U LT I M AT E
Job Seeker’s
GUIDE
Prepare your resume, ace your interview and land the job you want!
ULTIMATE JOB SEEKER’S GUIDE
Introduction to
the Ultimate Job
Seeker’s Guide
Congratulations—you’ve taken the first steps toward
achieving the successful career you deserve!
Finding a great job can seem like a challenge, but it might be
easier than you think. We’ve compiled this guide in order to
provide you with the tools you need to prepare a powerful
resume and cover letter, impress prospective employers
at your interviews and land the job you truly want. Packed
with useful advice and helpful hints to aid you in your job
search, this Ultimate Guide was created with motivated and
determined job seekers like you in mind.
Within these pages, you will find:
• Instructions that will help you to create a perfect resume
• Important information about how to review your
background check and correct erroneous data before
potential employers see it
• Tips about how to use social networking sites such as
LinkedIn to your advantage
• Special guidance for recent graduates or those with
gaps in their job history
• Advice on the best ways to follow up on job
applications and interviews
• Information detailing how to prepare for upcoming
interviews
• Suggestions for building your professional network
• And much more!
We hope that becoming truly prepared in your job search will
help to inspire the confidence you need for success, and
that this guide will help you to find an outstanding career
opportunity. We wish you the best of luck in your search!
Sincerely,
The MyBackgroundCheck.com Team
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ULTIMATE JOB SEEKER’S GUIDE
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide ............................. 2
Getting prepared: Your resume, cover letter and applications
The importance of a good resume ............................................ 4
Writing a powerful cover letter ................................................... 5
How to write an outstanding resume ......................................... 6
Formatting your resume ............................................................ 8
Using multiple resumes ............................................................. 9
Reviewing your background check information ...................... 10
Filling out job applications ....................................................... 11
Moving forward: Your job search
The power of social media ....................................................... 13
Using job search websites ........................................................ 14
Individualizing your search ....................................................... 15
Following up on job applications .............................................. 16
Achieving success: Your interview
Do your research ...................................................................... 17
Common interview questions ................................................... 18
The art of the phone interview .................................................. 19
Dress for success ..................................................................... 20
What to bring to your interview ................................................. 22
Recent grads—how to shine .................................................... 23
Filling in the gaps ..................................................................... 24
How to effectively promote yourself .......................................... 25
10 quick tips for interview success............................................ 26
The importance of the thank-you letter...................................... 28
Staying motivated...................................................................... 29
Maintaining your success: After you’re hired
Keeping your resume up to date............................................... 30
The importance of maintaining a background check................. 31
Building your professional network............................................ 33
Conclusion to the Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide...................... 34
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ULTIMATE
GETTING PREPARED
JOB SEEKER’S GUIDE
The importance of a good resume
TIP
Your resume is often the first thing an employer sees when
you apply for a job—it serves as an introduction to you and
your job history. There’s no second chance to make a first
impression, so it’s vital to make sure that your resume is
well-written, properly formatted and that it effectively
communicates your professional background.
Create a professional
email address that
you will use for your
resume and job
applications—an
unprofessional email
address can make a
bad impression.
While different employers may have specific criteria in mind
when examining a resume, they all expect to see a clean,
polished document that will paint a precise picture of your
work history. Padding a resume with frivolous information—
or worse, false information—is often immediately apparent
to experienced employers and can result in instant
disqualification. It is always best to present your history
concisely and truthfully.
PAGE 4
Just as an ineffective resume can hinder your chances of
employment, an excellent resume can get
your foot in the door. Even if your job
skills don’t exactly match what an
employer is seeking, a good
resume can often win you
an interview, where you will
have the chance to personally
impress those who are hiring
and to promote the skills that
do qualify you for the position.
© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
Writing a powerful cover letter
TIP
Unless an employer specifically directs you not to include
a cover letter, you should never miss an opportunity to
include this highly effective tool. A good cover letter is the
perfect complement to your resume, and it allows you to
share a bit of your personality and to promote yourself in a
professional way.
Match the style and
font of your cover
letter to your resume
to make a strong
visual impression.
While your resume is a practical reflection of your work
history, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to truly
speak directly to your prospective employer, to convey
your enthusiasm about the position and to express your
appreciation for his or her consideration.
When writing your cover letter, try to follow these guidelines:
• Write concisely—be direct and to the point, and try
to avoid overly descriptive language.
• Address your letter—be sure to address the recipient
directly if at all possible.
• Show your personality—be professional, but don’t
be afraid to be yourself!
• Promote yourself—tell the employer exactly
what skills make you perfect for the position and
reference specific points in your job history. Focus on
communicating why you will be a good addition to the
team and what you can do for the company—don’t
simply list your strengths as an employee.
• Keep it fresh—don’t use a boring form letter. Tailor
your letter to address the employer’s needs and respond
specifically to the job posting if applicable.
