ESSENTIALS ON RESUME AND INTERVIEW

1. Start by making a list of all your accomplishments to date. Don't leave anything out. Include jobs, awards, educational degrees, skills, personal projects: anything that would be impressive and/or interesting to anyone (even if not impressive or interesting to /everyone/). Even after your resume is finished, maintain this list. That way, you don't have to revisit those portions year after year. Organize your list by category.
2. Tailor your list to the position you're applying for (this will require a bit of research). Trim out each item that is not directly relevant to the job and add on two or three sentences explaining the relevance of each item. Whenever possible, list your experience in terms of accomplishments and achievements rather than tasks and responsibilities. Show your success. You may end up with many different versions of your resume, each one emphasizing a different set of skills.
3. Consider stating your objective. Again, keep this short and to the point, a single sentence. Personalize it to the position. Make sure your objective doesn't contradict the position you are applying for. Many employers will ignore an objective; so if it doesn't add something to the resume, don't include it.
4. Now it's time to format. Mind the look and feel of your resume. It should have clean lines and be easy to read. Make it two pages max, and only one page if you're just out of school - if you have more to share, save it for the interview. The font should be 8-13, no smaller, no bigger, but you should be able to read it well when you print it out. Black and white is best unless you're emphasizing your artistic or publishing skills (and even then be careful and tasteful). Keep the format neat and organized.
5. Include an address, phone number and email address. But, do not include an email that shows you shouldn't be taken seriously, like beerandboys@email.com. Don't use your current employer's name, number or email, either. If necessary, get an extra email address with a professional name that you can use for job searches.
6. Proofread, proofread and proofread again. Have a friend or professional that you trust proofread. Have an enemy proofread. Have a stranger proofread. Then proof again! Take criticism well and remember that just because someone suggests something doesn't mean you have to make the change. Don't boast about written communication skills with a typo.
7. Toot your own horn, but be careful. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. Try not to cross that line.
8. Follow directions. This is a huge indicator of responsibility to a hiring manager. If the ad says "no calls please," then don't call! If the job description asks you to provide your salary history, then include that information in your resume.



Tips

• Remember: the point of a resume is not to get the job, it's to get the interview. Focus on your best accomplishments. Focus on things you've accomplished so that whoever reads the resume will think, "I want to find out more about how this person did that."
• Be consistent! Format each entry in your resume in the same way.
• You might not need to list your whole name if it takes up two full lines (Elizabeth Anna Emily Isringhausen; Elizabeth Isringhausen is fine or even Liz Isringhausen if that's the way you like to be addressed.
• Don't over qualify yourself for a position. Give enough information for interest and save the "wow" factor for the interview. Write the resume for the position you are applying for without altering the truth.
• Don't attach 6 letters of recommendation, your diploma, your birth certificate, and your CPR and fitness certifications. Indicate your current certifications and be prepared to give references upon request. Do /not/ waste space on your resume by saying "References available".
• If you're just out of school put your educational details in before your employment details, with the most recent first on both of them. If you've been out of school for more than a year, or you have significant job credentials then list past employment and accomplishments first.
• Another approach is to lead with your strong suit, whether it be education, skills, work or volunteer experience. The idea is to showcase your strengths and hide any weaknesses.
• Detail your duties within each position but don't go overboard. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties. "Cut expenses by 25% over six months while maintaining historic revenue levels," is more impressive than, "Was responsible for a $500,000 budget." The latter says, "I did this," the former says, "I did this and I can do it for you."
• Highlight your expertise in software programs, languages, customer service and/or any other particular skills that will impress the interviewer.
• Listing personal hobbies is optional, but make sure they are sending the right impression. In other words, you might want to mention your stamp collection if you're applying for a job at a delivery company, but don't include Monday night football at Hooters.
• Be careful about listing volunteer activities. When you start listing things that tie you to political and other emotionally charged organizations, you might get put in a bucket of preconceived notions. It's not right, but everyone has biases and it is better to avoid them if possible.
• Quantify your accomplishments, if possible, by applying specific numbers to your successes. For instance, if you streamlined the flow of work for your department, define how much time it saved the company over a period of, say, 4 months. Time is money.
