JOB SEEKERS HELP
Résumé 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 program 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 that is difficult to read, or too many fonts
that cause the résumé to appear “too busy”. Simple professional layouts
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 not use cheap paper
or a photocopy of your résumé.
No nominated references.
Unexplained gaps in employment. 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
of your first meeting 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 you require. Remember, 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 to ask “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 if 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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