Your Job is Out There

8/14/2019 Your Job is Out There

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Job Seekers WorkbookJob Seekers WorkbookSection Two

YOUR JOB IS OUT THERE


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In This Section:In This Section:

Job Search Tools: You will learn to write apowerful resume and cover letter, and youwill see examples of each. You will also

receive valuable tips for filling out jobapplications.

Job Search Methods: You will discovertechniques for finding an employer to whom

you can submit your resume. You will learn tonetwork, develop your phone skills, respondto want ads, and research companies forwhich you might want to work.


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Job Search ToolsJob Search Tools

As you look for a job, you will need awell-written resume, cover letter, list of

references, and perhaps a salaryhistory. You will also need to know howto fill out an employment application.The first job search tool we will look at

is the resume.


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Tool One An EffectiveTool One An Effective

ResumeResume

The purpose of a resume is to get a chance to interviewfor a job. An effective resume tells an employer who youare, what you have done, what you can do, and why youwould be a good employee for the organization.

To create a resume, think about and then list all yourskills, past experiences, and education on a piece ofpaper. Those accomplishments make you qualified formore than one job. Focus on the job you want most andthen choose the resume format that best highlights thatinformation.

The sections that follow contain guidelines for severalstages of writing a resume: selecting its content,deciding how it should look, and other general tipsabout sending out resumes.


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The Content of Your ResumeThe Content of Your Resume

Follow these guidelines when you write the rough draft of yourresume.

2) Begin with your contact information

3) Use category headings such as Objective, Professional Highlights,Education, Training, Skills, Professional Associations and

Organizations, and Honors and Awards.4) Include volunteer experiences, languages, internships, and

certificates that relate to the position.

5) List your previous responsibilities and results that relate to the jobyou are seeking and the needs of the organization.

6) Give examples of your accomplishments and your ability to solve

problems.7) Provide statistics and numbers that prove your statements.

8) Go back at least ten years for both education and experience.

9) Research the industry and know what information or keywords wouldimpress an employer in company.

10)Use professional terminology when applicable.


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The Appearance of YourThe Appearance of Your

ResumeResume

Margins. One inch at top, bottom, left, and right.Text. Left-justified with dates on the left. Font. Conservative, easy-to-read style at 10 or 12

point size. Page Layout. Easy-to-locate information

attractively arranged with plenty of white space. Categories. Written in paragraph form. Lists. Bulleted

Length. Preferably one page but never more thantwo pages.

Paper. Neat and clean with no errors or corrections. Ink Color. Black.


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General Tips to Use withGeneral Tips to Use with

ResumesResumes

Use a computer or type your resume. Copy centers, libraries,schools, or local job service centers may have the equipment youneed.

Ask others to proofread your resume. The type of paper you select for your envelope, cover letter, and

list of references should match the type of paper you selected foryour resume.

Do not include postcards for the employers to return. If the employers want ad requests that you mail your resume, do

so on a Tuesday or Thursday. Most people mail their resumes onMonday after they read the Sunday want ads or on Wednesdayafter they read the Wednesday want ads. Then their resumes

arrive on the same day in a big pile! Mail your resume on adifferent day to help separate it and you from the rest of thepack.

If employers request a resume but do not say how they want toreceive it, you can fax, e-mail, or, best of all, hand-deliver yours.

Do not expect many results if you mass-mail your resume.


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Types of ResumesTypes of Resumes


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Types of Resumes ContinuedTypes of Resumes Continued


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A List of Positive ReferencesA List of Positive References Create a list of references you can give to employers when

they request references. Follow these guidelines as youcreate your list:

Choose people as your references who can say good thingsabout you and handle them selves well when talking with

employers, such as former teachers, clergy, volunteersupervisors, employers, or co-workers.

Put your references names, phone numbers, and emailaddresses on your reference list.

Give copies of your resume to the people you ask to be

your references so that they can refer to your resume whentalking with prospective employers.

Use the same type of paper, font style and size, and inkcolor that you used in creating your resume.


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An Accurate Salary HistoryAn Accurate Salary History

Some employers will ask for yoursalary history. They want a list of the

places where youve worked, how longyou worked there, and the beginningand ending pay. They use this to seewhat you are accustomed to being

paid.REMEMEBER THIS: Provide a salary

history only when it is requested by the

em lo er.


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A well-written cover letter orA well-written cover letter oremail messageemail message

Identifies the single most important reason why you should getfurther consideration for the job.

