Welcome to Today�s Seminar on Job Applications Resumes Cover ...

To get credit for attending today, check in with the receptionist at the front desk. Failure to do so may delay your claim. _________________________________________ Any questions about your claim should be directed to 1-800-266-2252 option 3 or hold on the line. During the presentation All cell phones and pagers must be turned off _________________________________________ ________________________ As a reminder no food or drinks are allowed in the Resource Center Welcome to Today’s Seminar on Job Search Job Applications Resumes & Cover Letters NHES is a proud member of America's Workforce Network and NH WORKS. NHES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request of individuals with disabilities. TDD ACCESS: RELAY NH 1-800-735-2964. Job Search Looking for Work...IS Work • Have a plan, be organized • Document! • Be positive – Your first impression may be your ONLY impression – Your chance to SHINE Looking...Is Full-Time Work • Maintain a schedule – Easy to fall into traps • sleeping late • staying up late • Set Goals – Number of contacts – Number of companies researched Getting Started... • Self Assessment – Experience – Education – Values – Work Ethic – Skills http://online.onetcenter.org • Gather Needed Information – – – – – Employment History Education Information References/Recommendations Evaluations Employers With Jobs in Your Field Self-Assessment • Where have I worked? – Be ready to respond to any “gaps” in your employment history • When did I work there? • Who am I? – What do I LIKE to do? – What do I WANT to do? • What were my duties? – Most favorite parts of the job? – Least favorite parts of the job? • What are my talents/special • How did I help achieve my last employer’s business goals? skills? – Training or Education – Transferable skills – Languages – What problems did I solve? – What did I do to solve them? – What were the results? Information - References There are four types of references Employment • Past employers, co-workers, subordinates, or clients • People for whom you perform volunteer activities, babysitting, lawn mowing, and other odd jobs Professional • Contacts from business, clubs, or professional and community organizations Academic • Instructors and vocational counselors • Appropriate for current students or recent graduates Personal • Neighbors and friends • Doctors, librarians, bankers, and landlords Be prepared to give references from as many types as possible Choosing References Choose your references with care – Someone who knows YOU – Someone with something GOOD to say – Someone who can say you will do a good job • Always get permission first • Prepare the reference to present you as an ideal candidate – Tell about your job search and the type of job opportunities you are seeking • Give the prospective employer the reference’s contact preferences and the best time to reach her/him • Be prepared to provide the reference's occupation, phone number, length of time you have known each other, and the nature of the relationship • Send a “thank you” note to each person who has given you a reference Information - Recommendations Written evaluations of your work performance or participation, dedication, skills, quality of work, and work habits. Recommendations should include how long the writer has known you. For people with paid work experience • Usually written by your present or previous supervisor, manager, or team member at your request • Used to recommend you to another employer. Employers are not obligated to write these letters and may not write them due to liability issues and company policy For people with no paid work experience or students • Ask instructor, internship supervisor, advisor, mentor, or volunteer coordinator • Ask landlord, neighbor, volunteer coordinator, community leader, etc. • It should be someone you have completed a task or project with or someone who knows you well Information - Evaluations What is a performance evaluation? – A performance evaluation is a formal, written review or evaluation of your work What does it include? – It usually covers a specific period of time and includes the quality, quantity, work habits, and attitude with which you have performed your job – It can also state your promotions, demotions, and reprimands How can they be used? – Positive performance evaluations can be included with your resume or application to bolster your credentials and increase your opportunities of securing a job Where to Look... • Job Match System (JMS) – In the Resource Center – On line • • • • • On the Internet Networking Newspapers Placement Agencies Job Fairs Http://www.nhes.state.nh.us Helpful job search links and career exploration resources •Register for work •Find jobs •Research companies •Labor market info. •NHES programs/services Additional job seeker links to help explain programs labor, tax and NH economic information Explore this helpful web-site at home in in our Resource Center! Networking The two MOST effective ways to find work are:  DIRECT EMPLOYER CONTACT  NETWORKING • Networking creates momentum • Increases your chances of getting job opportunity leads • Volunteering or part-time work – increases networking contacts – may help you gain skills Who Makes Up My Network? Employers – Co-workers – Former Employers GOAL Social Organizations – Golf – Church – PTA – Volunteer Groups – Health Clubs – Child’s Sport Groups Other Places – – – – – Professional and Trade Contacts People you know who are looking for jobs People you know who recently found work Family & Friends Others - you know your life contacts better than anyone How Do I Network? Make and Prioritize a Contact