THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS Opening the Door to Opportunity

How People Find Jobs  Informally  Agencies  Want Ads  Organizations

Self-Discovery  Appraise work values and work ethics.  Examine education, skills, experience, and talents.  Locate matching jobs. Resume  Match skills, education, talents, experience, and values to specific jobs. Interpersonal Skills  Know how to interact with others Interviewing  Identify successful interview techniques  Participate in an interview Application Follow-Up  Thank-you letter Cover Letter  Sell yourself

 Rule #1: Always take at least two forms.  If completing by hand, be VERY neat and legible.  Fill in all required information.  Don’t forget to sign the application!

Chronological Functional

Chronological Resume  Combine the experience and employment history under one section.  List each position with the company name, city and state, job title, dates of employment, and a point-by-point description of job experience.  List jobs in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent position.

A chronological resume is used when... The entire work history shows progress with skills directly related to the job objective. Each position involves a completely different job description. You have a stable work history.

A functional resume looks different from a chronological resume. It highlights your skills. Sections might include administrative skills, project development, or client relations. Headings are then built around these skills and accomplishments, with job titles, employers, and dates of employment listed in a separate employment history section. Functional Resume

A functional resume is most commonly used if : Your work experience is not directly related to your career goal. You are entering the job market for the first time or re-entering after being away. You are making a career change. You’ve had several positions with the same job description.

The functional resume format is appropriate if: You have relevant work experience for each of several skill areas. Each position you’ve held involves a completely different job description. You’ve had specific jobs directly related to your objective

Electronic Resumes  Not a “type” of resume but rather a resume in a format that can be sent via  Compose a resume as you normally would.  Refer to the handout for more info.  What you see isn’t what you get in terms of layout.  Some companies have resume forms.

First Paragraph  Indicate the position in which you are interested.  Tell how you heard about it.  Use the names of contact persons, if any. Second Paragraph  Relate your experience, skills, & background to the position.  Note specific skills that could be useful to the company. Third Paragraph  Indicate your plans for follow-up contact.  Say that your resume is enclosed.

Important  Show that you know a little about the company.  Set yourself apart.  Express enthusiasm and interest.  Project warmth and friendliness.

Interview Preparation  Have a basic understanding of yourself: values, skills, interests, job targets, and what you hope to accomplish in the interview.  Be prepared for the fundamental personal dynamics of the interview process: how to handle the give-and-take and the question and answer routine.  Be reasonably knowledgeable about the company and the industry.

Get Off to a Good Start  Dress appropriately.  Arrive on time.  Shake hands with sincerity – let the interviewer take the lead.  Have your cell phone turned off.

Body Language  Don’t cross your arms.  Establish eye contact.  Show interest.  Try to relax.

Common Interview Questions  Tell me a little about yourself.  Why do you want to work here?  Why should I hire you?  Why did you leave your last job?  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?  Do you prefer to work alone or with a team?  What are your goals?  What salary are you expecting?

Your Questions  Try to ask questions that show you are interested in a good “fit” rather than in simply getting a job.  Where does the company hope to be in a few years?  What type of person is likely to be successful in this company?  What is the industry outlook?  What benefits do you offer?

Quick Review  Know yourself.  Apply for jobs related to your skills and interests.  Prepare a great resume.  Write a cover letter that reveals who you are.  Hone your interpersonal skills if they need honing.  Be prepared for the interview.

OPEN THAT DOOR!