If you search for websites about applying for job, job interview tips or resume advice, things start to look the same.
There are many tips out there about performing well in job interviews and having the best resume, but sometimes you can get information overload and do too much.
Here are two essential lists that will cover your bases but not have you do too much when going to a job interview, whether it’s in-person or a video interview, or creating a resume.
Job Interview Tips
- Dress Conservatively. Wear nice dress pants, a dressier shirt, no big jewelry or accessories.
- Be Prepared. Find out about the company beforehand. Do some background research so you can make conversation.
- Be Polite. Be proactive and shake the interviewer’s hand. Don’t slouch in your chair. Don’t use slang words. Be polite, positive and professional throughout the interview.
- Know Your Schedule. Know what days and times you are available to work. The employer will ask. Flexibility is an asset because the more you are available, the easier it is for them to set a work schedule. Also, have a plan of how you will get to and from work if you don’t have a car.
- Be on Time. Arrive at the interview site a few minutes early. If you’re not sure where to go, get directions ahead of time.
- Send a Thank You Note. Take a few minutes to thank the person who interviewed you. Sending a paper note is always best – tell them thank you for their time and for meeting with you.
Resume Tips
- Make sure you have a lot of “white space” on your resume. You don’t want it to be too crowded.
- Use bullet points over paragraph-style descriptions.
- Never use personal pronouns on a resume (I, me, my).
- Use action verbs to describe your duties at past jobs.
- Use specific examples of accomplishments and job duties.
- Never include personal information such as age and race.
- Never list your references on a resume – if people want them, they will ask for them.
- Spell check, spell check, spell check!
- A clean design with ONE or TWO fonts is always best.
Make sure your social networking doesn’t include anything you don’t want a future boss to see – especially pictures, swearing, and even some of your friends – people do judge you by the company you keep, so you may want to “hide” some of your friends on Facebook.
Last but not least, unless you’re a model, never include your picture on or with your resume.
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