• Most people are somewhat shy and modest about what they have done on the job. Don't be! Think hard about what you've done and what you've accomplished. For instance, instead of saying "answered phones," say "answered multi-line phone and routed calls for an office of 43 people." The example here shows the prospective employer the volume of work you've handled and the complexity of the equipment.
• Print your resume on good quality paper, such as 20 pound bond white paper. Fancy papers are nice, but it's the content of your resume that employers care about.
• If possible, keep the resume for a day or two before reading it again. You may think of something else you want to add before submitting it to prospective employers.
• Write a cover letter that is short, sweet and to the point (and specifically written for the job you're applying for). If at all possible, do not write more than a page-long cover letter (make sure, though, that you include everything the employer asks for). Try and remember that the person reading it is probably looking at hundreds of resumes. Address logical questions in your cover letter. If you're applying for a position in California but your resume has a New York address, explain why. If you don't, the reader will probably trash the resume (unless the company is ready and willing to pay for a relocation package).
• If you do have to use two pages, make sure that the second page is at least half filled. If not, go back and re-work the formatting to see if you can fit it on one page. You can also review all the information you have and make sure it is all necessary and relevant. Remove the "fluff".
• Use no more than three different fonts.
• Always backup your resume on a floppy (yes, a floppy), flash USB drive, or even print it out. * Use white space effectively. The resume layout should be professional, crisp and well-defined. If you have too much information on the page, feel free to leave out what you feel is not 100% necessary, such as that fast food job you had in high school, if you have other more relevant experience to draw from.
• Do *not* pad your resume. This may be illegal in some instances, and is quite likely to make you look like a fool.
• Do not include irrelevant personal information. If you make inappropriate personal disclosures on your resumes, employers may perceive you as having poor judgment. They may also, intentionally or unintentionally, discriminate against you.
• Although in some cultures, it's customary to list your age, marital status, and family status, it isn't common in the United States. If you think age is important, you can allude to it with the year you graduated college or high school. Otherwise, these dates aren't necessary. Beware that, depending on the industry, you may face age discrimination if you graduated many years ago. For example, in creative industries, having graduated more than a few years ago may disqualify you from getting an interview for a junior position.
• In some countries (like Germany) you have to include a photograph with your application. In others, like the US and Canada, including a photo will immediately disqualify you with many employers. This just goes to show how important it is to research the local culture if you apply for a job in another country.
• Many word processors, including Microsoft Word, have "fill-in-the-blank" style resumes. Check for one with an appropriate style and then follow their guiding. It can give you help on how to start.
• Make a lot of drafts!
• Remember, the resume lands you the interview and the interview gets you the job!

Here are some Resume writing tips, which you may find useful.
A Resume is a record of your personal, education and work details. It should be as up to date as possible. The layout of your Resume is flexible, however ideally it should be no more than two pages long. The use of headings such as Education, Career History can help to clarify sections. Don't use fancy layouts as these can detract from the contents of your RESUME. Don't make general statements about your qualities. Make sure you can support your statements with evidence. Try to link your skills and experience to the requirements of the job you are applying for.
A good RESUME will include:
Personal Details
Keep this section brief - your full name, address, email address and phone number are important.
Education Details
Usually stated in reverse chronological order, with your most recent experiences first. Include details of the name of the institutions, the dates you attended and the qualifications you obtained / will obtain.
Think about the relevance of the information you detail. You may want to include a list of relevant modules, information about projects and dissertations undertaken, average grades and/or skills developed.
Career History / Professional Experience
All experiences count, whether paid, voluntary or shadowing. These are usually stated in reverse chronological order with dates to illustrate how long you were there. Focus on your responsibilities and achievements in the role and remember to highlight where skills were used or developed.
Positions of responsibility/achievements/interests
These are all relevant sections to include and can be used to demonstrate that you are motivated to pursue other activities, have an interest in a relevant career and take the initiative to develop your involvements and skills. Try to focus upon recent achievements and what your contributions were, skills developed and outcomes.

Please remember that this is a platform for you to demonstrate your key attributes and qualities, recognise your own achievements and the key challenges you have overcome. This is your opportunity to demonstrate this and potentially could be your first step through the selection process.


