STAR 1-Workshop Job Search Basic Training

1. STAR 1-WorkshopJob Search Basic Training Cover Letters Resumes Job Search Basics After viewing this workshop, you will need to complete and score at least 80% on the online Blackboard Quiz to receive credit toward STAR certification

2. Does Your Resume Pass the 30 Second Test? • They say that employers spend about 30 seconds scanning your resume to decide if it goes to the “yes” “maybe” or “no” pile. • This is not the reaction you want your resume to get from an employer!

3. The Purpose of a Resume • This is your first formal introduction to an employer • The employer uses the resume to evaluate your potential as an employee • It helps the employer identify the best candidate out of a stack of candidates • The bottom line: the purpose of a resume is to get an interview

4. What Makes a Good Resume? • Overall Appearance & Layout- your resume should be easy to read quickly. Use good highlights to make key points stand out • It must be error free- typos and mistakes quickly send resumes to the wastebasket • Targeted- your resume should be targeted toward the job you are applying for • Use Effective Resume Language (action verbs) to highlight your skills and accomplishments • Content-be sure to include all important items (i.e. Schools, employers, etc.

5. Define career goals-what types of jobs are you applying for? Gather information about your education and experience Choose a layout and format that you like Build your resume Have someone critique and evaluate resume Resume Writing Steps

6. Resume Categories: There are a lot of categories that can be included on your resume: Education and Experience are the two most important sections on a resume

7. Use Action Verbs to highlight your skills and accomplishments Examples of action verbs • Conduct individual, small and large group counseling sessions • Tested, tutored, and evaluated… • Developed software for emerging growth welding robotics firm • Redesigned a cereal packaging line • Provided line sketches and equipment recommendations • Hired, trained, and supervised five employees • Developed and implemented a comprehensive assessment and evaluation program • Prepared and presented daily lessons in science and math Verbs are more powerful than noun phrases like: “Responsible for……..”

8. Wrong While working at Whataburger I supervised five other workers Right Supervised five sales staff members while monitoring efficiency Wrong As a worker at ACME company I programmed all computers Right Programmedcomputers using Java script and C Action Verb Examples: remember “I” “me”, etc. are not needed on the resume- cut out words that are not needed. Try to be specific when describing what you did.

9. Too Brief: Created database More Detail: Created sales database with ACCESS to keep track of inventory Too Brief: Supervised staff More Detail: Supervised five sales staff members while monitoring efficiency Some students are too brief and don’t describe their accomplishments in enough detail

10. It groups all experience in one category or section in reverse chronological order Oftentimes your most recent experience (i.e. Waitress, Waiter) might not be what you want an employer to see first The Chronological Resume: was the most commonly used resume format years ago.

11. Example of a chronological resume

12. Everything runs in reverse chronology on a resume Experience in one category

13. The Targeted Resume • Resume is “Targeted” to the job and employer • It features multiple Experience categories on resume • This is now the most effective resume style To get a resume to fit on one page you need to reset all page setup margins to .5 (half inch) top, bottom, left and right.

14. Here is the same candidate, William Hickok, now using a “Targeted” Resume

15. Experience is “targeted” by dividing into multiple categories It helps the employer to focus on the experience that is relevant or related to the job

16. This resume is targeted for Computer and Information Sciences—computer programming jobs

17. Skills support objective (skills section can be effective when you don’t have a lot of experience) Experience that supports objective is highighted Other non essential experience is placed farther down-takes emphasis off

18. Resume that targets teaching jobs For public school, certification is needed, therefore it is highlighted on resume Other experience working with children is also highlighted Resume focuses on teaching—other experience placed in summary at bottom

19. A “skills” section can be used to highlight specific skills when you don’t have a lot of experience Having related experience is better but when you don’t have experience this at least shows the employer your related skills

20. Resume targeted to nursing Experience gained from volunteer work can also be included on your resume

21. Related coursework can also be highlighted when you don’t have a lot of experience

22. There are different ways to layout your resume Here main headings are listed to the left for emphasis

23. Here headings are to the left with resume text indented 5-7 spaces

24. Avoid using Resume Wizards No control over format or layout Key items end up in strange locations Adds line spacing

25. Extra spacing on bullets Extra spacing pushes resume onto second page when it was not necessary

26. Here is the Same Resume: Word Processed Emphasis on key items Resume is now on one page

27. Evaluating Your Resume • Have your resume critiqued bysomeone else at least once- you will not see typos or mistakes that you created. Someone else will see them right away • Continually update your resume throughout your job search process • Make sure that your resume is Targeted to your field

