Careers

Dressing for Interviews

First impressions count! Your appearance is as important as your qualifications. It is important that you come to an interview well groomed and dressed appropriately. Well-groomed means you should have an overall clean appearance - your hair should be clean and combed and your clothes should be clean, pressed and well fitted.

Interview Do's and Don'ts

Do:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early. Go alone to the interview.
  • Greet the interviewer with a warm, confident "Hello" and a firm handshake.
  • Be well rested.
  • Dress and groom yourself with perfection. (Appropriate business attire, make-up, deodorant).
  • Maintain good eye contact and posture (unless you cannot physically do so).
  • Emphasize positive things about yourself.
  • SMILE!
  • Be honest about your background and experience.
  • Ask a few appropriate questions.

Six Steps to a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is an employer's "first impression" of you. Cover letters are extremely important tools that introduce, repeat, and reinforce resumes. Use your cover letter to discuss your skills, experiences, and desires. Keep in mind that the best cover letter is a personalized sales pitch for you and that writing a good cover letter requires a lot of time and thought——make yours scream "You want to meet me to discuss this position!"

Key Elements of a Cover Letter

The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position. Do not repeat all of the information contained in your resume. Instead, highlight or elaborate on resume items that are directly applicable to the position for which you are applying. The following information should be included in your cover letter.

Information about you

Sample Cover Letter and Resume: Chronological

1234 Dahia Court
Sumner, Washington 12345
(555) 867-5309
E-mail: WandaJ@jobmail.com

May 9, 2000

Personnel Director
E-mail: blindad@medi.com

Dear Sir or Madam,

Your ad in the Sunday Seattle Post Intelligencer motivated me to forward my resume for your review and consideration. I am very interested in the Front Office Manager position at your medical clinic. Some of my relevant experience is listed below.

 

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