 
How to Write a Resume as a Graduate Student
As a graduate student, the least thing you want to do is spend so much time researching on how to write a Resume or CV. And even if you want to make a break, sooner or later you will have to make the first step in order to apply for a job; you will need your Resume or CV ready in minutes.
Steps
1. First stage: Collecting the information
1. Collect only useful information that is relevant to your job! If you are applying for a number of similar jobs or fields, try to write a couple of Resumes by simply providing only important accurate details relevant to the job description.
2. Second stage: Start Writing a Resume
1. Organize your Resume in a following order:
2. Objective (concise, focused and compiling statement why you are qualified for the job position and how an employer would benefit from hiring you)
3. Experience (list all of your jobs related to the position you are applying for, consider listing volunteer experience as well, because non-paid experience is equally as valuable as paid experience)
4. Education (since this is strongest asset for graduates, focus the reader on your academic credentials by listing your major and minor area of study with classes relevant to the job that you are seeking)
3. Third stage: Key Elements for Resume of Graduate Student
1. As a finishing graduate there are four key elements that you need to include in your Resume:
2. Association Memberships (list all memberships related to your job target to demonstrate characteristics important to the job you are applying for)
3. Your Volunteer Work (list all your volunteer work through separate accomplishments, capabilities or skills sections)
4. Computer Knowledge (list all your software and hardware knowledge)
5. Knowledge of other Languages (knowledge of a second language or more will definitely make your Resume stand out from the rest of the candidates)
4. Fourth stage: Finishing Touch!
1. Be sure to include strong action words and key terms. As a finishing graduate use specific key action words to emphasize your leadership and team roles. For example: organized, performed, maintained, developed, team work, supervised, executed, etc. Here are a couple of additional rules to make your Resume elegant and smart:
2. In marketing there is a general rule "Give them what they want". So, try to include as many relevant points as possible,
3. Crucial to avoid grammar and spelling errors,
4. Exclude details that do not relate to the position that you are applying for.
5. Do not include the names of any references (once they ask you for them you can give these).
5. These are really essential points in each and every Resume that you need to prepare as a graduate student. Apply these rules and you will have a great in your hands in no time! That will be your first crucial step towards your job seeking process. So, watch your step buddy!
How to Avoid Interview Mistakes
If you want to learn how to avoid interview mistakes, keep reading. It is so important to know how to handle yourself in an interview setting.
Steps
1. Remember and accept that first impressions are essential. Are you dressed appropriately? Is your hair style attractive? Are your fingernails clean and trimmed? If you wear makeup, is it subdued enough for a work setting?
2. Be careful all the way. Yes, it sounds like this is just a little too much, but you can never be too careful in an interview. You want to eliminate anything and everything that might keep you from being considered for employment. Eliminate as many of the possible problem areas as you can so that the employer focuses on what you bring to the table in terms of qualifications.
3. Arrive on time. This is an absolute must. Actually, it is best if you arrive at the location ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled interview. Take a few moments to calm your nerves, say a prayer (if you like) and check yourself in a mirror. When it is time to walk in the door, do so a minute or two before the interview is supposed to start. Never arrive late. If something comes up, such as a traffic accident, call the company as soon as possible to make them aware of the situation.
4. Be professional. Professionalism is highly valued. Are you chewing gum, smoking or tapping your pen on your portfolio? Everything you do will be judged in some form or fashion by the interviewer. Omit anything that might exclude you from further consideration as a potential job candidate.
5. Speak clearly and concisely. Remember the phrase, "Never use two words when one word will do." Address each person you meet as "Mr." or "Ms." and articulate your words using proper grammar. Also, keep your answers short and to the point. Talk to communicate a message, not just to fill the quiet spells in the interview.
6. Know the organization. If you have not taken the time to research the company, it will become very obvious in the interview. Check the company's web site or visit the local library and learn some key information about the place where you are thinking about spending 40 or so hours per week. What products do they make or what services do they provide? Who are their major competitors? Does the company have a mission statement and do you agree with it? Not only will you glean valuable information for yourself, but you will be better prepared for the interview.
