Looking for a job?

Here are some resume-writing and interviewing tips from Kim Dukes - Rivers that can expedite your search — and help you land a job.

First, your resume should be concise — no more than two pages — and easy to read. Repeating keywords used in the job description will help ensure that your resume passes the employer’s first cut. Make sure your job titles stand out. Recruiters should be able to quickly notice the positions that you have held in the past. Your resume should not contain any slang or acronyms, and must absolutely have no misspellings. Do not include references to your ethnicity, age, married status, familial status or sexual orientation, as such information has the potential to invite personal biases. Your resume should be all about your competencies, period.

When you have and interview, make sure to answer any question that is asked, but don’t volunteer information. If the interviewer begins your interview with, “So, tell me about yourself,” have a concise answer that directly speaks to your having the requisite job skills. At the end of the interview, if you are asked if you have any questions, you should always ask at least one. Prepare at least five questions ahead of time, so that if several are answered during the course of the interview, you will still have more in your arsenal.

After the interview, follow up with a thank you note; a handwritten note will help you stand out from the other candidates. This is your chance to: indicate what you learned about the job; reiterate your matching qualifications; and to ask about next steps.

It’s important to think of your job search as a great adventure. If you use the above recommendations, I’m sure your job hunting will go smoothly and you will be well-positioned to get the job. Good luck!


And now it's your turn. What did your job hunting experience teach you? What advice can you give to job hunting newbies? We would love to hear your thoughts!