Resumes and Interviewing

1. Resumes and Interviewing • Resumes: A resume gets you an interview, not a job. • The 1st interview usually gets you a 2nd interview. • The 2nd interview usually gets you the job.

2. Resumes • Should include an objective or goal near the top • Should include your experience & education • Should include affiliations and awards • Should include references

3. 1st Interview • Usually held with a large panel of 6-10 people • Show a desire for the job and maintain good eye contact with all members of the panel. • Avoid arrogance and questions about money or vacations.

4. Interview Questions 1) Tell us about yourself. Include personal information almost as if you were writing an autobiography. Include your hobbies, spouse, kids, etc. Don’t just stick to your past jobs. • What are your strengths? Stay away from generalizations and be specific. This is a good place to outline and paint a picture, and/or give an example by telling a story.

5. Interview Questions Cont’d • Do you have any weaknesses? (What would you like to improve on?) Not a place to admit your vices (I have a drinking problem or I abuse my children). Also not a good idea to say “no or none.” Rather, wrap your weakness in a strength such as “sometimes I get too wrapped up in work and have to balance work with family better.”

6. Interview Questions Cont’d 4) “Why should we hire you?” Again, this is a question in which you want to avoid generalizations (I’m hard working, honest, etc.). So is everyone being interviewed that day. This is a question to be answered by outlining two or three major reasons and expanding. • 2 sick days in 4 years • Planning to stay a long time • Can creatively bring a retreat program to your school

7. Interview Questions Cont’d • “Do you have any questions of us?” Not the place to ask about salary, benefits, or vacation (save that for the 2nd interview or hiring process). Generally, not good to say no. The final question is the chance for you to restate a position: “How well do your employees get along because working atmosphere is important to me.”