A Guide to Resume Writing, Interviewing, and Follow-Up. This guide was created for all career levels and career types.

1. Resume Writing/Interviewing/Follow-up

2. Reason for this session:
Show you how to have a resume formatted to get
into ATS’s effectively and to capture
viewers’/recruiters/decision makers attention.
What you need to start:
Application Information- Name, address, dates for all
RELEVANT employment (do not include jobs that do
not relate to the position you are applying for).
We will use that to build your resume.

3. The resume is designed to provide a detailed
summary of an applicant's qualifications for a
particular job - it is not usually meant to provide a
complete picture.
CLEAR CONCISE COMPELLING

4. Make it clear and simple.
 Name
 Street Address
 City, Sate Zip
 Phone Number – (list only one)
 Email address – (no AOL)
 LinkedIn – Public Profile Address
Give a brief description of your background.
 Highlight specific skills, knowledge, or industry
experience that RELATES to the job you are applying for
 Summarize 3-5 of your most important strengths, skills,
and accomplishments

5. This is a 2 column section where you will highlight your top 4-8 skills.
We recommend that skills are listed in short bulleted phrases, 2 – 3
words long. This makes it easy for employers to find.
COLUMN 1
 Enter 3-4 skills
 Definition
COLUMN 2
• Enter 3 – 4 more skills

6. This section is optional.
 Only include this section if you can provide
quantifiable examples of going above and beyond
your job description or expectations.
 Enter outstanding achievements that show you can
go above and beyond basic job experience.

7.  Enter the name of the employer and
show years only, not months
 Enter details about what you did in
your previous jobs. Start with most
recent job and responsibilities, make
sure to include results and
achievements
 Definition
YEARS
NOT
MONTHS

8.  Enter any colleges, universities
or training programs that you
have attended that have
prepared you for the job.
 If you only have high school,
DO NOT LIST IT.

9.  Create an email account just for jobs. Yahoo
or Gmail – NEVER AOL
 Format example:
 Name and year JohnSmith2016@gmail.com
 Name and Location JohnSmithATL@gmail.com
 DO NOT USE:
 Nicknames –honeybunny4u@gmail.com
 Titles bestsalespersonever@yahoo.com
 Descriptions –angrymom4ever@yahoo.com

10. Social Networks

11.  Make it easy for employers to find you
 Recruiters and HR leaders are going to look in the
following places for almost every job they have to find
people
 LinkedIn: Free
 https://www.linkedin.com/ -
 Create a LinkedIn profile that MATCHES your resume. It is
very easy to set this up. It is free to set up.
 Make sure to add a professional picture with nice
background – NOT a Selfie in your car, not cute faces. The
picture should be how you would arrive for your interview.
 List this profile on your resume underneath your email
address after you have created your profile
 Example: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

12. Job Searching

13.  Indeed: Free
https://secure.indeed.com/account/register

 Post your resume after signing up. Recruiter and HR
professionals know that if your resume is on this site
that you are looking. It is also free for employers to
look on this site

 This is a GREAT site to look for jobs. Indeed grabs
jobs from other job boards, employers, and most
recruiting software programs automatically post here
as well.

 This site is strictly for job searching.

14.  CareerBuilder: Free http://www.careerbuilder.com/
 Sign up for this site and post your resume. Good job
search and career advice
 You can search for jobs as well. CareerBuilder will
also allow you to be notified about jobs that match
your background so you don’t need to search every
day.
 Monster: http://www.monster.com/
 Sign up for this site and post your resume. Good job
search and career advice
 You can search for jobs as well. Monster will also
allow you to be notified about jobs that match your
background so you don’t need to search every day.