Tips
• Be prepared.
• Plan your route to the interview.
• Take extra copies of your resume.
• Have a list of personal and professional references handy.
Warnings
• Don't talk too much.
• Sit up straight and act professionally.
• Turn your cell phone off.
How to Dress for an Interview as a Man
You finally got the interview for your dream job, but what should you wear? Unless it's a job in the fashion industry, you won't get hired for dressing well. What's important is to seamlessly blend with your interviewer's expectations for your appearance, so they can focus on what they say and who you are.
Steps
1. Be formal (no matter what the regular dress code is at the job). The only exceptions to this are if you are interviewing somewhere that they tell you specifically what to wear for your own safety (such as at a factory). For most interviews, a suit is the appropriate attire. A blue suit works the best and it gives you a lot of versatility in terms of shirt and tie choice. Light or dark grey are also good conservative choices. A three button suit will look good on almost anyone, while a 2 button will give a slightly taller/slimmer appearance.
2. Choose a solid white or blue shirt. You don't want to look too flashy with a brightly colored shirt, and striped (and especially patterned) shirts are a little less formal. A straight collar is also more formal than a button down. Choose one with a medium spread. (If you have a particularly large neck, a wider collar may look better.)
3. Wear a tie in a dark, conservative color (never pink). Stick to solids, rep (diagonal striped) or small patterned ties. A red tie will give the friendly politician look, while blue ties give a more serious FBI agent look. Both are acceptable.
4. Wear a belt or suspenders, but never both at the same time. It’s redundant. If you're a suspenders kind of guy, get buttons sewed into your trousers and wear suspenders that button on, not the cheap clip-on kind. They will make you look cheap.
5. Show off your shoes. A pair of black oxfords or cap-toed oxfords is the best choice. Get ones that don't have super thick soles so they won’t look like boots.
6. Wear solid, vertically ribbed socks in black or grey. Get socks that are long enough to cover your legs when you sit down in your suit.
Tips
• A nice watch rounds out the outfit. You don't have to spend a fortune on a Tag Heuer. Fossil and Timex make nice enough looking watches that can fool almost anyone.
• If you are lucky enough to be asked for a second interview, simply changing the shirt and tie combination can give the look of a whole new outfit, even if you don’t have another suit.
• Remember to turn off your cell phone before you go.
• Although it seems counterintuitive to wear another layer, putting on an undershirt will keep sweat from getting on your dress shirt and showing exactly how nervous you really are. The bonus is that your white shirt will look whiter with a white undershirt. Choose a white short-sleeved tee in favor of an athletic undershirt.
• Make sure your dress shirts' tails are long enough that they stay tucked in. Refresh your tuck right before the interview in the nearest restroom: unzip your fly and reach in to pull the front tail downwards, to align the placket with your trouser hitch and belt buckle.
• Wear unscented deodorant and no cologne
• Bring a folder or portfolio with at least one copy of your resume. Ideally, write down questions you want answered; you don't want to ever say "No" to the usual, "Do you have any questions?"
Warnings
• It is imperative that your clothes are clean and pressed. If you never iron your clothes, iron just this once for your interview.
• Some dress shoes can be slippery, and literally falling on your face is not the impression you want to make. Look for shoes with rubber inserts for traction.
• Also make sure your shoes are shined and the heels aren't worn down. If the heels are worn down, you can have them repaired at a cobbler.
• Don't get a watch that beeps.
• Some of the more technical organizations you may interview with have a "we don't hire suits" custom. Check beforehand with the firm's HR contact to inquire about this.
Things You'll Need
• A blue or grey suit
• 2-3 white and blue dress shirts
• 2-3 conservative ties
• Black oxford or cap-toed oxfords
• Black belt
• Dress sock
• Watch



 
How to Look Good in a Suit

Many people wear suits for special occasions. Whether it be for a cocktail party, wedding, reunion, funeral, or a job interview, looking good in a suit is top priority. By following these steps, you can improve your image through wearing a suit.
