Getting That All Important Interview

When it comes to finding a new place of employment, there are three principle things a job candidate must do and do well. Present themselves as one who has a proven record of achievement through a dynamite resume, ace any online assessments the employer asks to be completed and convincingly portray themselves as the right person for the job in an interview. Unfortunately, the first two items can be a significant roadblock to the last. Getting that all important interview is decided on producing a winning resume and scoring well on assessments.

Crafting a Resume

Unbeknownst to many job seekers is the true purpose and composition of a resume. A resume is not a narrative about one's past employment positions or a list of job descriptions. A resume is a showcase of accomplishments and/or demonstration of core competencies. A resumes should clearly show accomplishments and a candidate's skill level in related disciplines. For instance, a salesperson should highlight the number of sales, plus their worth to the company. While a teacher should showcase her ability to relate study materials to students, employers don't want to see a string of job responsibilities. Those are self-evident by the fact the applicant was employed.

Dealing with Online Assessments

The number one rule in taking any online assessments is to be forthright. Trying to deceive for the sake of landing a job will only come out sooner or later. Moreover, most assessments are designed to gauge an applicant's disposition. Even in the event an applicant can fool the assessment with falsities, the truth will be borne out when the applicant does not live up to the lofty expectation. Those taking assessments should likewise prepare by taking practice tests. These employment dress rehearsals will help a job seeker to sharpen his skills and improve his answers. In addition to practice tests is to brush-up on one's skill set. Over time, most job related skills become route. That leads to an "autopilot" attitude, performing at a mediocre or "good enough" level. In addition to practice is to revisit your passion for what you are doing. Assessments are more than right and wrong answers, they are a gauge of a person's attitude. Empathy shows through any facade that might be put on to get one step closer to landing a new job.

Acing the Interview

Be yourself is essential but yourself with a bit of can-do attitude. Look the interviewer in the eyes, don't speak ill of previous employers, rise to greet the hiring manager before she walks into the room, don't fidget and explain in a convincing but concise manner why you are the person for the job. Ask a friend to role play in order to sharpen your answers. Never bring up salary and never forget to thank the hiring manager when the interview is over. Job candidates willing to do what is necessary will find a new sense of self confidence. That translates into a winning personality, which makes for a great job-fetching interview.