Do
- DO keep the layout and design legible, consistent and easy to follow, with good clear headings, large easy-to-read typeface such as Times New Roman, Courier or Arial
- DO orientate your resume towards specific (and quantifiable) achievements rather than duties and responsibilities. It should tell prospective employers everything that might interest them and nothing that will waste their time.
- DO write in clear, concise terms, using active words (e.g. accomplished, created, enhanced, launched, negotiated, etc).
- DO put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order, that is, starting with the most recent. It’s easier to follow.
- DO be specific in your resume. Use numbers or percentages to illustrate your successes or the impact you can have.
Don't
- DON’T send poor quality reproductions. It doesn’t cost much for good quality reproductions -and this is your career we’re talking about!
- DON’T exaggerate your experience to make it sound more impressive. If it can’t stand up to scrutiny in the interview, you will blow your chances of getting the job.
- DON’T claim complete responsibility for achievements; implying no one else deserves any credit, which is usually not the case.
- DON’T write a novel. It should concisely paint a picture of you and your job history. Key points should be highlighted to develop interest and excitement about you as a potential candidate.
- DON’T use a narrative style. Highlight your accomplishments in a bullet point format, then you don’t need as many complete sentences. But be warned: brief points must be carefully thought out.
- DON’T use initials and jargon. Write so you’re understood. There’s a general consensus by good interviewers that people who really know their subject, write and speak clearly and don’t try to complicate issues.
Interview Tips
Do
- Before you are going to attend an interview try and find out as much about the job as possible. Try and look for what kind of person they are looking for and match this to your own abilities.
- Make sure that you have the right address details and that you know where you are going. Having to look for the interview location will only stress you out. You should aim to be there 5 - 10 minutes early so you can relax and have a look around.
-
Make sure that you are dressed smartly and professional. First impression will be an important factor of the interview.
- Make some notes about additional questions you want to ask during the interview or any points that you want to go over.
- Below you will find some of the obvious questions asked at an interview. Make sure that you can give an honest and persuasive answer to these questions:
- Why do you want to join our company?
- What can you bring to our company?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Could you please tell me a bit about your last/present job? - Another very important thing to take in mind is to watch your body language. With the right body language you will come over as a confident candidate. Below you will find some other key things to pay attention to while your being interviewed:
- Listen carefully to the questions asked.
- Reply to all the questions asked clearly.
- Make notes of points you would like to discuss later in the interview.
- Be polite to everyone you meet during the interview.
- Be honest at all times.
Don't
- Interrupt people while speaking to you during the interview.
- Let your mind wander.
- Be afraid to sell yourself to the interviewer.
- Answer questions by just replying with YES or NO.
- And last but not least remember to believe in yourself and your abilities. Every interview is a learning opportunity. Each one will teach you a bit more about what to do and what to avoid. So if the first one is unsuccessful don't be too disappointed because there will be more opportunities.