• Review, review, review—check your letter
thoroughly for errors!
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
How to write an outstanding resume
TIP
If you have difficulty
writing your own
resume, consider
hiring a professional
resume writer.
Review samples of
his or her existing
work and be sure to
clearly communicate
your goals, strengths
and professional
history to achieve the
best results.
While the resume serves to
educate employers about
your skills and job history,
it can perform a much more
important function: a wellwritten resume will generate
interest about you as a
qualified candidate. Including
an objective and skills summary
before listing your work history and
education can be an extremely effective way to accomplish
this goal. Some prefer to eliminate these preliminary
sections, and that is certainly acceptable, but highlighting
your intentions and strengths is an excellent way to
promote yourself and to garner the attention of the person
who is reading your resume.
Follow these guidelines for a powerful resume that is sure
to impress prospective employers:
• Review samples—you can find many examples of
successful resumes online. See which types of resumes
appeal to you and take note of the ones that are the
most impressive.
• Make an impact with your resume title—
”Seeking Sales Position” is not nearly as effective as
“Top-Ranked Sales Rep—10+ Years of Experience.”
• If you use an objective, focus on what the
employer needs—be concise, include a specific goal
and reference the position for which you are applying.
• Write a powerful career summary—a career
summary can be used in conjunction with or in place
of an objective. An excellent summary will include
your resume title, key professional accomplishments,
relevant abilities and a list of your areas of expertise.
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GETTING PREPARED
• Be honest about your work experience and
education—a straightforward and truthful resume is
the best option. A “padded” resume is often very obvious
to employers.
• Think marketing—write your resume as though
you are advertising your skills and history, not simply
recounting the facts. A resume that is infused with
enthusiasm is much more interesting than a dry list of
skills and experience.
• Use “action” words—the power of language is your
greatest tool. Words that denote action and success,
such as “accelerated,” “pinpointed” and “revitalized”
paint a strong picture for employers. Search the Internet
for comprehensive action word lists.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
Formatting your resume
TIP
While it may be
tempting to add a
splash of color to
your resume, it’s best
to keep it black and
white.
While the content of your resume should always be your
primary focus, the visual presentation is also an important
aspect. You want your resume to appear very “clean” and
easy to read while still incorporating the key information that
will best highlight your skills and experience.
Keep the following four things in mind when creating your
resume:
• Keep it concise—ideally, your resume should fit
on one page. It is absolutely true that some recruiters
will immediately ignore a resume that exceeds a single
page. If you’re having trouble editing your resume, take
a careful look at what you are including. Try to filter
the resume so that only the strongest information is
included. If your resume must exceed one page, limit it
to two pages at most.
• Choose a professional font—traditional fonts
such as Times New Roman, Arial and Verdana are
excellent options. Be consistent with your choice and
don’t use more than two fonts in the resume. Make sure
to use a readable font size as well—don’t be tempted
to dramatically reduce the font size in order to fit more
information on the page.
• Use bold text to highlight key information—
utilizing bold text is an easy way to draw the reader’s
eye to specific information or sections within your
resume. Don’t overdo it, and resist the urge to
incorporate bold text, italicized text and underlining—a
simple style is best.
• Use bullet points effectively—they are best used
for listing skills or specific accomplishments. Bullet
points immediately draw the attention of the reader, so
be sure to use them wisely.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
Using multiple resumes
TIP
Don’t forget to
customize your cover
letter, too! Along
with your resume,
it is the perfect
opportunity for you
to speak directly to
the employer and
communicate your
specific skills and
qualifications.
A resume simply isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool—a single
resume should not be used for all employers in your job
search. Each company is looking for something very specific,
and to capture a recruiter’s attention, your resume should
reflect the skills, experience and qualifications that he or
she is actively seeking.
To do this, you must customize your resume. Every time
you respond to a job posting, you should establish exactly
what the employer needs and then tailor your resume to
suit those requirements. This can be accomplished in
several ways:
• Adjust the title of your resume—make sure that
it closely matches the position you desire.
• Rewrite your career summary—highlight the
most relevant experience and put that information at the
beginning of your summary.
• Edit your skills—organize your skills to reflect the
employer’s needs. Important skills should be highlighted
so that they can be easily identified by the reader.
• Don’t exaggerate—as always, be truthful in
your writing. You don’t want to give an inaccurate
representation about your experience or abilities!
This may seem like a time-consuming practice, but it is well
worth the effort. The more closely your resume reflects an
employer’s requirements, the more likely you are to garner
an interview—and a job.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
TIP
Mention in your
cover letter that
you can furnish a
current background
check report—it
might provide you
with a significant
advantage!
Reviewing your
background check information
It is an increasingly common practice for employers to require
background checks for new or existing employees. If a
prospective employer were to run your background check
today, what would he or she find?
