Chapter 15 The Job Search and Résumés in the Digital Age © 2015 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. Chapter 15 The Job Search and Résumés in the Digital Age Business Communication: Process and Product, 8e Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy

Searching in the Digital Age The Internet has drastically changed the job search: Job boards Search engines Social networks Online résumés and interviewing However, personal networking and referrals remain the primary route to hiring.

Explore Career Opportunities Visit campus career center. Search the Web. Use your library. Take a summer job, internship, or part-time position.

Explore Career Opportunities Interview someone in your field. Volunteer with a nonprofit. Monitor the classified ads. Join professional organizations.

Searching the Open Job Market Explore the big boards (e.g., Monster, Career Builder). Check company websites. Search niche sites (e.g., Dice, Accountemps, GettingHired). Use LinkedIn and social networking sites. Browse print and online newspapers.

Three-Step Plan to Build Your Personal Network Step 1: Develop a contact list. Current and former teachers Family, friends, and friends of friends Social networking contacts Your dentist, doctor, etc. Current and former work colleagues College alumni

Three-Step Plan to Build Your Personal Network Step 2: Make personal contacts in person and online. “Hi, ___. I’m looking for a job, and I wonder if you could help me out. When could I come over and talk about it?” “Do you know of anyone who might have an opening for a person with my skills?”

Three-Step Plan to Build Your Personal Network Step 3: Follow up on your referrals. “Hello. I’m ___, a friend of ___. He suggested that I ask you for help. I’m looking for a position as a ___, and he thought you might be willing to spare a few minutes to steer me in the right direction.”

Choosing a Résumé Style Chronological Style Focuses on experience Favorite of recruiters Best for people with experience and steady career growth However: This style also used by many students.

Choosing a Résumé Style Functional Style Focuses on skills rather than past employment Best for people with little experience, frequent job changes, different career areas, or employment gaps. However: May be hard to write and recruiters may be suspicious

Résumé Categories Main heading Keep it professional and uncluttered. Your name on a line by itself Address, phone, e-mail

Résumé Categories Career Objective If included, customize for the targeted position. Poor: To obtain an entry-level position with a strong company where I can utilize my skills to their fullest in advancing a career in accounting. Improved: To obtain a junior accountant position where my recent accounting and computer training can help an organization achieve its goals.

Résumé Categories Summary of Qualifications Provide 3 to 8 bulleted statements. List your most impressive qualifications regarding experience, skills, education, awards. Customize the statements to fit the requirements of the targeted job.

Résumé Categories Education Name your degree, date of graduation, and institution. List your major and GPA. Provide information about your studies, but don’t inventory all your courses.

Résumé Categories Work Experience List your jobs. Start with the most recent. Include employer’s name and city, dates of employment (month, year), and most significant title.

Résumé Categories Work Experience Use action verbs to describe your experience. Summarize and try to quantify your achievements.

Résumé Categories Capabilities and Skills Highlight your technical skills. Mention ability to use Web software programs, social media, office equipment, and communication tools. Emphasize your nontechnical skills. Give evidence of communication, management, and interpersonal skills.

Résumé Categories Awards, Honors, and Activities List awards and extracurricular activities, especially if they demonstrate leadership, teamwork, reliability, loyalty, initiative, efficiency, and self-sufficiency.

Getting Your Résumé Selected: Maximizing Keyword “Hits” Include specific keywords or keyword phrases. Focus on nouns. Use variations of the job title. Concentrate on the skills section. Don’t use a keyword summary.

Showcase Your Qualifications in a Career E-Portfolio Include relevant coursework Show updated résumé, cover message. Present work examples. Display awards, certificates. Link to images, websites, or whatever highlights your skills.

Video Résumé A video resume enables you to demonstrate public speaking, interpersonal, and technical skills.

Infographic Résumé Uses colorful charts, graphics, and timelines to illustrate candidate’s work history and experience.

Three Parts of a Cover Message Opening: Captures attention, introduces the message, and identifies the position. Body: Sells the candidate and focuses on the employer’s needs. Closing: Requests an interview and motivates action.

How to Open a Cover Message Possible Openings for Solicited Jobs Refer to the name of an employee in the company. Refer to the source of your information precisely. Refer to the job title and describe how your qualifications fit the requirements.

How to Open a Cover Message Openings for Unsolicited Jobs Demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the reader’s business. Show how your special talents and background will benefit the company.

Promoting Your Strengths in the Message Body Explain how your preparation and experience fill the job requirements. Choose your strongest qualifications and show how they fit the targeted job. Demonstrate personal traits such as working on a team, showing initiative, and learning new tasks easily. Refer the reader to your résumé.

Motivating Action in the Closing Ask confidently for an interview (not for the job!). Tie your request to reader benefits or review your strongest points. Sound sincere and appreciative. Make it easy to respond; tell when you can be reached.