15. Interviewing

16. • Phone Interview
• Web/Skype Interviews
• In Person Interviews

17.  Most commonly used by 1st line recruiters or
HR professionals
 These are meant to be a 2 way conversation
 The recruiter or interviewer from HR or Talent
Acquisition will be gathering information to
build a profile to present you to the person
who is doing the hiring. We refer to these
people as “Hiring Managers”

18.  If you have recently submitted applications at various
employment locations, you should prepare to receive a telephone
interview call at any time during the following days and weeks.
While you shouldn’t put your life on hold and spend your time
staring at your phone.
 Make sure you check out the company’s website:
 About Us Section
 History of the company
 What Are the Company’s Mission and Goals?
 Products or services offered
 What Is the Company Culture Like?
 Sizing Up the Competition: Who Are Their Direct Competitors?
 Review the job description on the companies website under
careers, Look for other jobs that may fit your background as well

19. The purpose of the phone
interview is to feel you out and
get a better understanding of
your experience and skills.
EXPECT TO HEAR
Tell me more about yourself.
What do you know about this company?
Tell me about your background ,
contributions you have made to previous
employers.
Why are you looking?
Why do you think you are qualified for this
position?
Describe your biggest professional
accomplishment.
Why do you want to work for this
company?
What are your career goals for the future?
How do you plan to achieve them?
What are your salary expectations?
Do you have any questions for us? -
ALWAYS have questions – this shows
interest

20.  During telephone interviews, it is hard
for the interviewer to pick up on your
interest level and attitude, since they
can’t rely on your physical cues.
 For this reason, it is important to
focus on the quality of your voice and
maintain an upbeat, positive tone.
 Smiling during your phone call may
seem silly and unnecessary, but it can
actually make your voice appear
brighter and happier than if you
maintained a straight face throughout
your interview.

21.  Make sure your phone’s battery is charged or keep a charger nearby
 Ask roommates or family members to be quiet, or find a quiet space to talk
 Keep your resume and additional notes in front of you at all times
 Speak clearly, but not too loudly or too quickly – DO NOT INTERRUPT
 Keep your answers relatively short—you don’t have the advantage of visual
cues to see if someone is ready to move on

22.  Before your telephone interview ends, be sure you know
what the next steps in the process are. Ask the employer
when you can expect to hear back from them regarding an
in-person interview. If they are unsure, ask them if it will
be okay for you to follow up with them within a week or
two.
 Establishing a plan for the next steps in the process will
help you avoid anxiously waiting by your phone and
wondering whether or not you should take the initiative to
follow up with the employer.
 You should also make sure you have the employer’s
contact information so that you know how to contact them
for follow-up requests and so that you can send a short,
but appreciative thank-you note.

23.  Hopefully, your call has went well, and you’ve either
been scheduled for an in-person interview, or your
interviewer has told you they’ll get back to you soon.
Either way, you’ll want to fire off a quick email thank
you note to your interviewer, letting them know you
appreciate their time, and possibly referencing
something, briefly, from your conversation.
 Mention in your note that you would love the
opportunity to further discuss the job opportunities
and how you would be a great candidate. Keep your
note short and sweet and professional. Thank the
interviewer for their time and for the chance to
showcase your skills. And close by reiterating your
interest in the position.

25.  Tips for Acing Web-based or Online Screening
Interviews

 Times are changing, and the job interview process is
changing right along with them. Many employers are
taking advantage of technological conveniences and
conducting online interviews as a method of
screening job applicants for in-person interviews.
 Since these web-based screenings can stand in the
way of you and the next step in the hiring process,
it’s essential to understand how they differ from
face-to-face sessions and how best to stand out
across the virtual divide.

26.  Technology
 Get to know the technology necessary for your
interview and test it beforehand. Most online
interviews utilize webcams, so make sure your
webcam is working properly before your
interview. If your computer, tablet or mobile
device does not have a webcam, you may be
required to purchase or borrow one and hook it
up prior to your interview. Regardless of what
kind of technology you’re using, be absolutely
sure you know how to operate the device well
before the interview begins.

27.  Dress Code
 Dress professionally. Even though you will
not be interviewing in a formal office setting,
it is still imperative to dress professionally for
your online interview. In addition to helping
you make a great impression on your
interviewer, dressing for success will also
have the added benefit of helping you feel
more confident and professional.