Steps
1. Make sure that your suit fits. These are some important elements to note when you purchase a suit:
o Your suit jacket should fit well and give you a full range of motion, both buttoned and unbuttoned.
o You should be able to fit one finger between the collar of your shirt and your neck, but no more than that.
o The shirt cuffs should not ride up when you stretch your arms. If you are wearing a button-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break exactly at the wrist; if it's a French-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break about 1/2 inch further.
o Your vest should button comfortably and hit just below the waistband of your pants.
2. Dress for your body type. If you're a shorter person, stick to single-breasted jackets. Double-breasted jackets can give you a "drowning-in-fabric" look and make you appear smaller. If you're bigger around the middle, wear a lower-buttoning jacket rather than one with a higher placket. It will give you a longer silhouette.
3. Wear the suit properly. Button all of the buttons on your dress shirt. If you are wearing a button-cuff shirt, remember to button those buttons — don't forget the small one on the placket!
o For two-button jackets, button the top button only.
o For three-button jackets, button the middle button, and the top button [if desired].
o Or, don't button any of the buttons on your jacket at all; this is also acceptable. However, you should NEVER button the bottom-most button on any jacket.
4. Choose the right accessories for the occasion. With a black tuxedo, try a silver necktie, or one with a subtle stripe or weave. White ties are ultra-formal. Black ties are formal. Colored ties can fit a wide range of occasions — just make sure that it doesn't take away the focus from your overall suit. Wear a matching belt — black is usually a good color for everything, except for khaki-toned suits, which should be worn with brown belts. Your belt buckle should match any other accessories that you are wearing, such as a watch. If you are wearing a watch, and your sleeve is above it, consider that your sleeves are too short. Also, don't wear necklaces hanging outside of your shirt, tuck chains and neck accessories into your shirt. Other accessories to consider are cuff-links and a stud set.
5. Choose comfortable, yet stylish shoes. The whole idea is to make sure they match the rest of the suit and don't cause any unwanted pain during the day (or night). Besides, you don't look good when you are wincing in pain or constantly adjusting your shoes. Your shoes should match the belt color.
6. Have your suit pressed. This is an obvious step, especially for important occasions. This ensures that you're clean and crisply pressed.
7. Be well-groomed. Perform all the small hygiene tasks that are not usually done every day. Remove earwax, clip your nails, remove your unibrow, and take care of any nasal or ear hair. Since your face is the first thing people notice when they meet you, make sure it is in top shape. This does not mean you have to shave off all your facial hair. If you have a moustache or goatee, make sure it is well defined, and that you keep unwanted hairs shaven off. Take a shower, brush, floss, and use mouthwash, and apply your favorite deodorant and cologne to your wrists and neck. Remember, less is more.
Tips
• If you anticipate a lot of walking, wear comfortable dress shoes. You don't want to be sweating under heavy wool in the heat of a summer, either. If you sweat easily, consider bringing a 2nd shirt to change into.
• When seating yourself, unbutton your jacket buttons so that your jacket falls to both sides of the chair, rather than tightly across your body.
• Boost your confidence. If your image of yourself is high, others will sense that and look at you the same way.
• Bring a Tide Pen to get rid of anything you spill on your suit. Excuse yourself to the bathroom for this.
Warnings
• Some people have their suits dry-cleaned after each wearing. This is the best way to ruin your suit. You only need to have a suit cleaned once per year, or less. If it smells like smoke, or wherever you've been, hang it out to let the fabric breathe.
Things You'll Need
• Suit
• Belt
• Necktie/bow tie
• Socks & Shoes
• Extra shirt (if you sweat easily)
• Razor/Electric Shaver
• Q-Tips
• Scissors / electric nose hair remover (if needed)
• Fingernail clippers
• Toothpaste / Toothbrush / Floss / Mouthwash
• Deoderant & Cologne
• Tide Pen (optional)
 
How to Go to an Interview
Going to interviews can be nerve-wracking. With these tips, rough seas soon become smooth sailing.
Steps
1. Arrive in the area 30 minutes early. Find a quiet cafe, relax and take your mind off of the commute. Iced mint tea is always nice.
2. Keep your cool. You probably will not get the job if you let the employer see how nervous you are.
3. Answer only the questions that the interviewers ask you and do not offer other information.
4. Be polite and don't insult the employer. Know that he or she could have many more people to interview.
5. Do not take offense to anything the interviewer says. If they do not give you the job, do not let it stop you from trying to get another job.
