Resume and Commonly Asked Questions

Please answer both parts of the question:

Part 1

Create a cover letter and resume for yourself for a job you would like to have. Please do not include personal information (such as current salary or social security number). Tailor the resume to fit the career position you are trying to secure. Both the cover letter and resume should be one page each and formatted as if they were going to a potential employer. Submit your work in the form of a WORD Document, placing the cover letter and the resume in the same document with a page break inserted between them. Once you have completed Part 1, complete Part 2 targeting the same career position.

Part 2

Activity prepared by Private Industry Council of Lehigh Valley, Inc., Allentown, Pa

Research has indicated that some questions are commonly asked during employment interviews. Fifteen of the most common questions are listed here. Read the question and write notes you might use in giving answers to the interviewer. Pay attention to the tips, which are intended to guide your answers. This activity will help prepare you for formal and informal job interviews.

1. What are your short-range goals? (Tip: What kind of job are you looking for?)
2. Where do you want to be five years from now? (Tip: Talk about how you would prepare yourself for future jobs in the company.)
3. What special skills do you have? (Tip: Talk about skills you would use in this job.)
4. What kind of job are you most interested in? (Tip: Explain how your interests will help you do a good job.)
5. What characteristics do you feel are most important for this job? (Tip: Talk about the two or three positive characteristics you would use most often in this job: leadership, work under pressure, and so forth.)
6. What is your greatest strength? Why do you think you can do this job better than anyone else? (Tip: Pick a strength that best fits the job.)
7. What is your major weakness? (Tip: It’s all right to admit a weakness, but also talk about how you’re going to turn it into a strength.)
8. What were your most important achievements in your last position? (Tip: Review your
9. Tell me about yourself. (Tip: Don’t get trapped! Ask specifically what the interviewer would like to know about you.)
10. Why do you want to work for this company? (Tip: Compliment the company. Also explain how the company can benefit by your abilities.)
11. 11. What kind of recommendation do you think you’ll get from your previous employer?

    (Tip: Excellent, good—tell why. If you know for sure that you’d get a poor recommendation, don’t be afraid to tell why, but follow up with a positive comment. Don’t ever badmouth a previous employer.)

12. How do you feel about overtime? (Tip: If this question is asked, you know that there probably are overtime requirements. If you can and want to work overtime, answer enthusiastically. Don’t answer, “Well, if I have to.”)
13. How long would you stay with us? (Tip: Be positive. Say something such as, “I look at this opportunity as the beginning of a permanent relationship.”)
14. Why should we hire you? (Tip: Give a summary of your most important qualifications and interests. Be enthusiastic.)
15. Define the following:
    • a. Cooperation (Tip: harmony, common goal):
    • b. Responsibility (Tip: being accountable):
    • c. Challenging (Tip: desire to explore new ways):