Unfortunately, a background check often includes
incorrect information—including information that does not
belong to you. Background reports include data that has been
compiled from thousands of sources—sometimes, information
is reported that may belong to another person of the same
name. MyBackgroundCheck.com has noted that 80% of all
background reports include erroneous information.
It is always advisable to review your background check
and correct any errors before applying to a new position,
and to regularly monitor that report to ensure that it is up-todate. MyBackgroundCheck.com provides solutions to help
you review, correct and monitor your background check
report—find out more at www.MyBackgroundCheck.com.
Simply use order code: A2S56 for the Job
Seeker background check. Print your
certificate and attach to every resume.
Keep in mind that while some employers
do not require background checks,
they do look favorably upon
applicants who voluntarily furnish
such reports. Providing a
background check report
at an interview shows
an employer that you have
confidence in not only your
professional history, but your personal
history as well.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
Filling out job applications
TIP
Even if you have provided a cover letter and resume, you
will often be required to fill out a job application. It may seem
redundant to provide an employer with duplicate information,
but this formality is an important one.
Following are a few important suggestions:
With online
applications, most
employers prefer
resumes in the form
of a Microsoft Word
document or PDF
file.
PAGE 11
• Print neatly, using blue or black ink—your
information must be legible! Even if you have filled
out the same information multiple times for different
applications, take care to keep your writing neat and
consistent.
• Complete the entire application—don’t
leave blank spaces! If you are unsure about specific
details, turn the application in after you can verify the
information you need.
• Proofread your application—make sure that you
have spelled everything correctly and that you used
proper grammar and punctuation.
© MyBackgroundCheck.com
GETTING PREPARED
• Be thorough—resist the urge to write “see profile” in
the work experience section of your application!
• Recent experience should be listed first—this
is true for both your job history and education.
• Provide excellent references—list professional
references who will strongly recommend you to
prospective employers and who will be able to detail
your skills and strengths.
• Attach a copy of your background check
report—providing a current background check
report from a legitimate organization can be highly
advantageous. It demonstrates confidence and candor,
and is appreciated by recruiters.
• Sign the application—your application isn’t official
unless it is signed!
Providing employers with a cover letter, resume and
completed job application is an excellent way to demonstrate
that you are serious about the position. Including a current
background check report is icing on the cake!
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
MOVING FORWARD
®
The power of social media
TIP
If you have a
personal Facebook
(or other social
networking) profile,
be sure to keep all
of your information
private. Recruiters
often take a peek at
personal profiles to
get an inside look
at a prospective
employee’s
personality!
Effective use of social media can
give you a tremendous advantage
in your job search—in fact, it may be
just what you need to find the position
you truly want. While traditional job search
tactics (such as responding to jobs posted online
or in the newspaper) can certainly bring success, building a
network—and knowing how to tap into that network—is truly
your best bet.
• Create a LinkedIn profile—LinkedIn is by far
one of the best online websites for professional social
networking. Recruiters often use this site to find
prospective employees, so developing your profile
should be one of your top priorities. It’s free to use and
it’s pretty simple to get started: just create a profile, fill
out your personal and professional information and then
build your network. You can receive recommendations
from colleagues, supervisors or friends that will be
displayed on your profile.
• Follow and tweet on Twitter—don’t be intimidated
by this fantastic tool. Many employers use Twitter to
recruit new employees, so it is to your advantage to
“follow” employers of interest, to communicate with them
and to fine tune your own Twitter page (you can even
link it to your LinkedIn profile so that recruiters will know
exactly how to reach you).
• Start a professional blog—this will allow
employers and recruiters to really get a sense of
who you are (and you can showcase your portfolio, if
applicable). Focus your blog on topics that are in line
with the kind of job you are seeking. Subscribing to
other professional blogs and posting comments will
help you to build a large network and could lead to job
opportunities.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
MOVING FORWARD
Using job search websites
TIP
Make sure to update
your profile with any
new information
or job experience
so that it is always
current—you don’t
want to miss out on
any professional
opportunities!
The Internet is your greatest tool when it comes to job
searches. Thankfully, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed:
there are plenty of reputable job search sites that make it
easy for you to get started. Sites like www.monster.com,
www.theladders.com, www.careerbuilder.com and
www.myemployment.com can give you access to a variety
of different job postings.
Just as you wouldn’t simply apply to a single job posting,
don’t limit yourself to just one job search site. Creating
profiles on multiple sites will increase your chances of
success and will allow you to be more proactive in your job
search.
• Create your profiles—take your time when entering
your profile information and be sure to check for
errors. Recruiters expect to see complete profiles that
accurately reflect an individual’s work experience, so it’s
worth the effort to make sure your profile is well-written!
• Look for new postings every day—be proactive!
While most large job search sites allow you to create
and save searches for jobs that meet specific criteria, it
never hurts to look through new postings and even try
different search parameters.
