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Effective Employment Communications:

Effective Employment Communications:. Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that get RESULTS!. The Employment Process Is a matter of finding the best “fit” between two parties Is much like a “courting” process Is often a matter of timing – the right person at the right time

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Effective Employment Communications:

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  1. Effective Employment Communications: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that get RESULTS!

  2. The Employment Process • Is a matter of finding the best “fit” between two parties • Is much like a “courting” process • Is often a matter of timing – the right person at the right time • Can be ended by either party at any time for any reason

  3. A Resume? A CV? Resume – employment information for business purposes Curriculum vitae (a running of the life) – detailed listing of all professional experience

  4. A resume that produces results is: Neat and CORRECT! Short and to the point Demonstrates competence – education and experience

  5. A Resume MUST contain: • Name, address, phone, email • Description of education & training • Description of skills and experience • A Resume MAY contain: • Statement of objective • Summary of qualifications • Description of volunteer, community activities, • Professional affiliations • Awards, honors

  6. A Resume MUST NEVER contain: • Salary information (either requested or former) • References (provide at first interview or on separate sheet) • Personal information, hobbies • A photo • Letters of reference or testimonials (unless specifically requested)

  7. Resume Fallacies • A resume should never be longer than one page. Not true; just be sure the most important information is on the 1st page • The purpose of a resume is to list skills and abilities. No; the purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview.

  8. Resume Rules: • List items in reverse chronological order (most recent first) • Include month and year on all education and experience • Include full names, city and state • Include other identifiers (don’t assume your reader knows this information)

  9. A Resume works on the principle of EMPHASIS Put the most important information first Put the most recent information first

  10. Suggested Resume Format: • 1. Objective: State clearly, make it specific to the position you’re requesting • 2. Education: • Include all colleges attended, degrees and dates attained, partial completion • Most recent first • Include city, state and dates (month/year)

  11. Professional Experience • List name of company, city, state and month/year • Include all work back at least 10 years, even if not directly related to the position you are seeking • Include brief descriptions of duties • Include names of supervisors

  12. Special Training/Skills • Elective courses taken • Practice management seminars • Volunteer Experience • Awards and Honors • Extra-curricular activities

  13. Resume format tips: Use serif font for easier reading Don’t get too fancy – KISS Choose a format and stick with it Make sure the type is big enough Be consistent Use headings to lead the reader through the resume

  14. Tips, continued.... Use neutral colored paper Don’t skimp on the margins Don’t abbreviate titles, degrees, acronyms Use single spacing within listings Use a laser printer or high-quality copies

  15. Cover Letters = Sales Letters: Selling yourself! Purpose: To persuade reader to look at the resume May be Solicited (response to a specific position) Unsolicited (direct mail to many possible employers in an area)

  16. Cover letters may include: A brief summary of your experience Discussion of points not covered in the resume, including gaps in employment, special circumstances, reasons for seeking the position Presentation of evidence, solid “selling points”

  17. Opening paragraph: • Response – describe the reason you’re writing • “I’m writing to express my interest in the position you advertised …” • b. Direct mail – interesting opening:

  18. “Are you looking for someone who can: • Play a key role in patient care? • Work with children and adults in a gentle and caring manner? • Effectively handle emergencies? • Work to increase your patient base?”

  19. Paragraph 2: • Point the reader to the resume • “I have taken a variety of related courses, as listed in my resume....” • Highlight points of “fit” between your resume and the position • “My qualifications fit your requirements for a person with experience in telemarketing....”

  20. Paragraph 3: • Describe personal characteristics that make you outstanding • “I’m highly motivated and dedicated to customer service....” • Include specifics about you that the person needs to know: • “I am moving to the Boulder area in June after graduation and ...”

  21. Paragraph 4: Ask for the “sale” and make reply easy • Tell when you’ll be available • Ask for a return response !!!!! Action statement, ask them to DO something. • Tell the best times and ways to reach you (phone? Email?) • Include your phone number AGAIN • State when you will call: “I will call in two weeks to set up a possible interview.”

  22. Thank You Letters After the interview, ALWAYS write a brief thank you letter Include points of “fit” Express thanks for taking time to interview with you Express interest in the position (or not!)

  23. REFERENCES Include 4 references on a separate sheet Good references: Instructors at The University of Iowa Professionals (CPA, attorney, etc.) Community leaders Volunteer Associations

  24. REFERENCE RULES: • Ask for the reference before listing! • Use work numbers unless your reference specifies home numbers • Include email address • Don’t include friends, classmates, unless there is some special reason to do so (President of Delta Sigma Pi might be ok)

  25. PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! A resume or cover letter with errors is an ineffective communication!

  26. Worst Resume/Cover Letter Mistakes: • Beginning with unimportant information • Using too much jargon, slang, lingo • Writing too much • Presenting information in a confusing way • Failing to include dates

  27. Including personal information (hobbies, marital status, children) • Not including other college experience • Not including other work experience • LYING on the Resume!

  28. Lasting Advice • Always keep your resume updated • Your first job will most likely NOT be your last. Continue to improve your resume and better yourself • Stick with it. Job hunting is about fit, which can take a while • Don’t take rejection personally, don’t burn bridges

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