List • Who is likely to be most valuable and productive? • Who is most worth getting in touch with immediately? • Who is better to postpone until later? Decide on how to make contact • Write (mail or e-mail) • Phone • Visit Let contacts know you would like help with possible leads, company information or an introduction Job Applications • A legal document – Whether written or electronic – BE HONEST – False information could mean discharge • Legal Rights – Application questions should pertain to the JOB – It is your right to withhold information unrelated to the job • Illegal Questions - Applications may contain questions that are tricky or even illegal Discriminatory or Illegal Questions • What is/are your... – – – – – – – – age or date of birth? hair/eye color? height/weight? maiden name? spouse’s name/work? child(ren)’s names? credit record? garnishment record? • Have you... – ever been arrested? – ever been married? – made child care arrangements? – – – – – – ever filed for Worker's Compensation? ever been injured on the job? ever been treated by a psychiatrist? been treated for drug/alcohol addiction? been taking any prescribed drugs? been absent from work because of illness? • Do you – own your home? – have any physical impairments? Legal Questions • • • • • • • • Describe your education. What experience qualifies you for this job? Do you have licenses/certifications for this job? Are you willing to travel? What name(s) are your working records under? Are you available for overtime? Do you have the legal right to work in the US? Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony? After Hiring, An Employer May Request -Affirmative action statistics -Marital status -Proof of citizenship -Photographs -Physical exam and drug testing -Social Security card or alien registration card -Birth certificate Reasons for Leaving - Job Gaps • Carefully choose your response • Avoid using the trap words like – Laid Off - Explain WHY: lack of work, reduction in force, lack of funds, temporary or seasonal employment, company or plant closed, company downsize/merger – Fired or Terminated - Use “involuntary separation” – Quit - Use “resigned” or “voluntary separation” • For Another Job - employment history should support this • To Attend School - education should support this • Job Gaps can show positive qualities Be prepared to explain the reason in the interview. Job Application Tips • Prepare! – Dress as if for an interview – Bring: • pens (black or blue ink) • a sample (mock) application and a resume • Follow Directions – Read application BEFORE writing – Respect “OFFICE USE ONLY” Areas Job Application Tips • Target Qualifications – Meet the employer’s need • Fill out an application for EACH job – NEVER write • “See Resume” • “Anything” • Complete the Application – – – – Neatly COMPLETELY No Errors (spelllling, four ecksample) SAFA (Stay Away From Abbreviations) Resumes A resume is A marketing tool An application for an INTERVIEW, not for a job A resume should Outline skills and experiences Highlight and summarize qualifications How can a resume help me? It can organize your work search Increase self-assurance by showcasing accomplishments What Makes A Good Resume • A good resume will – highlight and summarize qualifications and skills – present information attractively and systematically • It will include – your name and contact information – objective – accomplishments – education – work experience Easy-to-Read Resumes • Formatting – – – – – Font and font size Margins (at least 1”) White or off-white stationery Printable version Word document to email to employers – Text only to upload to employment sites • • • • Use bullets Use action verbs - keep statements short Pay attention to verb tense Have at least two people check for errors • May need a different resume for each job type/employer Resume Format Checklist  Name and contact information at the top?  Text aligned correctly?  Grammar, spelling, and punctuation correct?  Short, bulleted statements?  Positive word choice?  Headings Capitalized and Bolded? Resume Content Checklist  Realistic objective?  All related work included? Education/training relevant to your objective?  Pertinent activities included?  Achievements and special skills noted?  Most marketable information first? “References Furnished Upon Request” at the bottom? (optional) Selecting a Format Chronological Functional Combination Targeted - Each of these can be targeted ADVANTAGES • Personalized • Specific for employer need DISADVANTAGES • Time consuming • Can be confusing if not well organized • Must be revised for each job • Shows research • Impressive to employer ChronologicalList work experience by dates with the most recent employment listed first. Best for people with steady work record and people with experience directly related to the position being sought. ADVANTAGES • Widely-used format • Logical flow - easy to read • Shows growth/promotions • Shows loyalty DISADVANTAGES • Shows employment gaps • Points out career setbacks • Emphasizes employment, but not skill development • Emphasizes lack of related experience FunctionalWork experience and abilities listed by major skill areas. Best for people without work experience, changed jobs frequently, or have developed skills from other than documented employment. Good if changing career path. ADVANTAGES • Emphasizes skills • Disguises gaps in work history • Organizes various experiences – Volunteer – Other non-work activities DISADVANTAGES • Employers view with some suspicion if there is a lack of work history detail • De-emphasizes job growth/job titles CombinationThis presents both major skill areas and chronological work history. Best for people who