 |
At PrideStaff Financial we bring more to our associates than Accounting and Financial employment opportunities. We focus on what you value most, and provide resources such as tips for interviews, resumes and references
to provide the best possible experience as you go through the interview process. Please complete our contact form for professional assistance with your career search.
Body Language Lean forward while listening, keep eye contact and be attentive.
Start the Interview in the Parking Lot Assume your interview starts outside the building. You never know who is watching.
Be On Time - Arrive early and know the exact place of the interview and the name of the interviewer.
Everyone is Interviewing Dont wait for the interviewer to turn on the charm. Most interviewers ask for feedback from others who met you along the way.
Keep It Conservative Even the most liberal companies usually want someone conservative when it comes to their accounting department.
Interviewer Name - When agreeing to an interview, double check the name and pronunciation of the interviewer.
Know the company - Take the time to research the company prior to the interview.
Have Questions Ready Most interviewers ask if you have any questions. Have a minimum of 2 3 well thought out questions ready to go.
Confidence Be confident in your abilities. For areas that are new to you, be confident in your ability to learn.
Dress Appropriately Keep it conservative, and dress slightly better than the current employees in a similar position.
Know Your Resume Commit your resume to memory. Practice answering questions related to your skills, work history and education.
Money It is usually inappropriate to bring up compensation during the first interview. Save this conversation for a later step.
Attitude Smile and project a positive demeanor. Many companies will hire a less experienced individual with the right attitude.
Cell Phone Keep it hidden and turn it off. Even the appearance of a cell phone in an interview can send the wrong message.
Take Notes Not too many
but taking a few notes during an interview shows you are listening and have an attention to detail.
Don't Appear Desperate Even if you are desperate, show confidence. Employers are often fearful of someone who "needs the money."
Appropriate Language We all know to use professional language, but also avoid topics such as age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation.
Listen Carefully listening to what an interviewer says will provide valuable information to help you through the process. Dont let nerves get in the way of truly listening.
Leave Enough Time Make sure to leave plenty of time after an interview. You never know how long the process may take.
Bring Support Materials Extra copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, past awards or reviews, reference phone numbers and email addresses.
Be Honest - Never embellish your qualifications or experience.
If You Are Interested - Let the interviewer know, state why you are qualified and suggest a time for the next meeting.
If You Are Not Interested Let the interviewer know and tactfully state why.
End of the Interview Give a sincere "Thank You", and send a thank you card (even if you are not interested).
A Chronological Resume is a list of work experience and education history in chronological order showing the most recent information first.
- Advantage: Easy to follow, logical.
- Disadvantage: Limited experience and gaps in employment are obvious.
A Functional Resume organizes your experience according to specific skills and knowledge in relation to jobs for which you are applying.
- Advantages: Highlights capabilities and draws attention to your accomplishments.
- Disadvantages: Employers may feel you are covering something up.
A Blended Resume merges aspects of both a Functional and Chronological Resume.
Resume Tips:
Accuracy Have someone else proofread your resume for spelling, grammar and tone.
Objective Customize to each position you target.
Email Address Make sure you have one listed and that it is of a conservative nature.
Cellular Phone If interested, most employers will want to reach you quickly. Have and use a cellular phone to be accessible.
Home Phone Make sure your home number is listed, and that you have a home answering machine with a professional message.
Address Use a permanent local address whenever possible.
EffectivenessOrganize your information in a logical fashion and keep descriptions clear and to the point.
Education Include highest degree, major, institution attended and GPA if over 3.0.
Dates of Employment List dates including months. No dates, or using years only, sends the message that something is being hidden.
Positions - Keep it simple - list duties and accomplishments.
Interests and Activities Unless the activity is directly related to the position applied for, do not list.
Bullets Keep information in a simple bulleted form, avoid paragraphs.
Honesty This is the best policy on a resume. Do not stretch the truth.
References Instead of listing "Furnished Upon Request," be proactive and include a separate references list.
Length If possible, keep a resume to one page.
Format If emailing, send in a standard format. If mailing, use resume bond paper.
Assume References will be Called Operate under this assumption.
Separate from Resume Do not include references on your resume. Prepare as a separate sheet.
Variety While most employers are interested in work related references, include personal and character references as well.
Ask for Permission Make sure your references are aware that they might be called.
Refresh Memories Send a copy of your resume to the references you will be using.
Company Policies Know the reference policies of past employers. This will help potential employers in reaching references and moving the hiring process forward.
Letters of Reference In addition to a list of references, include letters of reference whenever possible.
Contact Information - Make sure you give multiple contact numbers, job titles, company names and addresses for your references.
Accurate Information Check to make sure the reference information is accurate. Individuals change companies and phone numbers often.
Be Proactive Have a list of references immediately ready when asked.
Discuss Goals Let your references know what you are trying to accomplish.
Reference Referrals References are often asked "Who else can I talk to?" coach your references on whom else to refer.
Keep References Informed Let your references know how your search is progressing, and most of all, when you find a job.
Thank you Notes Whether or not they are called, send each of your references a thank you note at the conclusion of your interviewing process.
Choose the Right References Make sure the references you list can relate to the position for which you are applying.
Consider Reference Checks a Positive Most employers only call references if they are seriously considering you.
|
