CAREERS Technology & Procedures for Administrative Professionals 12 th Edition – Patsy Fulton-Calkins Office Skills – The Finishing Touch Second Edition Charles Barrett – Grady Kimbrell – Patti Odgers

Learning Objectives Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center ► Determine sources of job information ► Prepare a letter of application and a resume ► Develop job interview skills ► Discover how to advance your professional career. ► Commit to living your values in the workplace.

Seven Top Skills Desired by Employers ► Interpersonal ► Teamwork ► Verbal Communication ► Critical-Thinking ► Technology/Computer ► Written Communication ► Leadership Skills Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Other Important Skills ► Value clarification ► Self-management ► Ethical behavior ► Decision-making ► Positive attitudes ► Creativity ► Continual learning ► Conflict resolution ► Anger and stress management Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

NETWORKING The process of identifying and establishing a group of acquaintances, friends, and relatives who can assist you in the job search process. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

College Placement Office They know employers who need entry-level workers, and they match a job to your qualifications and abilities. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Newspaper Advertisements Ads describing the position and the qualifications required and may provide information about the salaries offered. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Two Kinds of Employment Agencies ► Public – state employment agencies ► Private – private employment agencies charge a fee for their services. (either you or your firm pays) When private employment agencies advertise jobs that are fee-paid, the employers pays the fee when the applicant is hired. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Employment Test Administered ► Software- word, excel, or power point ► Keyboard speed and accuracy ► Grammar, punctuation, and proofreading skills ► Mathematical aptitude Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Sources of job information ► The Web ► Personal networks ► College placement offices ► Newspaper advertisements ► Public employment agencies ► Private employment agencies ► Temporary employment agencies ► Professional organizations ► Direct canvass Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Temporary Agencies Often temporary work can place you in a number of different companies. No- long term commitment while gaining understanding of full-time employment. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Professional Organization Maintain a testing of jobs in your area. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Direct Canvass or Cold Canvass To go directly to an organization without having an appointment or without knowing if a job is available. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Learning about the organization ► Ask friends, relatives and acquaintances about the organization. ► Check the organization’s website for  History of Organization  Philosophy  Strategic Direction  Information about product or services ► Read periodicals, such as Fortune (company profile of large companies). Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Learn about organizations ► Obtain an annual report of the company ► Consult your local chamber of commerce. ► Ask your college placement office for information. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Questions to consider.. ► What is the organization’s service or product? ► Is the organization multinational? Does the organization have branches in other states? ► What has been the profit picture of the organization for the last several years? ► Is the organization financially secure? ► Is the organization growing Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Questions to consider.. ► Does the organization have a good reputation in the community? ► Is there a good relationship between the employer and employees? ► Is the organization an equal opportunity employer? ► Are there opportunities for advancement? Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Letter of application Next step is to obtain an interview The letter of application is the key to obtaining the interview. It is basically a sales letter because it attempts to sell your abilities. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Letter of application Goals of a letter of application: ► Introduce yourself to the organization and arouse its interest in you. ► Present your most relevant selling points, including your skills and your background. ► Transmit your resume and request an interview. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Introduce yourself In the opening, provide a brief statement of your qualifications. Let the person know you are interested in the organization and what you can do for them. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Describe your abilities The next paragraph of the letter should describe in more detail the abilities you have. It should also call attention to your enclosed resume. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Request an interview Remember that the purpose of the letter is to get an interview. Therefore, you should ask directly for the interview. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

What is a resume? The resume, a concise statement of your background, education, skills, and experiences, is an important part of your job application packet. Just as a letter of application is a sales letter, so is the resume. It represents a very important product – YOU! Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Resume styles The resume may be chronological ( listing the jobs you have had in reverse chronological order) or functional (highlighting and emphasizing skills) or combination of the two. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Basic purpose of resume ► To communicate your experience ► To communicate your skills ► To show your education related to a specific position. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Chronological resume The chronological resume puts the focus on your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had while there. Employers, when viewing this type of resume, look at the dates first. They are looking at how long you have worked at one place and if there are gaps in your employment history. The chronological resume puts the focus on your previous work experience and the responsibilities you had while there. Employers, when viewing this type of resume, look at the dates first. They are looking at how long you have worked at one place and if there are gaps in your employment history. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

FUNCTIONAL resume The functional resume puts the focus on the professional skills and experience that you gained from employment, your formal education and training, and generally on the transferable skills/functions you have previously acquired. The functional resume puts the focus on the professional skills and experience that you gained from employment, your formal education and training, and generally on the transferable skills/functions you have previously acquired. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

combination resume The combination resume is very similar to a functional resume; it is a chronological resume which lists accomplishments in functional skill areas. The combination resume is very similar to a functional resume; it is a chronological resume which lists accomplishments in functional skill areas. Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Advantages and disadvantages of the chronological resume Advantages ► Highlights titles and company names; advantageous when the names or titles are relevant or impressive ► Highlights consistent progress from one position to another. ► Highlights length of time in each organization. Disadvantages ► Readily shows gaps in work history ► Shows frequent changes of jobs ► Does not show most impressive or relevant work experience first if that is not the most recent Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Advantages and disadvantages of the functional resume Advantages ► Highlights skills ► De-emphasizes gaps between jobs ► Is more appropriate when changing career fields since skills are highlighted over positions held Disadvantages ► Is not a good style if skill areas are not relevant to targeted position ► Does not show advancement from one job to another ► Does not show organizations and titles held ► Is more difficult to review since progression from one position to another is not apparent Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center

Things to know Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center ► Length: 1-2 pages. One page is preferable and sufficient for most college students ► Arrangement: Be consistent in the use of bullets, boldface, capitalization, and italics. ► Grammar/Spelling: Make sure your resume is reviewed several times by several people. Grammar and spelling errors will end your chances of an interview with an employers.

Things to know identification Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center ► Name (use a larger font and bold print) ► Area code and phone number (s) ► Address and Zip Code (present or permanent) ► Address

RESUME Sections career objective Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center This section lets the reader know what your present career goals are. Career Objective: A position as an administrative professional in a challenging business with opportunities to use my technology and human relation skills.

RESUME Sections relevant skills Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center This section gives you a chance to identify your skill strengths. For example, you can list your computer skills, including the various software packages in which you are proficient and your keyboarding skill.

RESUME Sections Education Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center In this section, list the schools you have attended and the degrees you have obtained (if applicable). You might also list the courses or programs you have taken that pertain to the position.

RESUME Sections Employment History Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center List the companies where you have worked, the dates of employment, and your duties. You may want to reverse the order of education and experience on your resume. For example, if you have experience that directly relates to the job for which you are applying, you might list the experience first.

RESUME Sections accomplishments Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center If you have participated in a special activities, maintained memberships in professional organizations, or achieved honors, you may wish to list these. Such activities that illustrate that you have many interests and leadership qualities.

RESUME Sections References Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center Do not list references on your resume. The resume is a place to highlight work experiences and skills. However, you may choose to include a section with the statement “References will be furnished on request.”

RESUME Sections References Mrs. S. Paige, Instructor – Business Computer Technology Millsaps Career and Technology Center Choose your references carefully. Select those individuals who know your qualifications well and will take the time to respond to a reference request. Before you list someone as a reference, obtain his or her permission.

CAREERS Any Questions?