Resume Dos and Don'ts

When Preparing Your Resume ... Do:


-Tailor the resume to the opportunity by highlighting your qualifications and expertise that match specific job requirements.

-Accurately summarize the software and technologies that you are familiar with and how long you have used each one.

-Highlight your achievements by demonstrating the ways in which the projects you worked on affected the company's bottom line. Did they increase sales, broaden the customer base, enhance visibility, reach target markets or improve productivity?
Clearly show areas where you have been given increased responsibility for a job well done.

-Include special recognition, awards and participation in relevant professional organizations.

-Proofread for errors. You can be screened out for not being detail-oriented.
Review your resume with your references so they are up-to-date on your current accomplishments.

-Update your resume after every position or significant freelance assignment.

When Preparing Your Resume ... Don't:


-Misrepresent your education or experiences; one fabrication is often grounds for termination.

-Give reasons for termination or leaving a job.

-Include personal information such as your height, weight, Social Security number, social activities, and personal or religious philosophies.


-List references or state: "References available on request." The interviewer will assume that you will provide these contacts when asked.

-Use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.

-Include your phone number or e-mail address at your current job unless your boss is aware of your intent to leave.

-List your high school education if you're a college graduate.

-Provide salary information in the resume. If the ad requests a salary range, include it in the cover letter. Otherwise, wait until the interview to discuss this issue.

Format for Scanning Resumes
-Resume management systems scan your hardcopy resume into their databases for recruiters and hiring managers to search for new consultants. Guidelines to follow when sending hardcopy resumes that will be scanned include:



-Mail an original copy without folds or staples. A faxed resume may not scan.
Left justify the entire document.


-Avoid graphics, italics, underlining, bold and shading.

-Save the file as "Text with Line Breaks," and put a hard return at the end of each line.

-Avoid tabs.


-Parenthesis, brackets, horizontal or vertical lines will not scan properly.
Do not use compressed lines of print.

-Use a sans serif font in size 10-14.

The Interview

Preparing for the Interview
-Preparation is essential to remaining calm under pressure and is the first step toward a successful interview. Here are some tips:



-Organize the night before. Your interview clothing, briefcase and portfolio should all be prepared. Make time for a good night's rest.


-Know the exact place and time of the meeting, the interviewer's full name (including correct pronunciation), and his or her title.


-Research the company through the Internet or library to learn pertinent facts such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations.


-Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview. Base these questions on your research to show that you've done your homework.


-Look your professional best. In most situations, business attire in a neutral color works well. Be conservative in your use of fragrance, cosmetics and jewelry.


-Bring several copies of your resume, along with your portfolio and a list of references.

Interviewing Do's:


-Arrive on time or a few minutes early.


-Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.


-Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, and look alert and interested at all times. Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately.


-Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.


-Be sincere. Note achievements such as original concepts you developed, projects you managed and websites you produced.

Interviewing Don'ts:


-Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.


-If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.


-Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining why you left, communicate your rationale professionally.


-Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.

Source: www.creativegroup.com