Resume Tips |
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Thinking about looking for a new job? Here are some tips to help
you land that dream opportunity. |
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What Do You REALLY Want? |
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Remember, the grass is usually greener on the other side. So
before you make up your mind that another job will be better than
your current one, make a list of the pros and cons of your current
job. You may find that the pros outweigh the cons after all. |
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Decide what's important to you at this point in your life. Is
it opportunities for advancement? A flexible schedule? A job near
home or daycare? Your priorities have probably changed since becoming
a mom. Keep this in mind when searching for opportunities. |
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The Resume |
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Try to keep it to one page if possible, especially if you have
less than half a page of information for the 2nd page. |
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Be consistent with punctuation, tense, and formatting. |
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Use positive action words to describe your job duties, such as
"integrated," "accelerated," "initiated," etc. Avoid the words "I,"
"my," "mine," etc.? |
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Use bullet points when possible so the reader can quickly skim
the contents. |
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Proofread, proofread, proofread again, and then have three friends
proofread! Nothing will turn most potential employers off more than
a typo. |
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Sell yourself; don't be afraid to brag. Highlight accomplishments
and awards. But never, ever lie or exaggerate. It's bound to catch
up with you. |
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The Cover Letter |
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Keep your tone and your grammar professional. Ideally, use a block
letter format. Keep it to just a few concise paragraph. |
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Your letter should be unique for every company to which you're
sending a resume. Don't just send out a form letter. |
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Try to take a couple specific qualifications were in the ad and
specifically state how you meet them. However, don't just reiterate
your resume. |
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The Interview |
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Dress professionally, no matter what the dress code is at the
potential place of employment. |
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If you're unfamiliar with the location, plan out your route in
advance. |
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Arrive early, never late. |
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When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, ALWAYS say
yes. Bring a list of questions with you (and, of course, ask anything
that you think of during the course of the interview). |
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The Followup |
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Always send a thank you note. Send it via snail mail (not email)
and make sure you have the name(s) of your interviewer(s) on there.
Bring up one point of discussion you had during the interview, preferably
a unique way you can benefit their company. |
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If you haven't heard anything, wait a reasonable amount of time
and call to see if they've made a decision. The employer might be
trying to decide between you and another candidate. That phone call
shows initiative and could what tips the scales in your favor. |