Should allow the reader to make a connection with yourbackground.

Identifies mutual friends or employees you know. Expresses your knowledge of the organization.

Is a personal communication between you and the employer.

Does not repeat but can highlight information in your resume.

Is short and to the point-no more than half a page.

Mentions why you would like to work for the organization.

Uses perfect grammar and spelling.

Mentions relocation issues

Matches the paper, font, and layout of your resume.

Is a sales pitch and an attention-getter.

Is the first im ression an em lo er has of ou, so it must be well-


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ContinuedContinued

The body of the email message shouldcontain the same information your

cover letter contains. You do not needto include your return address, thedate, and the information about theemployer; the header area contain the

information needed. However, you willwant to include a greeting and closing,as well as the three paragraphs of textin your email messages that


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An Attractive ApplicationAn Attractive Application

Employers usually will ask you tocomplete an application form insteadof, or in addition to, giving them your

resume. Be careful of the words youuse to describe your situation. If theemployer is interested in what youhave been doing and why you left yourlast job, he or she can ask for moreinformation during your interview. Youcan answer the employers questions


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Answering Questions onAnswering Questions onApplicationsApplications


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Employers Accept These:Employers Accept These:

To further your education

To make a career change

To raise a familyTo relocate

Because of work-force reduction or

seasonal work For better growth opportunity

Because job was temporary


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Preparing ImpressivePreparing ImpressiveApplicationsApplications

Always take your job search portfolio or atleast your resume with you when you visitan employer. You can use the informationon it to complete the application.

Take erasable black ink pens or black inkpens and white correction products with

you in case the employer asks you tocomplete a paper application in the office.Using an erasable black pen is the bestway to make sure your work is tidy and


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ContinuedContinued

When you are given a paperapplication to fill out, ask if you can

take it home to complete it there. Ifyou can, take the application to agrocery store or copy center and makea photocopy. Or ask the employer for

an extra copy of the application, youllhave an extra copy. When you returnthe application to the employer, it willbe neat.


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Computer-based ApplicationComputer-based Application

When an employer asks you to complete acomputer-based application, follow theguidelines:

Enter your answers carefully and checkyour work before you go to the next page.

Ask questions if you dont understand howto complete the application or a specificquestion. Asking is better than making amistake.


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Job Search MethodsJob Search Methods

This section will help you learn to tapinto the job market, including the

hidden job market. To do this, thinkabout the hiring process from theemployers point of view. Knowing theprocess involved in getting a job can

make you more confident in goingthrough it.


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The process often looks likeThe process often looks likethis:this:

A job opening exists

The people in a position to hire go to familiar sources. Theymay hire or promote someone who already works for theorganization. They may encourage people they know to

apply. They may look at resumes or applications theyvealready received. In large companies, they may go to theHuman Resources Department to look for qualifiedapplicants. Jobs are often filled at this point.

Large companies and government agencies usually post

job openings and announce jobs through professionalgroups, job hot lines, and job boards. If companies do nothave a Human Resources Department, they may hireanother companys help.


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Compare How Most People LookCompare How Most People Lookfor Work with How Employersfor Work with How Employers


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The process often looks likeThe process often looks likethis continued:this continued:

Employers usually place a want ad if they cannot fill a jobusing any other method. Your job is to get yourself, yourresume, and your job application into the employersinternal network. You should still contact friends, relatives,

and previous co-workers; and you should still check withplacement agencies and search the want ads. But anemployers internal network, also called the hidden jobmarket, is where most hiring takes place.

Successful job seekers use a wide variety of job search

methods but focus most of their time and energy on themore-effective methods. The chart that follows lists theadvantages and disadvantages of some of the morecommon methods used by job seekers.


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The Advantages andThe Advantages andDisadvantages of Job SearchDisadvantages of Job Search

Dont think that you should use just one of the methods listed in the table. You

will want to use as many methods as seem effective in your situation.


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Method 1: Create a Network ofMethod 1: Create a Network ofContactsContacts

Your network of contacts is people you know orare referred to-people who can help you identifypossible job leads. The people in your network do

not give you jobs themselves. Instead, they tellyou what they know about a specific job field orabout companies that are expanding or hiring.

They also five you other relevant job searchinformation. Creating a large network of contacts

is the best way to learn about job opportunitiesand find a job that works for you. The list thatfollows will help you think of people andorganizations you may want to include.


