Tips for a Successful
Resume / Interview
(using real life examples of a hiring manager)
Tara S. Miller
Program Manager, REDE/Critique, JV
&
Roseanne (Beth) Green
Consultant, All Points Logistics
Your Resume
• Don’t write your resume in the hope of getting a job; write it in
the hope of getting an interview
• The resume is a self-promotional document that presents you
in the best possible light (SELL YOURSELF) for the purpose
of getting invited to a job interview.
• The resume is about YOU, and how YOU performed and
what YOU accomplished in past jobs--especially those
accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want
to do next or the position you are applying for
• A great way to improve your resume is to remove everything
that starts with "responsibilities included" and replace it with
on-the-job accomplishments / benefits to the employer; utilize
numbers / percentages
http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html
Resume Tips,
continued
• Problem-Action-Results;
– State the problem that existed in your workplace
– Describe what you did about it
– Point out the beneficial results
• Chronological vs. Functional resume:
– The chronological format is widely preferred by employers, and
works well if you're staying in the same field (especially if you've
been upwardly-mobile).
– Functional format: if you're changing fields, and you're sure a
skills-oriented format would show off your transferable skills to
better advantage; be sure to include a clear chronological work
history
• Use action verbs: managed, coached, enforced, planned,
etc
http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html
Resume Tips
• In this electronic age, use key words, i.e. FAR, Property
Management, ASTM
• Proof read! Proof read! Proof read! Proof read!
– Fonts should be consistent
– Size should be consistent
– Capitalization
• No pictures (unless applying for a modeling job….)
• No redundant information, i.e. “References available upon
request”, “Available for interview”
• Customize your resume for each employer / job
• Avoid salary information and Grade Point Average
http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html
Resume Tips,
continued
• Your resume should be focused and organized
• Keep your resume aesthetically pleasing; however, don’t go
fancy – fonts, paper, images
• No slang, technical jargon, acronyms
• Avoid “I” or “me”; as the resume is about you, these words
become redundant
• Avoid possible age discrimination
• Be sure to include current contact information, i.e. phone
number, email
• Email Address
– Make it professional; drunkeveryweekend@...., is not
professional
http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html
Unusual Interviews
http://www.lotsofjokes.com/job_interviews.asp
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A job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle.
Interviewee wore a Walkman, explaining that she could listen to the interviewer and
the music at the same time.
Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and
french fries in the interviewers office.
Candidate explained that her long-term goals was to replace the interviewer.
Candidate said he never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in
a closet in Mexico.
Balding Candidate excused himself and returned to the office a few minutes later
wearing a headpiece.
Applicant said if he was hired he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the
corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.
Applicant interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice on how to answer
specific interview questions.
Candidate brought large dog to interview.
Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.
Candidate dozed off during interview.
How to Prepare
• Research
– Job description – can give hints about the interview questions. Read it
thoroughly. If you have questions, write them down
– Company
– Interviewer – this might be hard but at a minimum, know who will be
doing your interview
– If you know someone already working for the company, ask them
questions
– Interview questions
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Practice
Know what job you are interviewing for
Dress appropriately
Good breath (not bad breath)
Bring a list of references, recommendation letters
Upon Arrival
• Introduce yourself (politely) to the Secretary /
Administrative Assistant
• Do not arrive late!!!; however, you should not
arrive anymore than 10 minutes early
• While you are waiting, sit quietly. Don’t offer
distractions like chewing gum / blowing
bubbles / smoking
• If you are planning on taking notes, have
paper / pen ready
Greetings
• When greeting the interviewer, be sure to get
their name & pronounce it correctly
• Shake their hand
• Take a seat – sit with back straight & upright
• Offer a copy of your resume (if they do not
already have one)
Interview
• Let the interviewer take control –
• Listen intently –
– if they provide a background of the company,
listen even if you researched it
– Listen to the interview questions. If you need
clarification, ask
• Watch body language – facial, body, posture,
eye contact
• Attitude plays a huge role in success
Interview Behavior
• When answering the question:
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Stick to the question – don’t wander into another subject
Be precise
Don’t lie or even fudge a little
Research job description for hints & be prepared
Don’t say, “I can learn”, probably everyone interviewing
can learn
• If taking notes, don’t write a book
• Leave questions to the end. Don’t ask questions that
were answered as part of the interview process
Interview Questions The Wrong Kind to Ask
http://www.lotsofjokes.com/job_interviews.asp
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What is it that you people do at this company?
What is the company motto?
Why aren't you in a more interesting business?”
What are the zodiac signs of all the board members?”
Why do you want references?
Do I have to dress for the next interview?
I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me?
Will the company move my rock collection from California to
Maryland?
Will the company pay to relocate my horse?
Does your health insurance cover pets?
Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time?
Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?
Do you think the company would be willing to lower my pay?
Why am I here?
Interviewee Questions The Right Kind to Ask
• What is the company mission / vision?
• What are your expectations of me in the
next 6 months to a year?
• What do you see as some of the
challenges to this position?
• What type of projects will I be assigned?
• Others?
Interview Conclusion
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Conclusion of interview – ask for business card
Offer references
Shake hands
Thank the Secretary
Follow up with a “Thank you” to the
interviewer
Conclusion
A well written resume is a big step towards
getting an interview.
The interview is about selling yourself.
Attitude is everything!
Contacts
Tara S. Miller
tara.s.miller@nasa.gov
Roseanne (Beth) Green
bethivangreen@cfl.rr.com