28. Cover Letters • Usually employer read the resume first, but cover letters are just as important and will be read for more information • The cover letter Communicates your intentions • It Highlights your Resume (your skills and accomplishments) • It explains why you would be a good candidate to interview

29. Cover letters are 3-4 Paragraphs Max—no longer. On one page! • First paragraph: Introduction-why you are writing and source of referral • Second Paragraph: Summary of your qualifications for the position • Third Paragraph: A connection between you and the organization • Closing: mention any attachments, ask for an interview, and indicate you will call him/her.

30. Use Business Format- either Block or Semi Block style Use Key Words & Phrases Avoid Too Many Personal Pronouns Reflect Company Knowledge Be Clear and Concise Mention Availability Proofread!!!!!– No mistakes or typos and watch your grammar, etc. Final Tips

31. Letter of application in Block Style

32. With block style, all text and sections are “blocked” to the left margin

33. Before we look at Semi Block format, let’s look at sections on the letter Start with your address and today’s date- note that your name goes at bottom and not here

34. Inside address: name, title, organization, address of person receiving the letter

35. Greeting: Always Try to get the name of a person to send it to. If you can’t find a name, then “Dear Sir or Madam:” is ok to use here.

36. 1st Paragraph: Indicate why you are writing and source of referral

37. 2nd and 3rd paragraphs are used to highlight your skills and qualifications as they relate to the job you are applying for

38. Closing paragraph- ask for an interview. Be proactive and tell them you will call them– or at least let them know how to contact you. Mention any enclosures here

39. Finish with the “Sincerely” or “Yours Truly” put in 4 spaces, and then type your name-then sign in between

40. Here is a Semi Block Style letter “Enclosure” lets the reader know that other items are included with the cover letter such as your resume, references, transcripts, etc.

41. Semi block- note that your address and the Sincerely and signature are now tabbed two thirds across the page

42. Each of the Paragraphs is indented 5 spaces Either style is acceptable—but choose one or the other and don’t mix the formats together

43. Job Search Strategies: now that you have your job search tools (resume and cover letter) ready, let’s take a quick look at how to look for a job

44. Education Experience Skills/abilities Interests Values Goals First: Know Yourself: Be prepared to talk about the following

45. Know the Job Market • What Types of jobs are you looking for? • What Types of employers? • What Geographical location? • What Type of setting?

46. Job Search Strategies:How do Employers find New Hires? Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)Employers use a variety of resources and strategies to find candidates—you need to utilize these as well

47. How UNF Grads Got Their JobsFrom the UNF Graduate Survey:Class of 2007 • 25% Direct application • 22% Thru contact or referral by someone they knew • 14% Want Ads • 14% Continued in job held before UNF • 12% Hired by company where they did • co-op/internship • 3% Rehired by former employer • 1% UNF On-campus Recruiting Programs • 9% Other

48. Employers Know What They Are Looking For From Candidates “Top Personal Characteristics” Sought in a Candidate (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) • Communication skills (verbal and written) • Work Experience • Motivation/initiative • Teamwork skills • Leadership abilities • Strong Academic Skills (3.0 GPA)

49. Start By Keeping and Maintaining Records • This helps to organize Your Search • Record Keeping enables you to follow-up appropriately and in a timely fashion • Establish your Job Search “Headquarters” to keep track of your contacts • Manage your Time effectively and avoid duplication of effort

50. Traditional Job Search These are methods most jobs seekers are familiar with:Remember, only 14% of available jobs are posted in want-ads • Want ads • Internet Job Posting sites • Telephone Yellow Pages • On-campus recruiting • Employment Agencies • Job Fairs • Internet and World Wide Web • Chamber of Commerce • Newspapers • National publications/journals • Directories • Job Vacancy Listings • Direct Application A good job search campaign utilizes as many strategies, methods, and resources as possible