I have spent a big chunk of my career short listing CVs/Resumes and conducting employment (and exit) interviews. Based on my experience, following DOs and DON’Ts may be considered while applying for a Job:

Email Address:

Your email address speaks a lot about your personality and cerebral approach. E-Maill addresses like joker007@abc.com, desikuri.innocent@xyz.com or smartboy4u@123.com will never have an appealing impact on the reviewer. Also try to avoid having a very long email address like “muhammadzeeshanhaider1947@outlook.com”.

Try to make a short and sophisticated email address preferably including your first or last name in it. Good examples for professional email addresses are: shahid.ali@abc.com, bilal88@xyz.com.

Tip: You may keep your socializing/dating and professional emails separate.

CV Layout:

Choose a layout that is simple and easily understandable. Avoid flooding your CV/Resume with too much information. CV/Resume’s job is to get you an interview. Use it as a hors d’oeuvre. Leave the details for the interview.

Spell-Check:

Check your CV/Resume for spelling mistakes. Spelling errors have the worst impact on reviewer.

Grammar-Check:

Check your CV or GET IT CHECKED for grammatical errors. Grammatical mistakes may push your CV/Resume from top to bottom of the list.

Picture or no Picture?

In my personal opinion, it is better to have a picture on your CV/Resume. The picture should be very formal (if you are applying for a fashion model is an exception).

Don’t Copy:

Do not copy from someone else’s CV/Resume. Why? Because you are not them. And because you can never be them. Always make you own CV and write what you have done in your own way. This will help you make the reviewer better understand your experiences. After making your CV/Resume you may take help from someone for grammar /spell check and formatting.

Don’t Lie:

Do not lie on your CV. The interviewer is mostly from the same field you are being interviewed for, and is most probably the guru of his field. He will profile you in seconds. DO NOT WRITE WHAT YOU CAN’T DEFEND.

Caller tune on Cell Phones:

It is very important not to have a caller tune set on the cell phone you are expecting an interview call on.

Rihanna’s “I love the way you lie” or Ibrar Ul Haq’s “Aa ja nee bay ja Cycle tay” might sound very amusing to you but very likely it will have a negative impact on the HR executive calling you for the interview. Especially, if the HR Manager is calling you him/herself for a telephonic interview!

Don’t Panic when you get the Interview Call:

Always be ready for an interview call (even after official working hours) if you have applied for a Job anywhere or if you maintain a strong LinkedIn profile.

When you receive one, DO NOT PANIC. Following points might help you in taking best out of an interview call:

– While receiving call, immediately move to a quiet location.

– Instantly grab a notepad or take your other cell phone / tablet out to note information down.

– Listen to the caller patiently and reply to his/her questions.

– If it’s a telephonic interview, try to explain things in the best possible way. BE MODERATE IN RESPONDING. DON’T RUSH. DON’T BE TOO SLOW.

– If it’s an interview call: Do not forget to ask for:

  • Time & Date for the interview
  • Location for the interview
  • Easiest way to reach the location (Bus, Taxi, Metro etc.)
  • Concerned person to report at the venue

Going for the interview:

– Prepare well for the interview (Don’t forget to revise important things from your particular field).

– Take some time to know about the company and the position you are being interviewed for.

– Understand your expected job responsibilities and prepare well to respond to related questions.

– Take a good night sleep before the interview.

– Take permission before entering the room.

– Be confident and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. DO NOT LOOK DOWN. DO NOT RUB YOUR HANDS. DO NOT BITE YOUR NAILS.

– Personal grooming is a key to making a good impression on the interviewer.

  • Wear decent clothing and choose decent color scheme. Ensure proper ironing of the clothes.
  • Professional attire is recommended (based on nature of the job and gender)
  • Shave/Trim your beard in the morning to give a fresh look.
  • Preferably take a shower in the morning.
  • Ensure you do not smell bad. Use a body spray if required.
  • Wear a decent fragrance or don’t use any perfume/cologne at all.

Good luck!

The writer can be contacted by email at m.zeeshan@outlook.com.