial
real estate lending and strategic management.

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An English teaching position in an institute seeking someone with the ability
to motivate and communicate effectively with students.
A dive master in an organization seeking an experienced diver with
extensive knowledge of Pacific sea life and a record of leaving customers
with the feeling that they have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience

To write your objective, answer the following question:

What position are you looking for?
What are the most important qualities you will bring to the position?

In the space below, write your objective, using the formula above as a guide.

OBJECTIVE:

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Writing a Rsum

Part 2: Education

The next item on your resume should be education. Most employers are only
interested in your studies after high school, so dont include information about high
school or earlier. You should include all degrees that you have completed,
beginning with your undergraduate work and progressing to post-graduate
degrees. A standard format for listing your educational credentials is the following:

Degree in (major), (honors), (minor in subject), date, university, location

In the formula above, the items in the brackets are only included if relevant, while
the words in italics must be included.

DEGREE

These are several different kinds of undergraduate degrees from undergraduate
degrees from universities in the US, and these are usually abbreviated according to
the following list:

B.A.: Bachelor of Arts
B.S.: Bachelor of Science
M.A.: Masters Degree
MBA: Masters in Business Administration
PhD: Doctorate

There are other abbreviations for degrees in specialized fields.

HONORS

Honors are listed on diplomas to reflect your success in earning your degree, and
are based on the grade point average achieved when you graduate. The honors
are:

cum laude: with honors
magna cum laude: with high honors
summa cum laude: with highest honors

Obviously, if you have managed to achieve your degree with honors, you should
list it on your resume.

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MINOR

Some universities allow students to pursue a secondary degree in a different
subject. If you have enough credits for a minor. It should be listed after your major.

UNIVERSITY AND LOCATION

Be sure to give the name of the university and the city in which it is located.

Examples:

Below are some examples of the education section of some different rsums.

B.A. in Accounting, cum laude, June 2000 ABC College, Brooklyn, New York
B.S. in Economics, Minor in Psychology, June1983 Fleer College, Greenboro,
Tennessee

In the space below, write your education, using the formula above as a guide.

EDUCATION:

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Writing a Rsum
Part 3: Work Experience

The next item on your rsum should be your employment history, or work
experience. The purpose of the employment history is to show how your
experience and skills would benefit a potential employer. Experience listings are
usually made in reverse chronological order; this means that your most recent
experience will be listed first.

JOB TITLE

To begin, start each listing with your title, the name of the company, the city, and
the dates.

For example:

Human Resource Consultant, J&B Services, Boston, Mass. 1995 2000

EXPERIENCE LIST

Next, you should list your relevant experience in that job. Its important to follow the
conventions of rsum writing when listing your experience:

Write the rsum in first person, but do not use first-person pronouns like I
and we) it is understood that the subject of most sentences is I).
Begin sentences with action verbs such as created or launched (there is
a list of power words at the end of this section that you can use in writing
your own rsum).
If you are listing something that you still do, use present tense; if you are
describing an accomplishment or task from a previous job, use past tense.
Use active voice, not passive voice; avoid constructions such as duties
included or was responsible for.

Examples:

Manage employee relations for high growth and rapidly changing sales
with 150 stores, 75 sales offices, 2 distribution centers, and 5,500 employees
in States and in Canada.
Designed and implement three new training programs for management
and employees dealing with sexual harassment and cultural diversity.
Analyze, revise and develop Human Resources policies and procedures.
Develop innovative computer tracking and department performance
system.

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POWER VERBS TO USE ON YOUR RSUM

DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP, DECISION MAKING, OR MANAGEMENT SKILLS

advocate, determine, direct, elicit, enlist, form, found, govern, hire, institute, lead,
manage, moderate, operate, oversee, produce, recruit, represent, sponsor, start,
supervised

DEMONSTRATE ADMINISTRATIVE, ORGANIZATIONAL, AND FOLLOW-THROUGH SKILLS

arrange, assemble, catalogue, collect, coordinate, disseminate, distribute,
execute, formalize, implement, install, maintain, organize, plan, prepare, process,
record, reorganize, schedule, update

DEMONSTRATE COMUNICATION SKILLS

answer, brief, conduct, contact, demonstrate, draft, educate, explain, familiarize,
handle, inform, instruct, introduce, lecture, present, report, respond, speak,
summarize, teach, train, translate

DEMONSTRATE ANALYTICAL OR RESEARCH SKILLS

analyze, audit, compile, consult, discover, document, edit, evaluate, examine,
gather, identify, interpret, interview, research, search, survey, test

DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO CREATE OR INNOVATE

author, compose, conceive, conceptualize, create, design, devise, establish,
invent, originate, revolutionize

DEMONSTRATE COUNSELING, HELPING OR MEDIATING SKILLS

aid, assist, attend, collaborate, comfort, contribute, counsel, facilitate, foster,
guide, help, mentor, provide, support, treat, tutor

DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO CONVINCE OR SELL

arbitrate, convince, market, mediate, negotiate, persuade, promote, publicize,
resolve, secure, sell, solicit

MORE USEFUL POWER VERBS

attain, augment, calculate, decrease, develop, eliminate, exceed, excel, expand,
finance, generate, improve, increase, launch, master, publish, reconcile, reduce,
strengthen, supplement, utilize

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EXAMPLE EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Below is a sample of an employment history section of a rsum.

Human Resource Consultant, Davidson Group, Dallas, TX, 1997-Present
Recruit new employees for 50+ companies within Dallas area.
Perform reference checks on all potential candidates.

Personnel Manager, PMS Retail, Dallas, TX, 1992-1997
Recruited and trained new employees for 23 stores.
Established complete personnel record/employee hiring tracking systems for
entire organization.
Facilitated training programs for managers and staff.
Updated orientation, and store cash terminal procedures and manuals.

Use the space below to come up with your experience.

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Writing a Rsum

Part 4: Putting it all together

Now that youve written the most important sections of your rsum, youre ready
to put it all together in its final form.

Contact Information

The first section on your rsum should be your contact information. This should
include your name, address, home and work telephone numbers, and an email
address.

Example:

Trey Diamond
123 Elm Street Home: (960) 555-2468
Poffitsburg, Colorado 81207 Office: (960) 555-1357
USA Email: tdiamond32@yahoo.com

COMPUTER SKILLS

These days, almost every job requires some kind of computer skills, so its a good
idea to list the programs that you can competently at the end of your rsum.

Example:

Computer Skills

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Power Point
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Front Page

COMPLETE RSUM

You are now ready to create your complete rsum. On the next page write
down sample of your complete rsum. Study the sample rsum, then add your
contact information, copy what you wrote for Objective, Education, and Work
Experience in previous classes, and include your computer experience to create a
complete rsum.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

OBJECTIVE

EDUCATION:

JOB EXPERIENCE

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Sources:

http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Job-Interview

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewguide.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/ss/job-interview.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/preparation/

http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog/star-technique-competency-based-
interview

How To Prepare For A Job Interview

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