Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–1 The Job Search, Resumes, and Job Application Letters

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–2 Test Your Employment Savvy 1 to 3 4 to 7 8 to to The average employee will have worked at how many jobs over the course of a career?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–3 Test Your Employment Savvy 1 to 3 4 to 7 8 to to The average employee will have worked at how many jobs over the course of a career?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–4 Test Your Employment Savvy TrueFalse 2. Having your job terminated ranks in the top ten of life’s most severe crises.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–5 Test Your Employment Savvy TrueFalse 2. Having your job terminated ranks in the top ten of life’s most severe crises.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–6 Test Your Employment Savvy Chronological (arranged around dates) Functional (arranged around skills) Combination 3. You are putting together a résumé. What format do recruiters generally prefer?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–7 Test Your Employment Savvy Chronological (arranged around dates) Functional (arranged around skills) Combination 3. You are putting together a résumé. What format do recruiters generally prefer?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–8 Test Your Employment Savvy Searching the Internet Sending out hundreds of résumés Networking Reading the classified ads 4. Many experts in the field of recruiting think that the surest way for a college graduate to find a job today is by

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–9 Test Your Employment Savvy Searching the Internet Sending out hundreds of résumés Networking Reading the classified ads 4. Many experts in the field of recruiting think that the surest way for a college graduate to find a job today is by

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–10 Test Your Employment Savvy 10 to 19 percent 20 to 29 percent 30 to 49 percent 50 percent or more 5. You begin your job search the way most people do by looking through the newspaper ads. What percentage of available opportunities can you find in those ads?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–11 Test Your Employment Savvy 10 to 19 percent 20 to 29 percent 30 to 49 percent 50 percent or more 5. You begin your job search the way most people do by looking through the newspaper ads. What percentage of available opportunities can you find in those ads?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–12 Test Your Employment Savvy Potential employers and professional organizations Family members, friends, neighbors, associates School alumni and former instructors Your dentist, your doctor, other service providers All of the above 6. You’ve heard that “networking” is a good way to find a job. Who should be on your list of people to contact?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–13 Test Your Employment Savvy Potential employers and professional organizations Family members, friends, neighbors, associates School alumni and former instructors Your dentist, your doctor, other service providers. All of the above 6. You’ve heard that “networking” is a good way to find a job. Who should be on your list of people to contact?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–14 Test Your Employment Savvy About 20 percent About 40 percent About 60 percent About 80 percent 7. You’re now a serious candidate for a job. What percentage of companies will require pre-employment drug testing?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–15 Test Your Employment Savvy About 20 percent About 40 percent About 60 percent About 80 percent 7. You’re now a serious candidate for a job. What percentage of companies will require pre-employment drug testing?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–16 Test Your Employment Savvy Dress in campus casual attire Dress professionally in a suit Hit a happy medium Call to ask interviewer 8. You’ve landed a job interview with a company that has a casual dress code. What should you do?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–17 Test Your Employment Savvy Dress in campus casual attire Dress professionally in a suit or Hit a happy medium Call to ask interviewer 8. You’ve landed a job interview with a company that has a casual dress code. What should you do?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–18 Job Searching (1) 1.Preparing for employment 2.Identifying your interest 3.Evaluating your qualifications 4.Recognizing the changing nature of jobs

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–19 Job Searching (2) 5.Choosing a career path Visit your campus career center Search the Web Take a summer job, internship, or part-time position in your field Interview someone in your chosen field Monitor the classified ads Join professional organizations in your field

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–20 Job Searching (3) 6. Using traditional job search techniques Check classified ads in local and national newspapers. Examine announcements in publications of professional organizations. Contact companies in which you are interested. Sign up for campus interviews with visiting company representatives. Develop your own network of contacts. Ask for advice from your professors.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–21 Job Searching 7. Using electronic job search techniques JobsDB.com Local newspapers websites Government websites

