Interview Answers Guide

When you are beginning to make your resume, it might help you if you go online and find some free resume formats to follow for reference.  Many people have questions about what a resume should look like, and the free resume formats that are available online can really help you when you have doubts about what to include on your resume and what you should leave off.

There is no one definitive way to write a resume.  There are many different formats and people include different information on them.  However, having free resume formats to guide you can help you pick out what you think is important to you and what isn’t.  Plus you can tailor your resume for the job you are applying for.  Depending on the type of position, you may want to alter the format as well as the information slightly to fit the requirements of the job.

What we mean by that last statement is that if you are applying for a sales job and you do not have a lot of education specifically tailored to the sales field but you do have a lot of job experience in sales, you will want to have your job experience listed first on your resume followed by your education.  Conversely, if you are applying for a teaching job and have a lot of education that applies to teaching, then you will want that first followed by job experience.

Business experts agree that free resume formats are plentiful online and can be invaluable as you start your job search.  A good resume can make the difference between getting an interview and not getting an interview.  The resume is the first thing a potential employer sees and you will want it to look professional and compel the person doing the hiring to want to meet you in person.  It should be no more than two pages – ideally one page if you can fit your information on one page and can be put together in all sorts of different ways.

The basic idea of a resume is the same, but there are different ways to express your experience and skills which is why free resume formats can help you put your best foot forward and get that interview.  Of course, the free resume formats you use should only be used as guidelines.  You have to fill in your own information!  We recommend doing an Internet search with your favorite search engine – we prefer Google – and enter “free resume formats” in the search box.  You will have a choice of hundreds of web sites.  Look at many of them and find some free resume formats that interest you and then begin your resume.  The rest is up to you.

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Your resume can be your best friend or your worst enemy in trying to get a job interview. If it’s good, your phone will ring off the hook and you’ll have many potential employers bidding for your skills. If it’s bad, you can go weeks and even months without a single job interview.

That’s why I put together a list of the 15 resume mistakes that can kill your job interview chances. Read this list carefully to make sure your resume isn’t killing your job interview before it even starts.

1. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be the fastest interview killers. They just make you look like you don’t know what you’re doing.
2. Sending a resume that doesn’t match the job you’re applying for. Before you send a resume, do some research and tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for. Recruiters will notice and appreciate the extra effort.
3. Not including important information or hiding it in your resume can be the kiss of death. Recruiters need to be able to find all your vital information without having to search for it.
4. Large Gaps in your work history cause recruiters to question your work ethic. If you have any major gaps make sure you explain why and put their concerns to rest.
5. Hard to follow and understand summaries are very annoying to recruiters. Make sure to keep your summaries brief and easy to follow.
6. Don’t write your resume as a narrative or in the first or third person. It comes off as arrogant and egotistical.
7. Using fancy fonts and colors usually doesn’t have the effect you intend, so keep your fonts simple and professional.
8. Graphics and pictures are too distracting on a resume. Most recruiters will toss these out without even a glance.
9. Long and needless objectives and introductions are boring to recruiters. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have an objective or introduction. Just remember, they know what your objective is so keep it short and on target with the job you’re applying for.
10. Most companies do their homework on your resume, so never lie or put misleading information. When you get caught, and you will, it will cost you the job interview.
11. Putting your hobbies on a resume is useless. Use that space to talk about all the contributions and accomplishments you made to your former employers.
12. Writing really long paragraphs is a quick way to get your resume tossed without anyone ever reading it. Recruiters look at hundreds, sometimes thousands of resumes. They want the information to be accurate and easy to read.
13. Never create a resume that is more than 2 pages. They don’t get read, end of story.
14. Not putting your work history in the correct chronological order makes it very hard to understand. Your most current job should be at the top and work your way down.
15. Going into a lot of detail about your past duties is a waste of time. Recruiters just scan these quickly to get an idea of what you’ve done in the past.

Your resume is your ticket to the big game, the job interview. Make sure your resume is working for you and not killing your job interview chances.

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When you think of acing that big job interview, most likely you picture yourself saying exactly what your potential employer wants to hear. Very few people realize that what you don’t say is just as important as how you answer the job interview questions.

Researchers believe 50% of how others perceive us comes from our body language. Some researchers believe it could even be more, now that doesn’t mean only body language can get you the job. However, combining effective body language with what we covered in 5 Interview Answers Tips to Help You Land The Job of Your Dreams, you stand a better chance than 90% of the people you’re up against.

Few of the candidates you’re going to be up against realize body language plays such a major role in their job interview. You can use this to your advantage during the interview to make sure your body language portrays you as the right candidate for the job.

The first mistake most people make is thinking that the job interview starts when they sit down with the interviewer. When you go on a job interview the minute you enter the building, you’re being interviewed and your body language is sending messages about you. The first thing you need to do is relax. Then follow these guidelines, and you’ll be fine.

