@RandallHead

Andrea Lance, RPA recruiter and the wonderful woman behind the @WorkatRPA Twitter account, shared her advice on writing an effective resume and impressing recruiters in an interview.  Andrea had some great tips, and I think they will help anyone who’s currently hunting for a job!

LinkedIn - You need to get at least 100 connections on LinkedIn, and you need recommendations from people you’ve worked with.  Get recommendations from various people at varying levels in your workplace.

Resumes

Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for.  Pick key words from the job description and sprinkle them in near the top of your resume.
-ONE PAGE! There’s no reason your resume should be over one page!!
-visual flow - make sure your resume is easy to read.  Use a good, decent sized font.  Recruiters generally spend only 5-20 seconds looking at your resume.
-Never speak in the first person. Don’t say “I”

-make your resume stand out, but use creativity in moderation.
-include applicable classes in your education section.  Leave education at the top of your resume until you get your first full-time job.

RESUME DON’TS!

-Don’t provide a photo.
-Don’t speak in the present tense when describing a past job.
-No QR codes
-Don’t write “references available on request.”
-No typos. Duh.
-no unprofessional emails. 
-Don’t mail or fax a resume
-Don’t list computer experience that isn’t relevant to the position
-Don’t lie on your resume!

RESUME DO’s!

-Provide your LinkedIn info
-List fun & unique facts/interests about yourself
-List customer service and administrative experience, if you have it
-Show extracurricular activities, if you were heavily involved
-List GPA only if it’s above a 3.5
-Work-intense school projects count as related experience (ex: NSAC)

Format

Andrea prefers a 2 column layout, with education, awards, about me and networking on the left, & experience on the right side
-Be sure to add your social networking links to the bottom, but DON’T ever link to your Facebook.
-DON’T use charts, timelines or “bubble ratings.” They take too long to read.  

INTERVIEW TIPS

Before the interview:

-Do your homework on the company and the industry. Show them you really want this job.
-List a few questions to ask the interviewer.  Ex: Where do you see the company in 5 years? How is the company adapting to [applicable market trend]?
-Bring a pen & paper to your interview to take notes!
-Dress to impress (don’t wear a suit to interview for creative though!)

During the interview:

-Don’t be late.  If you can’t help it, call the interviewer beforehand to warn them.
-Listen carefully to the interviewer.  Comment on how you see yourself contributing to the agency.
-Ask questions! You need to interview them too!
-Don’t be cocky, but be confident.  Don’t overdo it.
-Make eye contact and be enthusiastic. You’re an adult now, a firm handshake is incredibly important.
-80% of an advertising interview is about seeing if your personality will be a match!

Interview DON’TS 

-Don’t badmouth previous employers.  The company doesn’t want you to do the same to them after you leave.
-Don’t expect to get an advertising lesson. Do your own homework.
-Don’t burn any bridges. You may regret it!

Post-Interview

-follow instructions and don’t jump the gun.  Don’t follow up earlier than the call-back date.
-Submit written thank you notes!