STAR 1-Workshop Job 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
Dec 24, 2015
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
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!
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
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.
Resume Writing Steps
1. Define career goals-what types of jobs are you applying for?
2. Gather information about your education and experience
3. Choose a layout and format that you like
4. Build your resume
5. Have someone critique and evaluate resume
Resume Categories: There are a lot of categories that can be included on your
resume:
•Contact Information•Objective•Education•Work Experience•Internship•Skills•Honors & Awards•Languages•Professional
Development
•Volunteer Activities•Memberships•Training•Community Activities•Leadership Activities•Class Projects•Study Abroad•Certifications•Licensure
Education and Experience are the two most important sections on a resume
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……..”
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.
WrongWhile working at Whataburger I supervised
five other workersRightSupervised five sales staff members while
monitoring efficiency
WrongAs a worker at ACME company I
programmed all computersRightProgrammed computers using Java script
and C
Some students are too brief and don’t describe their accomplishments in enough
detail
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
The Chronological Resume: was the most commonly used resume format
years ago.
• 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
Example of a chronological resume
Experience in one category
Everything runs in reverse chronology on a resume
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.
Here is the same candidate, William Hickok, now using a “Targeted” Resume
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
This resume is targeted for Computer and Information Sciences—computer programming jobs
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
Resume that targets teaching jobs
Resume focuses on teaching—other experience placed in summary at bottom
For public school, certification is needed, therefore it is highlighted on resume
Other experience working with children is also highlighted
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
Resume targeted to nursing
Experience gained from volunteer work can also be included on your resume
Related coursework can also be highlighted when you don’t have a lot of experience
There are different ways to layout your resume
Here main headings are listed to the left for emphasis
Here headings are to the left with resume text indented 5-7 spaces
Avoid using Resume Wizards
No control over format or layout
Key items end up in strange locations
Adds line spacing
Extra spacing on bullets
Extra spacing pushes resume onto second page when it was not necessary
Here is the Same Resume: Word Processed
Emphasis on key items
Resume is now on one page
Evaluating Your Resume
• Have your resume critiqued by someone 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
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
Cover letters are 3-4 Paragraphs Max—no longer. On one page!
1. First paragraph: Introduction-why you
are writing and source of referral
2. Second Paragraph: Summary of your qualifications for the position
3. Third Paragraph: A connection between you and the organization
4. Closing: mention any attachments, ask for an interview, and indicate you will call him/her.
Final Tips• 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.
Letter of application in Block Style
With block style, all text and sections are “blocked” to the left margin
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
Inside address: name, title, organization, address of person receiving the letter
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.
1st Paragraph: Indicate why you are writing and source of referral
2nd and 3rd paragraphs are used to highlight your skills and qualifications as they relate to the job you are applying for
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
Finish with the “Sincerely” or “Yours Truly” put in 4 spaces, and then type your name-then sign in between
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.
Semi block- note that your address and the Sincerely and signature are now tabbed two thirds across the page
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
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
First: Know Yourself: Be prepared to talk about the following
• Education• Experience
• Skills/abilities• Interests• Values• Goals
Know the Job Market
• What Types of jobs are you looking for?
• What Types of employers?
• What Geographical location?
• What Type of setting?
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
Company
Internship
Programs
Company
Co-op
Programs
On-campus
Interviews
Employer
Resume
Referrals
Career Expos
And
Job Fairs
Faculty Contacts
Company Job
Postings
Career
Services
Job
Postings
Student
Clubs
Internet
Job Postings
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
Employers Know What They Are Looking For From Candidates
“Top Personal Characteristics” Sought in a Candidate (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
1. Communication skills (verbal and written)
2. Work Experience
3. Motivation/initiative
4. Teamwork skills
5. Leadership abilities
6. Strong Academic Skills (3.0 GPA)
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
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
Job Fairs/Career Expo
• Great way to gather info about companies/career opportunities about many companies/organizations at one event
• Your goal should be: – Give the employer a quick summary of your
qualifications– Drop off copies of your resumes– Collect business cards of employers and ask if
you can follow-up after the event
• Be sure to Follow-Up!!!! They talk to a lot of people at a job fair– remind them that you spoke with them at the fair.
Remember to dress professionally
Even though the event seems less formal, it is important to dress professionally and make a great impression with the employers.
You want to be someone they remember and want to follow-up with after the fair
Non-traditional Job Search:Building Your Network: Hidden Job Market
There are job search methods that many job seekers don’t utilize but are the best ways
to get a job:
• Applying Directly to hiring official at companies/organizations that interest you.
• Using your network to seek referrals to hiring officials– Family
– Friends
– Acquaintances
– Faculty/Administrators
– Staff
– Supervisors
– Co-workers
– Professional Associations
Direct Approach• Direct Contact- send your
resume and cover letter directly to the hiring person
• Allow a week to 10 days and then follow-up with a phone call to see if an interview is possible
• Keep records—they might not be interested in you now– ask if you can call back in 6-8 weeks to see if there are any opportunities
• Follow up is the key to this approach.
• Nationally, over 33% of job seekers get their jobs through direct application
Professional Associations: Are Ready-Made Networks of professionals in specific fields
• Associations host Annual Conferences-bringing its members together for workshops, seminars, etc.
• Local chapters host meetings and events for its members
• Associations publish newsletters and Publications (sometimes job vacancies)
• Associations have Membership Directories making it easier to identify contacts for your network
Career Services: Website has great job search resources all in one
place: http://www.unf.edu./dept/cdc
For job postings click here
Click on “Students” tab for resources
Click on your College for job search help specific to your major
Helpful Job Search Tips
• Deal with the hiring person
• Be prepared for rejection
• Be flexible
• Be patient
• Be persevering
• Develop a support network
• Be enthusiastic
• Have faith in yourself
Follow-up, Follow-Up!
• Send Thank-you notes
• Call back in 6-8 weeks
• Maintain contacts
• Keep your contacts informed
Pick up a copy of The EDGE-it has a lot of great articles to help with your job search
Questions?
If you have any questions about this workshop or need help with your job search, Call Career Services at 904-620-2955 and ask to make an appointment with a job search counselor
STAR Program Requirement
• To receive credit for completing Workshop #1: Job Search Basic Training, click on the “Online Quizzes” tab on the Blackboard Menu
• Answer the questions and then submit
• You must score at least 16 out of 20 (80%) to “pass” the workshop
• If you pass, Career Services staff will check the Workshop #1 Requirement in Career Wings