“GETTING THE JOB”
The Resume
Accuracy is key – Always proofread your resume before sending it. Typos are easy to make and are often hard for your computer to catch.
Eliminate the guess work – Be as precise with your dates and titles as you can. Especially for jobs of less than one year, your start and end dates should include the month as well as the year.
Showcase your skills – -Always include a skill section and tell us about your technical proficiency and language skills.
The Interview
Leave nothing to chance – Know the exact place and time of your interview and who you should ask for when you arrive. Plan your route and, whenever possible, leave additional time to get there.
Know your resume – Anything on your resume is fair game for discussion, so remind yourself of the programs you used, the projects you worked on, and the names of your supervisors (but leave their contact info off of your resume).
Be brief, but not too brief – Giving only ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers won’t help your interviewer get a good sense of who you are and what you bring to the table, but sharing your whole life story isn’t the best way to go either. Adequate preparation beforehand will help you to give thoughtful answers and anecdotes for even the most unusual questions.
Stay positive – If you speak badly about a former employer, who’ to say you wouldn’t do the same down the line with this new company? An interview is not the right place to air grievances.
End on a strong note – Express your sincere interest in the position and inquire about the next step. Follow up is key, so be sure to write a concise thank-you letter that your Core Recruiter can send along to your interviewer(s).
“KEEPING THE JOB”
Be prepared – On the first day of a new assignment, plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Know where you are going, who you are reporting to, and how to get there.
Be dependable – Adhere to your assigned work hours and breaks. Check in with your supervisor or other colleagues before leaving your desk unattended.
Be professional – Always act in a polite and respectful manner, even in more casual work environments. Proper business attire is different for each company, so check in with your Recruiter to make sure that you are dressed appropriately.
Be adaptable and proactive – You may be asked to complete difficult or unfamiliar tasks. Do your best with the resources at your disposal, but don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions!
Be discreet – Keep your work confidential. The details of your assignments should never be shared on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platforms. Some companies may require you to sign a confidential agreement, which may outline further restrictions on information-sharing.
Be responsible – Do not conduct personal business during your assigned hours. Please refrain from using your cellphone, checking personal email, browsing the internet or viewing social media in the office.
Be respectful – Do not change the computer display or personalize voice mail unless you are instructed to do so. Always leave your work area neat and organized.
Be thorough – When completing an assignment, do your best to tie up loose ends on your projects and tasks. Let your supervisor know the status of your work.