1. Solid Resume Resumes should be functional in content while being presented in a reverse chronological order. Take the extra time to verify all of the dates down to the correct months.
2. Be concise Clients will want to know what you did, where. Be sure to include specific projects, results, and any tangible financial savings.
3. If you did it, say so. Whether your experience is “hands-on” or managerial, make sure to indicate which. Always include specific numbers of staff supervised and what positions subordinates held.
4. Technical prowess Be sure to include the relevant hardware and software environments that you have worked in. Naturally, you should detail the various software that was utilized on your projects.
5. Know your rate If you are considering an interim assignment, it is important to have a pay rate narrowed down. Staffing firms and clients will want to see that you’ve thought this through.
6. Make arrangements to be available for the duration of the assignment. Accepting an assignment should be a commitment to see it through to the end.
7. Be accessible Many times our assignments need to be filled quickly. Help us help you by providing us up-to-date contact information. If we have to wait for you to call us back, you may miss out on the opportunity.
8. Research, Research, Research The more informed you are, the better you will interview. Review the company website, know their products, and get the particulars on the job from us.
9. Get to the meeting 10 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Nothing sets a more negative tone than being late. Walking in “on time” is late.
10. Wear professional business attire. Despite the recent move towards casual every-day attire, dressing in a professional business manner is appropriate for interviews. For men, this means a suit and tie, and for women, dressing in a suit, pantsuit, or equivalent is the way to go. You never get another chance at that initial impression. Make it count.
11. Expect direct questioning about your experience, motivations, and objectives. Ask us about these, we can be a great resource in preparing your presentation. Know the dates, reasons for leaving, and how to handle the comp questions.
12. Always remain positive. Attitude is everything and an upbeat, “can do” disposition wins out every time.
13. If at the end of the interview you are interested, let them know. It is much more convincing for that commitment to come directly from you.
14. References must be orderly and relevant. Your recent supervisors and colleagues are always best. “Friends” and “personal references” are not appropriate in an employment situation.
15. Follow-up Always send a thank you after the meeting. It will separate you from the pack and leave the professional impression that you would want.
Feel free to reiterate cogent points that were covered in your interview which demonstrate ability to solve their problem. Re-affirm interest in the position.