7 DEADLY SINS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM: R?SUM?S/INTERVIEWS

Résumés

• SPELLING ERRORS—Proof, reproof, and have at least 2 reviewers proof your résumé.
• DIRTY/UNCLEAR PRINT—Print in traditional fonts with a size of at least 12 points, using a laser printer.
• POOR QUALITY PAPER—Purchase a high-grade, heavy bonded paper.
• WEAK CAREER OBJECTIVE—Write an objective that is "employer-oriented" and not purely self-serving.
• NO COVER LETTER—Attach a cover letter that introduces you and your interest in the position.
• EXTRANEOUS MARKS, FOLDS, WRINKLES, TEARS—Keep your résumés in a firm, closed folder.
• IMPERSONAL MAILING ADDRESS—Send your résumé to the individual who will make the hiring decision...not to the company or "to whom it may concern."

Interviews

• ARRIVING LATE—Set 2 alarm clocks, and allow more than enough travel time.
• DRESSING INFORMALLY—Have a dry-cleaned, conservative business suit ready to go.
• POOR EYE CONTACT—Concentrate on maintaining eye contact throughout the interview. Eye contact is not the same as staring.
• ASKING ONLY SELF-SERVING QUESTIONS—Prepare questions that show your interest in the position or company.
• DEMONSTRATING IGNORANCE ABOUT THE HIRING COMPANY—Do some background research on the company before the interview.
• USING EVERYDAY LANGUAGE AND SPEECH PATTERNS—Practice interviewing and using professional terminology where appropriate. Avoid "like," "ya know," "really," and "OK?" when they are simply fillers.
• FAILING TO ADDRESS THE QUESTION ASKED—Be careful to listen to the question and understand it before answering.