Resume Writing

Do:

1. Display your proper name, and contact information clearly at the top of the front page
2. Ensure that security clearance information and language skills are clearly displayed
3. Include a simple summary of your key skills in a bulleted list
4. Organize employment history and education in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first)
5. Include dates of employment (months and years), position title, Company name, duties and accomplishments for every relevant position.
6. Include a list of software that you are experienced with.
7. Ensure that content is up to date, accurate and honest.
8. Use spacing, font formatting and bullets to make the information easy to read and understand
9. Ensure the same formatting style continues throughout the document
10. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

Don't:

1. Include personal information such as date of birth, marital status, health, age, children or religion
2. Provide irrelevant information such as travel history, previous salaries, reasons for leaving jobs, irrelevant awards, associations and memberships
3. Make your resume a biography of everything you have ever done
4. Use introductory phrases like "My duties included" or "I was responsible for"
5. Use unusual font types, underlines, italics, shading, graphics, tables and adjusted spacing as it prevents it from being easily accessed by different computer programs.
6. Lie or exaggerate experiences or education
7. Exclude important information to keep your resume within two pages.
8. Include photos

Interview Dos and Don'ts

Do:

1. Plan ahead and arrive early - Tardiness is never acceptable and sends a message to the interviewer that you are disinterested or unable to organize yourself
2. Dress professionally - Whatever you wear should be clean, ironed, modest and well fitting. Shoes should be clean and polished.
3. Listen carefully to the questions and provide answers that are brief but complete.
4. Emphasize your strengths - If you don't have experience in an area, talk about your skills in related areas that could be translated to their tasks.
5. Know the position you are interviewing for - Apply your background and skills to the position
6. Establish rapport with the interviewer - People hire those that they feel most comfortable with.
7. Prepare and bring an interview folder - Include a copy of your CV, relevant certificates, a list of references, and a copy of your security clearance if available.

Don't:

1. Arrive more than 15 minutes early for the interview - The interviewer may not have an appropriate place for you to wait, and will feel pressured to alter their schedule to see you right away.
2. Give Yes or No answers - They don't reveal anything and you lose the opportunity to sell yourself.
3. Talk too fast or too much - Speak clearly and avoid the temptation to fill pauses with nervous chatter.

Tough Interview Questions

1. Tell us about yourself - This is a chance to break the ice and show them you're normal. Leave out the life history.
2. Why are you leaving your present position? or Why did you leave your last position? - Always explain your reasons in a positive way, and never speak badly of your previous/present employer.
3. What are your strengths/weaknesses? - Confidently state 2-3 strengths that apply to the position and one "positive" weakness such as being a perfectionist, or expecting too much from yourself.
4. How would your colleagues describe you? - Don't be arrogant, but don't put yourself down. Try to use real, positive examples.
5. What would your references say? - It is a good idea to ask past employers to give you a letter of recommendation. With a letter, you know what is being said, and you reduce the likelihood that the company will have to check your references.
6. How do you cope in a crisis / deal with stress? - Have a few examples of past triumphs handy.

Here is a Sample Resume Template