JOB SEEKERS HELP
Resume Tips
Successful Résumés
Keep to a single page, if possible. Use positive words.
Consider giving a synopsis of your achievements and experience to date
after your personal details. Make this succinct and punchy to create a positive
first image. Two or three sentences will suffice.
Spell check and ensure that it is in the correct language version.
List your Achievements, as well as, your Key
Responsibilities.
Research different styles of résumés. Investing a few dollars in a
professional résumé CD writing package is money wisely invested.
Use a quality paper to present your résumé. Remember it is
YOU that
you are really presenting.
Don’t use an obscure font, which is difficult to read, or too many fonts
that cause the résumé to appear “too busy”. Simple professional layouts also
transmit more successfully electronically.
The Worst Résumés
Too long and rambling.
Not current or too generic. Take time to adapt your résumé or the
synopsis of your achievements to the specific job you are applying to.
Incorrect spelling.
If you are required to send your résumé by mail do use cheap paper or a
photocopy of your résumé.
No nominated references.
Unexplained gaps. Write positively about what you used the time for if
your employment history has been broken.
Interview Tips
Homework - Research the school, school district and surrounding
community. This can be by a variety of methods including looking up the
school on their website if they have one.
Information - Request promotional literature. Take advantage of the
opportunity for an informal discussion if it is offered.
Know Where You Are Going - Request a location map, if necessary.
Check out your route if traveling by car or the timetables for buses or trains.
Do not be late to an interview.
First Two Minutes - Appearance always matters. The first two minutes
on first meeting you are critical. Make sure that you look the part, that you
make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.
Preparation - Prepare some suitable questions that you want to ask
your interviewers in advance of the interview so that you won’t dry up when
you are asked if there is any further information the you require. Remember
that it is just as important that the job meets your needs and aspirations, as
it is that you fit their criteria. It is both a fit and a match.
Competency or Job Description Based Interviews - If the interview is
structured around a competency-based framework, ensure that you can talk
confidently about any competences you have supplied and think of another
example for each. Be prepared for the interviewer asking you “what
if” questions. It is important that you have sold yourself, your abilities
and success through the competencies you have chosen to present. It is
often equally important to the interviewer to know what you would have done
if the situation had not gone exactly according to plan, particularly of there is
a big budget at stake.
Answer the Question - Ensure that you hone into what the interviewer is
looking for. If it is a job where you will be working as part of a team, ensure
that you show how you contribute to successful team working. Equally, if it is
a high level strategic position, ensure that you tailor your answers to show
your leadership abilities and helicopter vision.
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