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Our Resource Library offers helpful resume writing and interviewing tips as well as several website links to provide you with access to a variety of workforce resources.
Resume Writing Tips
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Streamline your resume
Employers are interested in viewing resumes that list skills and qualifications that pertain to the position they have posted. A job candidate should list skills, experiences, or education related to the position. A person may be highly skilled and educated in one area, but if the position does not require those skills this information is less important and sometimes even irrelevant. This is probably the most common mistake candidates make.
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Always spell check
Spell check may seem like common sense, but it is often overlooked. Nothing dissuades an employer from reading a resume more than a spelling mistake or typo. Be sure to proofread! Have another person review the resume; a new perspective may discover previously unseen errors.
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Make key points noticeable
If you have an important skill you want the employer to notice, format your resume using bold, italics, underline, or even capital letters so that when the employer is reviewing it, important points stand out on the page.
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Keep it neat and orderly
Employers normally spend a maximum of a 30 seconds looking at a resume, so make sure yours is easy to read and understand. Use bullets, spacing, and titles to organize information in a consistent format. Also, use easy to read fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
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Organize the content – chronological or functional
Choose how you are going to organize your resume and stick with it. Whether it is chronologically (i.e. by date) or functionally (i.e. organized by topics such as education, work experience, leadership roles), be consistent. Switching between organization styles will only confuse the employer.
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Prepare multiple resumes that target your potential employer
Different jobs require different skills, so it may be beneficial to prepare several resumes showcasing different talents and key points. On your resume list the specific skills, experiences, accomplishments, and/or education that compliment a particular position or company. By targeting your resume to your potential employer, you show an immediate desire for the position in the company. Also, these pre-prepared resumes will make your application process quick and easy.
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Always use action verbs
Use action verbs to increase the strength of your resume. These action verbs should be included in the explanation of your skills, experiences, and education. Several action verbs to consider are: accomplished, achieved, collaborated, collected, determined, developed, implemented, improved, incorporated, increased, supervised, supplied, supported, just to name a few.
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Keep your resume up-to-date
Make sure that your resume includes your recent employment activities. Review your planner for seminars, conferences, committee participations, and other career development activities you may have forgotten. This may set you apart from the other job applicants.
- Other resume writing tools - Resume Tutor and Microsoft Office Resume Templates
Interview Hints
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Have a basic knowledge of the position and company
One of the first things an interviewer looks for is whether a candidate is compatible with the company. Interviewers want to know: Why does this candidate want to work for this company in particular? Is it the position itself – or do you simply want a change? Make sure that you have researched the company and are confident of your ability to fulfill the position to which you are applying.
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Avoid using slang or vulgar language
Interviewing is a formal process. Using slang or vulgar language shows a certain level of disrespect for the interviewer and the company. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your intelligence by using appropriate language.
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Do not speak ill of a former employer
Interviewers are aware of the way you speak about your previous employer(s). Speaking negatively about a former employer gives the interviewer a negative impression that you may be critical and judgmental. Instead, be sure to advertise the positive things you want from this new position (i.e. more responsibility, greater opportunity, the possibility of advancement).
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Know your reasons for leaving your previous employer
Do not be caught off-guard by this question. Your answer conveys important information about why you are interested in this new position and company. An acceptable reason for leaving gives the employer confidence in your longevity in the position. An unacceptable reason will send out warning signals that you may not be a dependable employee.
Acceptable reasons for leaving include:
- I am looking for a new challenge.
- My current employer is downsizing.
- My current employer is relocating.
- At my current company business is poor and their financial outlook is not secure.
- I am relocating to be with a significant other.
Unacceptable reasons for leaving include:
- I was fired from my recent position.
- I had some personality conflicts with my colleagues or boss.
- I am looking for more money.
Avoid sharing personal information
Sharing personal information may cause you to appear unprofessional and uninterested. If asked, don't shy away from answering questions about your hobbies, personal interests, or leisure-time activities. However, bringing up personal and family issues is not appropriate for interviews or even the workplace. It is important to maintain a professional demeanor. Be a listener
Much like creating a resume for a specific position, it is beneficial to know what your interviewer is seeking and cite skills and experiences of greatest interest to him/her. To accomplish this, pay careful attention to what the interviewer is saying and asking. By not paying attention, you may miss an opportunity to let the interviewer know what you can provide
the company and specific position. Use appropriate body language
Research has discovered that more than 90% of communication
is portrayed through body language. Therefore, it is
imperative that you pay careful attention to how you
present yourself during an interview. Positive body language
such as good posture, eye contact, genuine smiles, and
sincere nods will let the interviewer know you are alert,
interested, and enthusiastic. However, pen tapping, crossed
arms, and continually shifting your body weight may make
an interviewer view you as nervous, hesitant, and less confident. Have extra copies of your resume and letters of reference
You never know what an interview may entail. Although
the person interviewing you may already have a copy of
your resume and references, he/she may need extra copies.
You may also meet and interview with different people
within the company, and for different reasons they may
each need their own copy of your resume. Having multiple
copies of your resume available will show that you are prepared. Be punctual
Be sure you are on time to your interview.
This first impression is often the most important,
so the day before the interview, do a practice run.
Map out where you are going, drive there, and determine
how long it will take you to arrive. Dress appropriately
You can control your appearance, so dress neat and professional.
Don't overpower other people with too much deodorant, cologne, or perfume. Keep your hair and nails tidy, and women should wear a subtle amount of make-up. Keep accessories
and jewelry to a minimum. Women are encouraged to wear suits with a conservative hemline, soft color blouses
(i.e. white, light blue, etc.), and closed toed shoes. Men should wear darker colored suits, with long-sleeve shirts, a simple silk tie, and leather shoes. Be sure your outfit fits well and is comfortable. By looking
good, you will feel good and have a greater sense of self-esteem as you go into your interview. Other interview ideas - Monster.com interviews and Hotjobs.com interviews
Employers in the Region
The following area employers provide quality jobs and services for jobseekers. Visit their websites to learn what employment opportunities they have available.
- Buckeye Technologies has been a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of value-added cellulose products for more than 80 years. There is a Buckeye productions facility in Perry.
- Smithfield Foods has a plant facility in Madison which specializes in producing and processing packaged meats..
- Fast Track
- Gold Kist Foods is one of the largest chicken processors in the United States. There is a Gold Kist poultry division located in Live Oak.
- PotashCorp (PCS) is one of the world's largest producers of fertilizer, feed and industrial nitrogen products. Florida operations include dry blend fertilizer facilities at Lakeland and Moore Haven and a liquid blend fertilizer facility at Clewiston producing bulk blends for agricultural markets.
- Suwannee American Cement develops Portland cement at their plant in Suwannee County.
- Lance is the leading regional snack food manufacturer with a plant in Perry.
- Wal-Mart retail stores are located in Live Oak and Perry.
- Nestle Bottling Company is a division of Nestlé Waters North America Inc. with a facility in North Florida.
Colleges and Vocational Schools in the Region
Job Banks
Other Tools
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