It’s important to pay attention to every aspect of the interview process. Be mindful of your resume and the telephone interview, which is often the first screening interview. I am always surprised by job candidates who rush through their resumes, make it through the screening process, and hit the telephone interview out of the park. Similarly, candidates who look stellar on paper but bomb the telephone interview are all-too-common. Lots of people can talk a big professional game on paper. 

If you are going to submit your resume for a job, proofread it, and ask someone else – preferably in a leadership position – to review it. Once your resume accurately reflects your awesomeness, prepare for the screening telephone interview. Be ready to briefly share about your background and why you are a good fit for the position. Don’t ask about the salary unless the interviewer mentions it first. Follow-up the interview with a hardcopy or electronic thank you note. It might sound old school, but it is important.

Make your first impression a lasting one.