The Job Hunting Handbook by Harry Dahlstrom

How jobs are created 2 “Growth” accounts for 41% of all job openings. “Replacement” accounts for 59% of all job openings.

The job market is healthy 58 million job openings between 2000 and 2010—that’s 35 million replacement jobs and 23 million growth jobs 3

Job hunting is a process Choose an occupation. Show that you can handle the work. Create your sales brochure. Market yourself. Create a good impression. Sell yourself—ace the interview. Follow-up after the interview. 4

Choose an occupation Start with your “wish” list—what kind of work have you always dreamed of doing? Do you know of someone with a job you’d like to have? Do you have a hobby that you could turn into a job? Do you have a talent or ability you could turn into a job? If not, take some “on-line personality tests.” Talk to a career counselor at your school or your state’s Job Service office. 5

Show that you can do the work Identify the skills needed to do the work. Search your background to see if you have those skills—or similar skills. Show how you have used those skills. 6

Add some sizzle! Show that you can deliver results. Use numbers to show the extent. Use “Powerhouse Buzzwords” to sell yourself to employers. Achieved, Adapted, Advised, Assisted, Built, Controlled, Convinced, Coordinated, Created, Delivered, Developed, Directed, Employed, Equipped, Established, Expanded, Experienced, Guided, Handled, Improved, Investigated, Led, Managed, Operated, Organized, Performed, Persuaded, Processed, Produced, Repaired, Researched, Served, Sold, Taught, Treated, Wrote 7

James B. Jobless 1 Opportunity Way, Anytown, US / Objective: Seeking an entry-level position in retail sales Education: 2002: Diploma, My High School, Anytown, US Enjoyed classes in public speaking, math, computers Skills & Abilities: Math Skills Maintained 3-year “B” average in algebra and geometry Computed my own 1040EZ tax return, earned $400 rebate Managed $1,000 investment that earned 7.2% APR People Skills Play checkers every Monday with seniors at a nursing home Raised $300 in one week for Students Against Drunk Driving Enjoy helping people solve computer problems. Product Knowledge Sports: Enjoy football/baseball but I’m a mediocre player Automotive: Dad’s a mechanic, we rebuilt my ‘89 Volvo Music: Own 261 CDs and I can name a tune in 4 notes Electronics High school computer classes and talent for programming VCR’s shows that I could quickly learn to operate an electronic cash register Personal: Reliable—Missed only two days of school this year Honest—Returned $20 check-cashing error to the bank 8

Give your resume a K.I.S.S. Keep It Sweet & Simple Your resume is your sales brochure. Keep it clean—avoid wordiness. Keep it simple—stick to one page. Pour on the sizzle—show that you can deliver results. 9

The nuts and bolts of your resume Heading Objective Education Skills and abilities Work experience Military service Personal References 10

Get your resume out there Help advertisements and job postings Networking Employment agencies Direct mail Follow-up with a phone call 11

Help-wanted ads Check the newspaper and the web daily Identify what the employer needs Write a letter that matches your qualifications to the employer’s needs Develop a system Know the stakes 12

Networking Most employers fill positions with friends and relatives of people who work for them Ask people you know about the job openings where they work—they may help you get a job interview 13

Employment Agencies Employment agencies are match makers. Most agencies specialize. Some agencies recruit people for full-time, permanent jobs; others recruit people for temporary jobs. Agencies are listed in the yellow pages of your phone book under “Employment.” Call an agency and ask how you could become listed with them. 14

Direct mail Build a list of 20 companies that interest you. Get the name of the manager who runs the department where you want to work. Send your resume and a cover letter to each manager— explaining why you want to work for them. 15

Follow-up with a phone call Introduce yourself Say something friendly Get down to business Prepare for the unexpected Ask for the interview Prepare for the “put off” Sell yourself, but don’t be pushy and don’t beg Wrap it up and confirm the date 16

Make a good impression Appearance—look fresh, clean, and professional Manners—be polite and courteous Attitude—show enthusiasm and motivation; ask questions 17

Position You Are SeekingExpected Wage Are You Available To Work: Full Time Part Time Shift Work How Did You Learn About Us? Advertisement Friend-Relative Employment Agency Other Last NameFirstMiddle AddressCityState Zip PhoneSocial Security Number Have you completed a job application with us before?No Yes When: Have you ever been employed by us before?No Yes When: Do you have any friends or relatives employed here?No Yes Name: Can you work overtime when necessary? No Yes Do you have reliable transportation?No Yes Are you on layoff and subject to recall?No Yes Can you travel if a job requires it?No Yes Would you be willing to relocate?No Yes Have you served in the Armed Forces of the United States? No Yes Branch: Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserves?No Yes Branch: Are you a citizen of the United States?No Yes If not, do you have an Alien Registration Card?No Yes Number: Have you been convicted of a felony in the last seven years? No Yes If yes, please explain: Please give the name, address, and telephone number of three references not related to you: Do you have any medical, physical, or mental impairments which would limit you from performing the job for which you are applying? No Yes If yes, please explain: 18

Work History Mo/Yr Began Mo/Yr Left Wage Employer Job Title Address, City, State, Zip Duties Performed Supervisor’s NameTelephone Reason for Leaving Mo/Yr Began Mo/Yr Left Wage Employer Job Title Address, City, State, Zip Duties Performed Supervisor’s NameTelephone Reason for Leaving Education School Address, City, State, Zip ProgramYears Completed Degree, Award, or CertificationDate Awarded School Address, City, State, Zip ProgramYears Completed Degree, Award, or CertificationDate Awarded Please give any additional information you feel may be helpful when considering your application: Please Read Carefully Before Signing I understand that this application for employment will be given every consideration, but its receipt does not constitute a contract of employment, nor does it imply that I will be hired. I certify that all answers given on this employment application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and that any misrepresentation or omission is sufficient cause for immediate termination of employment by the employer without incurring any liability or obligation. I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand this agreement. Signature of the ApplicantDate Signed 19

Job application stumbling blocks Friends and relatives Education Fired Criminal Record Job Hopping No work history Layoff References Unemployment gaps Money Poor reference Off-limit questions 20

The Interview—Sell yourself Show enthusiasm Talk about your accomplishments, skills and abilities Explain what you can do for the company Demonstrate that you are a team player Turn negative questions into positive answers Summarize your strengths Ask for the job 21

The interview—Be prepared Know what questions to expect Have an automatic answer Know what questions to ask Practice with a friends before going on a real interview Don’t be caught off guard by a “stress interview” Remember—attitude, appearance, and manners make a difference 22

Follow-up—After the interview Send a thank-you note after the interview Fewer than half your competitors will send a thank-you note or call after an interview Following-up sets you apart and tells the manager that you want the job Following-up is a crucial part of your effort to “market” yourself 23

Some final advice If you want a good job, you have to work at getting that job Go on a few “practice” interviews before interviewing for your favorite company Be prepared—appearance, manners, attitude, and the right answers Sell yourself—explain why the manager should hire you Follow-up after the interview 24

The Job Hunting Handbook by Harry Dahlstrom THANK YOU! 25