Resume and Interview Tips Susan Hrvatin, SPHR Human Resource Manager Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care

Topics Resume overview and formats References Preparing for the interview Interview process Interview questions Interview close Questions & Answers

Basic Elements of a Resume Objective – are your career goals aligned with the organization? Experience Education Licenses, Certifications, Professional Affiliations, Skills, Awards Make sure the content tells your story – accomplishments consistent with your professional identity/brand Create formatted and text version of resume (you may or may not want to include your address on public sites)

Types of Resumes – Select the Best Format Chronological (most widely used) Functional Combination / Hybrid Emphasizes employment history Emphasizes skills, competencies and expertise rather than employers and dates Emphasizes skills and experience in chronological work history Lists positions in reverse chronological order Effective for career changers and recent graduates Incorporates the best of the chronological and functional formats

Resume Red Flags Job Hopping Vague statements Static careers Sloppy resumes

References Prepare a separate page provided upon request Ask permission Send references your resume & marketing plan Coach references on skills to highlight Ask them to tell you when they are called Consider all references as networking contacts – share results

Resume Guidelines DO DO NOT Use concise and active writing (1-2 pages) Do not include salary history or requirements Check spelling and grammar / professional email address Do not list references Make sure your resume is easy to read and scan Do not leave gaps in employment Focus on the skills and experience that are recent & relevant to your desired role Do not use abbreviations (acronyms) Use language you use in your business communication Do not include a photo or personal information such as age, marital status, hobbies etc.

Prepare for the Interview Company mission, vision, values, strengths, differentiation, competitors Position Job description, requirements, education, skills How can you solve their problem? Salary Be prepared to answer the question about salary expectation Prepare questions you may ask at the close of the interview.

Prepare to Talk about your Accomplishments Situation Obstacles Actions Results

The Interview The interview format should be explained (Phone or in person, how many rounds? How many interviewers and who are they? Time?) Opening build rapport Body evaluate candidate’s suitability for the job through questions designed to learn about qualifications, skills, understanding, experience. Close – allows candidate to ask questions, follow-up procedure

Types of Interview Questions to Expect Close-ended Open-ended Situational or hypothetical Competency-based or behavior Probing question

Interview Questions Close-ended questions – one word or short answers, confirm facts quickly. Warm up questions. Confirms the candidate does or does not meet the position requirements. Example: “When did you receive your post graduate qualification?”

Interview Questions Open-ended questions – full, multi-word answers. Used to gather information to set up other questions, get candidates talking, encourage discussion. Examples: “What do you think makes an exceptional nurse?” “What do you feel has been your greatest work achievement to date” “How do you think your role fits into this company?”

Interview Questions Situational or hypothetical questions– seek to find out how candidates would behave in a fictitious situation related to the job requirements. Use to assess a candidate’s reasoning, thought processes, attitude, creativity and approach to work. Examples: “What would you do if you were managing a team and were facing a deadline, and then discovered that half your team was off sick? “Imagine you were confronted with a patient who was angry and believed they were given the wrong medication – what would you do?

Interview Questions Competency-based or behavioral questions -these questions ask candidates to describe past work experiences that relate to requirements of the position. Examples: “Tell me about a difficult patient you had to deal with, the problem, and how you handled it.” “What do you feel has been your greatest work achievement to date” “How do you think your role fits into this company?”

Interview Questions Probing questions –used to obtain further information from the answers of previous questions. Examples: “What do you think caused you to run over deadline? “How would your supervisor describe your attempt to diffuse the patient’s complaint?”

Effective Communication

Closing the Interview Ask questions about responsibilities, performance measurements, corporate culture or to uncover business needs Match your skills to the company’s need Express interest in the position Ask about next steps in the interview process Write Thank You notes Highlight how your skills match the position Follow-up as agreed during the interview

Questions and Answers