200 likes | 335 Views
Entering the World of Job Searching 101. Resumes, Cover and Marketing Letters, Marketing Cards, and the Interview Process. Before starting your job search, you must have an effective resume and cover letter.
E N D
Entering the World of Job Searching 101 Resumes, Cover and Marketing Letters, Marketing Cards, and the Interview Process
Before starting your job search, you must have an effective resume and cover letter. • The resume and cover letter is a representation of YOU, the applicant and it is considered a marketing tool. • As a Job seeker you need to make the best first impression.
Resumes • Functional – List skills, experience and abilities obtained through previous work or life experiences first -- then work history. (Perfect for students just entering the job market.) • Chronological – List companies and dates of employment (in reverse order) and is ideal for a person who has skills obtained over several employers
Functional Objective To obtain a position as a cashier were I can utilize my skills and abilities. Experience Cashier Took customer orders and maintained the dining room. Employers 2008-2010Burger World Berea, Ohio Education
Chronological Objective To obtain a position as a cashier were I can utilize my skills and abilities. Experience Burger World Berea, Ohio 2008-2010 Cashier Took customer orders Maintained the dining room Education
Cover Letter • Used to enhance or introduce the resume • Introduces yourself as the individual • Mention the job you’re applying for • State where you found the job listed • Mention skills that you would bring to the company • Explain your plans to follow up
Cover Letter • As in your resume, it should contain BUZZ WORDS and skills • Repeat back to the employer verbiage they have used in the job ad • Generally 3 paragraphs long
Cover Letter Example: Dear Human Resource Manager: Please accept my resume and cover letter for the position of ____________, which I found advertised on Career Builder, on________(date). As you can see, I have the following skills and experiences: • Skill #1 • Skill #2 • Skill #3 I am also qualified in (list a few).Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above phone number. If I do not hear from you, I will follow up with you soon to schedule an interview, so we can further discuss how my skills and abilities can meet your current needs. Thank you for your assistance and consideration. Sincerely, Your name
Marketing Letter • Introduces and sells yourself • Lists your skills and abilities • DOES NOT apply to any one position • A PROACTIVE approach • Tells the employer YOU exist BEFORE the company even knows they have a need!
Marketing Letter Dear Human Resources, Allow me the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is ___, and I am a qualified ___, with skills and experience in: (list) I understand that you may not be hiring right now, however, in the event that something becomes available, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above referenced number. Thank you for taking your time to consider my resume.
Marketing Cards • Used to tell someone about you, and your skills and abilities Name, phone number, email address, and skills you want to market
Marketing Cards • Used in the following settings: Job Fairs • Open job recruitments • Meeting someone who might know someone • Encounter with a hiring manager, HR person, or anyone that help you land that job
Applying On Line • Advanced technology – filtering process Example: “Looking for someone with the following skills: Able to read and write English, advanced Math skills, detail oriented, etc.” • When applying - put those skills in the section called Qualifications
More to Applying On Line • Failure to respond using the listed Qualifications can disqualify you! • Advanced filters are put in place to screen OUT candidates that do not meet the minimum qualifications
The Interview Process • Behavioral or Situational interviewing questions are another way to weed out candidates. • Be prepared to answer about past experience and future ways you would handle issues.
The Interview Process How would you handle? or Tell Me About a Time…. • When you were up against a deadline • When you had conflict • A person wasn’t happy with ….. • Your boss, teacher, parents wasn’t happy with your work • You needed to make a decision
The Interview Process • Be prepared to answer questions • Be prepared to ask questions “When will you be making a decision?” “When will the person you hire start?” “What is the next step?” • Be prepared to ask for a business card • Be prepared to send a Thank You card
What are we looking for ? • Return calls promptly – when called for an interview • Show up early to the interview (15 min) • Have a cheat sheet ready to complete an application ie: former employer’s address, references, and phone numbers • Dress appropriately • Make good first impression with the greeter
Resources • Job search – Ohio Means Jobs www.ohiomeansjobs.com • Career Research – Ohio Labor Market http://lmi.state.oh.us/ • Local One Stop http://www.employmentconnection.us/