Professional Development Brought to you by: FCNH Career Services

Topics To Discuss Career Services Objectives Goals Cover Letter Resumes References Interviewing

Career Service’s Objectives Our main goal is to make sure each student has the skills they need to find a job in their profession. Career Services is a on-going benefit for all students. (Even if you move out of state) We help prepare your resume and help you prepare for interviews. Testing/Licensing Assistance Job Search and Placement

Goals Create specific, realistic goals Give yourself a timeframe for each goal Write out the steps needed to achieve each goal Go over your goals every month to make sure you are on the right track

Cover Letter The cover letter is the first page of your resume What is the purpose of a cover letter? In your cover letter you will need to project your skills, background, ambitions, and personality in the way that you will catch the attention of the employer. How long should it be? Can I just mass produce the same cover letter and send to all companies I am interested in?

Your Name Your Address City, State, Zip (2 spaces) Date (4 spaces) Manager (unless you have the person’s name) Name of Company Address City, State, Zip (2 spaces) Dear Manager, (2spaces) In opening paragraph, explain why you are writing and the position you are seeking. (2 spaces) In this paragraph, you will want to discuss special education or training, related work experience, significant personal abilities or characteristics. (2 spaces) You will want to make note of your enclosed resume and request an interview at their earliest convenience. Thank them for their time and consideration. (2 spaces) Sincerely, (5 spaces) (Your Signature) Your name typed

Resume The first impression always counts. Employers usually spend approximately 10 seconds reviewing a resume. Be truthful! Presentation is everything. Be very careful with the font size, style and layout that you use on your resume. Keep all sections uniform Use action verbs, numbers and percentages.

Resume Basics Resume Paper (Watermark, Texture, Color) Appearance Length Page Setup Headers & Footers Eliminate spelling & grammatical errors Provide specific measurable results Write it yourself!

Types of Resumes The Functional Resume Practical for recent graduates who don’t have a lot of professional experience in their field, but DO have relevant coursework or training; returning employees after an absence from the workforce, since it minimizes dates; or you want to emphasize skills you have that haven’t been used in recent work experiences.

Example of Functional Resume

Types of Resumes con’t The Chronological Resume Most popular format. Useful if you have experience in your field of interest, held impressive job titles or worked with noteworthy companies.

Example of Chronological Resume

Types of Resumes con’t The Combination Resume This format utilizes the comprehensive aspect of Reverse Chronological and the skill concentration of the Functional format. If you have good, but limited job experience, and still want to highlight your skills/courses this is the format for you. This will be the format for most of you.

Major Sections of a Resume Header Name, address, phone, and PROFESSIONAL address Unacceptable: Acceptable: Jenny Smith, LMT MA# South St. Orlando, FL Jenny Smith, Esthetician FB# South St. Orlando, FL

Major Sections of a Resume Body Education and Training Skills Related Experience Licensure/Certifications/Recognition/Awards & Accomplishments References (optional as footnote)

References At least three (3) PROFESSIONAL references Should list: Name Title Company Address Phone How you know them

Example Reference Sheet

Job Search Resources

More Resources

Preparing for an Interview Print at least two (2) copies of your resume at least two (2) days ahead of time. Map the drive Make sure you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take you to get there. Plan for traffic. Arrive no later/early than 15 minutes before your appointment time. Know ahead of time what you will wear and make sure it is laundered and pressed.

Preparing for an Interview con’t Research the company/business Know yourself Prepare questions to ask the employer Practice answering sample interview questions Ask someone to do a mock interview with you and practice in front of a mirror It is okay to write typical interview questions and your answers down in a nice portfolio to bring in to the interview-reflect on your responses but do not read it.

What NOT to Bring to the Interview Gum Cell phone Ipod Coffee or soda

Interview Dress Code Sharp and Clean Bad Breath is a turn off Nails neatly trimmed and cut (fresh polish, no acrylics) Keep in mind the hands-on portion of interview Limit perfume, cologne, after-shave NO JEANS Cover tattoos and limit jewelry (especially facial piercings)

To Wear or Not to Wear…That is the Question

Men Suit (solid neutral color) Long Sleeve Shirt (neutral and coordinated with the suit) Tie Belt Dark socks, conservative leather shoes Little or no jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Portfolio or briefcase

Women Suit (navy, black or dark grey) The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably Coordinated blouse Conservative shoes (closed toe/heel, low heel) Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets) Professional hairstyle/color Neutral pantyhose Light Make-up Portfolio or briefcase NO CLEAVAGE!!!

What Colors Say Black, Navy & Grey- power, authority, knowledge, success White- formal, sophisticated, clean Red- Energy, strength, danger Brown- dependable, stable

What Employers Look for in an Interview Reliability Dependability Please call if you are going to be late!!! Manners Professionalism Confidence Body Language Eye Contact Remember to be aware of your surroundings

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up! Send a follow up letter within 2 weeks of applying for a job online Follow up call 10 days later if no response still Handwritten thank you letters after an interview Follow up after a verbal/hands-on interview

Business Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9:00 Friday 8:30-5:00 Amy Pelland x127 Pitcho Monzili x139 Maria D’Agostino x106