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Questions to Ask ContactsQuestions to Ask Contacts

Many people do not like to network because they do not want toadvertise the fact that they are unemployed. If networkingbothers you, remember that you are not asking the people inyour network for a job. You are just letting them know that youare looking for work and that you need information. Most peoplewill not have a job to offer, but they will have valuable

information to share. Ask your contacts questions about these topics:

What they know about a certain career

Who they know

Who they can introduce or refer you to

Which companies are hiringWhat the future looks like for the occupation

Which companies are expanding

Try to get at least one piece of useful information from every


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Steps for Creating a NetworkSteps for Creating a NetworkContacts RecordContacts Record

Step One: To begin building your network of contacts, make a listof individuals who can help you lean about companies and obtainjob leads.

Step Two: In the left column of the record, write the names and

phone numbers of individuals and associations you know and willcontact.

Step Three: in the right Column, write the names of people,companies, and organizations your contact referred you to, asshown in the example.

EXAMPLE


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Network Contacts RecordNetwork Contacts Record(You Can Print This Slide)(You Can Print This Slide)


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Method 2: Make Cold Calls toMethod 2: Make Cold Calls toFind the Hidden Job MarketFind the Hidden Job Market

The phone is a great tool for obtaining job leads and informationabout jobs and companies. Many people feel uncomfortablecalling strangers. They fear rejection and are afraid they will gettongue-tied when they have a potential employer on the line. Thissection will help you become more effective in using the phone to

fine a good job.Use cold calls to get informationo Chances are that the people you call do not get a lot of calls from

job seekers. Treat them as experts in their fields, and do so in afriendly manner. They will probably be pleasant, and they mighteven be flattered that you are seeking their advice. Be brief and

specific about the purpose of your call. You can get informationabout a particular occupation or organization, or details aboutwhat it takes to qualify for a certain job. Also, as you talk to moreand more people, you will develop an overall understanding ofthe industry you are researching.


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Make Practice CallsMake Practice Calls

You may be worried about getting tongue-tied while you areon the phone with someone you really want to work for. If so,try calling people at companies you do not want to work for.Practice asking them about their industry; about the

equipment and technology they use; and about jobqualifications, hiring practices, and trends in their industry.Write down information as you speak to them. This will helpyou get used to taking notes while on the phone. By makingpractice calls, you will become familiar with industry

terminology. You might be surprised at how much people arewilling to tell you about their work.


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Make Phone Contacts ThatMake Phone Contacts ThatCountCount

Getting through to the right person on the phone issometimes difficult. Remember these points:

v Prepare an outline or script

v Be courteous and businesslike with everyone

v Smile. Relax, and speak with confidence so that your callwill reach its goal

v Expect the receptionist to ask who you are and who andwhat you want.

v Ask for the appropriate manager and, if you dont already

know the persons name, try to get it before you aretransferred,

v Ask for a good time to call back if your contact is notavailable

v


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Here is an example of a phoneHere is an example of a phonescript:script:


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When your call gets through,When your call gets through,do following:do following:

Use your outline or script.

Introduce yourself and mention who referred you.

Give a brief description of your interests and background.

Have a list of topics and questions you want to discuss.


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When the person is willing toWhen the person is willing totalk ask questions like these:talk ask questions like these: What qualifications do people who work in this position have?

What qualifications do entry-level people have?

I am planning to attend ______ school. Have you ever hiredanyone who attended that school?

How many ______ [job title] work in your department? When you have an opening for _______ [job title], how tough is the

competition?

How many people have you hired in the last six months?

What type growth do you project for your industry?

May I have the name and number of someone else who works inthis field?

May I stop by and ask a few more questions?

Take nores during the call. You will need them to create contactrecords, discussed in the next section.


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Use E-mail messagesUse E-mail messages

If your network contact gave you an e-mail address for acontact, you may want to use an e-mail message as theway to contact the employer. If you do use e-mail, followthese guidelines:

Include the same information about yourself that youwould in a cover letter.

Ask just a few of the questions listed earlier, the questionsyou think are most important

Make sure that you check the spelling and grammar beforeyou click send


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Method 3: Keep Contact RecordsMethod 3: Keep Contact Recordsfor Each Organizationfor Each Organization

You can use an Organization Contact Record to write down eachorganizations information, the date of the contact, key pointsabout the contact, and follow up information. Be as detailed asyou can.

SAMPLE ORGANIZATION CONTACT RECORD

Organization: Air Quality Inc.

