This page contains answers to common questions handled by our staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found to be useful.

Resume Tips The Search Process Interview Questions       Resume Tips A well-designed resume can make a tremendous difference in the success of your job search.  Many qualified candidates are never considered simply because their resumes are incomplete or vague.  We find that professional resume services and computer software resume packages are not effective for the engineering professions.  For a seasoned engineer professional, a 4-page resume is not too long, and anything less might not reveal your true value.  Never place any information on your resume that is deceptive or untrue. Your resume should have the following elements: Name, address, home phone number and e-mail address - On Every Page.  If you do not want to be called at work, add a statement "No calls or voice mail at work number, please."  Work phone, cell phone and/or pager number are optional, but are very helpful to recruiters and employers. A brief description of your career goals.  NOTE:  With today's computer software, you can easily change your "goals" statement to suit the particular job you are seeking.  This section should not be more than one or two sentences.  Some resume experts recommend a long list of abilities and accomplishments, but this is not usually effective in the engineering professions.  It is better to show specific experience, skills and accomplishments in your employment history. A detailed employment history.  This section should include employer name, location, dates, job title, type of business, job duties, types and dollar size range of projects, major accomplishments.  It is not sufficient to simply list employers' names and dates.  Please don't omit dates of employment.  This raises a "red flag"  with many employers.  Be sure to note the following accomplishments where applicable:  (1) Money you saved for your client or employer.  (2) Major problems you solved.  (3) New or repeat business you gained.  (4) Any other job accomplishment of note.  Start with your current job and work your way back.   Details on your educational background.  Include colleges, degrees, graduation date, major/minor fields of study. Details on registration/certification/memberships.  List registrations, states of registration, certifications, memberships and licenses, such as Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, Certified Project Manager, and Licensed General Contractor. Accomplishments.  Include a brief description of one accomplishment that you alone or as a member of a "team" achieved with each job description (e.g. cost savings, innovation, overcoming a difficult situation etc.) Computer skills.  List all software you have used for design project management, scheduling, estimating, and/or business communications. Personal data.  Marital status, ages of children, willingness to relocate, hobbies, community service. References.  For reasons of confidentiality, you may not want to include references as a standard part of your resume.  However, you should have a reference list available upon request.  Your references should include former employers, co-workers, sub-contractors, architects, and clients.  Provide both home and work phone numbers. Project list.  This in an essential part of your resume.  Those with more experience should offer a project list as an attachment.  Try to keep it down to 2 or 3 pages.  Persons with less  than 15 years experience can probably incorporate their project list into the resume.  Include the following details about your most important projects:  Project name or type of project, dollar size, brief description of work done, your job title and duties, dates, and your employer at the time. Photos, sound files, or other add-ons.  In this age of computers it is possible to add a photo or wave sound files to your resume.  We do not recommend these devices for the engineering professions. How to submit your resume.  Most recruiters prefer to receive resumes as MS Word (.doc), or Rich Text Format (.rtf) or plain text (.txt) file attachments.  If you wish to fax or snail mail your resume that is acceptable as well.    Back to Top     The Search Process Needs Assessment Working as a team with the client, we analyze the company’s needs to determine the required set of skills, understand organizational relationships, define the required experience, and identify other characteristics necessary for the successful candidate. Position Profile After carefully assessing your needs, we typically prepare a written position specification that outlines the responsibilities of the position, qualifications required of the ideal candidate, and criteria for success. This specification guides our search efforts. Affiliates With Search Professional staff members make selective calls to sources and prospects to identify and interest qualified individuals. During this period, the consultant reports progress frequently to the client. Candidate Interviews and Evaluation Likely prospects are interviewed by the consultant who evaluates each on the basis of experience and potential cultural fit with the client organization. Presentation of Candidates Confidential written reports are typically submitted on the individuals who most closely fit the position specification. Referencing the Selected Candidate Once the client selects the final candidate, the consultant contacts individuals who are capable of providing insights about the candidate’s qualifications. The collective comments made by these references are then reviewed with the client. Candidate/Client Interviews The consultant schedules a mutually convenient meeting between the client and each candidate. After each interview, the consultant contacts both the client and the candidates for feedback. Completion of the Search As the search comes to a close, the consultant can assist in structuring of the compensation package if the client wishes. We also contact all those who have been helpful in the search, thanking them on behalf of the client. Once the successful candidate is in place, the consultant who worked on the search is available to support the newcomer’s successful integration into the client team.   Back to Top Interview Questions QUESTION YOU MAY WANT TO ASK What are three things you want me to accomplish in this position? What would be my first major project? What are the goals of the department and how can I help you achieve them? How can I make an immediate impact in the department? What critical areas are you addressing currently, and how can I help you? What additional responsibilities will I receive after my first year? Considering the people in your department or company, tell me what your most valued employees are like. What are the things you believe make them the most successful? What are some things that could cause a person to fail in your department? Mr/Mrs. Hiring Authority, now that you've gotten to know me, how do you see my background adding value to your company? This question does two things: a.  It exposes misunderstandings and concerns (of which you will need to address directly with your strengths.) b.  The employer hears the affirmation of your positive qualities and, "fit" with the company. Do I have the necessary technical skills needed for the position? I am very interested in the position. May I have the job Back to Top