Writing a resume is only part of the job hunting process. Howard Dowding has written an excellent guide covering all aspects of finding a new job. Some of this great advice appears here with his kind permission.

Personal qualities
Your personal qualities are very important, especially if you have little relevant work experience against which to be judged. Place emphasis on projecting your personal qualities and convincing the prospective employer on the following points:

• Ability to get on well with others.
• Disciplined attitude to work.
• Keenness to undertake any suitable work.
• Ability to do things without arguing.
• Ambition.
• Responsible attitude.
• Willingness to learn.

General behaviour
When you are introduced to the interviewer, be prepared to shake hands. Don't sit down until you are asked to do so.
Do this:

• Arrive early
• Dress tidily
• Smile
• Look at the interviewer
• Use the person's name
• Sit upright
• Tell the truth
• Speak up
• Sound optimistic

• Criticise others
• Smoke or chew
• Swear, even mildly
• Interrupt
• Interview back
• Slouch
• Mumble
• Show off
• Complain

Responding to the interviewer
Interviewing can be as much of an ordeal for the interviewer, as for you. If there are pauses in the conversation, talk about one of your key points. If a panel is interviewing you, look at all members as you are answering questions. When replying to questions, don't answer just yes or no; expand your answers to at least two sentences. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for seeing you.

Things to avoid
Do not talk about your personal likes and dislikes, or about politics, religion, sport, etc. This can lead to arguments and can set up prejudices with the interviewer. If this starts to happen, talk about one of your five key points.

Four points to win the interview
To be offered a job you need to satisfy the interviewer on the following four points:

• That you have the basic skills or qualifications.
• That you have the potential for further training.
• That you have the appropriate personal qualities.
• That you are keen, enthusiastic and interested.

Questions to ask
Prepare questions to ask about the work, what is expected of you, to whom you will be reporting, what training facilities are available, what the promotion path is, etc. Leave terms and conditions until the interviewer raises them - they can always be discussed later.