• Educate yourself—these types of websites often
include many articles with helpful advice about a wide
range of job search topics. You might learn something
valuable that could be useful at your next
interview!
• U
se the forums—don’t be afraid to
join in on forum discussions with other
site members. Ask questions, share
advice and build your professional
network.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
MOVING FORWARD
Individualizing your search
TIP
When applying online
or by fax, do your
research first so that
you can submit your
resume directly to the
person in charge of
hiring!
While job search websites can provide you with daily job
listings from various sources, there’s another tactic you
might want to try: targeting individual companies. Even if an
employer has not posted a position on a search site such as
www.monster.com, a job may still be available.
Think carefully about your job search. What kinds of
companies interest you? Are there any specific organizations
about which you’ve heard good things? Do your skills and
expertise allow you the flexibility of applying for multiple job
types?
It is worth your while to do a little research and to make a list
of individual businesses to which you can apply. Don’t limit
yourself to small local businesses—if you have the means
to relocate or are willing to do so, it doesn’t hurt to check out
businesses in other locales. Once you’ve compiled your list,
we recommend the following:
• Go online—sometimes a company may simply post
career opportunities on its own website. Check the
company’s site—if you don’t see anything available, call
to inquire about possible positions.
• Check local opportunities—if you are interested
in applying at a local business, why not get dressed
up and apply in person? Ask to speak to the person in
charge of hiring (or, if it’s a large company with multiple
departments, ask to speak to the appropriate manager).
Be sure to bring your cover letter and current resume!
• Be proactive—if there are no current openings, you
may be able to leave a cover letter and resume on file—
this could lead to an opportunity down the road.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
MOVING FORWARD
Following up on job applications
TIP
Wait 1-2 days before
following up on an
application—you
want to give the
hiring manager
enough time
to review your
application, but you
don’t want to wait
too long and miss an
opportunity!
The application process isn’t finished once you’ve submitted
your cover letter and resume—you should always follow
up on an application by making a friendly, professional
inquiry. This demonstrates to employers that you are
serious about the position and that you are enthusiastic and
motivated—and that’s exactly the kind of message you want
to send.
You can manage your follow-up in a variety of ways—choose
the option that seems to best suit your personality and
situation:
• Follow up by phone—this is one of the most
traditional ways to inquire about a previous application.
A quick phone call to the appropriate manager to check
on the status of your application—and to thank him
or her for the consideration—will reflect positively and
could give you an edge over the competition.
• Write a thank-you note—while often reserved for
post-interview follow-ups, a thank-you note is still a good
option for following up on an application. Make sure
it’s just a quick note that expresses your interest in the
position and your appreciation for the opportunity.
• Visit in person—for local opportunities, there’s
nothing wrong with stopping by to check on the status of
your application. A friendly smile can go a long way!
• Send an email—much less formal than a phone call
or thank-you note, an email may still be appropriate in
some situations. An advantage to this option is that it
makes it very easy for an employer to respond to your
inquiry. However, this should be reserved for situations
in which you have not personally spoken with the
person in charge of interviewing and hiring (in those
circumstances, a phone call, thank-you note or inperson visit is best).
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Do your research
TIP
Don’t wait until
the last minute
to perform your
research—the
more time you
have to review the
information you think
is important, the
more confidently you
will be able to speak
about it.
Once you’ve landed an interview, it’s time to make
sure you are truly prepared. You probably did some initial
research about the company to which you applied, but you’ll
want to be as knowledgeable as possible when you walk in
the door for your interview.
You don’t have to recite a company history or name a
list of employees—those kinds of details generally won’t
spark much interest. However, demonstrating your
understanding of the company’s goals, customer base
and needs is a sure way to garner the interest of your
interviewer.
When doing your research, consider the following
suggestions:
• Know the details of the position—memorize
relevant portions of the job posting so that you can ask
intelligent questions about the position at your interview.
Showing that you’ve given thought to the job itself shows
that you are the type of person who takes initiative—and
that’s a sought-after quality in employees.
• Understand the qualifications the employer
is seeking—knowing the most relevant skills for
the position will help you to determine which areas of
expertise should be your focus during the interview. For
example, if the company is seeking an individual who
can work well with minimal supervision, it would be wise
to mention any freelance work or telecommuting that
you may have done.
• Take note of the company’s target market—
understanding who the company seeks to serve shows
that you have taken the time to educate yourself.
You don’t have to be applying for a job as a sales
representative for this kind of understanding to be
relevant—simply demonstrating your interest and
enthusiasm can make you stand out.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Common interview questions
TIP
Do a little research
pertaining to your
particular field of
work and investigate
some common
questions for the
position you are
seeking.
Knowing what to expect at your interview will increase your
confidence. Every interview is unique and interviews for
certain positions often include very specific questions, so
it’s difficult to know exactly what will be asked—but you will
feel more prepared if you review the following common
interview questions and compose thoughtful responses
ahead of time. Even if some of these questions are not
asked, you may still have the opportunity to share the
information you’ve prepared!
