Interviewing/Application Tips

1. Research the company and position before the interview. You can get company information from their Web site.
2. Be on time.
3. Prepare questions for the interview.
4. Be prepared to discuss past projects.
5. Bring a good copy of your resume, they may only have a fax copy.
6. Make good eye contact.
7. Listen carefully and wait your turn to speak.
8. Always tell the truth on applications and in an interview.
9. Ask what will happen next with respect to your application for the position.
10. Ask the employer if a physical, drug test or any other tests are required.
11. Satisfy any request for additional information within 24 hours.
12. Make sure you understand a question before you attempt to answer it.
13. Request benefits information (or a summary), and company literature to take with you.
14. Avoid discussing salary during the initial interview or first part of the interview. If you are asked, either tell the person it is hard to say without knowing the job responsibilities and benefits, or give a wide range (e.g. $50-60K). On the written application, put “negotiable” or give a range.

Recommended Resume Layout

Many companies receive resumes via E-mail or fax in addition to mail. Resumes sent via E-mail as an attachment is the preferred method. This method allows the resume to be easily imported into a resume database. Resumes sent via fax or mail need to be imported into a database as well but first must be scanned with OCR technology. Errors can be introduced into the resume during the scanning process. For this reason we suggest the following:

1. Attach the resume in MS Word format to an Email whenever possible.
2. Use adequate margins. (at least ½”)
3. Avoid using fancy fonts. (use San Serif fonts, 10pt minimum.)
4. Use white paper and black ink.
5. Use a laser printer.
6. Do not underline words.
7. Avoid boxes, tables, graphics, shading and pictures.
8. Use 8 ½” by 11” paper.

1. Do list your technical skills summary first (no more than half a page).
2. Do be clear and concise.
3. Do list all employers with dates (month and year).
4. Do list all certifications and degrees.
5. Do list your experience in chronological order with the most current position first.
6. Do provide a resume that is easy to scan for resume databases (see above hints).
7. Do begin your sentences with action verbs.
8. Do include your significant accomplishments.

1. Don’t include personal references.
2. Don’t include hobbies or interests.
3. Don’t include your Social Security Number.
4. Don’t attach your photograph.
5. Don’t exaggerate you experience.
6. Don’t use complicated configurations.
7. Don’t give your age or date of birth.

Either of these styles is suitable for a resume (we prefer Chronological):

CHRONOLOGICAL: Begin with a technical and professional summary (about half of first page) which includes titles, applications, systems, languages, packages and buzz words. Following this summary, list employment history and experience with the most recent position first. Include title, job description and emphasize accomplishments. This style is suitable for all candidates.

FUNCTIONAL: Organize by your primary functional skills (e.g. project management, development, support, training, etc.). You can document positions, responsibilities and significant accomplishments by functional category. This style will also include employer names and dates of employment. This style is best suited for candidates who have more experience (8+ years) and/or candidates who have only worked for a few employers.