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–22 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (1) Preparation Research the job market. Use newspapers, the Web, and other resources to learn about jobs, qualifications, and employers. Analyze your strengths. What will sell you for the job you want? Study other résumés as models. Experiment with formatting.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–23 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (2) Choosing a resume style Chronological Functional Combination Deciding the length Recruiters prefer one-page resume

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–24 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (3) Heading and Objective List your name, address, phone. Include a career objective for a targeted job. Choices for stating career objectives: include a career objective; omit a career objective; include a general statement; omit an objective on the resume but include it in the application letter

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–25 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (4) Education Name your degree, date of graduation, and institution. List your major and GPA. Give information about your studies, but don’t inventory all your courses.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–26 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (5) Work Experience List your previous jobs. Start with the most recent jobs. Include employer’s name and city, dates of employment (month, year), and most significant title. Manager, Fleet Equipment, Kettering, Ohio. June 2003 to present Salesperson, Kmart, Dayton, Ohio. 4/02 to 5/03 Tax Preparer, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. March, 2003, to present. Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio (Examples may need to be changed to ones which are more familiar to Asian readers)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–27 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (6) Work Experience Describe your experience. Use action verbs to summarize achievements and skills relevant to your targeted job. Prepared state and federal tax returns for individuals with incomes under $25,000. Conducted interviews with over 50 individuals to elicit data regarding taxes. Determined legitimate tax deductions and recorded them accurately.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–28 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (7) Work Experience Include nontechnical skills. Give evidence of communication, management, and interpersonal skills. Employers want more than empty assurances. Try to quantify your skills. Organized holiday awards program for 1200 attendees and 140 awardees. Praised by top management for enthusiastic teamwork and achievement.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–29 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (8) Special Skills, Achievements, Awards Highlight your computer skills. All employers seek employees proficient with word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Show that you are well-rounded. List awards and extracurricular activities, especially if they demonstrate leadership, teamwork, reliability, loyalty, initiative, efficiency, and self-sufficiency.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–30 Writing a Persuasive Résumé (10) Additional Tips Omit references (unless specifically required). Look for ways to condense your data. Double-check for parallel phrasing. Project professionalism and quality. Avoid personal pronouns. Omit humor. Use 24-pound paper and a quality printer. Have a friend or colleague critique your résumé. Proofread!

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–31 Poor Résumé RÉSUMÉ OF JENNIE JENKINS 3320 Lafayette Street, #12 San Leandro, CA (415) OBJECTIVE: An entry-level position where my proven communication, accounting, and administrative skills could be utilized in a path leading to advancement into management eventually. DEGREE from San Francisco State University. Broadcast Communication Arts. Bachelor of arts. 3.2 in major. RÉSUMÉ OF JENNIE JENKINS 3320 Lafayette Street, #12 San Leandro, CA (415) OBJECTIVE: An entry-level position where my proven communication, accounting, and administrative skills could be utilized in a path leading to advancement into management eventually. DEGREE from San Francisco State University. Broadcast Communication Arts. Bachelor of arts. 3.2 in major.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–32 Poor Résumé EXPERIENCE Apprentice KPFA in Berkeley, CA. Duties included scheduling studios. Also recruited staff. Some paperwork. Often given responsibility to act as production manager. 10/03 to present. Pacifica House Position for financial manager. Duties included payroll and benefits for employees of shelter. Was responsible for the books, also for cash transactions. Took care of some donations. Expected to help raise funds. I prepared all payroll reports. Also petty cash. Chaotic environment, underfunded. EXPERIENCE Apprentice KPFA in Berkeley, CA. Duties included scheduling studios. Also recruited staff. Some paperwork. Often given responsibility to act as production manager. 10/03 to present. Pacifica House Position for financial manager. Duties included payroll and benefits for employees of shelter. Was responsible for the books, also for cash transactions. Took care of some donations. Expected to help raise funds. I prepared all payroll reports. Also petty cash. Chaotic environment, underfunded.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–33 Poor Résumé Spring, 1999 Worked for one spring with Renaissance Rainbow, which is a performing arts troupe operating out of San Francisco. My duties included scheduling interviews with print and broadcast journalists. Was responsible for volunteers and publicity. Other temporary positions Manpower, Inc. San Francisco. Worked at many different places as a temp Dorhring Company. File clerk, receptionist, general duties. Other places. Good Earth Restaurant - server Spring, 1999 Worked for one spring with Renaissance Rainbow, which is a performing arts troupe operating out of San Francisco. My duties included scheduling interviews with print and broadcast journalists. Was responsible for volunteers and publicity. Other temporary positions Manpower, Inc. San Francisco. Worked at many different places as a temp Dorhring Company. File clerk, receptionist, general duties. Other places. Good Earth Restaurant - server

