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Resume and interview skills set apart applicants

Pacer Writer

Published: Friday, March 22, 2013

Updated: Friday, March 22, 2013 15:03


Practice makes perfect when it comes to having good interview skills. A successful interview requires tedious preparation on the applicant’s part.

A good interview and resume can make or break a job opportunity.

“Your resume is the first thing that the employer sees, and they are going to judge you based on that resume. This is why the resume needs to be perfect,” said Director of Academic Records and Registrar, Brandy Cartmell.

The resume gets you the interview, so it needs to be checked thoroughly to make sure that is everything is how it should be. A small typo can be the difference in giving the interview to you or someone else. Cartmell said that attention to detail is very important. If she sees a typo in a resume, she immediately throws it out.

Cartmell said one thing to remember when writing a resume is to focus on selling yourself for the particular job you are applying for. It is important to show what you can bring to the table if you are given the career opportunity.

If the resume is good enough to get an interview, the real work begins. It is important to prepare as much as possible for the upcoming interview.

“If you practice, you will feel more relaxed at the interview. Confidence is very important. It is imperative to be comfortable with yourself. You also need to know what you are good at and know your resume front-to-back”, Cartmell said.

Some other helpful tips that Cartmell suggests is to make good eye contact, avoid fidgeting and do not go in to an interview without really understanding what you are interviewing for.

“Do your homework, meaning do your research. Know everything there is to know about that company, and know what they are looking for,” Cartmell said.

Cartmell said it is important in an interview to be confident, without being arrogant. She also strongly suggests being as polished as possible. Dress professional, and look the part.

“Leave your cell phone in the car, and do not let the employer see it,” said Cartmell. Cell phones are a huge distraction for employers. There is no reason to bring it to an interview. 

All of these things are very important when applying for a job. Being prepared can set you apart from the other applicants.

Cartmell said that it is never too early to start looking for career opportunities.

“If you see a career opportunity, and immediately know it is the type of job you would like to have, start researching it. Even if you are only a sophomore, learn more about that job opportunity. No, you cannot apply for the job yet, but you can see what type of skills they are looking for, and work on building those skills,” said Cartmell.

If you start preparing for job opportunities early in your education, then you will be more prepared when you graduate.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to having good interview skills. A successful interview requires tedious preparation on the applicant’s part.

A good interview and resume can make or break a job opportunity.

“Your resume is the first thing that the employer sees, and they are going to judge you based on that resume. This is why the resume needs to be perfect,” said Director of Academic Records and Registrar, Brandy Cartmell.

The resume gets you the interview, so it needs to be checked thoroughly to make sure that is everything is how it should be. A small typo can be the difference in giving the interview to you or someone else. Cartmell said that attention to detail is very important. If she sees a typo in a resume, she immediately throws it out.

Cartmell said one thing to remember when writing a resume is to focus on selling yourself for the particular job you are applying for. It is important to show what you can bring to the table if you are given the career opportunity.

If the resume is good enough to get an interview, the real work begins. It is important to prepare as much as possible for the upcoming interview.

“If you practice, you will feel more relaxed at the interview. Confidence is very important. It is imperative to be comfortable with yourself. You also need to know what you are good at and know your resume front-to-back”, Cartmell said.

Some other helpful tips that Cartmell suggests is to make good eye contact, avoid fidgeting and do not go in to an interview without really understanding what you are interviewing for.

“Do your homework, meaning do your research. Know everything there is to know about that company, and know what they are looking for,” Cartmell said.

Cartmell said it is important in an interview to be confident, without being arrogant. She also strongly suggests being as polished as possible. Dress professional, and look the part.

“Leave your cell phone in the car, and do not let the employer see it,” said Cartmell. Cell phones are a huge distraction for employers. There is no reason to bring it to an interview. 

All of these things are very important when applying for a job. Being prepared can set you apart from the other applicants.

Cartmell said that it is never too early to start looking for career opportunities.

“If you see a career opportunity, and immediately know it is the type of job you would like to have, start researching it. Even if you are only a sophomore, learn more about that job opportunity. No, you cannot apply for the job yet, but you can see what type of skills they are looking for, and work on building those skills,” said Cartmell

If you start preparing for job opportunities early in your education, then you will be more prepared when you graduate.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to having good interview skills. A successful interview requires tedious preparation on the applicant’s part.

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