Tucson Jobs Ministry - Resume Tips

A Pantano Christian Church Life Group

Prepared by Jay Langdon, SPHR, MS - Chief HR Strategist     

Langdon & Associates, PLLC

There is no one, right way to write a resume.  However, there are many ways to do it wrong.  Consider the following when writing your own.

·         The purpose of a resume is to get an interview, not get the job.  The interview gets you the job.

·         Do not lie.  Your resume is a marketing piece about you and what you can do for a prospective employer.  Recruiters expect to see your best impression on a resume, but NEVER a lie.

·         Proofread, spell check.  Have someone else read your resume aloud.  Typos are a quick trip to the ‘Do Not Interview’ queue.

·         Use keywords and action verbs.  Many employers use automated search features when reviewing your resumes.  Review job ads for keywords.

·         Use a title.  Recruiters usually are hiring for multiple positions.  Make it clear which one you are perfect for.

·         Use a Career/Executive Summary rather than an objective.  Put in your strengths clearly, upfront, early in the read.  Resume Title + Summary = Objective

·         Know your audience.  Write your resume from the perspective of what you can do for the employer.  Be professional, avoid ‘I’ and ‘me’. Focus on results, the value you bring to the table.

·         Use quantitative metrics – numbers and specifics that show your ability.  Avoid broad generalities.  Ex. ncreased sales 25%; reduced costs $10,000 annually; decreased turnover 10%...

·         Contact information.  Have your contact information in a large clear font on every page (footer).  For a recruiter, there’s nothing worse than reading a great resume with illegible contact information.  You NEED phone and email.  Address is very helpful.  Use a clear font, 12 point type preferably, certainly nothing smaller than 10pt.  Check email regularly (1x/day min.)

·         Limit protected class information – no mentioning religion, race, sex/gender, national origin…

·         No irrelevant information – no superfluous information, no “references available”, no hobbies, personal interests, families/children – stay focused on the job.  No slang, jargon.

·         In general, use a chronological resume, not a functional resume unless absolutely necessary.

·         Appropriate length – one or two pages typically.  Easy to read! Use clear section titles: Experience, Education, etc.

·         Ample whitespace – avoid large continuous blocks of text, use bullets.

·         Be concise – the average recruiter will only look at your resume for 10-20 seconds before deciding to reject you or to continue reading.

·         Use a laser printer, a good quality, typically white or off white (not colored) paper.

·         Avoid resume templates – recruiters KNOW them.  They’re good for basic ideas, but not for writing.  They’re great for making recruiters smile and think “that’s Resume 3b from website…” right before you get rejected!

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  Tucson Jobs Ministry - Interviewing Traps

  A Pantano Christian Church Life Group

  Prepared by Jay Langdon, SPHR, MS - Chief HR Strategist   

  Langdon & Associates, PLLC   - www.LangdonHR.com  

Do your homework - Research the company, the position, portfolio of work samples, letters of recommendation, reference list, copies of licenses, driving record, transcripts, the competition, etc.

Practice – Review the questions below.  Prepare answers. Keep your answers job relevant.

Eye contact - Show you want the job with your interest, an appropriate handshake.

Be Positive - Avoid negative comments about past employers, smile, be polite, and try to relax.

 

Listen and adapt – Notice interviewer style. Pay attention to those details: clothing, office furniture, and general decor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.

Relate - Answers need to reflect the interviewer and the company and the job. Focus on your achievements that are relevant to the position.

 

Encourage - Ask the interviewer to share information about the company. Demonstrate your interest.  

Go alone. Do not take children or friends.

Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep.

Dress appropriately for the job for which you are interviewing.

Arrive early - Plan your schedule and route to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment.

Bring extra copies of your resumes.

 

Sample Interview Questions

 

Tell me about yourself?  (Job and skill related)                            What are your strengths/weaknesses?

What do you know about our company/the work we do?          Why do you want to work for us?

Do you have references? (YES, pre-contacted, ready to go.)       Why did you leave your last job?   

Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?            What questions didn't I ask that you expected?

Describe your management style.                                                   Can you explain your salary history?

Have you kept up in your field with additional training?                         How did you do in school?

What was wrong with your current or last position?                  What are your career goals?

How much do you expect if we offer you this position?              What are you looking for in a job?

What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?     What other positions are you considering?          

What can you do for us that someone else can't? (Make positive statements)             Why should we hire you?

What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?

How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution? (Time to productivity)

Why have you been unemployed for such a long time? (Tell the truth. Emphasize that you were looking for a great company where you can settle and make a contribution.)

How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?

What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?

How would your colleagues/boss/subordinates describe you? (Make positive statements)

How would you describe yourself? (Make positive statements)

What do you think of your present or past boss? (Make positive statements)

What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment/career so far?

If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?

What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?

Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember don't give it out unless it is asked for).

Is there something I should know about that wasn’t asked?

Do you have any question for me? (YES!!!! Always have questions ready).

 

Ask the Interviewer Questions

 

Why is this position open? What happened to the incumbent?

• How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
• What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
• What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
• What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.
• What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
• What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
• How do you think these could best be handled?
• What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
• What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
• What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
• What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
• How is one evaluated in this position? Success determined in the company?
• Who would supervise me?

   

  When are you going to make a hiring decision? When is a good time to follow up?

  What kind of training is provided or available?

  Is there a dress code?

   

  Pitfalls (Reasons Why People Don't Get Hired):   Inability to express information clearly                              Lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm Unwillingness to start at the bottom                                    Negative attitude Incomplete or sloppy application                                          Being late for the interview Application form or resume is incomplete or sloppy      Poor personal appearance       Overly aggressive behavior                                                     Lack of tact and courtesy Nervousness or lack of confidence and poise                    Lack of maturity Failure to ask questions about the job                                 Responding vaguely to questions No eye contact with the interviewer                                    No genuine interest in the company or job Lack of planning for career; no purpose and no goals    Over-emphasis on money Negative attitude about past employers                             No sense of humor Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time  Arriving late for the interview

  Interview questions to NEVER Ask

   

  What does your company do?                                            Are you going to do a background check?

• When will I be eligible for a raise?                                      Do you have any other jobs available?
• How soon can I transfer to another position?"                 Do you have smoking breaks?
• Can you tell me about bus lines to your facility?               Do you do a drug test?
• Is [my medical condition] covered under your insurance?
  

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