1. Your resume, a communication tool |
Questions you need to ask yourself :
• What message do I want to convey ?
• To whom ?
|
Do not hesitate to make several types of résumés according to your message and targets. |
| • |
As in every communication process, the most important thing is not what you write but what the reader will remember. |
| • |
Do not miss the real target : a résumé will bring you an interview, not a signed contract. |
| • |
Do not try to please yourself, focus on being efficient. |
| • |
Keep in mind that the résumé is usually not read entirely. |
| • |
The basic points of your message must be grasped after a quick glance. No need to tell about your life, you have to arouse interest in your application. |
| • |
Go straight to the point, with short and clear sentences. |
| • |
Use a classic presentation : marital status, education, professional experience (dates, companies, responsibilities, outstanding facts). |
| • |
Only state information that can easily be verified. |
| • |
Emphasize the most important experiences (in particular your latest position) by allotting them more space in your résumé. |
| • |
If you plan to send your application by e-mail, never let the list of addressees appear on your document. |
| • |
Avoid leaflet-like résumés, which will probably end up as most advertising leaflets do… |
| • |
Always attach a letter of application in which you explain and confirm your motivation for the position. |
| • |
Avoid sending a résumé in English for a position in France. |
| • |
Do not try to be exceedingly original. |
| • |
Avoid opening with a summary of your experience or a vague career project. |
| • |
Keep in mind the coherence between your résumé and the position you are applying for. |
| 2. How to prepare for the interview |
• Questions you need to ask yourself: |
| |
- What type of interview is it: Were you contacted by direct search? Did you send an application in reply to a job ad? Or are you prospecting for a job? |
| |
- Who are you going to meet: A Human Resources Manager? A Headhunter? A Department Manager? ... |
Prepare for the interview as a sportsman would prepare for a competition, |
| |
this means being physically ready, and prepared to have an intense discussion. Be fully aware of what is at stake in this discussion, and try to anticipate the interviewer's expectations. Find information about him/her and about the company. |
Come to the interview like a salesman who knows his product inside out ! |
Think about the first words you are going to say, as you only have one chance to make a good first impression. |
Be fully aware of both your assets and your weaknesses, of your skills, and of the values you believe in, to seize the best chance to contribute to your own assessment with regards to the position offered.
|
| 3. The interview itself - Do's and Don'ts |
| • |
Avoid making comments on your interviewer being late... |
| • |
Arrive a few minutes early so that you can relax before the interview. |
| • |
Do not try to lead the interview. |
| • |
Listen and try not to interrupt. |
| • |
Do not be afraid of moments of silence; they can be part of a strategy. |
| • |
Appear comfortable, but not too comfortable, in the interviewer’s office… Be natural ; do not act your role. |
| • |
Avoid comments on the office’s design and furniture. |
| • |
Dress in a classical manner. |
| • |
Avoid overdoing the seduction game. |
| • |
Avoid sneaking a look at the interviewer’s notes. |
| • |
Answer all questions without eluding embarrassing ones. |
| • |
Do not act offhand with the assistant and receptionist: it can be taken into account in your assessment. |
| • |
In case of a series of interviews in the same company, consider each one as crucial. |
| • |
Only state information that can easily be verified. |
| • |
Resist the temptation of being too friendly after the interview. Remain focused and professional. |