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–34 Poor Résumé Personal Self-starter, can finish jobs without supervision. Marital status: singleBirth: 6/15/80 Health: ExcellentHobbies: Knitting, singing, like to read First Baptist Gospel ChoirAwards: Spirit Award, Oakland High School Dean’s List, college, 2 semesters Personal Self-starter, can finish jobs without supervision. Marital status: singleBirth: 6/15/80 Health: ExcellentHobbies: Knitting, singing, like to read First Baptist Gospel ChoirAwards: Spirit Award, Oakland High School Dean’s List, college, 2 semesters

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–35 Improved Résumé Jennifer Marie Jenkins 3320 Lafayette Street, #12 San Leandro, CA (415) Objective: Administrative position involving Payroll Accounting Employee Benefits Customer Service SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Two years’ experience in responsible administrative and accounting positions Disciplined self-starter; able to work without supervision Proficient with PCs including Word, Excel, and the Internet Jennifer Marie Jenkins 3320 Lafayette Street, #12 San Leandro, CA (415) Objective: Administrative position involving Payroll Accounting Employee Benefits Customer Service SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Two years’ experience in responsible administrative and accounting positions Disciplined self-starter; able to work without supervision Proficient with PCs including Word, Excel, and the Internet

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–36 Improved Résumé Can be counted on to follow through on every detail, until a task is successfully..completed B.A. degree, San Francisco State University RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 10/03 toApprentice, Radio Production, KPFA , presentBerkeley, CA As production manager, schedule studios, recruit support staff Process scripts, permissions, and logs involved in weekly productions Financial manager, The Pacifica House (shelter), San Francisco, CA Used computer to manage payroll and employee benefits for a staff of 26 Completed all projects on time, despite chronically chaotic environment Can be counted on to follow through on every detail, until a task is successfully..completed B.A. degree, San Francisco State University RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 10/03 toApprentice, Radio Production, KPFA , presentBerkeley, CA As production manager, schedule studios, recruit support staff Process scripts, permissions, and logs involved in weekly productions Financial manager, The Pacifica House (shelter), San Francisco, CA Used computer to manage payroll and employee benefits for a staff of 26 Completed all projects on time, despite chronically chaotic environment

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–37 Improved Résumé Managed agency's cash flow, involving funder reimbursements, in-kind donations,..and fund-raising Processed all accounts payable and receivable, monthly, and quarterly statistical..reports for local, state, and federal funding agencies; oversaw petty cash Designed a flow chart to track success of a $25,000 fund-raising project Spring, 1999 Publicity coordinator, Renaissance Rainbow (performance arts troupe), San Francisco, CA Scheduled all media interviews and supervised volunteers Coordinated publicity mailings for African-American Performance Arts Festival Temp positions, Manpower Temporary Services, San Francisco, CA Developed customer service skills as telephone interviewer for Dorhring..Company Managed agency's cash flow, involving funder reimbursements, in-kind donations,..and fund-raising Processed all accounts payable and receivable, monthly, and quarterly statistical..reports for local, state, and federal funding agencies; oversaw petty cash Designed a flow chart to track success of a $25,000 fund-raising project Spring, 1999 Publicity coordinator, Renaissance Rainbow (performance arts troupe), San Francisco, CA Scheduled all media interviews and supervised volunteers Coordinated publicity mailings for African-American Performance Arts Festival Temp positions, Manpower Temporary Services, San Francisco, CA Developed customer service skills as telephone interviewer for Dorhring..Company