6. Be very forward in everything you say and in your actions.
7. Try not to confuse the employer. Be careful of what you say and realize that your employment is on the line!
Tips
• Be confident
• Sit straight
• Look up and at the interviewer
• Always write a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you!

 
How to Open an Interview
Opening an interview is the most important part of the interview. It sets the tone for the rest of the interview. If one knows how to properly open an interview, the interview is much more likely to be successful.
Steps
1. Establish rapport. Rapport is a relationship based upon mutual trust. Rapport is important to consider when establishing and maintaining a relationship between interviewer and interviewee. Oftentimes, the first few minutes of the interview are the most important. Establishing rapport can enhance the outcome of the interview. If an honest, sincere and persuasive attitude is not used by the interviewer, then the interviewee may not share their real opinions on the matter at hand.
2. Orient the interviewee. Explain the purpose, length and nature of the interview and why you selected the person to be interviewed. This is useful for establishing rapport and also gives the interviewee a sense of belonging.
3. State the purpose of the interview. By stating the purpose of the interview, the interviewee can have a better understanding of why you chose them.
4. Summarize the reason for the interview, but don’t go into body. The interviewer should avoid getting into the body of the interview so that the interviewee is not overwhelmed. By summarizing the reason for the interview, the interviewee has time to gather his or her thoughts.
5. Explain how the topic of the interview was discovered and by whom it was discovered. This enables the interviewee to understand how you came to interviewing them. It also helps them understand where you are coming from.
6. Refer to how you came upon choosing the interviewee. By doing so, the interviewer can understand why they are qualified for the interview. Thus, giving them a sense of belonging.
7. Refer to your organization and position to give oneself an identity to the interviewee.
8. Request a specific amount of time.
9. Always knock when entering the room for the interview.
10. Dress properly for the situation. If you do not dress properly, you may look out of place or unprofessional.
Tips
• Prepare an outline that accomplishes these goals.
• Ask others if they believe your dress attire is appropriate for the type of interview.
 
How to Answer Tough Questions in an Interview
There are no tough questions in an interview. Just ones you haven't prepared for.
Steps
1. Apply for jobs you really want. If you're not really sure about a job, every question will be tough to answer.
2. Know yourself. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and be aware of the qualities you offer a potential employer. Think about how your past experiences have helped you.
3. Before the interview, think about (or write down) all the possible questions you could be asked, and come up with answers to them.
4. Recognize that the interviewer is interested in you. Don't sell yourself short, and realize that you have something to offer. This will make questions easier to answer.
5. Talk about the future as much as the past. Avoid discussing uncomfortable things from your past and focus on what you can do for the company and why you want to work there. If caught off guard with a question, don't answer right away. Take some time to compose your thoughts, and then answer as best you can.
6. Try to answer all questions as positively as you can. Don't speak negatively about former employers, former companies or former management.
7. Do some research about the company and the position you are interviewing for. If possible, talk to someone who has the job and find out what the companies look for in an employee. Don't lie, but position yourself as the ideal candidate.
8. Look over your resume' before the interview as many questions may come from your resume'.
9. Don't ramble especially when answering a tough interview question. Answer the question...get in and get out of it! If you seem unsure they may continue the same line of questions that are making you uncomfortable.
10. If you don't understand the question, it is alright to ask them to repeat it rather than assume you can fake your way through an answer. People usually rephrase a question the second time through and that can give you an edge.
Tips
• Be clean. Shower 1 hour before, no perfume, no "statements" like punk clothing/haircuts/jewellery/nose or earrings/other body art. If you want to sell yourself, be relaxed and ready to kick butt.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. You don't want to be late or rushed--arriving early will allow you to enter the interview calm, cool and collected (and ready to answer questions).
• Keep in mind that a job interview is not "just about you". It is also your opportunity to determine if the company is one you wish to work for. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, the worst thing you can do is say no. Always have at least two or three job or company related questions ready.
