Staff Career Guide

Interviews, Resumes and More

Internal job searches are not very different from external searches. To be a successful applicant for any job you must present yourself in the best possible light. In essence you are "marketing" yourself as the right candidate for the position.

Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes and cover letters tell a potential employer a great deal about you. A well-written resume can help you make the right first impression and land you an interview. Including a cover letter gives you an extra opportunity to promote your candidacy.

Tips for Writing Effective Resumes:

• Keep your resume short; one page is usually the best length
• Use a simple, easy to read format
• Have someone proof-read your resume for clarity and to catch errors
• Include both your educational and professional histories but leave out extraneous personal information
• Use plain language and action verbs to describe your skills and responsibilities (e.g. implement, process, write, coordinate)
  

Tips for Writing Effective Cover Letters:

• Cover letters should be very short and make three points:

• Introduce you as an applicant for the job
• State why you would be a good candidate
• Indicate your interest in interviewing for the position

• Tailor your cover letter to fit each position
• Use standard business letter format

Interviews

An interview is a mutual exchange of information between you and a potential employer. The interview is your opportunity to shine and to demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the best applicant for the position because you have something special to contribute.

Here are some useful interviewing tips:

• Get prepared by rehearsing before the interview
• Be punctual
• Dress appropriately for the interview
• Be enthusiastic
• Try to anticipate the questions you will be asked, and give some thought in advance to your responses
• Ask questions; show interest in the job and department
• Be ready to explain why you are the best candidate for the job
• Send a thank-you note after the interview

Professional Reputation

Every day you go to work, you contribute to your professional reputation. A potential employer will look at your current work habits carefully. He or she may examine the quality and quantity of your work, attendance and punctuality, and your professional relationships with supervisors and co-workers. Use each day at work as an opportunity to develop a positive professional profile.

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