Getting the job

1. Getting the job Personal Finance, Unit 7

2. Getting in the Door RESUME WRITING

3. Glance at the resume • Purpose = To get an interview by impressing prospective employers • 1-2-page summary of qualifications • Must be better than anything your competitors have to offer

4. Resume Do’s & don’ts • Use action-oriented keywords • Quantify your accomplishments • Use bulleted style to make reader-friendly • Include as much contact information as possible • Sharpen your focus • List jobs in reverse chronological order • Avoid the verb “work” • Think in terms of accomplishments • Emphasize transferable skills • Present information in order of importance to the reader DO…

5. Resume Do’s & don’ts • Include height, weight, age, birth date, marital status, gender, race, etc. • Include irrelevant information • List references right on resume • List high school once done with college • Be lengthy – no more than 2 pages! • Use templates • Ever lie • Use personal pronouns • Emphasize skills and job activities you don’t want to do in the future DO NOT…

6. And most importantly… proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread proofread proofreadproofreadproofread PROOFREAD!

7. What info do I include? • Name and contact information • Objective • Education • Work experience (not necessarily paid!) • Computer skills (required for office jobs, otherwise optional) • Volunteer work/community service (not court mandated of course!) • Certifications earned • Any awards

8. SAMPLE

9. SAMPLE

10. SAMPLE

11. Writing objectives • Not complete sentences • Purpose = to state the purpose of your application and resume • Changing the statement to fit the position for which you are applying is KEY!

12. Writing objectives • Objective statement for a general retail position: • "To acquire the understanding of how to offer best customer service and to gain knowledge of daily operations of the company." • Objective statement if some goals are in motion: • "Liable high school student with authentic love for animals looking for part time job with a veterinary hospital."

13. OBJECTIVE WRITING WORKSHEET

14. Writing the Cover Letter Reason to read

15. What is a cover letter? • Letter of introduction • First point of interaction between you and prospective employer • Should be engaging, employer- or position-specific and well-written • Describe why you are interested in the position and what makes you a good fit • Able to make up for lack of experience • Should not duplicate but complement resume

16. Benefits of cover letter • More likely to grab attention of prospective employer • Reflects your personality, motivations, and attitude • Express eagerness to learn or take on challenges • Mention a particular example from an earlier employment where you exceeded goals • Give idea of your information organizing and written communication skills, attention to detail, and confidence

17. Considerations of cover letter • Find out the name of the person in charge of the position and address letter to him/her • If not possible, address to the title “Human Resources Director”, “Creative Director”, etc. • PROOFREAD for no typos, spelling or grammatical errors • Mention best times and best ways to contact you

18. warnings • Some employers strictly specify NOT to send cover letters • Some have specific formats • Read application instructions carefully • Don’t make letter too wordy or long • Don’t forget to include resume with cover letter!!

19. Potpourri advice • FOLLOW UP – Call or email 3-5 days after sending resume • Don’t waste money on expensive resume paper • Consider creating a CRV (electronic resume online) • Contact references to give them the heads-up that they may be contacted soon • Keep following up until you get an interview!

20. The Interview The Big day

21. Preparing for Interview • Do your homework • Research the company and its competitors if known • Know where you’re going • Don’t ask interviewer for directions – MapQuest it then drive it ahead of time • Time it out; give yourself at least 15 extra minutes • Rehearse beforehand • Prepare answers to common interview questions

22. Preparing for interview • Look the part • Clothing should be neat, pressed, and professional looking • Don’t neglect the details • Fresh haircut • Clean, manicured nails • Shoes tell a lot about you!! Choose wisely • Arrive early • Arrive at least 15 minutes early • Visit restroom for a quick glance over • Turn cell phone off • Make great first impression with receptionist

23. Preparing for interview • Bring necessary documentation • Extra copies of resume • Passport, driver’s license, Social Security, card • Portfolio of work samples • Sell yourself! • Develop 25-second sales pitch that sings your praises – a compelling overview of “why you?” • Don’t neglect to ask questions • Prepare questions for interviewer ahead of time • Don’t ask questions he/she may have answered during the interview already

24. Preparing for interview • Be actively involved • Give eye contact • Jot down notes • Sit forward; do not cross legs • Find out next step • Ask the interviewer what the next step is in the process and when you can expect to hear something

25. And most importantly… • FOLLOW UP! • Send a handwritten note or friendly email thanking the interviewer for his/her time and consideration • Restate your interest and commitment to the position • If you haven’t heard anything after a week, call to politely inquire when they will be making a final decision