• What were your responsibilities at your last job?
• What kind of salary are you seeking?
• When are you available to start working?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What are your long-term goals?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as an
employee?
• Why should we hire you?
• Can you describe a work situation in which you’ve had
to deal with conflict, and how you resolved it?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What kind of training/certifications/education do you
have that will qualify you for this position?
• What attracted you to our company?
• Can you describe your particular working style?
• What sets you apart from other potential candidates?
• How much do you know about our company?
• How do you think you can contribute to our team/
company/success?
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
The art of the phone interview
TIP
If you are nervous,
keeping a glass of
water available is
a good idea—just
be sure to quietly
take small sips while
someone else is
speaking!
Many companies require phone interviews—often for remote
positions or to precede an in-person interview—so it is wise
to be prepared for this type of conference. While you will
likely be asked some of the same questions that occur in a
traditional, face-to-face meeting, you should keep in mind that
there are differences between these kinds of interviews.
• Use a reliable phone—don’t use your cell phone
for a job interview. The last thing you want is to lose
reception when you’re answering questions about a
potential job! Use a reliable landline phone that has clear
sound, and confirm at the beginning of the interview that
those on the other end of the line can clearly hear you.
• Set aside plenty of time—while most phone
interviews tend to last less than 30 minutes, you should
set aside a full hour where you can speak on the phone
without interruption. Be sure to turn off your television
and cell phone!
• Keep your resume and cover letter handy—the
interviewer(s) will likely reference these documents and
ask specific questions about your skills and work history.
It is a good idea to have both documents (and a copy
of your application, if possible) accessible during your
interview.
• Prepare answers to common interview
questions—print out your answers for quick reference!
This is an excellent advantage when compared to a
traditional interview where you must rely on your memory.
• Dress up—even though no one will see you, you will
feel as though your interview is much more formal and
will be more mentally prepared for your phone call.
• Be serious—pretend you are at a face-to-face
interview. Don’t lie on your bed or curl up on your
couch—sit up straight and act as though your
interviewer(s) can see you!
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Dress for success
TIP
Use cologne or
perfume sparingly
or skip it entirely—a
nice, clean-scented
lotion is a good
alternative.
PAGE 20
If you want to be taken seriously at your job interview, you
must look the part—be sure to dress for success and make
a good impression! Even if you don’t have a particularly
dressy wardrobe, don’t worry—the most important thing is
that you look neat and well-groomed. Keep the following
tips in mind when planning what to wear to your job interview.
• Iron your clothes—this is an absolute must. A
crisp, clean appearance is essential for making a good
impression. Wrinkly clothes can make you appear
sloppy, but a freshly ironed shirt, pair of pants or
dress will send the message that you care about your
appearance.
• Keep accessories simple—you don’t want to
distract an employer with flashy earrings or a gaudy tie.
When choosing jewelry, women should opt for classic,
simple pieces. Men should choose ties that coordinate
well with the rest of their clothing but do not distract from
it. Make sure that purses, briefcases and belts are in
good condition.
© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
• Wear garments that fit well—clothes that are too
big will make you look unkempt. Likewise, tight-fitting
clothes are generally inappropriate—not only are they
distracting, but they can be uncomfortable as well!
• Pay attention to your personal grooming—
you want to make the best possible impression, so be
sure to pay extra attention to your hygiene and physical
appearance. Trim your hair, give yourself a good
manicure and use a breath mint before your interview—
these simple things will help you to feel more confident!
• Borrow if necessary—if you simply don’t have
appropriate clothing for your interview, don’t be afraid
to borrow clothes from a friend who wears your size.
There’s nothing shameful about being resourceful and
planning carefully!
• Wear a good pair of shoes—many people make
the mistake of buying a new suit only to wear a shoddy
pair of shoes, and employers do notice. Don’t neglect
your feet—make sure that your shoes are in good
condition!
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
What to bring to your interview
TIP
Purchasing your
own background
check report before
your interview lets
you ensure that it is
correct—you don’t
want to miss an
opportunity due to
information that
doesn’t belong to
you! Visit www.
MyBackground
Check.com for more
information.
After all the research, wardrobe planning and careful
preparation that you’ve done, the last thing you want is to
show up to your interview unprepared! Bringing the appropriate
documents with you to your interview demonstrates that you
are serious about the job and that you want the employer to
see your commitment and dedication. Showing up emptyhanded, however, shows a lack of foresight that is not likely to
go unnoticed.
Bring the following things to your interview:
• Resume and cover letter—these are the most
important documents for your interview. Even if you have
already provided your potential employer with these papers,
you should always bring a hard copy to your interview.
• Background check report—providing a current
background report sends a few very important messages.