• Do a bit of research in advance of the interview and learn about the company's history and direction. During the interview, refer to things you've learned about the company. This tells the interviewer that you have an interest in the company and understand its mission, giving you an edge over applicants who simply "walk in".
• Turn potentially negative answers into positive ones. A common example would be "What are your weaknesses?" The worst answer to give is that you haven't any. Find a weakness that you've improved upon and use that for your answer to this common question. "I learned in my previous position that my computer skills were not as strong as I would have preferred. I have since completed classroom training in that area, and have greatly improved." Remember, the question isn't meant to determine what the "weaknesses" are- it is meant to determine what you have done to correct them.
• Always bring questions full circle back to your stated achievements and qualifications. When the interviewer asks a "How would you handle xxx?", a good answer would be "I had a similar situation in a previous position, and I handled it by.." Whenever a positive result was achieved, it is imperative that you note it. "My actions resulted in a decrease of operating expenses by 15% while increasing revenues by 25%."
• Practice asking yourself questions in a mirror or have someone you know assist. Do what all US Presidents, court witnesses and executives do to prepare for tough questions: using a role-playing format, have someone ask you the same potentially tough questions, giving you the opportunity to practice your answers and delivery. Allow yourself practice to work through not only the best answer but one you're most comfortable delivering.
• Use the STAR method when asked questions such as have you ever been in a group that did not work well together? Discuss the Situation, what Tasks you needed to achieve, what Actions you took, and the Results. It's okay if the situation ended badly. Discuss what you learned and how you would have handled the situation differently.
Warnings
• Do not go there hoping to get the job. It produces sweat, stupid answers, etc., as anticipation is not a good thing. Go there to show them what they will be losing if they don't hire you. Don't wish for the job, just go and prove how good you are. Do not humiliate yourself--just convince the company you are a good human and they will want you. Easy.
• Don't try to impress the interviewer by using vocabulary you don't know. If you don't know what a word means, don't use it. Otherwise you will come across as ignorant and insincere.
• Don't appear arrogant or the interviewer will try to stump you by asking even harder questions. Pay attention to your body language!

 
How to Prepare for a Behavioural Interview
Increasingly, employers are giving job candidates behavioural interviews. Behavioural interviewing is an interviewing strategy that considers the candidates' past performance the best indicator of future performance. If you're in the market for a new job, it's probably wise to prepare for behavioural interviews. Some 30 percent of organizations, including many of America's biggest corporations, now use behavioural interviewing -- and the number is growing.
Steps
1. Study the job description for the position for which you're interviewing.
2. Visit the organizations website to gain an understanding of what type of candidate the organization is hiring.
3. List the personal and professional attributes of the ideal candidate for the job.
4. Think about which of your experiences can be used to illustrate you have these personal and professional attributes.
5. Make up questions that demonstrate you have each of these attributes. Behavioral questions usually start with phrases like "Describe a time" and "Tell me about a situation" which force the interviewee to talk about specific experiences.
6. Develop two or three stories for each personal or professional attribute, using experiences from your past to show you have each attribute.
7. Try to use the SAR technique to tell these stories. Describe the Situation you were in or problem you were facing at the start of the story. Describe the Action you took or took part in as a result. Then describe the Result of your actions. Spend less time on the Situation and more time on Action and Results. This is what the interviewer cares about.
8. Practice answering the behavioral interview questions you invented, using the stories you created, so your stories become second nature.
Tips
• Use your resume/CV to help evaluate how your experiences can be used to illustrate you're the ideal candidate for the job.
• Don't limit yourself to the experiences on your CV, if there's some other story that best shows how you'd be a great a fit with the job.
• Do a Web search for "behavioral interview questions" to find sites with sample questions you might face in a behavioral interview. Good places to look are business school websites. You may often find the marketing club or finance club mini-sites, where the students share behavioral interviews.
 
How to Take Command of Your Career
To take command of your career means to keep control of it and not simply rely on other people to deliver on your behalf. Here's how you can do it.
Steps
1. Decide on a goal and direction for your career. Do you want to do your current job in a more advanced way? Do you want to work in a different industry or different field? Do you want to do or to manage?
2. Don't plaster your resume on every single Internet job board you can find. Hiring managers and recruiters start wondering why you can't get a job if they see your resume all over the Internet.
