Tip #9

You walk in with several large bags and the interviewers reach out and shake your hand--but not until two minutes later when you've unloaded your "baggage." When going to interviews, travel light. A portfolio with copies of your resume, your business cards and a pen should be the only essentials aside from your wallet and phone.

Tip #8

List the most important information first. For example, the section on your strengths should list all the most important skills first, depending on the position for which you are applying.

Tip #7

The break is ending and it's time to get back to business.

Here's Tip#7:
Get on twitter. Follow the companies, if they have accounts, in which you are interested. Knowing the company news and updates will help in your interview should relevant questions be asked.

Tip #6

The professional summary: a very brief summary of the skills/talents/strengths that sets you apart from others. It usually consists of a couple of sentences or several bullet points. The professional summary is posted in the very beginning of the rsume.

Tip#5

In a job market as tough and competitive as this, every little bit counts. This does not mean one should add fluff to make the small things physically huge. Often, we try to say more so as to keep from being too direct, but interviews are small windows of time to get the most actual and material information across to the interviewer.
For that reason, be concise.

• Avoid unnecessary adjectives. "Valuable asset" is a diluted version of "asset." Try saying both aloud in a sentence (e.g. "She is a valuable asset." "She is an asset."). Which was more direct and had more impact? Do they convey the same meaning?
  
  
• Avoid "just" and "like." Like, a lot of people use these words just to fill like all their conversations. It makes conversations seem like a lot longer and, like, smoother; but, like in class, it just really makes it harder to like understand just what the person is trying to say. VERSUS. A lot of people use these words to fill their conversations. It makes conversations seem longer and smoother, but in class, it makes it harder to understand what the other person is trying to say.
  Do not be afraid of a slight pause in mid-sentence to think. It is far better to be silent than to distract the listener from what is trying to be said.
  
  
• Avoid wordiness. "On a daily basis" means "daily" so say, "daily."

Tip#4

Your resume sounds awesome, but how does it look?
Remember that resumes should be clean, neat and easy to read.

• Use bullet points for important/highlighted information. They are easy to read and highlights better than underlined text.
  
• Use no more than two fonts.
  
• Use white space. 1" margins, breaks between sections, etc.
• Bolded words and italics make the resume easy to read but use them in a consistent manner. For example, bold all titles for sections of the resume and italicize all dates.
  

Tip #3

How you dress for an interview can help an interviewer decide if you are a good fit for the company, especially since the competition is tougher and resumes are impressive across the board. Research company culture before the interview, visiting inconspicuously if necessary, and take the outfit up a notch. You should look more formal than the employees but able to blend in with them as well. Never go casual. Unsure? Go with a neutral colored suit.

Tip #2

If asked about past employers, do not exaggerate and claim to have had an ideal relationship, but be sure also to keep comments positive, even if the relationship was bad.

Mock Interview Night

In preparation for mock interview night (December 2nd), the AMA newsletter will be providing tips daily. Check back for helpful information on perfecting your resume and improving your chances at a smooth, memorable interview.

To start you off:

Resumes are one-pagers that act as photographs for interviewers. Keep it short, neat and concise for the clearest, sharpest image of you possible. Irrelevant details and unnecessary words dilute and blur your image.

Check back tomorrow for the next update!

INROADS information session:

Help yourself to:

• Free Food
• Community and Professional Leadership
• Valuable skills for your future career
  
• A good internship

Join us at the INROADS information session. Taking place in Fulton 245 at 7:30 PM Nov 9th.