Proper Resume Outline to Prospective Employer

Step 1. A proper resume is your FIRST step in presenting yourself to a prospective employer. Remember that the resume will create the interview opportunity.

Step 2. Having secured the interview with your resume, you must now make yourself as prepared as possible. That begins with understanding the business environment/culture of the prospective employer. You want to present yourself physically so that you “fit in” with their corporate appearance. You must make that first impression that will carry you in good standing through the whole interview process.

Step 3. Learn as much as you can about the “business” of that prospective employer. What is their product or service? What is their mission statement and work philosophy? You must research and/or get the assistance of your recruiter to find out all that you can about a potential employer.

Step 4. Be prepared to have questions/situations posed to you during the interview process. Set the tone early by being professional; a firm handshake and keeping eye contact are only two of the many things you can do. Be prepared to ask questions, use common sense and some of the background information of the company to help you formulate questions. Always try to accentuate the positive aspects, stay away from any negatives if possible.

Step 5. Finish strong, on the up-tempo if you can. You can usually expect to go through the interview process with several people in the company. Your purpose with every interview is to get an offer. Always ask for the job.

To recap, BE PREPARED, turn negatives into positives, ask questions, listen to the content and intent of the questions asked, ask for the job and follow up (always send a thank you note to those who have interviewed you).