Career Counseling Tips: Resume & Interview Advice
You can be great at your job and still struggle with interviews. In fact, some of the best employees may be the worst interviewers simply because interviewing isn’t something they do very often.
At WFA Staffing, we help candidates at every career level prepare to showcase their experience with confidence. From strengthening your resume to knowing what to expect during an interview, a little preparation can make a big difference in your next job search.
Build a Resume That Tells Your Story
Your resume should give employers a clear, organized picture of what you bring to the table. What that looks like will depend on where you are in your career.
For entry-level candidates, don’t discount experiences outside of traditional employment. Clubs, organizations, volunteer work and leadership responsibilities can all demonstrate valuable skills and initiative.
Seasoned professionals should focus on making their experience easy for hiring managers to understand. Explain what previous employers do, accurately list dates and job titles, and show promotions or transitions within an organization. When possible, quantify accomplishments. Saying you reduced expenses by $300,000, for example, tells an employer much more than simply listing “cost reduction” as a responsibility.
Your resume should also reflect your current skills. Consider highlighting relevant software, analytics platforms, AI tools, SAP, or other technology you use rather than relying solely on broad descriptions of computer proficiency.
Make Sure Your Resume and LinkedIn Agree
Hiring managers may look at your LinkedIn profile after reviewing your resume, so the two should tell a consistent story.
Check that your employment dates, positions, and experience align across both. Differences can create unnecessary questions about the accuracy of the information you’ve provided.
Your LinkedIn profile can also strengthen your application, so consider including a link on your resume and keeping your profile current.
Remove What You Don't Need
A strong resume isn’t necessarily a long resume. Megan recommends removing information that no longer adds value, such as a high school GPA for established professionals, a generic objective statement, and your references’ personal contact information.
Instead, use that space to showcase meaningful accomplishments, measurable results, KPIs, and skills that demonstrate what you’ve achieved.
Prepare Before the Interview
Once you land an interview, do your homework. Research the company’s website and social media, learn about its size and recent accomplishments, and know who will be interviewing you when possible.
Understanding your interviewer can also help you anticipate the conversation. An HR professional may focus more heavily on interpersonal or “power” skills, while a department leader may want to dig deeper into your technical abilities.
Finally, prepare for the practical details. Bring a copy of your resume, choose clothing that makes you feel confident, and consider the environment you may be touring. If your interview includes walking through a manufacturing facility, for example, appropriate footwear matters.
You Don't Have to Prepare Alone
When WFA Staffing connects you with an interview, our recruiters can help you understand the company, its culture, the position, and what to expect during the process. That preparation can give you the confidence to focus on what matters most: showing the employer what you can bring to their team.