28.  Environment
 Make sure you choose the right setting. Find
somewhere where you won’t be disturbed and
where you can situate the webcam to capture a
well-lit, neutral background. You want the
interviewer to be able to see you clearly without
being distracted by a flashy wall print, poor
lighting or clutter.
 Keep away from distractions. Let your friends and
family members know that you need to have
peace and quiet when it’s time for your online
interview. Lock yourself in a room once it’s time
for the interview to start so that no one can
interrupt you.

29.  Be Prepared
 Prep properly. Treat a video interview the same way as you
would treat a face-to-face session. Reacquaint yourself
with the job description, research the employer, draft
potential questions, and be prepared to drive home the
skills and achievements that make you the perfect person
for the job.
 Pay attention to your body language. Nonverbal cues are
as important in a video interview as in a face-to-face
interview. Sit or stand up straight, smile and maintain eye
contact. Keep things conversational and feel free to use
hand gestures to support your points if need be. You want
the interviewer to know you’re engaged and interested.
 Treat a video interview the same way as you would treat a
face-to-face session.

31.  What to Expect from the On-Site Interview
 You’ve submitted a resume, made a good
impression on a potential employer, and
scored an on-site interview. Congratulations!
 You’ve done a lot of the hard work already.
While landing an in-person interview is often
a challenge, it is only one part of the battle.
How you handle your interview can make all
the difference between the gig you want and
going back to the job-search drawing board.

32. Traditional
 This is the most common type of on-site
interview and typically involves anticipated
questions such as “what makes you a good fit
for this company?” and “Why are you leaving
your current job?” During a traditional
interview, interviewers analyze your ability to
answer questions succinctly and honestly.
They are also typically trying to find out if you
have the skills necessary to do the job well.

33. Behavioral
 This type of live interview is focused on your behavior
and personality traits. The goal of the interview is
typically to discover how you react to problems and
challenges in a professional setting. Common
questions you can expect from a behavioral interview
include personality-slanted queries such as “tell me
about a specific time when you had to deal with a
conflict on the job site” and “give me an example of
how you have accomplished multiple deadlines”. You
can prepare for this type of interview by recalling
specific work-related experiences that demonstrate
how you handle and resolve professional problems.

34.  Contrary to popular belief, it is not always the
best job candidate who ends up getting the
job. In many cases, the person who gets hired
is the one who knows how to build a rapport
with their interviewer. If you come across as
both likeable and competent, you are more
likely to be chosen over a candidate who is
just competent. Here are a few ways to create
a real connection with your interviewer during
your upcoming job interview.

35.  Your appearance is just as important as your personality
when it comes to acing a job interview. If you look sloppy
and unkempt, it will be difficult to sway your interviewer’s
first impression of you, even if you have a likeable and
engaging personality. Here are a few ways you can utilize
your appearance to make a good first impression and
establish the framework for good rapport as soon as you
walk in the room:
 Dress professionally and conservatively.
 Do not chew gum. Freshen breath with a mint
 Keep your hair neat and conservatively styled.
 Avoid flashy ties and showy colors.
 As important as it is to appear neat and tidy in your choice
of apparel, it is equally important to wear a smile and keep
a pleasant expression throughout your interview.

36. Matching and Mirroring
 One of the best ways to build a rapport with your
interviewer is to match and mirror their
mannerisms. This doesn’t mean that you engage
in a game of copycat, since that will only come
across as annoying and will achieve the opposite
effect. Instead, subtly adopt their tone of voice,
posture and mannerisms for a short period of
time.
 When done correctly, matching and mirroring can
help the interviewer feel more comfortable and
connected to you. It will also give them the
feeling that you are fully engaged in what they
are saying and doing.

37.  For example, if your interviewer sits straight up in
their chair and talks slowly, you will have an easier
time connecting with them if you also make an effort
to sit straight in your chair and speak more slowly
than you may be used to.
 Remember that subtleness is key. If you overdo it, the
interviewer may think you are mocking him or her.
 The key is to act natural and avoid awkwardness
while mirroring. To perfect your matching and
mirroring skills, practice with friends and family
before your interview.

