Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 ∣ Career Opportunities 13 applicable certifications, and recognitions. The document features much of the same information as requested on a job application, but a résumé offers more flexibility for its creation. The actual content of a résumé can vary according to the type of job for which you are applying. It is okay to develop different résumés emphasizing different aspects of your experience for different jobs. The most common résumé types are reverse chronological and functional résumés. A reverse chronological résumé organizes the content in order of time, starting with your current or last job and working back through past jobs. A functional résumé concentrates on work skills or job functions, rather than specific jobs or job history. Regardless of its for- mat, your résumé should be brief while covering your major accomplishments. Emphasize your relevant training and experience. Make sure that there are no spelling or grammar errors. The résumé should be no longer than two pages. Potential employers may not have time to read longer résumés. If you are in school, your advisor can help you to prepare a résumé, or you can find information on reputable websites for how to structure the document. One advantage of preparing a résumé is that you can organize your thoughts about your past accomplish- ments to help you more effectively fill out job applications and answer questions during job interviews. Job Interviews If your résumé or job application is chosen by the employer, you will be asked to meet with your prospective employer for a job interview. Before the interview, find out as much information as possible about your prospective employer so you can speak knowledgeably about the company and its operation. Based on the type of job and style of interview, you may also want to search online to gather a basic idea of the types of questions you may be asked. Be sure that you arrive well-groomed and neatly dressed for the interview. Arrive a little early to the interview to present a strong first impression. When introduced to the interviewer, shake hands and make an effort to remember and repeat his or her name. Speak clearly when answering the interviewer’s questions. Do not volunteer negative infor- mation or make negative comments about your present or previous employers. The inter- viewer may not have conducted many interviews and may be unsure about what questions to ask. In these cases, expand on your answers to include your qualifications for the job without exaggeration or false modesty. Present all information briefly without dominating the conversation. Some questions may seem unrelated to the potential job (such as “What do you expect to be doing five years from now?”). Make an effort to answer these questions to the best of your ability. Interviewers will often give you a few moments to collect your thoughts if the question is complex or requires additional reflection. Near the end of the interview, you will be offered the opportunity to ask any questions. Avoid immediately asking questions regarding compensation, vacation time, lunch and break policies, or other less important information. Instead, ask thoughtful and pertinent questions that demonstrate you were listening attentively throughout the interview and have done research to learn about the company. Although pay is a major factor for a job, it is often beneficial for your employment chances to let the interviewer begin the compensa- tion conversation. Too heavy of a focus on pay or on minor job factors could cast you in a negative light for the potential employer. At the conclusion of the interview, thank the interviewer for his or her time. A few days after the interview, make or send a brief and polite follow-up call or e-mail to thank the interviewer again for considering you for the position. Other Job Requirements Many employers are reluctant to hire a new employee before performing a thorough back- ground check. You may be asked to take a physical, be tested for drug use, provide proof of citizenship, or obtain a copy of your driving record to provide to the employer.