So, if everything is going so well, why are you so nervous? Is it because you’re afraid you are going to fail at making a great first impression? Take a deep breath. There is a way to overcome this fear -- and you hold key. Remember that blind date? What was hardest part? That’s right – it was anticipation! Once you got there, everything went smoothly – especially when they asked you about your {future} job. Why did it go so well? Because it was about YOU! Know one knows you better than yourself, and that’s who they want to get to know better -- YOU. THEY WANT TO MEET YOU. THEY ALREADY LIKE YOU!

And therein lies secret. The very fact that they have invited you for an interview means they have PRE-QUALIFIED YOU FOR THE JOB! Can you believe that? It’s true! They are hoping that you are as good in person and you are on paper. If you are, like your blind date, they’re going to pray that you’ll stop interviewing with other companies and accept their offer to join their company.

So how do you gain confidence you need to overcome your interview jitters? First, believe in yourself. Know how talented and knowledgeable you are. Remember, your resume says you are – and that’s why they want to meet YOU. Next, do your homework. Learn about company. Ask genuine questions to show how interested you are in what their company does, why position is available, what position is about, and what potential is to grow with company. Volunteer to tell them what you know about their company, using it as a lead-in for a question you might have or save it as a response to a question they may have. Do not fail to ask questions! Do not wait until end and say, “No, I think you answered all my questions (that were silently in my head!). BE PROACTIVE in interview. As long as you know who you are and know something about them, you should have no problem hitting it off. If for some crazy reason they decide to offer position to someone else, don’t be discouraged. There are other fish in sea. Think of it as a great experience and opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.

In summary, interview is a meeting between two interested people. They already know about themselves. So, it’s about YOU. They want to meet YOU. They want to get to know YOU. Just be yourself, be interesting, polite, and show your interest in them. If it is meant to be (hey, remember, you might not like them. Did you ever think about that?), you will be invited to a second interview or will be offered position after first meeting. Good luck!

WORK HISTORY

Wireless, Inc., Bay Shore, NY 1998 - Present Sales Representative

Anderson Doors, East Islip, NY 1993 - 1998 Business Development Manager

INTRODUCTION HEADINGS PROFILE STATEMENTS KEYWORDS TITLE HEADINGS SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Use any one or a combination of these headings to communicate type of position you are applying for, and value you will bring to hiring company at a glance. Remember, a reader spends a brief moment on each resume. Your resume must grab their attention, and hold it!

SAMPLE PROFILE STATEMENT

Accomplished sales professional known for delivering strong revenue and profit gains in highly competitive markets, seeking a Regional Sales Manager position. Bring 15 years of solid experience and select strengths that encompasses sales territory management and key account development. Equally effective at relationship building, program development, and team leadership. Notice that actual title "Objective" was omitted, yet mentioned! If you prefer to use actual "Objective" title, do not use outdated colon after category.

SAMPLE PROFILE STATEMENT/KEYWORDS

Accomplished sales professional known for delivering strong profit gains in highly competitive markets, seeking a Regional Sales Manager position. Strengths encompass:

Capital Sales & Marketing Team Building/Leadership Key Account Development Client/Vendor Relations Financial Analysis & Reporting Program Development

SAMPLE TITLE HEADING/PROFILE STATEMENT

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

Known for delivering strong and sustainable revenue and profit gains in highly competitive markets. Bring 15 years of solid experience and select strengths that encompasses sales territory management, key account development, staff training, team leadership, presentations, and closings. (Bold, italicize, or underline Title Heading so it stands out.)

SAMPLE SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Accomplished sales professional known for delivering strong and sustainable revenue and profit gains in highly competitive markets. Seeking a Regional Sales Manager position with a leading pharmaceutical company. Select strengths encompass: · 15 years of cross-industry experience and accomplishments with leading start-up and high-growth bio-medical companies. · Strategically build and maintain profitable business relationships. · Strong communicator and team leader with a pulse on ever-changing industry trends. · Effectively manage sales cycle process from client consultation to closing.

COMMON MISTAKES, DO'S & DON'TS

· Name and/or address is too small / too big (headings and name should be at least font size 14 to 16; address 11 or 12) · Font size for entire resume is too small / too big / all caps (not counting headings, text should be no smaller than 11; no larger than 12) · Needs an Objective or Title Heading (make it clear to reader what position you are seeking. If you unsure, consider career counseling or purchase/rent a book on career choices) · Could use a Summary or Profile statement (show your career overview) · Objective is weak, cliché, unclear, or vague (State what you can do for employer; not only what you want from them) · Resume does not support Objective (be sure to make a connection) · Lacks accomplishments / career achievements (sell it, don't tell it!) · Lacks industry-specific terminology / Keywords ("speak" reader's language) · Jobs are not in proper order-see below for more on resume tips and formats · Sentences are too choppy-five words per bullet (expand; make it interesting) · Wording is weak; statements are too simple (use action verbs and a thesaurus) · Same information repeated too many times (use a functional/combination format) · Too many typos and grammatical errors (read it backwards; have a friend proof-read it!) · Unrelated jobs go back too far in years (keep it to 7-10 years in most cases) · Includes too much unrelated information (stay on track; keep position in mind) · Does not include enough related information (show how well rounded you are) · Uses pronouns - "I, He, She, His, Her" (not necessary or is understood) · Style is outdated looking (headings are underlined and followed by colons ":", word "duties" is used, and uses "responsibilities:" as subheadings) · Second page is too short - only a third down or less (condense/combine) · Second page does not include your name (what if second page is misplaced?) · Too much or not enough white space (looks empty, inexperienced) · Uses full address for employers (list only town and state) · Uses full employment dates such as 12/11/01 (list only month and year) · Lists reason for leaving or explains situation (if you must, save it for letter) · Includes a Professional References Available Upon Request statement at bottom of resume (not wrong, but not necessary. Remember, this is not an option. If employer wants references, they will ask for them) · Includes a cover letter / salary information on resume (use separate sheets) · Includes unrelated personal interests and hobbies such as "enjoy reading, long walks, music, travel, knitting, and puzzles" (include interests ONLY if it is related to your career Objective) · Includes personal information such as married, homeowner, two children (Leave off. It is unrelated to position, and risks possible discrimination)

Ann Baehr is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and President of Best Resumes of New York, a leading resume firm based on Long Island. She currently serves as Second Vice President of National Resume Writers' Association and is well regarded as a career expert specialized in resume and cover letter writing for cross-industry clients ranging from college graduates to senior executives. Her work has been published in over twenty resume and cover letter books by McGraw-Hill, Jist Publishers, and Adams Media. To learn more, visit Best Resumes online at www.e-bestresumes.com or email Ann Baehr directly at resumesbest@earthlink.net