Resume and Interview Advisory
Job Search Tips
Prepare
- Have a standard resume that you modify/tailor as needed per job posting/career opportunity
- Create an inventory of your accomplishments, including your educational background and work history, to keep at hand should a chance encounter become a contact
- Develop your interviewing skills through mock interviews with people you know. informational interviews
- Follow through with referrals, and always thank contacts in writing (email is fine)
Network
- Create profiles on job boards such as: Workopolis, Monster and specialized job boards/associations – ie. CMA, ICAO. Set up notification alerts based on field/industry of interest
- Join relevant groups and associations to your background to network and integrate into various communities
- Social Media sites (LinkedIn, Facebook & You Tube) are excellent tools to keep on top of employment opportunities, company developments, industry trends and where potential contacts are that you can network with. Leverage networks by requesting introductions from these contacts
For the interview…
Before the interview
- Choose a decent dress that is formal and that in which you are comfortable.
- Bring several copies of your resume and reference letters if you have some
- Research the company well using the internet (products, ownership structure [public, private etc.] locations, revenues, number of employees if available, any community involvement of the company, recent news items about the company)
- Recall three accomplishments of yours that you feel proud of, from your previous job experiences
- Prepare a set of questions that you can ask at the end of the interview
- Recall at least one situation where things did not go well and you learned something from it
- Prepare an example situation where you worked as a team and accomplished something great
- Read the job description well and be prepared for related questions or how you can give examples of how you are suitable to the important job requirements
During the interview
- Greet the interviewer with a confident handshake and personable greeting
- Listen to the questions being asked and answer them clearly and concisely
- If examples of previous experiences are requested and you need to reflect on your answer it’s okay to ask for a moment to think of an example during your interview (try to request this on occasion as it would be expected that you have most examples top of mind to speak too)
- Thank the interviewer for their time and ask for a business card if you’ve not already been given one
- Be sure to follow up with a thank you e-mail or voicemail and reiterate your interest in the role
Interview Preparation Tips
Common Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself…
2. Why did you apply for this position?
3. What do you know about our company?
4. Why do you want to work for our company?
5. What makes you the best candidate for this job?
6. What qualifications do you have that make you think you would be successful in this position?
7. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
8. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses (technical or otherwise) ?
9. How would your last boss describe you?
10. What are your short and long-range goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
11. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
12. What are the most important rewards you expect in and from your career?
13. What are two or three professional accomplishments that have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
14. How do you work under pressure? Give me an example.
15. What have you learned from your mistakes?
16. What are your salary expectations?
17. Do you have any questions for me?