Firstly, it demonstrates to an employer that you have full
confidence in not only your professional background, but in
your personal background as well. It clearly states that you
have nothing to hide and that you are the person you profess
to be. Secondly, it shows that you’ve taken the initiative and
that there is no need for them to spend the time or money
on a background check for you. This level of preparedness
will make an excellent impression. Thirdly, and perhaps most
importantly, it tells the employer that you are serious about
the job, and that will give you an edge over other candidates.
• Photo ID and Social Security card—while many
interviewers prefer to make a decision about the position
at a later time, there is the chance that you could be hired
on the spot. If so, you’ll want to be able to provide the
necessary documentation for your employee file, and that
often includes a photo ID and a Social Security card. If
you have other documents that you feel may be necessary
(such as further proof of citizenship or a work visa), you will
want to bring those as well.
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ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Recent grads—how to shine
TIP
Always try to arrive
at least 15 minutes
prior to the start
of your interview;
punctuality is
important!
If you’ve recently graduated and are preparing for an
interview, chances are that you don’t have a great deal
of work history. That doesn’t mean that you can’t make a
positive impression—in fact, you have a unique opportunity
to promote yourself as a fresh candidate for the position a
prospective employer is looking to fill.
Take a look at these suggestions for a fantastic interview:
• Discuss your extracurricular activities—if you
participated in any internship or externship programs
or served as a volunteer for a charitable organization,
share with your interviewer how these experiences
helped to prepare you for the position you’re seeking.
• Don’t be embarrassed about entry-level work
experience—everyone has to start somewhere. If
your only work experience so far has been at a lower
level than the job you want, don’t worry—employers
like to see interviewees who are motivated to progress
and who are willing to do the work that advancement
requires.
• Share what you learned in school—not in
your courses, but in terms of building your character.
Did large class loads help you to become more
disciplined? Did working together with other students
on class projects teach you the value of teamwork?
Demonstrating your appreciation for such qualities is
sure to make a positive impression.
• Discuss any honors you’ve received—if you
graduated with any kind of honors, don’t be shy about
sharing this information with your interviewer. Take pride
in your accomplishments—this is the perfect time to talk
about them.
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ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Filling in the gaps
TIP
Providing a
prospective
employer with a
copy of a current
background
check report is an
excellent idea for
any job seeker, but
can be especially
effective for those
with gaps in their
work history—it
demonstrates
confidence and
straightforwardness.
Whether you’re looking to return to the workforce after
an extended absence or if your job history is just spotty in
general, there are ways to smooth over those gaps in your
resume. While many people are inclined to simply stretch the
dates on a resume in order to eliminate gaps, it’s truly not a
good idea: many employers do actually call to confirm your
work history.
Instead, be honest about your experience and put a
positive spin on the gaps:
• Discuss your activities—tell your interviewer
what you did to keep busy. If you were involved in
any volunteer work or personal projects, share that
information and talk about how rewarding it was for you.
• Show off your knowledge—you want prospective
employers to know that you’re still at the top of your
game. Staying informed about developments in your
chosen field is very important, so if you can demonstrate
that you are prepared for the position you want, you’ll
increase your chances of landing the job.
• Be positive—discuss your history with
a positive attitude. There is no need to
apologize for gaps in your resume, so
if you took time off to pursue personal
goals (or due to other circumstances),
just be honest about your experiences
and keep an upbeat attitude.
• Don’t focus on gaps—if your
interviewer doesn’t seem concerned
about it, don’t feel the need to bring it
up. The focus of your interview should
be on discussing the reasons you are
qualified for the job, so promote your
skills with confidence.
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ACHIEVING SUCCESS
How to effectively promote yourself
TIP
If you don’t possess
all of the skills or
experience that the
employer is seeking
but are still qualified
for the job, focus
on your strengths—
and always be
honest about your
knowledge and
abilities.
Even if you have the most sought-after skills in your
industry, an incredible resume, top-notch certifications
or an Ivy League education, you must be able to promote
yourself in order to land the job you want. While an
impressive skill set or work history can certainly make a good
impression on prospective employers, there’s no substitute
for effectively discussing such things during your interview.
You don’t want to simply recite a laundry list of applicable
skills or focus on all the details of your work experience.
Your interviewer has already seen your resume—what he
or she wants to learn about is you, and why you would be a
good fit for the position.
• Be excited—discuss your skills with enthusiasm. For
example, if you’re a salesperson and have mastered the
fine art of closing a deal, talk with your interviewer about
the success you’ve had and tell him or her how fulfilling
it is to be able to provide the customer with a valuable
product or service. If you have pursued extensive
education in your field, talk about how your continuing
development serves to inspire your practical experience.
• Be relevant—discuss the skills that matter most to the
position you want. Interviewers are often looking for a
very specific set of qualifications as well as a dedicated
employee. Before your interview, determine which
skills are most relevant to the position and discuss your
experience in those areas at your interview.
