Home > Candidates > Resources

Applicant Resources
As part of our continued dedication to our employees, below you will find a list of resources to help you prepare and succeed in your ventures to employment. Starting with tips on preparing your Cover Letter and Resume. Next, find out simple tips on how to Dress for Success. Finally find out the do's and don'ts with our Interview Tips.

Cover Letters [top]
The resume is an important part of the employment process. Not only is it the first thing an employer sees from you, but it is what the employer will use to decide whether you move on to the next stage of the process.

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, expand upon and personalize your resume and highlight how your skills and experience would fulfill the needs of the employer. It also gives the employer the opportunity to evaluate your ability to communicate and present yourself. Listed below are some guidelines to consider when composing your cover letter:

• Keep it brief, no more than 1 page.
• Tailor it to the position and company to which you are applying.
• Demonstrate that you know your career goals, the position and the employer's organization.
• Clearly state your objective.
• Be sure to say why you think you would be a good match for the position.
• Highlight your skills and accomplishments.
• Spell check and proofread your cover letter as spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes are inexcusable.

Resume Tips [top]

DO
• Maintain a consistent writing style.
• Use present tense verbs when referring to current activities.
• Use numbers to quantify the scope of involvement.
• Be concise and clear in your descriptions.
• Ensure that you have no typing, spelling or grammar errors.
• Use jargon and terms specific to the industry.
• Print final copies of your resume on quality paper.

DON'T
• Use "I" or "my".
• Include personal information such as marital status, social security number or age.
• Use abbreviations unless you define them.
• Use words that you are not familiar with.
• Overcrowd your resume.

Include in your resume:

• Your first and last name, complete unabbreviated address, telephone number with area code and email address (if you have one).
• Professional Goals: If your resume is intended for a particular position, tailor it accordingly.
• Education history should follow work experience or employment history.

Wardrobe & Appearance [top]
Investing money in your business wardrobe is money well spent. Always dress for success, you want to be noticed and it may land the job or help you get promoted. You do not need to spend a fortune on your business attire, just accumulate a few good basics. The tips below can be applied to both male and female:

Women
• Acceptable business attire would be a business suit (blazer and dress pants or skirt), with a blouse or sweater. Skirts should be no shorter than above the knee. Do not wear evening attire or anything too revealing or sexy.
• No flashy jewellery. Invest in some good quality accessories to complement your outfits.
• Keep make-up as natural looking as possible.
• Go easy on perfumes and body lotions as some people are allergic or find these things offensive if they are overdone.
• Always wear stockings, even in the summertime, as they are more professional than bare legs.

Men
• Wear a freshly pressed jacket and tie. If the environment doesn't necessitate a full suit, wear a nice shirt and slacks.
• Ensure your shoes are polished.
• Make sure you have a clean shave.
• Make sure your hair is neat, clean and trimmed.

Choose the best outfit you can afford in a conservative and classic design that is comfortable. A good fabric will ensure that it will last for years and neutral colours such as black, navy or grey are recommended.

Interview Tips [top]

DO
• Ensure that you are informed about the position and the organization before your interview. Try to get a job description and details of the position. Know what the salary range is.
• Make sure you know the exact location and how to get there. Allow for extra time in case of traffic or transit problems. Familiarize yourself with area parking or the transit route.
• Dress appropriately. Grooming should be impeccable. Always look successful.
• When meeting your interviewer, give a firm handshake, address your interviewer by name, smile and make eye contact. Answer questions in a professional manner and keep your responses pertinent to the questions. Never speak negatively about present or previous work situations.
• Remember to listen.
• Maintain a positive attitude. This can really help you get ahead.
• Express enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position. Ask any questions that you may have pertaining to the company and/or the position. Do not discuss money/salary in the interview unless the employer initiates it. Always end the interview with a handshake.
• Send a thank you note after the interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
• Follow up with a phone call if you are not contacted within a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.

DON'T
• Avoid negative body language i.e. fidgeting, crossing arms over chest, tight or forced smiles, swinging your leg or foot, gnawing on your lip, slouching.
• Arrive late for the interview or indicate you are late because of bad directions.
• Look dishevelled and inappropriately dressed.
• Brag about how great you are but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments.
• Respond in unfocused, disorganized and rambling matter.
• Remain low key and display no enthusiasm for the job.
• Answer most questions with a simple "yes" or "no" answer.
• Appear desperate for a job, any job.
• Call the interviewer by his or her first name, or use the wrong name.
• When asked "Do you have any questions?" answer "No". Make sure you have a few questions to ask during this time. You can also take this time to add any information that you didn't get a chance to ask during this time.