• Prepare a generic Cover Letter that can easily be tailored for specific job requirements.
  
  
• Create a professional, concise resume utilizing our Resume Tips.
  
  
• Prepare for the interview.  Research the company and the position for which you are interviewing. Practice, utilizing our Sample Interview Questions
  
  
• Dress professionally. Seriously consider our (Dress Code Tips)
  
  
• Be prompt.  The interviewer's time is important.
  
  
• Shake hands with the interviewer and make eye contact.  Ask questions to convey to the interviewer you are interested in the position. (Interview Tips)

 

Cover Letter

Be sure to include a cover letter with your resume whether you are mailing it or emailing it.  If mailing a resume, you will want to print the cover letter on the same quality paper as the resume.  If emailing, you may either type your cover letter into the body section of your email or create a separate attachment.  Keep your cover letter to one page, as well, and do your best to match your qualifications to the stated job requirements.  End your cover letter with a next step by asking the employer to call you at his or her convenience. Make certain you have provided your contact information.

Sample

Date
Name
Title
Company Name
Company Address

Dear ___________________,

In response to your search for a ( job title), please find ( enclosed or attached) my resume for your review. I believe you will find my skills and experience closely match the requirements for this position.

(In this section tell how you are qualified and how your experience matches the job requirements. Limit this paragraph to four or five sentences).

(In this section share specifically why you believe you can be a contributing team member to the company. Do not re-hash your experience. Reveal past accomplishments and recognitions. Limit this paragraph to four or five sentences.)

Please feel free to contact me at ( accessible phone number) or ( email address) . I am hopeful you will select me for an interview for the (job title) position. I look forward to hearing from you and I thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address
Your Telephone
Your Email Address  

 

Resume

Because of our fast-paced work environment and the need to act quickly when a job opening develops, many Human Resource Managers spend an average of only ten to twenty-five seconds scanning a resume. It is for this reason that we recommend a one-page resume with an accompanying cover letter.

If you plan to mail your resume, always use a good quality linen paper (not bond) that is a standard 8 1/2 by 11-inch size. Avoid using brightly colored paper.  Instead, help in achieving that professional look by utilizing a white, cream, buff or light gray colored paper.  Excellent print quality is an absolute must. The fastest and easiest method to achieve this quality is through the use of a computer and laser printer. Storing your resume on computer or computer disk provides you much flexibility. Laser printers are readily accessible at your local high schools, colleges, public libraries, and office supply houses. If the company you are sending your resume to has supplied an email address, you may want to email your cover letter and resume. 

Make sure your resume does not look too "busy". Be selective in using upper case lettering, as well as the underlining and bolding features. Use your imagination when working with margins and tabs. And make sure you have enough "clear space" to provide an "eye-easy" appearance.

Proof read your resume numerous times, and then have someone else proof read it for you. Make absolutely certain there are no typographical errors, grammatical errors or misspelled words.

Sample Interview Questions

Another thing to keep in mind once you get a call for an interview, is "What kind of questions might they ask me?"  Following is a list of some of the possibilities.  You may want to answer them ahead of time and be prepared if asked.

• What specifically have you done while in college that has enhanced your leadership qualities?
• In What extra-curricular activities have you participated?
• What courses have you enjoyed the most? The least?
• What percentage of your college expenses did you earn? How? Why did you choose your particular field of study?
• In what type of position are you most interested?
• Why do you think you might like to work for our company?
• What qualifications do you have that make you feel that you will be successful in your field?
• Are you willing to relocate for the company? Do you have any geographic preferences?
• Are you willing to travel for the company?
• What type of professional literature have you read?
• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
• What are your career objectives?
• Where do you envision yourself five years from now? Ten years?
• Tell me about your previous employment.
• How were your positions obtained and why did you leave?
• Which position did you enjoy most? Least?
• What have you learned from your employment experience?
• What is the greatest challenge you've had to face, and how did you handle the situation?
• I see many applicants with good credentials like yours. Why should I hire you?
• Sell yourself to me.

Dress Code Tips

There are several types of dress codes an office may follow.  Professional Dress, Business Casual, and Casual are a few examples.  These can be somewhat confusing, so we have provided a guide to try and explain the differences. 

Professional Dress(This is how you should dress for an interview.)

Women:  Business suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses only.  Pants are only permitted if they are part of a professional business suit with a jacket.  Skirts are to be no more than 2" above the knee.  Slacks, jeans, and walking shorts are not permitted.  Panty hose must be worn with all skirts.  No open toed or backless shoes may be worn.  Hair and makeup must be tasteful and conservative.  It is advised that you limit the amount of piercing per ear.  Other facial piercing is not appropriate for this environment.

Men:  Business suits only.  A professional business suit and tie is all that's permitted.  No casual pants at any time.  Must wear socks.  No visible piercing is appropriate in this environment.

Business Casual Dress

Women:  Business suits, dresses, skirts and blouses, professional styled culottes, split skirts, and casual pantsuits with jackets are allowed.  Short pantsuits or skorts, blue jeans or casual blue jean skirts, and khakis are not allowed.  This office style may have a casual Friday where khakis and casual shirts are allowed on that day only.  Check with your supervisor to verify. Skirts are to be no more than 2" above the knee.  Panty hose must be worn with all skirts.  No open toed or backless shoes may be worn.  Hair and makeup must be tasteful and conservative. It is advised that you limit the amount of piercing per ear.  Other facial piercing is not appropriate for this environment.

Men: Business suits are allowed.  A coat and tie are not required.   If you wear Khaki pants or another more casual style pant, a blazer is required.  Socks are always required.  No visible piercing is appropriate in this environment.

Casual Dress

Women:  In this style office, Khaki pants with a blouse are fine.  Many styles of skirts and blouses or slacks and blouses should be appropriate.  The office environment may allow more casual attire, including jeans, but you should discuss this with your manager first. Skirts are to be no more than 2" above the knee.  Panty hose must be worn with all skirts. No open toed or backless shoes may be worn.  Hair and makeup must be tasteful and conservative. It is advised that you limit the amount of piercing per ear.  Other facial piercing is not appropriate for this environment.

Men:  Khaki pants and an oxford shirt is appropriate.  A jacket and tie are not required.  The office environment may allow more casual attire, including jeans, but you should discuss this with your manager first.  Socks are always required. No visible piercing is appropriate in this environment.