• Be confident—don’t hesitate to proudly talk about
the things that make you a good candidate for the job.
At your interview, no one else is going to sing your
praises—it’s entirely up to you to convince the employer
that you are the right person for the job.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
10 quick tips for interview success
TIP
Bring this guide
with you to read
while you wait for
your interview—
refreshing your
memory with
the advice
you’ve read may
inspire additional
confidence.
PAGE 26
In addition to the other advice found in this job seeker’s
guide, we want to provide you with a few more quick tips
that might help you to succeed. After all, the more you
prepare for your interview, the more likely it is that you will
land the job!
a good listener—demonstrate a genuine interest
1 inBewhat
the interviewer has to say. Try not to interrupt by
interjecting a comment while someone else is speaking
(even if you’re afraid you might forget the point you want
to make).
Focus on the positive—when discussing your work
2 history,
talk about the things that have inspired you and
that you have truly enjoyed. A candidate with a positive
outlook is more likely to be considered than one who
makes self-deprecating comments.
Turn off your cell phone—you don’t want your
3 phone
to ring, beep or burst into song during your
interview!
© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Ask questions—show your interest by asking
4 intelligent
questions about the position and the
company. After all, this is your best opportunity to learn
about the job in question.
smoke before your interview—if you’re a
5 Don’t
smoker, try to refrain from smoking beforehand—even
breath mints can’t disguise the scent of cigarette smoke.
say negative things about previous
6 Don’t
employers—resist the temptation to trash your former
boss. Complaining can cast a negative shadow on your
entire interview!
chew gum—opt for breath mints so that you
7 Don’t
don’t forget to spit out your gum before the interview
begins.
Rehearse with a friend—practicing your interview
8 skills
beforehand will help you to feel more confident!
up straight—pay attention to your body language,
9 Sit
and try not to slouch!
Take your time—your interview is not a race. Many
10 people
speak quickly during an interview because they
are nervous. Try to relax and to speak the way you
normally would!
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
The importance of the thank-you letter
TIP
If you have nice
penmanship, opt for
a handwritten note.
It adds a personal
touch that most
interviewers will
appreciate.
There’s no substitute for good manners, and sending a
thank-you letter after an interview is an excellent way to
demonstrate your appreciation. A personal note is not an
antiquated tradition, it is a way to communicate to a potential
employer that you are grateful for the consideration and that
you are genuinely interested in the position.
A thank-you note can be particularly effective in situations
where more than one candidate is being considered for the
position. You never know what might tip the scales in your
direction—sending a message of thanks might make just the
right impression on your prospective employer.
When writing your thank-you letter, try to incorporate the
following elements:
• Write enthusiastically—let the tone of your thankyou letter show your eagerness and enthusiasm about
the position.
• Discuss something specific from your
interview—this gives the letter a personal touch and
demonstrates the fact that the things you discussed
during the interview were of real interest to you.
• Express your gratitude—you are writing a thankyou letter, after all. You can tell the employer that you
not only appreciate the consideration, but that you are
grateful that he or she took the time to meet with you.
•Don’t flatter—while you want to be
appreciative, don’t go over the top. Express
your genuine appreciation without resorting to
flattery.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Staying motivated
TIP
If you receive a
rejection after an
interview, talk with
others about your
feelings—most
people have shared
the same experience
at some point or
another! A little
encouragement can
go a long way.
If you’ve received a rejection or two—or several—it’s
understandable that you might feel discouraged. No one likes
to be told that they aren’t the right candidate for a position.
But don’t lose heart—the right job is out there for you, and
you will find it if you persevere and keep searching.
Interviewing is a numbers game—some might be fortunate
enough to be hired for the first job to which they apply, and
others might interview many times before finding the right
position. Eventually, you will find a job—and no matter how
long it takes, it’s important to keep trying. If you find yourself
feeling discouraged, consider the following things:
• Every interviewer is looking for something
specific—perhaps you made a good impression, but
simply weren’t the right candidate for the job. A person
is happiest in a job that suits their unique skills and
talents—perhaps you just haven’t interviewed for that
job yet.
• Accept your frustration—it’s perfectly normal to
feel disappointed when you don’t receive a job that you
truly wanted. Allow yourself to feel frustrated, but try not
to dwell on your disappointment—a positive outlook will
help you to be more productive in your job search.
• Learn from your experiences—treat every
interview as a learning opportunity. Interviewing for
multiple positions enables you to hone your skills and to
learn what to expect from interviewers.
• Always express your appreciation—tell
the interviewer how grateful you are for his or her
consideration and communicate that you are available
should other opportunities arise. A gracious response
could win you a job if other positions become available.
• Look to the future—focus on how satisfying it will
be when you find the right job. Try to maintain your
enthusiasm—employers will notice your positive attitude.
