Résumé & Interview TIPS

Texts of General Interest (link)

Dr. James Manos (MD)

July 15, 2019

TIPS for writing your résumé and passing an interview

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TIPS for composing your CV

Many wrongly omit or forget this! You should include a ‘Cover Letter.’ It is a page related to your application to a specific post in which your details are briefly referred to.

Cover Letter

-The cover letter should be one page with a title on the top (stating 'Cover letter'), date, and the post you apply for. Next, refer to your qualifications briefly as on your CV, but in Summary. 

Regarding the font, I recommend Arial 12, non-bold, and the top (Cover Letter) title in bold Arial 14. As this is a letter, at the end you should write below the last paragraph ‘Yours Sincerely.' Below that, you should print your name (and your signature if it is printed).

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

-Your CV should be brief because the employer may prefer to avoid reading extensive details. It is better to concisely cover your qualifications in two or a maximum of three pages. The letters should be non-bold but in the same font. I recommend size 12, Arial letters. The title's font (Curriculum Vitae) should be bold Arial 14.

-You should remember to align the paragraphs (there is a specific option for this).

-You should be careful not to make spelling mistakes. I recommend using the Word™ spelling, grammar, and clarity corrector and an additional spelling corrector. I recommend Grammarly™ and Microsoft Editor: Spelling & Grammar Checker™, which you can also find as extensions. 

-You should have headers for each topic you cover, such as ''Academic Qualifications,'' ''Distinctions,'' etc. 

-I recommend the following pattern (headers):

--Curriculum Vitae (title)

--Title (e.g., Dr.), name (your name & surname), academic title (MSc, Ph.D.), address, cell phone, and email.

--Professional Summary (academic degrees)

--Work experience (training, courses, specialization). You may refer to courses chronologically or retrospectively. I recommend referring to each qualification from the present to the past.

--Teaching experience (if so)

--Presentations (if so)

--Distinctions (if so)

--English language skills (for instance, if you have passed the TOEFL or IELTS exams)

--Teamwork (essential for your CV) and Team Leading experience

-Computer knowledge (in the recent past, some employers asked for it, but recently even kids are ‘geeks,’ so I think you may refer to a specific skill, for instance, AutoCAD™ if you are an architect or a graphic designer).

--Volunteering (if so, I advise you to do it only to include it in your CV, as it is unethical!)

--Pastime & interests (for instance, I refer to writing online texts) (but you should not write ‘computer gaming,’ 'reveling,' ‘traveling,’ or other non-notable interests!)

--Referees (title (e.g., Dr.), name, job title (e.g., MSc, Ph.D.), address, mobile phone, and email)

-When you refer to courses chronologically, you should have them on one page.

-You should write your details (name, address, mobile phone, email), associations in which you are registered, academic qualifications, academic development (details of related studies), any relevant experience, attended seminars, specialization, as well as the reasons you are interested in the specific position.

-(3) Letters of recommendation, preferably by a prestigious person such as professors, CEOs, consultants, and high-rank employers.

-In the Reference section, you should remember that the prospective employer will call on the phone or email the referee to check that the reference is genuine and that you are indeed the person that the referee describes!  In other words, this contact confirms that you are not fake! You should write the referee's title (e.g., Dr.), name, job title (e.g., MSc, Ph.D.), specialty, address, and contact details (mobile phone and email).

-In the resume:

· You should show that you are a well-organized individual.

· You should avoid the word ''maybe,'' or other words that show insecurity or hesitancy. 

· You should not be hypothetical. A good CV needs facts!

· You should not be gender biased! You should use the phrase ‘'he or she'' or ''they'' instead of referring to everyone as a male! You should also be politically correct! I hate this, but it is essential to do it, at least in your CV! 

· You should not report your experience that interests the prospective employer.

· You should show you learn quickly!

· You should show that you can quickly adapt to new conditions.

· You should show that you are cooperative and keen on teamwork.

· You should refer to the seminars and courses you have attended. However, conventions are unimportant unless you need to add a presentation there! You should also refer to any distinctions.

· It is essential to refer to your perspectives for the future and your professional outlook.

·You may refer to a specific case you overcame successfully and professionally.

TIPS for passing an interview!

· As an interviewee, be yourself, but do not forget that a successful interview is an excellent ''show,'' meaning that you must ''act'' appropriately!

Below are some tips to pass an interview successfully.

· Your outfit should be formal. Do not wear jeans!  Men should preferably wear a suit while women should wear a formal outfit. Men should prefer a blue-black suit to a black one that fits better at a funeral!  The suit jacket should not be unbuttoned, as this shows that you are not "tight." You should prefer a two-button suit jacket. Your shirt should be white or light blue but not stripped. Your tie should not be crazy! Your shoes should be black and polished, while your haircut should be appropriate, not as if you are going to a party!  

- You may carry a briefcase in which you may have your CV and a book to read before the interview (this is useful if there is a delay) and a pen (preferably an expensive one such as a Parker™).

· You should not sit in the reception area but stand upright with your hands tied behind your back. You may pace slowly back and forth, but you should not act nervously.

· When asked to attend the interview room, you should go there steadily.

· You should shake hands with the interviewer under the same pressure. You should not shake hands above the table.

· You must turn off your mobile phone! You may do it just before the interview.

· You should sit not head-to-head with the interviewer but with your seat and/or body at a 45-degree angle with the interviewer.

· You should show confidence.

· You should not be talkative! Reply to each question in a maximum of 30 seconds.

· You should avoid gestures. You can only hold your fingers together with your hands under your chin as you talk.

· You should not touch your face with your hands.

· If the interviewer asks to take a break for a brief time (for instance, if there is an urgent call), you should not stay like a statue, but you should do something. For example, you may read a book (you will already have one in your briefcase) or read your notes. When the interviewer returns, let them speak first, lift your head slowly, and greet them.

· When the interview finishes, greet with a handshake, say ''have a wonderful day'' or ''have a nice weekend'' (if it is Friday), but avoid ''goodbye'' that is informal. You should close the door (if it was closed when you entered).

-When you approach the door as you leave, you should turn and smile before leaving so that the interviewer does not see your rear while leaving!

-TIPS similar to the resume:

· You should show that you are an organized individual.

· You should avoid the word ''maybe,'' and not be hypothetical. The interviewer needs facts!

· You should not be gender biased! You should use the phrase ‘'he or she'' or ''they'' instead of referring to everyone as a male! You should also be politically correct!  

· You should report your experience. It is what interests the prospective employer.

· You should show that you learn quickly!

· You should show that you adapt to new conditions.

· You should show that you are cooperative and keen on teamwork.

· You should refer to the seminars and courses you have attended. However, conventions are unimportant unless you have to add a presentation there! You should also refer to distinctions.

· It is essential to refer to your perspectives for the future.

· You may refer to a specific case you overcame successfully and professionally.

Good luck! You will need it! 

Thanks for reading!

Reference

The Absolute Body Book, Allan & Barbara Pease, ISOPPROD, Pease International PTY. LTD, Australia, c / o Dorie Simmonds Literature Service, 2004.