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–38 Improved Résumé Maintained files, routed incoming telephone calls, input employee progress..journals, prepared interoffice memos, recorded accounts payable checks,..keyboarded accounts payable correspondence, learned systems in various..assignments EDUCATION B.A. in Broadcast Communication Arts, San Francisco State University, 2002 GPA in major: 3.2 Dean's list, 2 semesters Maintained files, routed incoming telephone calls, input employee progress..journals, prepared interoffice memos, recorded accounts payable checks,..keyboarded accounts payable correspondence, learned systems in various..assignments EDUCATION B.A. in Broadcast Communication Arts, San Francisco State University, 2002 GPA in major: 3.2 Dean's list, 2 semesters

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–39 Preparing a Computer-Friendly Résumé (1) Avoid unusual typefaces, underlining, and italics. Use 10- to 14-point type. Use smooth white paper, black ink, and quality printing. Be sure that your name is the first line on the page. Provide white space.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–40 Preparing a Computer-Friendly Résumé (2) Avoid double columns. Do not fold or staple your resume Use abbreviations carefully. Include all your addresses and telephone numbers. Be prepared to send your resume in a format that is readable by all computer programs. Emphasizing keywords.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–41 What Turns Recruiters Off When Reading a Résumé? (1) A focus group of nine expert recruiters gave these individual responses: “Personal data”; ‘red flag’; typos; inconsistent punctuation; huge paragraphs that look like job descriptions. “Odd-sized résumés “Résumés that show no research; not looking at the employer’s needs.”

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–42... expert recruiters’ responses: Omissions in terms of dates; misspellings! Long cover letters; résumés over two pages. Excess cosmetics; A résumé should look nice but not go overboard. A photo -- Practice in Asia and the US. What Turns Recruiters Off When Reading a Résumé? (2)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–43... expert recruiters’ responses: Not sending the résumé to the right place. The objective; dates when things happened and accomplishments. Information about skills that apply to the job; less about job history and past duties. Valid information in an easy-to-read, attractive style. What Turns Recruiters Off When Reading a Résumé?(3)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–44... expert recruiters responded: The candidate’s address and phone number; Do NOT just put them only in the cover letter!” The employer is looking for ‘red flags’ so making sure there aren’t any. If you have an employment gap, include a clear statement explaining it. Meeting the qualifications for the job. A clear objective, backed up with qualifying experience and continuity in the work history. What Do Recruiters Consider Most Important in a Résumé?

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–45 Writing a Persuasive Job Application Letter (1) Opening for solicited jobs Refer to the source of your information precisely; cite the job reference number. Refer to the name of an employee in the company. Refer to the job title and describe how your qualifications fit the requirements. Demonstrate interest in and knowledge of the reader’s business. Show how your special talents and background will benefit the company.

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–46 Body Demonstrate that your background and training meet the job requirements. Summarize your principal assets from education, experience, and special skills. Avoid repeating specific data from your résumé. Refer to your résumé. Writing a Persuasive Job Application Letter (2)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–47 Closing Ask for an interview. Consider “hooking” the request to a statement reviewing your strongest points. Make it easy to respond. Tell when and where you can be reached (during office hours). Take the initiative to call. Some recruiters prefer that you call them. Writing a Persuasive Job Application Letter (3)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–48 When you revise your application letter, notice how many sentences begin with “I”. You can reduce the number of sentences beginning with “I” by using two techniques: place “I” in the middle of sentences, making activities and outcomes the subjects of sentences. Avoiding “I” Dominance

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–49 Using a traditional letter style -- block or modified block application letter look more professional. Be sure to print your application letter on the same bond paper as your resume. Be sure to use restraint so that your letterhead looks truly professional. Finally, proofread your application letter several times; then, have a friend read it for content and mechanics. Final Tips (1)

Essentials of Business Communication, Second Edition Ch. 13–50 End