Job Search Resources & Tips
Johnson Service Group Inc. has gained much experience in assisting individuals prepare for their job search and have compiled extensive job search resources.
Following is information and our thoughts on how to create a resume that calls attention to YOU, how to prepare for an interview and what interview questions you may expect.
Creating a Resume
Your resume is your personal marketing tool and is how you promote yourself before meeting with a prospective employer. Here are TIPS to remember when creating your resume.
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply to. Be sure that your experience and skills most applicable to the position requirements are highlighted.
- Keep it interesting, keep it short, make it easy to read and use bullet points to highlight the information that best applies to the situation. Use action oriented words to describe your achievements rather to attract the reader’s attention.
- Emphasize the abilities you want to use at your next employer.
- Always be honest about gaps in employment! If the company asks, it is simply better to explain the situation in the most realistic way possible.
- It is important that you understand what you weaknesses are, as well as your strengths. It is common to be questioned about:
- Missing Skills, experience or knowledge
- Inconsistent career history
- Multiple employers
- Sole employer
This list is not exhaustive, and you may still feel that your resume lacks the content that will help you get the interview. In that instance contact a JSG professional and they will help you.
Successful Interview Tips & Preparation
There is no substitute for being prepared for the interview!
Here a few successful interview tips to follow before, during and after your meeting:
- Research the company and learn everything you can. Read through the various social media links that may contain current background information. Look over the company website and pay particular attention to NEWS that has been posted.
- Be sure of the location and travel time to the interview. Allow for plenty of travel time and margin for error in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Always have the phone number handy of the person you will be meeting.
- Bring your resume, re read it and have confidence in what it says about you and your career. Be able to tell the interviewer more about yourself than is presented on your resume. Anticipate questions that may be asked of you. Have a note book with you during the meeting.
- Look good and feel good. Dress professionally and if you have any doubts err on the conservative side. Being overdressed is far more comfortable than being underdressed. As a general rule well groomed hair, dark suits, conservative shirts or blouses, understated jewelry, polished shoes and light fragrances is a good approach.
- Be attentive, positive and polite during the interview. Take notes. Speak clearly and ask to have a question repeated if you do not understand. When answering a question it sometimes helps to repeat the question out loud to confirm your understanding and give yourself time to formulate an answer. Do not speak harshly about your former company or supervisor.
- Ask questions (see the next section) and engage the interviewer in dialogue in a respectful manner. Be sure to convey that you have the technical skills to get the job done.
- Good body language will give the right signals to the interviewer. A firm handshake, eye contact and a confident smile will convey the desired image. Sit up and pay close attention. And remember body language positions and tone of voice will give a lie away. Don’t lie in an interview.
- Close the meeting professionally by thanking the interviewer for their time. Indicate your interest in the position and ask what the next steps are.
- Contact your JSG professional after the interview and communicate how you felt the meeting progressed. Convey your interest in the job and your thoughts if you are offered the job. Or your recruiter may have already been called by the company and will give you immediate feedback. In all instances be honest; if you don’t want the job say so. Don’t take the job only to reverse your decision at a later time.
Preparing for Interview Questions
Companies and individual interviewers have different styles and approaches to conducting an interview. Some companies ask that you meet more than one person on a one on one basis. Other firms place you in a group setting while others may put you in front of a panel.
No matter what interview environment is created used you will be asked questions. What follows are typical questions you may receive.
- Tell us about yourself.
- Talk about your career experiences.
- How will your skills and experience benefit us?
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Describe your biggest accomplishment.
- What was your biggest failure?
- What are your questions?
The questions to be on the watch for are 6 and 8 as these are your opportunities to lose the job.
Don’t take the bait. Instead, talk about how you quickly learn skills that are required to be a success. Or discuss a past problem and what you did to overcome it.
The last question is an invitation for you to inquire. After all, the meeting is just as much about you looking at the company as it is them looking at you. Here are some that you may want to consider.
- Why is the position open?
- What happened to the last person holding the job?
- To whom do you report?
- Is there a written job description?
- What are the travel requirements if any?
- Will you receive performance evaluations?
