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Prepare for the Interview

Now that you’ve successfully passed the first step: the resume; the second step in landing a great job is a great interview. Planning and preparing will ensure that you present yourself well.

1. Be Informed

  • Understand the position you are applying for, and what you are expected to deliver
  • Do your homework. Research the company you are interviewing for, understand the company’s operations, the range of products produced, and how you can contribute
  • To really demonstrate your knowledge gain more expertise about the industry

2. Be Aware of Your Appearance and Posture

  • Do not slouch. Nervousness is easily detected
  • Dress in business attire that is comfortable
  • Be polite and do not get distracted by a tough question
  • Mirror the interviewers’ tone of voice

3. Build Rapport

  • Show enthusiasm by arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start
  • Demonstrate interest in the job and remain attentive throughout the interview
  • Be honest. Misrepresentations can only hurt your chances of getting the job
  • Show that you understand and care about the company’s needs, not simply your own

4. Project a Positive Image

  • Have a positive attitude and demonstrate confidence in your ability to do the job
  • Never tell people what you cannot do, tell them what you can do
  • Don’t ask about compensation, perks or benefits. There will be time for this after. If using an agency they will most likely handle this on your behalf 

5. Deal with the Tough Questions

  • Answer tough questions briefly and directly
  • Take time to think before answering. Don’t project as you are in a rush
  • Try not to get rattled and remain positive with your replies.

6. Ask Questions of Your Own

  • Always be prepared to ask the interviewer at least three questions
  • Think of questions to ask before the interview starts and make one up based on what you have learned during the interview
  • Make a good impression with questions such as:
    • Why is the job available?
    • How does the company measure success?
    • Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?
    • What are the biggest challenges facing the company/department right now?

Create A Power Resume

The first impression matters. When applying for prospective jobs the first impression you make is through your resume. In essence, your resume should speak on your behalf. It tells a prospective employer who you are and what you can do. It will define if you will proceed to the next steps – the interview or skills test.

These are the important factors to keep in mind:

Keep It Simple

  • Summarize the most recent years of your career (work experience) in one or two pages
  • Be direct, concise and stay focused on employment-related details
  • Do not list your references in your resume. Note that they are available upon request
  • Do not include irrelevant information such as hobbies, marital status, etc

Keep Your Design Professional

  • Use a clear and commonly used font. To name a few, Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are suggested
  • Emphasize your accomplishments and qualities using bullet points
  • Organize your information in a consistent, chronological manner.

Be Organized

  • Ensure your name and contact information are prominently displayed at the top of each page
  • Outline your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include dates of employment, positions held, and all names of companies for which you have worked for
  • Under education, list only the most recent degree you have earned
  • Create a section that lists your experience and level of proficiency with technologies

Proofread

  • Proofreading is crucial in this stage, grammar mistakes may be an automatic red flag for some employers 
  • Tip: On MS Word press F7 for spell check.

Be Sure to Market Yourself

  • Present yourself as a solution. Address the employer’s needs in your resume
  • For IT positions, it is important to list all the technologies you have experience using and to what proficiency
  • Use short, simple sentences. They convey information most clearly
  • Focus on achievements that set you apart from others with comparable experience
  • Elaborate on the responsibilities you performed at various roles
  • Explain what you did, how you did it, who you did it with and why the company was better off with you there

If you are trying to apply for a job and have any additional questions, email any of our recruiters so they can help you tailor your resume to any of our jobs!