Getting job interviews starts with your resume. We would like to help you with that and to also introduce you to a book that will help you get through the interview. Because, getting that all important interview is the goal of your resume.
I recently heard a well-known financial advisor tell a caller that spending a lot of money to have someone else write their resume was not a good way to spend money. And his reasoning was that he seldom read the resume for more than the “high points” to determine whether to set up an interview.
After a very successful business career that spanned more than 50 years and many different employers, I agree with his advice. Furthermore, I would advise that your resume be done on your computer and saved for future modifications. A specific modification for each job you are pursuing.
THE HIGH POINTS
Making a unique copy for each job allows you to highlight the important things you want the employer to focus on. Because you want to highlight any experience you have had that will qualify you for that particular job. The experience for getting the interview. And by updating your resume with these highlights you are fixing them in YOUR mind too. Therefore, you are setting up talking points you want to make.
Just changing the face type to bold or underlining certain phases may be enough without substantially rewriting. But don’t hesitate to totally rewrite sections, if they need to be changed to focus on a different area of your experience.
With first jobs, your resume may be pretty thin, so you need to be creative to be able to point out your specific abilities for that job. Also, even though they may not be related, part time jobs should be included to point out experience in different areas plus your flexibility and dependability. Of course, if you are a seasoned worker with a good work background, part time jobs are not that important.
EMPLOYMENT GAPS
If there are glaring gaps in your employment history, it is important to have answers for those gaps during the interview. But if they are significant on the resume, a short viable explanation on the resume itself may get you to the interview.
One other minor trick that I liked to play with my resume was to print it on a high grade paper. Paper that is thicker than the normal paper in your printer. Why? Because then your page will stand out when flattened into a stack of several other resumes being reviewed. I always chose a light beige or ivory – not much darker that white-white, but just enough to stand out. Of course, you want the matching envelopes – business size.
Now that your resume has gotten you to the interview, you need to
Go Into the Job Interview With Total Optimism!
You know you want the job and you can do it. So we are going to work with you getting job interviews.
The book that we are representing here will get you ready for that interview. And should give you the confidence and Optimism you need. Therefore, read the sample answers. In less than 7 minutes you should be able to learn how to
“Package & Spin” your work experience so it’s the perfect fit for the job.
Gina Padilla wrote this about Getting Job Interviews:
“I’ve been in the staffing and recruiting business for 18 years, but your information on how to frame responses to questions gave me the confidence I needed to get *myself* a job! … I also liked the Behavioral Interview question strategies — it’s so important to be prepared for this. I will recommend your guide to my candidates. It’s great!” — Gina Padilla, Senior Technical Recruiter »
Preview of Tricky Job Interview Questions
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- “Why did you leave your last job?” They want to know why you are looking for something else.
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- “Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?” You have to be truthful with your answer to this, they will know if you lie.
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- “Why have you had so many jobs in such a short period of time?” Are you a job hopper? The answer to that is obvious, based on your resume. You need to be able to explain frequent changes and convince them you will stay.
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- “Can you explain this gap in your employment history?” Time gaps in your resume need to be explained. Sometimes it is even advisable to add a short explanation on the resume itself.
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- “Why should we hire YOU?” This is a good question for you to think about in advance. Why do you think this job is right for you? Past experience? New training?
More Tricky Questions
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- “What’s your biggest weakness?” Give some examples of what you need to improve.
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- “Describe a decision you made that was unpopular” Think about this one.
I’m sure just reading these questions will get you thinking and preparing.