Preparing Your Resume
In today’s job market, more and more companies are asking for potential employees to present resumes that demonstrate a person's experience and skills. We are here to help and guide our team members in preparing the right resume for the right job. A resume should be a clean and presentable summary of your work experience, including the most important information that demonstrates how valuable your skills are. Remember though, it should be a summary so try to keep it to one page. Dates are important for we do perform background checks and so do many of our client companies. As a result, make sure that you are accurate with your dates of employment.
Be honest about the skills you acquired, we want to help you find the right job!
Steps to prepare:
- Identify your skills and accomplishments
- Compose your resume with the following subjects:
- Contact information
- Objective
- Experience/employment history
- Skills
- Education
- Awards
- Affiliations
When you format your resume, make sure that you use the correct margins and that it is easy to read.
Interview Preparation
The team at Excel Staffing has worked very hard to match your skills and expectations to those of our client companies. It is now up to you! Our team has put together many of the resources needed to help you be prepared for your interview. By utilizing this information, you will achieve the confidence needed to impress your potential employer. Your success – our goal!
Research
- Research your potential employer. It is important that you have as much information as possible.
This includes:
- The potential job duties and requirements.
- The company’s product line.
- And perhaps their criteria for the ideal candidate.
- Research the location. It is important to be prepared and this includes knowing where you are going.
- Find the company prior to your interview.
- Locate where to park and the entrance to the facility.
- Find an alternate route to the facility from your home in case of unforeseen traffic or inclement weather conditions. You want to be on time – no matter what – for your interview!
Interview Tips
Do:
- Find the destination of your interview prior to the date/time scheduled.
- Ask your staffing specialist regarding proper interview dress/attire.
- Arrive ten minutes early.
- Make a great first impression! Be attentive and polite while you await your interview. Remember, your interview starts when you walk through the front door of your potential employer!
- Be genuinely glad to meet your interviewer. Offer a firm hand shake and SMILE!
- During the interview, sit up straight and look alert and interested at all times.
- Be a good listener as well as a good communicator.
- When speaking, look the interviewer in the eye and speak clearly and confidently.
- Be positive and pleasant.
- Communicate your achievements to your interviewer; apply your skills and accomplishments to the position.
- Make a greater last impression! Thank your potential employer for taking the time to consider you for the position! Offer a firm hand shake and SMILE!
Do Not:
- Do not arrive late!
- Do not wear baseball caps or derogatory printed shirts or clothing. When in doubt – don’t wear it!
- Do not bring anyone with you to the interview.
- Do not bring cell phones to your interview. Turn them off! Better yet, leave them in your car.
- Do not chew gum or candy during the interview.
- Do not answer questions with only a “yes” or “no” response. Explain and relate your skills and experience to the questions asked of you.
- Do not make negative remarks concerning past employers or co-workers.
- Do not smoke anywhere on the premises of your potential employer.
Potential Interview Questions:
- Why are you interested in the position and company for which you are interviewing?
- What skills and attributes do you feel you can bring to this position and company?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are your salary requirements?
- How do you handle stress on the job?
- If there is a conflict with a co-worker what would you do?
- Explain the different between quality and quantity.
- Please explain your specific skills as they relate to the position.
- Name one character trait upon which you could improve on.
- Please describe teamwork.
Questions for You to Ask Your Interviewer:
- What are you looking for in a candidate for this position?
- What expectations do you have of your employees?
- What is your company’s greatest accomplishment?
- How does your company perform evaluations and assess productivity?
- What could I expect as a “normal” day on the job?
- Could have I have a quick tour of your facility?
- What do you like best about this company?
Final Preparation:
- Write down the company’s name, address and with whom you will be interviewing.
- Prepare a map and directions to the facility.
- Make a test drive to company.
- Have your interview attire clean and ready to wear.
- If applicable, arrange child care and perhaps a backup for the day of your interview.
- Practice your interview questions.
- Write down questions you would like to ask your interviewer.
- Bring a note pad and pen to the interview and take notes.
We are pleased that you have chosen Excel Staffing to help you on your way to a new career. By following these interview tips, you will be prepared and confident as you meet your potential employer. We are certain that you will succeed and represent our company with pride!
