FINDING A JOB Welcome to Unit 8

Unless you plan on attending graduate or professional school immediately following graduation, your focus will likely be on finding gainful employment in your field of study and starting work as soon as possible.

The text identifies three different categories in the travel industry: Non-personal phone work. Personal Intermediary of services. In-person supplier of services. Page 372

Non-personal phone work EX: reservationists or sales representative that primarily does work over the phone. *Does not meet the customer directly however, must still have a pleasing personality and voice in order to make the sale.

Personal Intermediary of Services This job involves contact with the customer: Could be – ~ the travel counselor ~ a food and beverage manager at a hotel ~ a convention manager.

In-person supplier of services This job is one directly involved with the customer as they travel and deal with customers face to face. EX: hotel desk clerk, tour guide, ticket agents, flight attendants to name a few.

Five skills demonstrated to be of universal importance in all fields: 1. Communication Skills 2. Decision Making 3. The ability to set and meet goals. 4. Leadership/teamwork/ cooperation. 5. Technological Awareness.

Assessing Yourself Portfolio Writing your resume Finding job openings Page

What is a portfolio and what might you include in building one?

A portfolio is a presentation of artifacts concerning you and your accomplishments.

Artifacts Resume. A list of references. Diplomas and certifications. Accomplishments related to your field. A final transcript (if the grades are good; this is not a necessity). Tests or test results you have taken related to field. Pictures from activities in which you are involved. Letters from satisfied customers.

What is the purpose of the resume? To get the invitation for an interview!

What are some categories that will be included in your resume?

Standard resume categories are: Personal Data Career Objective Education Work Experience Skills Professional Organizations/Awards Certifications/License For the travel industry personal travel should be included.

Who should you use for a reference??? Supervisor or foreman Plant superintendent Assistant manager or manager Pastor, banker, or lawyer Co-worker or civic contact Life-long family friend

Personal Data First name, middle initial, and last name. If you prefer to be known by another name, put it in parenthesis. For example, Wilbur (Bill) Street address City, State (spelled out), and zip code (Area code) and telephone number

Objective A statement of your search intentions. In an objective, be specific! Use two or three lines maximum! Avoid being too general--it would be better to not have one.

Examples Bad Examples: "Desire a job that is more stable than my last job." "Seeking a career that offers potential for advancement." "I want full time employment allowing me to provide for my family.“

Good Example: "Seeking a tour guide position utilizing my technical training, communication skills and travel experience."

Work Experience or Work History Start with the most recent first and work back. List the job title, employer's name, city and state, and dates of employment.

Example: Supervisor, K mart, Inc., Sedalia, Missouri, December 1994 to Present Assembler, Vickers Inc., Rolla, Missouri, May 1983 to June 1994

Education and Training List the most recent first and work your way back. Begin the entry with the name of the completed degree or certificate. Following that, list the formal name of the school, the city it is located in or branch campus you attended, and the state. Bachelor of Science, Kaplan University, Davenport, IA

Activities, Organizations, and Community Service Examples: Active in Local Church Activities. Member and Vice-President, County Daycare Center Active in Local United Way Annual Fund Drive Member, Forsyth Chamber of Commerce

Professional Affiliations, Associations, and Military Examples: Member, National Restaurant Association, 1987 to Present University of Missouri-Columbia Alumni Association, Member Parent Teacher Association, Greentop Public Schools, 1992 to 1995

The strongest, most important, and most effective difference in a successful resume that works is how you describe your skills, abilities, and responsibilities from previous employment.

Use bullet statements. Never use pronouns (such as I, me, my, mine, etc.). Begin each statement with an action verb. Quantify and add value whenever possible. Eliminate as many prepositions as possible (such as if, a, and the).

Example Responsible for managing sales and training operations. Developed unique group travel events. Improved employee retention by 10%.

The Job Search Where are some places to begin to look for a job?

Newspaper employment ads-the least important! College placement resources. Specialty publications produced by professional associations. Networking.

The Cover Letter Keep it simple but include important information. The first paragraph tells the reader the purpose of the letter and states the position you are looking interested in applying. The second paragraph refers to your resume as it relates to the position. You may mention two or three qualifications but usually keep this short for the third paragraph.

Not all applicants are asked about a salary but if so state a range that you can negotiate within. For the final paragraph, it is usually recommended that you contact the recruiter to try to set an appointment. But, if you say you will call, then be sure to follow through.

What are some considerations for an interview? Page

This is your chance to shine Tell about your achievements in your previous positions. Courtesy is always appreciated. Smile. Be prepared. Dress professionally!

References Gagnon, P. & Houser, S. (2005) Travel career development (8 th ed.). Canada: The Travel Institute

Next week Building a Career