Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke “Job Application” project overview This slideshow will help you if: You could use a clear roadmap for the project

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke The Project Goals Practice finding, researching, and applying for a professional opportunity  A job, an internship, grad school, volunteer position, etc Discover the genre conventions for job letters and resumes in YOUR specific field  People who use mindless resume templates often look like dopes  Your UNIQUE job field has UNIQUE conventions for how a resume should look, how it should be organized, and how it should be worded Practice basic audience and goal analysis  You’ll need to APPEAL to the folks doing the hiring by making your resume and cover “letter” REALLY EASY FOR THEM TO USE

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke The Project ‘Deliverables’ initial “Job Application Plan”  Collects everything you’ll need for the project  Describes why your example resume(s) are effective for you  Explains anything I’ll need to know to grade the project final “Job Application Project”  You’ll resubmit the graded original “Job Application Plan”  You’ll add a final job ‘letter’, resume, and thank-you letter  I will grade the project using a very specific checklist  The checklist is like having an answer key, so use it!

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke “Job Application Plan” Tips DO NOT procrastinate on it !  Too many parts to slap it together the morning it’s due DO ask questions and get help  USE class time and office hours DO edit the cover memo carefully for typos  I will grade it for BASIC editing Most important, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS !  Read the assignment description VERY CAREFULLY

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke General Project Tips The project is hypothetical (but doesn’t have to be)  I’ll assume you’re not really applying for the position  You CAN, however, use this for a real application (let me know!) Practice applying for an opportunity in your job field  Think about the job you want when you graduate  Think about an internship, etc, you’d need to get beforehand  Don’t try to use a newspaper ad for a bartender for this project You can imagine yourself in the future  You can make up qualifications and experience if this makes the assignment easier or more relevant  Just TELL ME what you’re doing so I won’t get confused

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke Step 1: find job listings Internet Job Boards, for example:  CareerBuilder.com  Monster.com Professional Societies  Find a society for your field on the web or in the library  There will be listings on a portion of the site or in journals The TTU Career Center  Can be very useful for job listings and resume editing help Check the course blog for more advice

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke Step 2: find example resumes Successful professionals often post their resumes on the web  People WANT their resumes to be found  Search using keywords that apply to your job field The LIBRARY  EVERY major professional field has resume writing guides  Go to the catalog and do a subject search for “resumes” The TTU Career Center  They probably have examples for your degree field Some REAL PEOPLE  Find someone (can be a stranger) who has the job you want and politely ask for a copy of their resume

Copyright 2013 by Arthur Fricke Step 3: research a STRATEGY Hiring professionals do NOT like:  Unfocused applications that waste their time  Obvious generic letters and resumes that waste their time Hiring professionals DO like:  Focused applications that SAVE THEM TIME and effort  Obviously well-researched and tailored letters and resumes that show motivation, courtesy, and professionalism SO, do not write just one resume/letter and call it a day – you need to tailor a focused application to EVERY opportunity if you’re really serious.