Welcome to our Career Tips

Here you'll find the latest career management and hiring information, industry news, and other helpful resources based on our continuing research of employment issues. It's the definitive place for advice, ideas and suggestions for landing the job you really want!

Resume Writing

While an excellent resume and cover letter cannot guarantee you the job, poorly written documents can take you out of the running completely. The resume is a one-two page summary of your work experience, education and qualifications. Your cover letter highlights those points from your resume that show an employer why you are an excellent fit for the job. Both items give prospective employers their critical first impression of you and position you as a strong candidate for an interview.

Writing Style Do's

• Since many companies screen resumes by computer, use key words from the job description or classified ad in your resume.
• Keep sentences short.
• Use your computer's spell check function, but don't count on it to find every typo. Remember, the computer can't tell the difference between words like "too" and "to." Proof read carefully.

Writing Style Don'ts

• Use "I", the first person pronoun, in your resume. It's understood.
• Use lofty language, long sentences or big words.
• Overuse professional jargon or abbreviations.
• Use puns or clever wordplays.

Content Do's

• Be accurate and truthful.
• Describe your significant contributions at each of your jobs.
• List all the computer hardware, software and databases you know.
• Customize your resume for each prospective employer.
• Include outside activities only if they relate directly to the job for which you are applying.

Content Don'ts

• Misrepresent your education or experience.
• Give reasons for termination or leaving a job.
• Include personal information such as height, weight, martial status, social insurance number, social activities or religious philosophies.
• Use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.
• Include your phone number or e-mail address at your current job if your boss is unaware of your intent to leave.
• List your high school education if you're a college graduate.
• Provide salary information in the resume. If an ad requests a salary range, include it in your cover letter. Otherwise, don't mention it until the interview.

The Cover Letter

You've worked hard to create a strong resume, and it's finally done, but before you apply for the job of your dreams, think about another critical document your next employer will read - your cover letter.

• Express your interest in the position and be sure to describe why you think you are a good fit.
• Tailor the letter specifically to the job opening and company.
• Mention in the letter where you saw the job opening (ad, internet, friend, etc.)
• Don't rehash your resume. If you will be available for work on a certain date, the cover letter is the place to mention it.
• Always double-check the name and title of the person receiving your letter and resume. Do this by calling the firm's main phone number.

Interview Tips

Successful interviews are critical in landing the job you want. Staffing Services can provide you with in-depth information on what to expect and how to conduct yourself during these meetings. While you're here on our site, however, we hope you'll find these resources helpful in planning your next interview! Preparation is essential to remaining calm under pressure and is the first step toward a successful interview.

• Organize the night before. Your interview clothing, briefcase and portfolio should all be prepared. Make time for a good night's rest.
• Know the exact place and time of the meeting, the interviewer's full name (including correct pronunciation) and his or her title.
• Research the company through the Internet or library to learn pertinent facts such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations.
• Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview. Base these questions on your research to show that you've done your homework.
• Look your professional best. Wear business attire in neutral colors and be conservative in your use of fragrance, cosmetics and jewellery.
• Bring several copies of your resume and a list of references.

Interviewing Do's

• Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
• Greet the interviewer by name. If you are not sure of the pronunciation, ask.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright at all times.
• Early in the meeting, ask the interviewer to describe the job and duties to you so you can focus your responses on your skills, background and accomplishments that relate to the position.
• If you are asked what salary you want, reply with a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you are more interested in the opportunity than a specific salary.

Interviewing Don'ts

• Be late.
• Pretend to know something you don't. If you don't understand a question, or need a moment to think about it, say so.
• Make negative remarks about present or former employers.
• Inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses, or retirement during the initial interview.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions:

• Tell me about yourself. Be prepared by creating a 15-second "sound bite" that describes your professional background and strongest skills in two or three sentences. Vary your response according to the specific job and offer a brief description of why you would be a good fit for the position. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to rehearse with a tape recorder and then critique your answers.
• Tell me about your background, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses.
• How would you describe your most recent job performance?
• What interests you about our company?
• Who was your most difficult boss and why?
• What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?
• Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years?

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview that are based on your research of the company and industry. Insightful and pertinent questions will demonstrate that you've done your homework and that you're serious about the position. Your questions will help both of you determine if you are the right match for the job. Know what questions NOT to ask. Don't inquire about vacation time, benefits or your office space at the first interview. These questions are appropriate only after the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position.

Closing the Interview

Be proactive. Reiterate your interest in the job and the company by asking about the next step in the process.

If you get the impression the interview is not going well, don't let your discouragement show. Remain poised, upbeat and professional. There could be other opportunities in the company that would be a better fit.

Be enthusiastic about the job and the company. The people you meet during your job search and at your interviews can become valuable networking sources, even if you don't get the job.

Always ask for the job!

Good Luck