Resume and Interviewing Tips

Proper preparation in terms of resume and interviews is vital. Following are some very important resume and interview tips for you:

Resume Tips

• Write an easy to follow resume and without errors. It is important to have it in a chronological order.
• Do not use slang on a resume.
• Present well organized information regarding your contact information, education, any licenses/certifications you may hold and professional organizations you hold membership.
• Relevant work information must be well organized, including when you held such positions.
• Responsibilities and accomplishments must be clearly stated/described, to include any specific work experience such as use of software, language spoken, part-time vs full-time etc.
• Applicable duties must be listed for each position held.
• Experience need to be listed starting with the most recent and then proceeding in a chronological manner.
• Avoid listing of personal, age-related or health information. For instance, 42, married with three kids and in great shape!!
• Avoid pictures or graphics.
• Be sure the font used is legible and avoid font less than 10 or any unusual fonts.
• Used actions verbs e.g. "Completed the school work load in less than 2 years". Avoid referring yourself in the third person or first person. Do not say "Mr. Stephen completed......." or "I completed.........".
• Provide specifics regarding skills attained. For instance do not say Adobe Suite, instead state Photoshop, Dreamweaver etc. Do not state Microsoft office, instead state Word, Excel etc.

Interview Tips

• Be punctual.
• Know what you are looking for and research a lot of information regarding the company and the position.
• Be prepared to ask questions regarding the company and the position.
• Be sure to review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to answer any questions.
• Answer questions truthfully and be specific.
• Be sure you understand any question asked of you. If not ask the interviewer to repeat such. You may take your time in answering tough questions.
• Dress appropriately, be kind and polite to everyone.
• You may follow up with a thank you letter.
• Be sure to bring a list of references and their contact information.
• Inform you references that you have used them as such and from whom they may expect a call.
• Avoid using personal contacts as references, instead use professional references such as current or previous supervisors.

Stephen Kamau, CIST 2510