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MAINTAINING YOUR SUCCESS
Keeping your resume up to date
TIP
Many people think
that keeping a
current resume
online (while already
being employed)
will indicate
job-shopping.
Don’t worry: it
is generally a
standard procedure
for employed
professionals to
maintain an online
copy of a resume.
Once you’ve landed a job, take care to keep your resume
updated. Even if you’re thrilled about your new position and
don’t foresee wanting to pursue work at another company,
it’s always wise to make sure that your resume contains your
current work experience and personal information.
As you update your hard copy, be sure to make those changes
to your online resumes as well, such as in your profiles on
sites like www.monster.com, www.myemployment.com and
LinkedIn. Keeping the information consistent across all
profiles is always a good idea.
An up-to-date resume is especially important in the following
situations:
• Headhunting—you don’t want to miss out on an
opportunity that may provide you with more income
and/or a more satisfying position. Maintaining an online
presence with your current work information is a good
practice, as it allows recruiters to consider you for
available positions.
• Networking—professionals in your network may be
aware of career opportunities for which you may be
well-suited. If a friend or colleague should ask if you’re
interested in a possible position, you may want to submit
your resume for consideration. The ability to quickly share
an up-to-date resume shows that you’re a professional
who takes his or her career seriously.
• In-office requests—even though you’re already
employed, you may want to apply within your company
for a promotion or for another position. In these
instances, you will generally need to provide an updated
resume.
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MAINTAINING YOUR SUCCESS
TIP
If there are errors
on your background
check report,
correcting those
inaccuracies can
be time-consuming
and frustrating.
MyBackground
Check.com can not
only provide you
with a complete
report, but can also
filter and repair your
background check.
PAGE 31
The importance of maintaining a
background check
In addition to keeping your resume up to date, you don’t want
to neglect your background check—after all, it is a powerful
document detailing your personal history. Even if a report was
not required to obtain your current position, you never know
when a background check may be requested.
Background checks often include inaccuracies—in
fact, up to 80% of background reports include some kind of
erroneous data. In many instances, information is included
that belongs to another individual of the same name. It can
take time to clean up a background check and to filter out
the information that does not belong to you. If a background
report is requested, you want the data to be correct so
that it accurately describes your personal history—this
is why it is absolutely crucial to regularly monitor your
personal background check report and to correct any
inaccuracies.
A current, filtered report will give you an advantage in the
following situations:
• Current employment—your employer may choose
to periodically check your background, or may decide to
implement a background check procedure if one is not
already in place.
• New career opportunities—prospective employers
may request a background check. Even if they do not,
furnishing a current copy of your background report
could provide you with a significant advantage.
© MyBackgroundCheck.com
MAINTAINING YOUR SUCCESS
• Education—many educational institutions now require
background checks for students as well as faculty
members.
• Volunteer work—many volunteer organizations
request background checks from members in order to
maintain a level of safety and professionalism.
• Financial inquiries—at some point, your credit
history and financial background may be requested in
order to secure a loan, purchase a big-ticket item or to
rent/buy a home.
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MAINTAINING YOUR SUCCESS
Building your professional network
TIP
Don’t forget to
contact former
supervisors or
managers—they are
an important part of
your network!
Continuing to build—and maintain—your professional
network is one of the most important things you can do
for your career. A good network can lead to fantastic
opportunities, including career advancement, a change
in your chosen field and outstanding professional
references.
Consider the following suggestions for broadening your
professional network:
• Meet your neighbors—if you’re out watering the
lawn on a Saturday afternoon, it doesn’t hurt to make a
little small talk with your neighbors. Politely asking about
a neighbor’s career is not a bad idea; you may share
common professional interests.
• Volunteer your time—volunteer work isn’t just a
good way to contribute to your community or to causes
that you support, it is a fantastic way to meet people
who share your ideals and to build your professional
network.
• Be friendly at the office—you don’t have to
befriend every single co-worker to expand your network,
but taking the time to talk with your associates is a good
idea. You never know when you will meet someone who
is looking for a partner to start a business on the side, or
who can provide a great professional reference.
• Network with friends—some people dislike talking
with their friends about work, but mentioning that you’re
interested in networking is a good idea. In fact, it may
inspire them to help you make a connection with a nonmutual acquaintance who would be interested in talking
with you about your career.
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com
ULTIMATE JOB SEEKER’S GUIDE
Conclusion to the
Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide
It is our hope that this guide will be a valuable resource, and
that it will provide you with a wealth of reference material to
help you in your job search. We understand how important
it is to pay attention to the fine details, such as polishing your
professional resume and understanding the finer points of
composing a thank-you letter.
We hope that the advice within these pages will prove useful
as you continue to advance your career and that you will
find great happiness and success.
With regards,
The MyBackgroundCheck.com Team
Further resources:
www.MyBackgroundCheck.com
www.MyEmployment.com
www.Pre-employ.com
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© MyBackgroundCheck.com