Resume Tips
Learn how to strengthen your resume. Learn how to make your resume compatible with our recruiter database to simplfy the search process and optimize your search results.
Resume/Interview Checklist
Resume
White paper and a readable font, such as Times New Roman or Bookman Old Style are good. Please, no photos, colors or fancy fonts.
Include your full name, address and email, plus your home, cell and work telephone numbers. We recommend that you use your personal, not professional, email address. As this document will reflect your professionalism, use a simple email address, not one that you might have used demonstrating your partying prowess in college.
Check your resume for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Then, have someone else check it. Do it again. Your resume should be no longer than two pages, and under no circumstances longer than three. For now, leave off the references you might use, as well as any salary history.
Interview
Prior to an interview, purchase a box of "thank you" notes and some stamps. Place stamps on a couple of envelopes, and along with the note paper, put them into your attaché. Print some extra resumes, and place them with your thank you notes.
Have your portfolio ready to go. Some writing samples that you are proud of will be fine. Include a couple of examples of your success with the media along side the writing samples. This doesn't need to be a huge undertaking or weigh 10 pounds, simply a portfolio that reflects your skill.
Dress for success. If possible, a suit or slacks with a jacket/pants suit is best. First impressions do count, remember. We know that this might be difficult under certain circumstances, yet no jeans and neatness are very important.
Prepare for the interview by doing some research on the firm. Go through their web site thoroughly and understand what it is they do, or who there clients are. Jot questions down that arise from this research. Anticipate challenging/unusual questions, i.e., "How did you handle a flop?"
Arrive at the interview site a few minutes early to observe the environment. Look around and see how the people there react to one another. You might be able to gain some insight into the workings of the firm, or, at least, determine if this is the type of environment good for you.
Turn off any electronics you have with you as you don't want these things ringing, buzzing or vibrating during the interview.
During the interview, maintain eye contact and a professional demeanor throughout. Listen carefully and respond to questions thoroughly, but do not ramble. Please, answer the question asked, and then STOP SPEAKING. One of the most common mistakes during an interview is to talk too much.
Enthusiasm — there is no substitute. This can be demonstrated during the "Do you have any questions" stage. Have some questions whose answers will be useful for you. This is not the time to discuss vacations, raises or bonuses. This is an opportunity for you to discover everything there is to know about the firm and your place in the firm.
Above all, be honest and forthright.
Immediately after the interview, write a short "thank you" note to the interviewer. This need not be an exercise in creative writing. A simple thank you for your time, it was appreciated type thing is all that's necessary. If, on the other hand, you feel this is a wonderful opportunity, mention that. You will be the only candidate interviewed who will send a thank you note, versus an email, and this will be noted.
Call the recruiter you work with to fill him/her in.