are in transition, changing career path, re-entering the workforce, pursuing a former occupation, or who have grown in skills and responsibilities. ADVANTAGES • Highlights most relevant skills and accomplishments • Combines skills developed in a variety of jobs DISADVANTAGES • Can be confusing unless well organized. • Requires more creativity and effort to prepare • Minimizes job gaps • De-emphasizes work history in lesser jobs Tips for Using Your Resume • Always send resume to a specific individual • Always send resume with a cover letter • Always follow up with a phone call • Give a copy of your resume to your references • When directly contacting employers, always have a copy of your resume available and take the initiative to offer it to them • Always bring extra copies of your resume to an interview Always follow-up with the employer after you give them your resume! Resume Tips - What to Avoid •Do Not... …date your resume - keep it current …include religious membership …include political organization membership …mention salary requirements …include photo …include height, weight, birth date …include marital status …give reason(s) for leaving last position(s) …include references Cover Letters Provide an introduction to the employer Help convince the employer that your specific skills, abilities, and attributes match the employer's needs Letters that are skill- and achievement-oriented give a competitive edge Should be individually developed for each position Parts of a Cover Letter First: Identify the specific job and how you learned about it Second: Match your skills, training, and experience with those required for the job, using specific knowledge of the company. Third: The last line should emphasize your interest in the job and indicate how the employer can best reach you or when you might be calling them to follow-up Nine Winning Cover Letter Tips 1 Keep it short 2 State the position 3 Explain why you want the job 4 Clearly describe ways you will contribute 5 Match, but don't re-state, your resume 6 Don't say you're not qualified 7 Keep the tone and content professional 8 Tell the reader what you're going to do next 9 Proofread John Ryan 15 Spring Road Hamlet, KS 41120 545-555-5555 January 20, 20xx Mr. Brian Carson Hiring Manager Rest Easy Hotel Hamlet, KS 41120 Dear Mr. Carson: Tip 1: On Just One Page Tip 2: State Position Tip 3: Why You Want the Job Tip 4: How Will I Contribute Tip 5: Match Resume The management trainee position you have advertised in today's Hamlet Gazette greatly interests me. The Rest Easy Hotels have always served as landmarks for me when I travel, and I would like to contribute to their continued growth. I have enclosed my resume for your review. In May, I will be graduating from Large State University with a degree in business. While in school, I developed strong organizational and customer service skills. As a dormitory assistant, I organized events, led meetings, and assisted students. As treasurer of the Business Society, I maintained the budget and presented budget reports. My summer jobs also required extensive interaction with the public. I believe these experiences have prepared me for your management trainee position. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications more fully in an interview. I can be reached at 545-555-5555. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, John Ryan Marc R. Shieldon 2113 Northwest Highway Apartment #1244 Memphis, Tennessee 37123-4556 April 7, 20xx Mr. Stanley Gregson Director of Human Resources EduTech, Inc. 1400 Bonaventure Avenue, Suite 100 Montgomery, Alabama 36100 Dear Mr. Gregson: Home: (901) 434-5555 Cell: (901) 220-5555 Fax: (901) 434-5566 E-mail: shielton@swiftnet.net Currently, I am the District Sales Manager at Educational Technology located in the Memphis, Tennessee area. While I am happy in this position and the company has continually acknowledged and rewarded my contributions. I would like to take on a greater challenge with greater rewards as a Regional Sales Manager in the Montgomery, Alabama location. As a professional whose career has spanned over 30 years and who has bridged two different but challenging fields; sales and education, I know EduTech, Inc. to be a leader in the educational technology field and a company with a reputation second to none for performance and loyalty to customer and employees. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for proven customer satisfaction and, as a direct result have increased companies' sales and profits. Moreover, as a former teacher and coach, I am particularly committed to the potential of educational technology and the satisfaction of knowing I would still be contributing to the growth and learning of young people. I am planning to be in Montgomery the week of April 22nd. Perhaps you might contact me before then to set up an interview or, if there is no objection, I will telephone you when I am in the area. I hope an interview will convince you that my experience and proven "track record" will be just the solution for you. I will anticipate seeing you in a few weeks. Sincerely, Marc R. Shieldon Cover Letter Hints • Use standard business letter format • Use same font and stationery as resume • Address to the hiring authority, using name and title – if you don't have a contact, call the company and find out to whom the letter should be addressed • Do your homework on the company • Do NOT mention salary, wages or benefits unless a salary history has been requested; then give a NEGOTIABLE salary range (e.g. $20,000-25,000) GET THE JOB OFFER FIRST! Any Questions? Any questions about your claim should be directed to 1-800-266-2252 option 3 or hold on the line.