Address: 1122 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado

Phone: (303) 893-2126 Web Site Address: www.airquality.comContact Person and Title: John Jamison, Air Quality Manager

E-mail Address:[email protected]

This is an example of a completed Organization Contact Record. Onthe next slide is a blank Organization Contact Record. You canrint it out and use it for our own or anization contacts.
http://www.airquality.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.airquality.com/


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Organization Contact RecordOrganization Contact Record

Organization: _______________________

Address: _____________________________

Phone: _______________________________Web Address: _________________________

Contact Person And Title:

_______________________________________E-mail Address:

________________________


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Method 4: ResearchMethod 4: ResearchOrganizations on Your OwnOrganizations on Your Own

While having a network contact refer you toemployers can really speed up your job search,you cant wait until you get the perfect referable.

You can research organizations or companies onyour own. Begin by creating a list of companieswhere you would like to work. Prioritize the listand spend time researching these companies.

Look for information about the organization inlibraries, in book stores, at college careercenters, or at your state department of labor.


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Information to ResearchInformation to Research

Before contacting an organization, find out as much of the followingas you can about the organization:

The organizations locations headquarters, branch offices,international offices, and retail outlets

What the organization does its services and/or products Titles of positions that interest you and requirements for

qualifying people who got those positions

The salary range or hourly rates paid for various positions

Contact names- department heads, the human resourcesmanager, people you know who work there, and formeremployees

The organizations history and future plans

Employment activity-recent employments, firing, or layoffs

The organizations competitors


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Information to ResearchInformation to ResearchContinuedContinued

Ask your librarian how to get information onspecific companies. The business section ofnewspaper, the Chamber of Commerce, trade

journals, employment agencies, and professionalassociations are other great sources ofinformation. Also, record any information you getfrom cold calls and informational interviews.

As you research companies, keep importantinformation on one of the OrganizationInformation Records shown on the next slide.Keep this information organized and easilyaccessible. Make extra copies of the blank page,


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Sample OrganizationSample OrganizationInformation RecordInformation Record

Organization Name: Air Quality, Inc.

Address: 1122 Broadway, Denver, Colorado

Phone: (303) 893-2126 Web Site Address:

www.airquality.com Types of Services and/or products offered:

evaluation, design of air pollution controlequipment

Position of interest: Mechanic Required skills, certification, Education, Work

Experience: Stat licensed smog-certifiedtechnician or advanced emission specialist
http://www.airquality.com/http://www.airquality.com/


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Organization InformationOrganization InformationRecordRecord

Organization Name:______________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________

Web Site Address:___________________________________ Types of Services and/or Products Offered:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Position of Interest:_______________________________________________

Required Skills, Certification, Education, WorkExperience:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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Method 5: Respond to WantMethod 5: Respond to WantAdsAds

Want ads announce job openings in the classified sections ofnewspapers and certain industry publications. Although ads arenot the best method, sometimes job seekers do find employmentby responding to want ads.

Looking through want ads can give you a good idea of availablejobs in various industries. You may be able to get information onthe experience, qualifications, and skills you need and salary youcan expect. Job openings may exist in a certain field even thoughno specific positions are listed in the want ads.

Most ads first appear on Wednesday or Sunday, so pay attention

on those days. Read all the want ads, because jobs that interestyou may be listed under construction, painters, laborers, homebuilders, carpenters, or other job categories.


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When reading and responding to wants ads,When reading and responding to wants ads,be aware of the following:be aware of the following:

Some ads list a post office box instead of an organization name.This prevents you from doing any research on the organization.

Ads that promise a big paycheck usually are for sales positions,which involve being paid on commission, not a salary or hourlywage.

If the contact for the ad is an employment agency, find out

whether the agency will charge you a fee. Some agencies chargethe employer a fee; some charge the job seeker a fee.

Multiple position ads usually indicate a new or expandingorganization. Many people will be competing for these positions.

Some ads use the word preferred as in degree preferred or twoyears of experience preferred. This usually mean you can apply

even if you do not have that particular skill or ability, if you dohave other qualifications.

Be sure you meet the minimum requirements listed in the wantad. If it sa s that a certification, license, de ree, or ex erience is


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Abbreviations In the Want AdsAbbreviations In the Want Ads


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Abbreviations In the Want Ads ContinuedAbbreviations In the Want Ads Continued


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Abbreviations In the Want AdsAbbreviations In the Want AdsContinuedContinued

Your Job is Out There

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