1. Presented by Human Resource Services February 2011 Career Planning Keys to moving forward

2. Objectives Where to start Cover letters- simple but effective Resumes- the 20 second look References Preparing for your interview Resources

3. Where to start Local papers, search engines –HRS/ End of Employment/Job Resources Attend a job fair Temp agency Net-work-it –Facebook –LinkedIn –Twitter –Friends or family working for companies you are interested in –Social groups and Professional Organizations Monitor your favorite companies employment pages

4. Tailor your qualifications to each job posting Requirements of the position –Demonstrate how you meet each oneone Preferred qualifications –Call attention to any of the preferred qualification you havehave Adjust your resume for each position to which you apply. Do you really meet the minimums? –Be realistic and don’t waste time –Quality vs. quantity How should you apply? Be sure to submit all required application materials.

5. The little things really do matter. If your email address is nakedrunneronthepalouse@hotmail.com If your out going voicemail sings, plays music, has the voice of a 2 year old that is not audible to anyone except her parents If you have an online profile with pictures, statements or language that does not represent you professionally…. Other little things to consider spelling, formatting, no pictures or artwork on resumes (yes, people do this!) Make some changes

6. Cover letters Should a cover letter always be included?  Bad sign if not included What if the ad does not provide the name of the hiring manager?  Call and ask.  Send it to the department manager. –Dear Marketing Manager Use a generic salutation such as  Dear Hiring Manager  Dear Search Committee

7. Cover letters- a few tips Write in a business letter format and have a neat, professional look. The first paragraph of the letter explains the purpose and generates interest. The body of the letter focuses on what the writer can offer and not what the writer wants. The style of the letter can be conversational but still businesslike. You don’t need to use a lot of jargon or cumbersome sentences.

8. Cover letter samples A sample templatetemplate Example 1 Example 2

9. Resumes Resumes typically get a 10-20 second review by the hiring manager. There are three main types of resumes: –Chronological –Functional –Chronological-Functional combination

10. Resume - Chronological Chronological listing of positions you’ve held in order, starting with the most recent Key elements: –Job Title: List your most recent job first, and include a brief description of your job title, and years you’ve worked there. Human Resources Services Employee Recognition Program Assistant –Primary Duties: Describe your primary duties. Move relevant duties to the top. Assisted in the planning, coordination and execution of employee recognition events and activities. –Accomplishments: List your accomplishments and quantify your achievements Developed and maintained database system for tracking employee years of service for over 5,000 employees across all four WSU campus sites

11. Resume – ChronologicalChronological Advantages Demonstrates stability Demonstrates career growth Showcases qualifications and strengths Disadvantages Gaps in employment are clearly visible Frequent job changes are easily identified No job history for entry level position seekers

12. Resume - Functional This format allows you to highlight your selected skills Key Elements: –Summary statement: A one or two sentence overview of your abilities and work history To obtain a full time position with ABC company where I can utilize my excellence customer service and sales skills. –Job functions: List areas of expertise and provide one or two examples of quantifiable accomplishments Management Led successful team of five sales agents exceeding sales goals for three consecutive years. –Job history: company, job title, years of service

13. Resume - Functional- Functional Advantages De-emphasize dates Promote skills Recency of skills is unclear Beneficial for changing careers or entry level Easily fits a lot of information on one page Disadvantages Formats other than the chronological format raise questions Recency of skills is unclear Stability and career growth not as evident

14. Resume - Combination In this format your skills are listed prominently at the top of the page followed by a full chronological listing –Summary statement: A one or two sentence overview of your abilities and work history –Job functions: List areas of expertise and provide one or two examples of quantifiable accomplishments –Job history: Full history including company, job duties and years of service

15. Resume - CombinationCombination Advantages: De-emphasize dates Promote skills Can demonstrate stability Can demonstrate career growth Disadvantages: Formats other than the chronological format may raise questions

16. References Provide as many references as requested on a separate page. Ensure you have updated information and submit all requested information Give your references a heads up. References should be able to speak to your previous job performance

17. What if my supervisor and I didn’t have a great relationship? –Using negative language may reflect poorly on you –Use a positive statement such as “My supervisor was the most demanding person I ever worked for but I learned a lot and value the opportunities I was given.” What will WSU-HRS say? –Without a signed consent form, HRS will only verify information provided –With a signed release form, HRS will verify all requested information. (start date, end date, title, salary) References

18. Interviewing – The process  There may be a series of interviews  There may be a panel of interviewers  There may be one-on-one time with the decision maker

19. Interviewing - Preparation Learn as much as you can about the company and where the position fits Practice- practice – practice! –Review interview questions your responses –Recruitment ToolKit/Evaluation & Interviewing If you are unfamiliar with where the interview is, consider a dry run Request a full position description and be very familiar with the contents Prepare a few questions for the interviewer

20. Interviewing – Tips for Success To Do: Dress professionally Be honest Be confident (see preparation) Listen to the questions and answer what was asked Collect your thoughts before responding when asked a tough question Ask any questions you have Send thank you note or email as soon as possible Use Caution: Dressing casually Perfume/cologne or other scents Failing to use active listening skills resulting in not answering the question Body language Humor Slang

21. After the interview- a few tips Send a Thank You note Follow-up Create packets for each position Keep moving forward

22. Resources One on one coaching at the Center for Advising and Career Development (CACD) –CACD offers resume and interviewing assistance to employees –Online resources CACD/CurrentStudents/Resources Human Resources Services –Recruitment ToolKit/Evaluation & Interviewing –Skill Soft