Careers

Interested in applying for a different position within Essential?  Before you apply, review the resume tips to make sure your resume is in top shape.

• Resume Tips

• Research the department.
• Become familiar with the organization, the position, and the person who may be your boss.
• Know your resume. Be prepared to discuss every aspect of your education and career experience.
• Know the location of the interview. Consider driving to the location of your interview in advance. Having to rush the day of the interview can add to your nervousness and show during your interview.
• You are also interviewing the company. Bring questions about the organization, then move to career growth, working conditions, etc. Save benefits and compensation questions for last.
• It's just an interview, so imagine the experience in advance. Try to visualize various aspects such as your clothing, items to bring, physical presentation, eye contact, body language, etc.

Applicants selected for an interview will participate in a behavior-based interview.

What is behavior-based interviewing? Behavioral interviewing is a popular and mainstream mode of job interviewing. It involves asking job-related, past-event questions to help a job candidate give examples of a time when he or she used their skills at work. The premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in simular situations.

If you are selected for an interview you should be equipped to answer the behavior-based interviewing questions thoroughly by providing examples of situations you were involved in that demonstrated key behaviors. In the interview, your response needs to be specific and detailed. Ideally, you should briefly describe the situation, what specific action you took to have an effect on the situation, and the positive result or outcome. Frame it in a three-step process, usually called a S-T-A-R statement.

1. Situation (task or problem)
2. Action
3. Result (or outcome)

• Talk about your previous contributions.
• Prospective employers are interested in knowing how you made a difference in your previous job. Be prepared to explain how your unique skill set will be an asset to the company.
• Listen carefully. Pause briefly after each question before you respond to be sure the interviewer has finished speaking. Answer questions directly and concisely. If you do not understand, ask for clarification.
• Write down important information. Obtain the names and titles of the people with whom you interview. Be sure the spelling is correct, as you will need the information later.

• Don't leave too quickly.
• Don't forget the follow-up. Send a letter or note thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss your skills and qualifications. You might use the opportunity to recap a few points you discussed.
• Stay visible. Following the interview, be sure there's a way you can be contacted, even if you are out of town. Make sure your voicemail message sounds professional when you are job hunting.