Why a good resume is so important.

It's the first meeting between you and a prospective employer...

You have heard the expression "First impressions are lasting ones." Well, your resume is the first meeting between you and a prospective employer more often now than ever. So, how do you want to be remembered? Wrinkled and unorganized. Neat and structured. Long and boring. Precise and interesting. Companies do not have the time to interview every applicant that is interested in the job. If they did, there would not be a company to work for. They use an eliminating process. That's right - resumes.

They tell the employer a great deal about you...

Resumes tell an employer a great deal about you. Where you have been, where you are and where you are headed. However, the story must be told quickly and clearly. You only have a few moments to convince the employer that your resume deserves further attention before it's trashed. Your resume needs to shout - professionally, "I am the one you want on your team." So much so, that even if you are not appropriate for the advertised position, he or she would be inclined to start one for you.

They tell you a great deal about yourself...

Resumes also tell you a great deal about yourself. Many people are unsure of exactly what they do for a living. Most people underestimate their importance to the overall success of the business. Once you stop and think about your job responsibilities , you realize you do and know a lot. You begin to gain confidence about you and your qualifications. This new found confidence can be carried to the interview.

Its purpose is to get the interview...

The purpose of the resume is to get the interview. After reading it, employers should want to get to know you better. Your resume is your friend, if properly prepared. If not, it could be just the thing that loses your opportunity. Use it to your advantage. You have complete control over whatever employer knows about you. Never falsify information, but emphasize the good, and de-emphasize the bad. Make sure your lasting impression is a profound and positive one.

Going to an Interview

As you prepare to go job hunting, you should begin preparing for interviews. One way to get good at interviewing is by going on them. Going on interviews may allow you to get comfortable with yourself and the types of questions most interviewers ask. You may also learn ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Here are some basic tips to help you with interviews.

Interview Research

Before you go into the interview, you may need to do some research on the company. What are their major products? What are some basic statistics, including revenue and employees? What is the structure of the company? What are the starting salaries for other entry-level employees in the same field? You may also want to know how people inside the company think and feel about the company.

Bond with the Interviewer

Many interviewers interview several people in one day, so they may be bored and tired. Try to establish some type of connection with the interviewer. This connection may not be work related, but it still may be able to help you stand out. You may want to talk about a personal experience that represents qualities that you may need at the position that you're applying for. Your interviewer may be impressed with your storytelling abilities, personality, and personal skills.

Ask Questions

During the interview, ask questions. Try to ask good questions that show that you have done your research. By asking questions, you're showing the interviewer that you're able to take initiative in a situation, and you're truly interested in the position. It also shows you that you have prepared for this interview.

Be Confident

Confidence may help you win over the interviewer. When you walk into the room, you want to look like you feel comfortable in the situation. Giving a firm handshake may be the first step to showing your confidence. Confidence is important because if you don't believe in yourself, why should the interviewer?