Tips for a Successful Resume / Interview (using real life examples of a hiring manager)

1. Tips for a Successful Resume / Interview(using real life examples of a hiring manager) Tara S. Miller Program Manager, REDE/Critique, JV & Roseanne (Beth) Green Consultant, All Points Logistics

2. Your Resume • Don’t write your resume in the hope of getting a job; write it in the hope of getting an interview • The resume is a self-promotional document that presents you in the best possible light (SELL YOURSELF) for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview. • The resume is about YOU, and how YOU performed and what YOU accomplished in past jobs--especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next or the position you are applying for • A great way to improve your resume is to remove everything that starts with "responsibilities included" and replace it with on-the-job accomplishments / benefits to the employer; utilize numbers / percentages http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html

3. Resume Tips, continued • Problem-Action-Results; • State the problem that existed in your workplace • Describe what you did about it • Point out the beneficial results • Chronological vs. Functionalresume: • The chronological format is widely preferred by employers, and works well if you're staying in the same field (especially if you've been upwardly-mobile). • Functional format: if you're changing fields, and you're sure a skills-oriented format would show off your transferable skills to better advantage; be sure to include a clear chronological work history • Use action verbs: managed, coached, enforced, planned, etc http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html

4. Resume Tips • In this electronic age, use key words, i.e. FAR, Property Management, ASTM • Proof read! Proof read! Proof read! Proof read! • Fonts should be consistent • Size should be consistent • Capitalization • No pictures (unless applying for a modeling job….) • No redundant information, i.e. “References available upon request”, “Available for interview” • Customize your resume for each employer / job • Avoid salary information and Grade Point Average http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html

5. Resume Tips, continued • Your resume should be focused and organized • Keep your resume aesthetically pleasing; however, don’t go fancy – fonts, paper, images • No slang, technical jargon, acronyms • Avoid “I” or “me”; as the resume is about you, these words become redundant • Avoid possible age discrimination • Be sure to include current contact information, i.e. phone number, email • Email Address • Make it professional; drunkeveryweekend@...., is not professional http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html

6. Unusual Interviewshttp://www.lotsofjokes.com/job_interviews.asp • A job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle. • Interviewee wore a Walkman, explaining that she could listen to the interviewer and the music at the same time. • Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewers office. • Candidate explained that her long-term goals was to replace the interviewer. • Candidate said he never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico. • Balding Candidate excused himself and returned to the office a few minutes later wearing a headpiece. • Applicant said if he was hired he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm. • Applicant interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice on how to answer specific interview questions. • Candidate brought large dog to interview. • Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up. • Candidate dozed off during interview.

7. How to Prepare • Research • Job description – can give hints about the interview questions. Read it thoroughly. If you have questions, write them down • Company • Interviewer – this might be hard but at a minimum, know who will be doing your interview • If you know someone already working for the company, ask them questions • Interview questions • Practice • Know what job you are interviewing for • Dress appropriately • Good breath (not bad breath) • Bring a list of references, recommendation letters

8. Upon Arrival • Introduce yourself (politely) to the Secretary / Administrative Assistant • Do not arrive late!!!; however, you should not arrive anymore than 10 minutes early • While you are waiting, sit quietly. Don’t offer distractions like chewing gum / blowing bubbles / smoking • If you are planning on taking notes, have paper / pen ready

9. Greetings • When greeting the interviewer, be sure to get their name & pronounce it correctly • Shake their hand • Take a seat – sit with back straight & upright • Offer a copy of your resume (if they do not already have one)

10. Interview • Let the interviewer take control – • Listen intently – • if they provide a background of the company, listen even if you researched it • Listen to the interview questions. If you need clarification, ask • Watch body language – facial, body, posture, eye contact • Attitude plays a huge role in success

11. Interview Behavior • When answering the question: • Stick to the question – don’t wander into another subject • Be precise • Don’t lie or even fudge a little • Research job description for hints & be prepared • Don’t say, “I can learn”, probably everyone interviewing can learn • If taking notes, don’t write a book • Leave questions to the end. Don’t ask questions that were answered as part of the interview process

12. Interview Questions - The Wrong Kind to Askhttp://www.lotsofjokes.com/job_interviews.asp • What is it that you people do at this company? • What is the company motto? • Why aren't you in a more interesting business?” • What are the zodiac signs of all the board members?” • Why do you want references? • Do I have to dress for the next interview? • I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me? • Will the company move my rock collection from California to Maryland? • Will the company pay to relocate my horse? • Does your health insurance cover pets? • Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time? • Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons? • Do you think the company would be willing to lower my pay? • Why am I here?

13. Interviewee Questions - The Right Kind to Ask • What is the company mission / vision? • What are your expectations of me in the next 6 months to a year? • What do you see as some of the challenges to this position? • What type of projects will I be assigned? • Others?

14. Interview Conclusion • Conclusion of interview – ask for business card • Offer references • Shake hands • Thank the Secretary • Follow up with a “Thank you” to the interviewer

15. Conclusion A well written resume is a big step towards getting an interview. The interview is about selling yourself. Attitude is everything!

16. Contacts Tara S. Miller tara.s.miller@nasa.gov Roseanne (Beth) Green bethivangreen@cfl.rr.com