Cover Letter

• Your cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself, present your qualifications and show the search committee you are a potential candidate for the advertised position
• Address to a person rather than title
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the field  
• Explain why your background meets the company's need   
• State your intentions and qualifications right up front 
• Emphasize your skills, talents and experiences to show how you would be a valuable addition to the team  
• Take a proactive approach in your cover letter, state that you are available for a personal interview 
• Include contact information 
• Don't use more than 350 words  
• Don't extend it more than two pages   
• Use black ink  
• Always check spelling   

Resume 

• Keep it consistent
• Use strong words
• Reverse chronology
• Use format designed for the job you are seeking 
• Choose a readable font 
• Use font size 11 
• Have two or three good reputable and relevant references 
• Target your job search and your resume to your specific occupational goals  
• The resume must attract the employer even before it is read
• When writing your resume, target it to the level of employment and to the occupation or employer
• Present the information that you believe is important
• When listing recent education, target specific skills and academic accomplishments   
• Don't use "I"
• Don't include personal information   
• Don't give reasons for leaving a job
• Don't list references
• Don't use dates, just months and years
• Don't list your high school education if you are a college graduate  
• Don't write more than two pages
• Don't use color paper
• Don't use bold, italic or underline    

Interviews

Before:                                                               

• Research about the position, company and industry
• Dress professional
• Find out the location to be on time  
• Know the names and titles of the people you are going to meet    

 At the interview:

• Arrive on time or 15 minutes earlier  
• Introduce yourself in a courteous manner  
• Greet the interviewer by last name unless otherwise asked to be called on a first name basis
• Be sure to smile  
• Keep eye contact at all times
• Project energy and enthusiasm
• Be confident and sincere
• Highlight strengths, not weaknesses  
• Use good body language
• Make sure the interviewer does not do the majority of the talking
• Ask good, tough questions to show the employer you are prepared and interested
• Don't bring up salary unless asked   

Following the interview:  

• Send a thank you letter or email
• Plan to follow up with a phone call 

Questions for you

• How do you describe yourself?
• What three adjectives best describe you?
• What are your goals and objectives?  
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What can you do that someone else can't?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How do you handle stress?