Resume and Interview Tips

10 MAY 2002 Resume and Interview Tips THE RESUME In today’s competitive job market, more and more qualified applicants are competing for fewer positions. Job seekers and job-changers have a major challenge just getting into an interview. An effective resume is the key marketing tool to getting that allimportant interview. Its purpose is to favourably influence the employer to screen you for an interview. A “combination resume” is a chronological account of your background with information about how you have performed, the results you’ve achieved, or the particular skill strengths you’ve developed. The combination resume makes you appealing to a potential employer by showing what you’ve contributed to past employers. It helps to sell the reader on what you can do for him or her. A targeted combination resume is the most effective in today’s market. The basic combination resume includes: • name, address, phone number • profile/summary/highlights/skill • strengths/accomplishments or contributions (one or more of these) • employment background • education • community/volunteer activities • leisure interests • other • “references to be supplied at interview” statement The more specifically you can describe your skills and situations in which you have demonstrated them, the more impressed employers will be! THE INTERVIEW Be prepared. Bring your resume, list of references and have written notes and questions. Interviews are an opportunity for both the applicant and the employer to decide if the job is the right “fit”. Research the practice (company) – If applicable, make sure you have a good understanding of the practice (company) prior to your interview. The Internet makes this process easier than ever. You should be familiar with the company’s product lines, vision, types of customers, history and financial information. Try to find our all you can about the practice, the number of staff, the practice philosophy, type of dentistry, patient base, and the work environment. Presenting yourself – before you open your mouth, your physical presentation – dress, grooming, posture, facial expression, eye contact, handshake – will all create an impact. Appearance is important. Be well groomed and dress appropriately. Be conservative and professional. Solid colours tend to be better than busy, bold prints for a job interview. Researchers tell us that physical presentation is responsible for 55% of the impact we create, tone, speed, and pitch of voice another 38%, and what we say only 7%! The decision to reject an applicant is usually made within the first three minutes of an interview. Attitude is crucial – be confident, but not demanding. Smile. Be pleasant and honest. Introduce yourself, shake hands firmly, and make eye contact. Follow the interviewer’s lead. Relax, be yourself, and appear enthusiastic. Remember: you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Each interview is a learning opportunity. Interviewing is an acquired skill. Regardless of the outcome of the interview, you can gain knowledge from every interview even if it only serves to improve your interviewing skills. Next issue we will discuss what to expect during the interview. Reprinted and revised from the Alberta Dental Assistants’ Association Reality Check, August 1999 with permission. HINTS: 1. Most employers look at a resume for 30 seconds on their first review. Be short and concise. 2. Keep your explanation of experience over 10 years old to a minimum. 3. Get a least two different people to proof your resume. Do it right the first time because you won’t get a chance to do it over! Reprinted with permission from the Alberta Dental Assistants’ Association Reality Check, August 1999. CDABC EMPLOYMENT GUIDE The Employment Guide was prepared to assist you during the interview process to organise your thoughts and gather useful information for making an informed decision about an employment opportunity. The Employment Guide identifies some of the questions you may want answered about a potential employment situation. Issues covered include overtime, delegation, benefits and hours of work. The questions will help you to focus on the employer’s expectations as well as identify for the employer your expectations of employment. The Guide is based on the Employment Standards Act and Regulations of BC. Members may obtain a copy by contacting the CDABC office.