Job Search, Documents, and Correspondence Job Search Portfolio Project, Part 1

Job Hunting (when it matters) Know yourself; the field; companies –What do you do? What might you do? –What do you want to do, what won’t you do? Where do you want to live? –What do you need to get the job?

Finding a job Monster, Hotjobs, etc. ?? Google it!!! Talk to someone in your field – an employee, professor, etc. Search company websites for listings Look at Professional Organizations and Association websites

Types of Résumés Traditional Resume (chronological or skills) Scannable Resume Electronic Resumes –Inline, Web Curriculum Vitae

Traditional Résumés Two types – Chronological & Skills For either Categories:Categories: –Career Objective Statement** –Summary of Qualifications –Education –Honors and Awards –References ??? Create new categories, if necessaryCreate new categories, if necessary Describe – use verbsDescribe – use verbs Use good paper and designUse good paper and design

Career Objective Statement Provides a framework for the reader to assess your resume Typically contains 3 parts: –The position title or function (chemist, grant writer, etc.) –The skills you hope to use in the position –The field or industry in which you hope to work

To obtain a position in advertising that will utilize my computer knowledge, strong people skills, organizational abilities, and business experience. To obtain a position as a financial manager in the health care industry, using 16 years of demonstrated success and accomplishment. To obtain a position in the area of rehabilitation/geriatric health care using my knowledge of clinical, community, and patient services.

Chronological Résumé Chronological –Summarizes what you did in reverse order. –Is the traditional résumé format. –Is used to show a logical preparation for the job or a steady progression leading to the present.

Chronological Résumé Include for each jobInclude for each job –position or job title –organization –city and state –dates of employment. –DETAILS such as full- or part-time status, job duties, special responsibilities, or promotions.

Chronological Résumé continued Normally, include jobs as far back as the summer after high school.Normally, include jobs as far back as the summer after high school. –Use minimal detail about low-level jobs.

Chronological Résumé continued –Use detail and strong verbs Recruit; manage; design; write.Recruit; manage; design; write. Google “action verbs”Google “action verbs” –Use parallel structure Recruit new employees, manage office staff; design clerical documents, and write special proposals.Recruit new employees, manage office staff; design clerical documents, and write special proposals.

Skills Résumé Skills –Focuses on skills you’ve used that are applicable to the job. –Is useful when your job history does not directly lead to the kind of job you’re applying for.

Skills Résumé Use as headings the skills used in or aspects of the job you’re applying forUse as headings the skills used in or aspects of the job you’re applying for For entries under each skill, combine experience fromFor entries under each skill, combine experience from –Paid jobs –Unpaid work –Classes –Activities –Community work

Skills Résumé continued Use headings that reflect the job you’re applying forUse headings that reflect the job you’re applying for –Logistics rather than planning; procurement rather than purchasing Use at least three headings related to the job you’re applying forUse at least three headings related to the job you’re applying for

Skills Résumé continued Use a mix of skillsUse a mix of skills Use detail, good description, and strong verbsUse detail, good description, and strong verbs

Scannable Résumés A scannable résumé can be scanned (OCR) into a computer using imaging technology. It allows employers to search for applicants using keywords. A software like ResTrack or Resumix extracts words and dates from the new version that can be searched by employers.

How are Scannables different than Traditional Résumés? Scannables don’t look like traditional resumes – they don’t sound like traditional resumes either. Format Rules Keywords Shift verbs to nouns, past to present

Scannable Format Rules MAXIMIZE SCANNABILITY As little punctuation as possible (if any) Left justify the entire document, ragged right Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics, columns and boxes Do not fold or staple Use white space between sections, no bullets/symbols

Scannable Format Rules Use fonts like Times New Roman, New Century, Courier, Helvetica, Arial Font size should be 12 or 14 shadows.No fancy font styles such as italics, underline, and shadows. (remove hyperlink from ) CAPITAL letters are okay

Keywords Keywords are the most important aspect of the scannable résumé. Incorporating words that are commonly used within the industry Include interpersonal traits (strengths) Synonyms & Buzzwords

Use nouns instead of action verbs For example, if an employer is looking for a “graphic designer” that can create “brochures” and “multimedia presentations”… PRESENT TENSE!!! Traditional Résumé Developed promotional materials and brochures Created multimedia presentations Scannable Résumé Graphic designer who can create four color brochures multimedia presentations and newspaper ads

Résumé Tips Create a “draft resume” or MEGA resume Don’t use MS Word Templates (won’t be accepted) Don’t include personal information: hobbies, interests, social organizations, photos, age, race Be careful with high school experiences Watch for proper verb tense Computer skills?