Tips for Resume' Preparation and Interviews

Everyone has a different view of what to include in their own resume'. Screening candidates for over seventeen years, I have a format that I recommend to my candidates that is clear, concise and easy to follow.

First, a resume should be no longer than 2 pages, not including reference information. Resumes that are in excess of 2 pages, tend to give more information than required. Keep in mind, the purpose of a resume' is to get a meeting, not to completely tell the viewer everything you have ever done.

The look of the resume is very important. It should be in a easy to read typeface that is universal for all readers. Extremely decorative fonts may be nice for the viewer, but difficult to read for the potential client. The format of the document should be suitable for copying or faxing. Avoid screens of color or ink, they don't reproduce well and the viewer will not be able to see all of your work. Use at least 12 point type on all of the body copy. Headings should be bold and slightly larger for emphasis.

Here are the elements I look for in a good resume': An Objective statement, Hardware/Software skills, Educational background, Work History, Awards & Honors, and References.

Objective
An objective statement should communicate to the viewer your intent for your next career move. Sometimes objectives are listed in a cover letter. This can be okay, but quite often a cover letter may become separated from the main document and the resume' can be misconstrued. Usually a couple of sentences are enough. It should be direct enough to make your vision clear, but not so detailed as to the specifics of company, one goal position desired, or give any impression of inflexibility.

Hardware/Software
Everyone should list the types of computer systems they are familiar with as well as the specific software they have "hands-on" experience. The ideal list will be sorted from expert to least experience.

Educational Background
A complete listing of your professional training is essential. It is not necessary to list the actual year of completion, but it is critical to list the field of accomplishment or training. Continuing education is good if it is pertinent to your individual career path.

Work History
The work history is probably the most important area. The job history should be from current job back to previous jobs. There should be no gaps in the history. If you have freelanced in between positions, you should show that work history from the date it began to current. If a job lasted for 6 months or less it is not wise to list it. I would show the time as a contractual period for simplicity. Some people will truncate or shorten their work history to the last 10 years. I prefer to see all work history. You can keep the details brief, but it can be very misleading in an initial assessment if you do not include the complete picture. You may be considered for a more junior postion due to an assumption formed by your resume'. Some people are concerned about being discriminated against due to their age. I personally see it as an asset, not a liability. I do find it deceptive if a candidate neglects to incorporate a large portion of their career in an attempt to compete with a younger crowd. The listings should show start date and completion date. Avoid listing every position change or promotion within a company, by the date it happened. It can lengthen the resume' and it is excessive. Tell me about your rise to prominence in brief detail. You should list the position titles, but show the entire company history. In some cases it is important to list the reason for departure. This information, however, is usually addressed in a face-to-face interview.

Awards & Honors
Achievements are important to list. Keep in mind they are irrelevant if they do not apply to your career path.

References
It is okay to provide references as an attachment or at the time of an interview.

Interviewing Tips

In today's market it is tough enough to find a job opening, much less secure your place as the client's number one choice. Old habits of passive interviewing do not work. You have to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Here are some key points to set yourself apart from the crowd-

*Dress to Impress-
Always dress appropriate for the position you are interviewing as well as for the person you are meeting. Some jobs are more casual in the work culture than others. Don't assume to know without first asking around. It is better to over dress than under dress for an appointment. You can come across as unconcerned or even dowdy if you dress too casual. Most Human Resource contacts watch professional appearance as a first level of screening. ALWAYS dress professionally for a senior level-hiring manager. In most advertising and communications environments business/casual is the best attire. Client side interviews should always be business attire in a first meeting.

*Research the Company History-
Find out as much as possible before your meeting with the prospective employer. Things such as key clients, current employee contacts, financials, their competition and the reason for the opening show your level of interest as well as prepare you for what kinds of questions may be addressed in a meeting. The web is a great tool for investigating a potential employer as well as industry magazines that may features the company's success stories. Network with people who know about the employer. Many bad hire stories can be prevented by knowing more about the company before you walk through their doors!

*Position Your Strengths to match their needs-
Make sure that the key traits they are looking for in this position are highlighted in your resume and when you speak in your interviews. Don't assume that they see the same things that you do. It is your role in communicating to the interviewer why you are the BEST person for the job. Don't overstate your capabilities or try to say you're a quick study. Employers want people who have all of the skills they are looking for in a job opening. They do not want to train someone.

*Show poise and confidence in your face to face meetings-
Keep eye contact with your interviewer. Sit straight and as comfortable as possible. Don't cross your arms or legs into a closed position. Closed body positions come across as protective and not open to sharing. Speak with a clear definitive voice. Answer questions succinctly and honestly. If the answer is "you don't know", say so.

*Express genuine interest without sounding desperate-
Remember the name of your interviewer and refer to it during your discussions. Confirm you are excited about the opportunity without throwing yourself at him/her. Employers know that the market is saturated with candidates looking for a job. They can be picky, but ideally want to fill the job as soon as possible. If you are comfortable, they will likely be comfortable around you.

*Send a follow up note and manage next steps-
Always conclude an interview by thanking the person for the invitation to meet with him/her, even if you think it is going bad. It is also VERY important to send a thank you note via email or mail the very next day. Unless told to call the next day, you should give the interviewer time to reflect on your meeting by comparing you to the other candidates. Typically it is appropriate to follow up 2 to 3 days after a meeting by telephone, unless a specific date is specified. Be sure to ask the interviewer BEFORE you leave the meeting; "What are the next steps?"
When you are competing (and Yes, this is a competition) for a job, you must be specific and make sure you are creating a positive memory for a potential employer. Some candidates focus on personal charm and name dropping to let the client know more about his/her work history. Others go above and beyond the interview requirements by creating a full-blown presentation of their skills and highlights with multimedia cds or self-promotion packets. It truly depends on the job and the company if these methods work, but they certainly can't hurt.

Confidence, poise, intelligence, personality, and a good work ethic will always prevail.