• If you have to wait in a reception area, it’s best not to fiddle with notes from a briefcase. Instead, casually look through magazines or brochures to pass the time. This will send a message of ease and confidence.
• When you enter the interview room, stride in with your head held high and good posture. Look the interviewer in the eye and shake hands and introduce yourself. Make sure you give a firm, but not overpowering shake. Always shake hands with your palm up. Shaking with your palm down implies that you are dominant.
• If a seat is not offered to you, sit in a seat across from the interviewer so you can make eye contact as you answer their questions.
• Don’t cross your arms across your chest, this is defensive pose.
• Don’t rub your nose it sends a message of dishonesty.
• Putting your hands in your pockets makes you seem ill-at-ease or that you have something to hide.

Being aware that you are communicating even when you’re not speaking at your job interview is the first step to conquering inappropriate body language. As the famous philosopher Socrates admonished, “Know thy self!” Just don’t stress out about every little movement, follow the tips above, stay relaxed and in control, and you’ll be fine.

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On any job interview, you’re going to be asked some common interview questions about yourself. How you answer these seemingly innocent, but potential job killers, is very important. In this article, you’ll get the edge on other applicants, by learning the secrets to crushing these questions. Let’s take a look at five of the most common interview questions about yourself and how to answer each one.

Tell me about yourself.
This is a tricky question for a lot of people. You don’t want to sound egotistical, but you have to sell yourself. It’s best to prepare a short statement in advance covering you’re accomplishments and future goals. Then, memorize and rehearse your statement out loud either in front of a mirror or video camera. It’s also a good idea to practice on a friend or spouse and get their feedback.

Why did you leave or want to leave your most current job?
The secret to this common interview question is to stay positive and be honest. No matter how much you’re tempted, don’t say anything negative about previous employers. If you were let go from your last job, don’t lie. When they do a reference check they’re likely to find out. It’s better they hear it from you up front. When they ask what happened, tell your story in the best possible way for yourself as you can, and no matter what, stay positive about your previous employer.

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Telling them your strengths is pretty straight forward, just keep them in line with what the job you’re applying for requires. Most people get tripped up on their weaknesses. What you want do is be honest about your weaknesses, but put a positive spin on them.
Example: “Spending too much time polishing my presentations has always been a weakness, that’s why I set definite deadlines and stick to them.”

How would your coworkers describe you?
This common interview question is best handled with examples. They can be exact quotes or paraphrased. Having a couple ready like “Miranda, who I worked with at ABC inc. always said I was the most organized person she’d ever seen.” Statements like that are just as good as if Miranda were there and made them herself.

Give me an example of how you handled …
Questions like these are designed to give the interviewer a glimpse of what you’re like on the job. So make sure you have a couple already planned out. It’s best to give examples that are similar to the duties of the job you’re applying for. Also, you want your examples to show how you handled difficult situations and delivered for your employer.

When you go out for job interviews, you’re going to run into these common interview questions. The secret is to be prepared. Remember to stay positive, be honest and prepare examples in advance, and these common interview questions won’t be able to keep you from the job you want.

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Alright, you’ve got the interview, but are you ready? Do you know the interview answers that will help you land the job of your dreams? In today’s competitive job market, when you get an interview it has to go well. That means being on you’re A game at all times, and avoiding the mistakes that can cost you the job of your dreams.

Here are 5 of the most important interview answers tips to help keep you in the game and land the job you’ve always wanted.

Interview Answers Tip #1 – Stay Positive

Being negative about past job experiences is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Focus on what you learned, and how you made a difference at your previous job. Under no circumstances make any negative comments about your past jobs or past employers.

Interview Answers Tip #2 – Be a Good Scout and Always Be Prepared

They are going to ask you questions about the job you’re interviewing for, so be prepared. Do some research online and find out as much about the position as you can. Grab a spouse or friend, and practice answering questions you make up or find online. Taking the extra time to research the position you’re applying for, will put you ahead of 90% of the competition.

Interview Answers Tip #3 – Always Mind Your Manners

We don’t want to sound like your parents, but poor manners can cost you a job before you even answer a single question. Remember the basics - when you meet new people - shake hands, look people in the eye when you’re talking to them, say please and thank you, and sit up straight in your chair. Body language tells people a lot about you, so make sure yours is communicating what you want.

Interview Answers Tip #4 – Dress for Success

Like it or not, we judge people on their appearance, so make sure you look professional. Men should wear a suit to a job interview. Women can wear a suit, dress, or a skirt and blouse. However, a suit is better. Men should wear dark socks and dress shoes, while women should wear heels and stockings. Women need to be careful not to wear too much makeup, and men and women both should take it easy on the perfume or cologne. Remember you’re going to a job interview, not a night club.

Interview Answers Tip #5 – Don’t Be A Know It All

Everyone may pad their resume or exaggerate a little in a job interview, but if an interviewer asks you a question that you’re completely lost on, admit you don’t know. You don’t have to know all the answers and besides, the question could be a trap.

By following these interview answers, you will stand apart from the crowd, and will be in the best position to land the job of your dreams.

Recommended Resource: 10 Critical Mistakes To Avoid At The Job Interview

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