1. What are some interview and resume red flags?
When you're crafting your resume or preparing for an interview, here are some things to avoid:
• Inconsistencies: Double-check your dates and details. If something doesn’t add up, you better have a good explanation ready. Recruiters will notice—and we’ll ask!
• Lack of achievements: Your resume isn’t just a list of what you were supposed to do. Show off what you did! Think of it as your trophy case—no one’s impressed by an empty shelf.
• Frequent job hopping: If your resume looks like a world tour of short-term gigs, explain why. Contract work? Relocations? Be upfront and put it into context.
2. What makes a candidate an “excellent candidate”?
If you want to stand out, here’s the playbook:
• Customize your resume: Align it with the job description and highlight your biggest wins.
• Do your homework: Research the company, the role, and (if you can) the recruiter. Showing that you’ve put in the effort will set you apart.
• Share real stories: When discussing your experience, use concrete examples—metrics, specific projects, and tangible results. No one wants generic fluff.
• Bring positive energy: Enthusiasm is contagious. Show that you’re excited about the role and the company.
3. What are your thoughts when you see an unemployment gap?
Gaps happen—life doesn’t always go according to plan. The key is to be transparent. Whether it was caregiving, studying, or taking a breather, explain it confidently. If you used the time to learn something new, volunteer, or freelance, make sure to highlight that.
4. What can applicants do to stand out in a resume?
• Tailor it for each job: Don’t send the same resume everywhere. Highlight the skills and achievements most relevant to the role.
• Show your impact: Use real numbers—how you increased sales, improved processes, or led teams. If it was a group effort, focus on your role in the success.
• Keep it clean and professional: A polished, easy-to-read format will always outshine overly fancy designs.
• Show you go beyond: Mention volunteer work, professional associations, or industry events to show you’re invested in your field.
5. Should I have a LinkedIn profile, and what do recruiters look for?
Yes, LinkedIn is non-negotiable these days. Here's what matters:
• Professional summary: Use it to tell your story—skills, goals, and expertise.
• Consistency: Make sure your profile matches your resume (no conflicting dates!).
• Engagement: Be active. Share content, comment on industry posts, and showcase your knowledge.
6. Should I use Easy Apply on Indeed or apply through the company website?
Easy Apply is great for speed, but applying through the company’s site lets you include extras like a tailored cover letter. If you’re working with a recruiter, share your target companies with them—they might have insider connections that can get your resume directly in front of the right people.
7. Do recruiters still want to see a cover letter?
I’ll be honest: cover letters aren’t my favorite thing. They’re a bit old-school. But if you’ve got a compelling story to tell—like why you’re switching industries or what excites you about the company—go ahead and include one. Just don’t feel obligated if it’s not requested.
8. In an interview, what will set me apart from other candidates?
Here’s the secret sauce:
• Be prepared: Know the company, understand the role, and be ready to explain how you’ll add value.
• Tell great stories: Highlight your achievements with specific examples. Use details to make your successes stand out.
• Ask thoughtful questions: This shows you’re not just interested but invested.
• Bring the energy: Enthusiasm goes a long way. Show them why they’d love to work with you.
9. What are some good sample questions to ask?
• “What challenges is this team facing, and how can I contribute?”
• “What does success look like in the first 90 days?”
• “How does the company support growth and development?”
• “What’s the team culture like?” These aren’t just great questions—they help you decide if the role is a fit for you, too.
10. References:
Should I add my references to my resume?
Nope. Save that space for your achievements. Keep your references on a separate list and share them only when asked.
What type of references should I have?
Managers, supervisors, or colleagues are ideal. If you’re newer to the workforce, professors or mentors work well, too.
Should I contact my references when a company asks for them?
Yes! Give your references a heads-up and share details about the role so they can give feedback tailored to the job.
11. How do I prepare for situational questions?
Think of a few good stories in advance—times you resolved a conflict, led a project or overcame a challenge. While I do not insist on it, I have heard of several companies really being impressed when candidates understand how to properly use the STAR method:
1. Situation: What was the context?
2. Task: What needed to be done?
3. Action: What did you do?
4. Result: What was the outcome?
12. What if I have several short-term jobs on my resume?
It’s okay! Short stints don’t have to be a red flag if you explain them. Label contract roles as such, mention project completions or briefly note layoffs, relocations, or other factors. Be ready to reassure the interviewer that you’re looking for stability and growth now.