38.  Engage the Interviewer
 It is hard to build rapport with someone if you are not fully
engaged in the conversation and actively listening and
participating. Here are a few great ways to show you are
genuinely interested in your interviewer:
 Use their first name in conversation. This will show that
you are interested enough in them to make note of their
name and remember it.
 Ask questions about their interests, professional
accomplishments and current position. If you’re lucky, you
may find out that you share similar interests, which will
help you connect on a more personal level. Don’t ever
pretend that you are interested in something just because
your interviewer is. Doing so is risky and your deception
will most likely be detected eventually.

39.  Ask questions about the interviewer’s
department and the position you are seeking.
Find out what the department’s main challenges
are so that you can present yourself as a solution
to those challenges. Ask what the hiring manager
would expect of you, and find out what their
most important goals are for the future. Asking
questions like this will cement your interest in
the position and will show your interviewer that
you are just as committed to meeting their needs
as you are to getting the job.

40.  Show gratitude for the interviewer’s time and
attention. Let them know how much you have
enjoyed meeting with them and that you look
forward to hearing from them soon. Write a
sincere thank-you note soon after your
interview to further express your appreciation
and continue building your relationship.

41.  Ending a job interview is a lot like closing a sale. If
you have ever purchased a car, then you know from
experience just how persuasive salesmen can be
when trying to convince you that you need a new
vehicle.
 At the end of your interview, tap into your inner
salesperson and persuade the interviewer that they
need to have you on their team.
 Remember that there are probably many other people
vying for the same position, but you can set yourself
apart from other eager candidates by making a
lasting impression with your closing statement.

42.  While it is true that first impressions are essential, the
impression you leave at the end of your interview is equally
crucial.
 The end of the interview is the perfect opportunity for you to
summarize your background and skills and to really sell yourself
as the best solution for the company’s needs. Your closing
statement should be positive, persuasive and powerful.
 Try to come up with at least three specific traits or skills that you
want your interviewer to remember long after the interview is
over.
 Saying that you are a hard worker is an overused statement that
isn’t very compelling. However, talking about how you
consistently won “Employee of the Month” awards for your
outstanding work ethic is both interesting and memorable.

43.  Inviting Questions
 Once you have delivered your closing statement, ask the
interviewer if they have any additional questions for you,
or if there is anything else they would like you to provide
 . Your closing statement may have triggered a few
additional questions that they would like to discuss with
you before the close of the interview, or they may want
you to leave references with them.
 They may also take the opportunity to clear up any
concerns they might still have about your previous
professional experience or the way that you would handle
a particular problem if you were to get the job.
 If the hiring manager has no additional questions or
requests for you, kindly thank them for their time and
move on to the final step in closing the sale – asking about
the next steps in the hiring process.

45.  Sending a post-interview thank you note to
the hiring manager and anyone else who was
involved in the interview process shows that
you are a thoughtful and driven professional.
 It will also help keep you in the interviewer’s
mind (which is always a good thing when they
have dozens of applicants to sift through!)

46. Whom Do You Send Notes To?
 While it is obvious that you should send a thank
you note to the person who actually interviewed
you, it is also important to remember others who
may have been involved in the process.
 It is polite to send a personalized thank you note
to each person who went out of their way to
speak with you, ask you questions, or help you
out while you were on the premises for your
interview.

47. When and How to Send a Thank You Note
 Try to send a handwritten thank you note to every person
who interviewed you, within 24 hours if possible.
 When sent within 24 hours of your interview, your thank
you note will most likely be interpreted as a genuine
expression of your gratitude for the interview opportunity.
 Since email correspondence is more common than
handwritten letters, you may decide it is more natural to
send a thank you note via email.
 In many cases, this may be perfectly fine, but some
employers may prefer the more personable and
professional feel of a physical hand-written or typed letter.