3. Make sure you understand what sort of job you are looking for and focus your job search rather than simply firing offer dozens of resumes and waiting for the calls to come in.
4. Don't apply for jobs you aren't qualified for. This upsets hiring managers and recruiters and wastes their time. It shows that you can't follow instructions or don't read job descriptions. On the other hand, do apply for jobs that are related to your experience, even if the job description doesn't match your experience completely.
5. Use recruiters to supplement your job search but don't rely on them to get you a job.
6. Learn. If you would like to take your career in a particular direction, take classes in that area, read books and articles on the subject, and seek out tasks in your current job to help you gain experience.
7. Talk to others in your target field, company or industry. Ask them what they like and dislike about their work and let them know you are looking.
Tips
• Understand what a company is looking for when you read over job descriptions. Look for "must have" skills and ensure you highlight in your resume that you have the "must have" skills and any "nice to have" skills too.
• Try to get as much activity going on in your job search as possible. Speak with people who can positively influence your job search, apply for jobs yourself, work with recruiters, attend job fairs, let your family and friends know you are looking for a new job, etc.


 
How to Write an Interview Thank You Note
Sending a note of thanks to a potential employer is a professional courtesy that can give you the "extra points" following an interview.
Steps
1. Compose, write and mail your thank you note as soon as possible following the interview; preferably on the day of the interview. Your note may be handwritten or typed.
2. Use good quality note paper or note cards that will be mailed in a matching envelope. Stay with note paper/cards of a neutral shade (beige, off-white, subtle grey, etc., no color). You may use a card having the words "Thank You" imprinted on the front; however, the font and/or type should be simple and professionally elegant. A note card that bears a small, graphic design is acceptable; such as a narrow colored border stripe. Avoid using note cards or note paper that bear a decorative picture. And no scented or fragrance paper!
3. Date the note in full: January 10, 2006 and not 01/10/06
4. Greet the interviewer: Dear Mr. Smith, or Dear Ms. Smith.
5. Write your message. Be direct, be personable without being personal. Use good grammar. Your message should not be longer than 2 short paragraphs.
6. Begin by giving recognition to the interviewer and the company: Paragraph One Example: "It was my pleasure to meet with you this afternoon regarding the Marketing Director's position with XYZ Enterprises. Thank you for the brief history of XYZ, and for providing me with a glimpse at XYZ's future growth plans. They are both quite impressive."
7. Give recognition to yourself: Mention something from the interview that will prompt the interviewer to remember you individually. Paragraph Two Example: "I came away from our interview with a strong sense that my qualifications and experience are an excellent match to the Marketing Director's position. I believe that by sharing my skills and ideas with the talented XYZ team, and while gaining the knowledge and plans of my colleagues, we will achieve the profitable goals you've described. I anticipate speaking with you again soon."
8. Close your message with "Respectfully"or "Sincerely."
9. If your note has been typed, type your name, then sign it in blue ink.
10. Address the envelope with the full name and title of the interviewer on the first line: Mr. Howard J. Smith, Vice President of Marketing. The second line of the address is the company name: XYZ Enterprises., the third and fourth lines are for the full mailing address and zip code.
11. Include your name and address in the return address area of the envelope; not on the back.
Tips
• If sending an email thank you letter, compose a good portion of it prior to your interview. After the interview, add the finishing touches and send it off. This allows for fastest delivery and minimal effort after the interview.
• Check for accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation. Have at least one other person proof-read your message.
• If you hand-write your message and make a mistake, start over on a fresh note card. No crossing out, no corrective products.
• Verify the correct spelling of the interviewer's name and his/her exact title. Contact the company's receptionist or Human Resources department, if necessary.
• Use the words "You" and "yours" more than the words "I" "me" and "mine." The word "you" is one of the 12 most persuasive words in the English language. It is up there with "money" "guarantee" and "health." Ex. Instead of: "I want to thank you for meeting with me." It is more powerful to write, "Thank you for the meeting."
• Refer to your interview as a "meeting" in your note. It subconsciously put you on more even footing. Every edge counts when it comes to salary negotiating.