Energi Personnel's Blog

How to Start:

Start by making a list of all the jobs you had and the dates. Don't leave anything out. Include jobs, awards, educational degrees, skills, personal projects: anything that would be impressive and/or interesting to anyone. Even after your resume is finished, maintain this list so you can use it in the future.

Tailor your list to the position you're applying for. Take each item that is directly relevant to the job and add on two or three sentences explaining the relevance of the past experience. Whenever possible, list your experience in terms of accomplishments and achievements rather than tasks and responsibilities.

Remember: keep this short and to the point, a single sentence. State your objective. Always personalize it to the position, if you are going to make it a generic statement don’t include it.

Now it's time to format your resume. It should have clean lines and be easy to read. Make it two pages max; you can always give more detail in the interview. The font should be 8-13, preferably 12. Black and white is best; do not add graphics or a head shot to your resume. If this is customary in the industry you work in then save it for your portfolio.

Include an address, phone number and email address. Do not include an email or profile such as hotmidlandgirl@email.com or your online address at myspace.com or facebook.com. Don't use your current employer's name, number or email, either. If necessary, get an extra email address with a professional name that you can use for job searches.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again. Have a friend or professional that you trust proofread. Take criticism well and make any necessary changes. When you are ready to submit your resume follow the directions that are listed in the ad or stated by the hiring manager. If the ad says "no calls please," then don't call! If the job description asks you to provide your salary history, then include that information in your resume.

If you still do not feel comfortable writing your own resumes consider hiring a professional to help get you started. After all they have dedicated their lives to producing these documents and should know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't.

Resume Tips:

• Remember: the point of a resume is not to get the job; it's to get the interview. Focus on your best accomplishments, but leave some information to discuss in the interview.
• Make sure the name you wish to be called is on your resume and not just the name your family gave you. You don’t want to have to explain what you want to be called over and over.
• Don't attach letters of recommendation, your diploma, your birth certificate, your CPR and fitness certifications, etc. Indicate your current certifications and be prepared to give references upon request.
• Detail your duties within each position but don't go overboard. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties. "Cut expenses by 25% over six months while maintaining historic revenue levels," is more impressive than, "Was responsible for a $500,000 budget." The latter says, "I did this," the former says, "I did this and I can do it for you."
• Make sure and list your experience in software programs and languages.
• Do not list your personal hobbies unless it some how pertains to the job you are applying for.
• Print your resume on good quality paper but do not use fancy colors or textures. It is what is on the paper that matters not the paper.
• Write a cover letter that is specifically written for the job you're applying for. Do not write more than a page-long cover letter.
• Always backup your resume on a disc, flash USB drive, and print it out.
• Do not lie on your resume. This may be illegal in some instances, and is quite likely that you will get caught.
• Do not list your age, gender, martial status or religious preference. Unfortunately this may lead to you being discriminated in some way.
• Many word processors, including Microsoft Word, have "fill-in-the-blank" style resumes. Check for one with an appropriate style and then follow their guiding. It can give you help on how to start.

Remember your resume will get you the interview but it’s your skills and personality that really guarantee your success. Good Luck! 

The minute you walk into the interview you will start fielding through questions, here are a few examples of how to handle the most common questions.

1. Tell me about yourself.
   The most often asked question in interviews so you need to have a small prepared statement.  Limit it to work-related items unless they ask more personal questions. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
   Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. You will be the one who looks bad if you don’t. It is better to state that you were looking for a better opportunity instead of speaking negativity.
3. What do you know about this organization?
   This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Ask a member of your Energi Personnel staff and do some online research.
4. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
   Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. Mention any classes you may have taken or organizations that you might have joined.
5. Are you applying for other jobs?
   Be honest but do not spend a lot of time on this topic. Show the company that you are interested in THIS position and what you can bring to the table.
6. What kind of salary do you need?
   This is a hard question and you want to make sure you do not talk yourself out of a position because of how high or low of an amount you mention. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
7. Are you a team player?
   Of course you are a team player, right? Think of examples where you and a team worked together to create a success.
8. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
   If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
9. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
   This question really gives you an opportunity to highlight yourself and your skills. Really give some thought to what you bring to the organization; this answer should be different for every position.
10. What is your greatest strength?
    Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, problem-solving skills, the ability to work under stress, your leadership skills, and a positive attitude.
11. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
    You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give examples of how you made good decisions in a pressured situation.
12. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
    This is up to you. Be totally honest.
13. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
    You and your family should be certain of the answer to this question. Be honest so that you don’t cause yourself or the employer any grief.
14. Do you have any questions for me?
    Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? What type of projects will I be able to assist on? Or basics like when would be the potential start date or what benefits does the company provide.