At Genentech, we want you to be successful in your job search. That's why we've prepared this section to help you create a winning resume that will showcase your talents to prospective employers and to ensure that your interviewing skills are top notch.

Creating a Successful Resume for Today's Job Market Finding a job in today's highly competitive job market demands technological savvy in addition to good common sense. Your resume is the focal point of your job search. As more and more companies use e-mail, scanners and electronic applicant tracking systems to capture resumes and assess candidate qualifications, job seekers need to create effective resumes that can be readable by computer and "scannable" for the artificial intelligence that is used to extract qualification information.

Tips to Maximize Resume Readability and Scannability A "scannable" resume uses standard fonts, crisp, black type and presents plenty of facts for the scanners to extract. The more skills, education, experience and professional affiliations that you provide, the better your chances to match your qualifications with those of available positions and effect a scanner "hit." Preparing a "scannable" resume is much like preparing a traditional resume. Remember to use a standard style resume format and focus on the content — highlighting those areas and skills that you consider to be your strengths.

• Use a font size of 12 to 14 points
• Use standard typefaces like Helvetica, Geneva or Arial
• Avoid fancy typefaces, vertical/horizontal lines, boxes and graphics
• Don't use multiple column formats
• Create ASCII (text-only) and print versions to maximize your resume options
• When faxing, use the "fine mode" setting to ensure better quality copy
• Provide a laser printed original
• Use white or light-colored paper printed on one side only
• Include a short cover letter that states the specific position that you are applying for
• State your objective clearly — give specifics rather than generic "puff speak"
• Be honest about your credentials and abilities
• Be brief yet descriptive — strive for one page
• Omit irrelevant experience or outdated information
• Don't make any mistakes — proofread for misspellings, typos and grammatical errors
• Make it easy to contact you — furnish current information and multiple contact modes (address, phone, e-mail) as well as best times to reach you

Win-Win Interviewing Strategies Think of the interviewing process as a time when you and the prospective employer can get acquainted and exchange information in an open, mutually beneficial manner. It should be a "win-win" situation for both parties. The employer should be able to ask you about your skills and qualifications. By the same token, you should be able ask appropriate questions to determine if the organization offers the best fit for you.

Being prepared is the best way to ensure a successful interview process. So make a point to learn about a company before you go on the interview.

• Check out their website in advance
• Request annual reports or other company literature that might be useful to your job search

In addition, try to determine the questions that you are most likely to be asked during the interview and devise a strategy to help you answer those questions concisely, thoughtfully and intelligently.

Keep in mind that interviewers will also be looking for how well you think and respond in the moment, so be prepared for the unexpected with an open and honest attitude. Remember, you are interviewing the company too. Asking the smart questions can demonstrate a great deal about you, how you think and the unique perspective you have to offer. Be sure to write down any questions that you may have before the interview — even if you don't refer to your list, it will help you remember them later on.

Tips for Interviewing

• Do your research beforehand. Prepare for the interview by reviewing the job description and assessing how well your experiences meet the requirements listed. Also spend time reviewing the company's web site to get a sense of the organization's priorities and culture.
• Arrive early — 10 minutes in advance is a good rule of thumb
• Take time to observe the environment and get a feel for the overall mood of the place and its people
• Bring your resume and a list of your references
• Dress appropriately to the company's corporate culture
• Don't chew gum
• Don't wear too much perfume or cologne
• Don't forget your deodorant (never let 'em see you sweat!)
• Ask the interviewer about himself/herself — personal questions are ok as long as they aren't too personal
• Don't use technical jargon to simply impress the interviewer
• Ask if you may take an office tour
• Send a thank-you note — it's common courtesy and allows you the opportunity to reiterate your qualifications
• Make sure to follow up in a week or two, but don't become a pest!