The next step on your journey This workforce solution was partially financed through a $12,695,959 grant from the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Except where otherwise noted, this work by Chippewa Valley Technical College, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Discuss opportunities to find employment Discuss application, resume, and cover letter pointers Discuss how to prepare for an interview and follow up once completed Practice some of the skills covered

General Websites Company website Newspaper Signs at location

Network! 6 pieces of Kevin Bacon Google the “Bacon Number” of any actor or actress He has a connection in less than 6 steps You Friend Co- worker Cousin Hiring Manager

Elevator speech Who are you? What do you do? (Skills/accomplishments) What are you looking for? What is in it for them? Business cards (make your own) Resume

Don’t leave anything blank! What does the employer think when he or she sees blanks? Be honest If you don’t remember dates, call the company Don’t inflate Work with sensitive issues (background, etc.) Disclosure If you need accommodations for the interview Sample

Key words for software recognition Can change for each job applying for Objective may not be needed (check the posting) No half pages. Either a full page, or two full pages Most relevant information at the top (different for each person) Skills summary Education Work experience Templates online, Microsoft Word, etc. Watch your address. is not appropriate! Make sure you check that address

Not too wordy. Three paragraphs. Bullet points in the middle if needed. Follow the guidelines! Match words to the posting. Personalize for each position you are applying for. Similar format to the resume.

Upload as PDF if possible (keeps formatting the same) Some companies prefer separate documents, some don’t Know which version you are sending Watch your file names! Don’t upload “Resume for Mayo” if you are applying to Marshfield! Something like “Miranda M. Resume” is a safe bet

Clean clothing with no rips, tears, or words on it. No private body parts showing! No strong odors (perfume, cigarette smoke, etc.) No new hairstyles (keep it comfortable) No big jewelry or flashy colors (keep it subtle) Insert Sample Pictures here – appropriate for work setting.

Arrive about 10 minutes early. Too early can seem like an inconvenience Too late shows you might not be as well prepared as they would like Map out the route you will take ahead of time, know the phone number in case emergency arises

You are being watched while you wait. Don’t bring your phone. Take in the environment, observe who is there. Be nice to the receptionist!

Firm handshake Don’t fidget No gum Eye contact

Scenarios, questions about how you have handled situations in the past. Can be difficult, no black or white answer. Ex: “Tell me about a time a customer was upset. How did you handle the situation and what would you do differently?” Practice questions on the sheet

Speak respectfully of previous employers and coworkers Answer truthfully Research the company ahead of time (know who they serve, what services they provide) Have a few questions to ask at the end Shows you are interested in them!

Ask for a timeline, and respect it! Don’t be a stalker. They still have to run their business. ALWAYS send a thank you note within 24 hours ( can be acceptable if you have the contact info) Spell check Sincere Specific EX: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me regarding the open receptionist position. I enjoyed learning more about your organizational operations. It sounds like your team is dedicated and efficient, and I would welcome an opportunity to be a part of it. I look forward to hearing from you! Can demonstrate your follow through and attention to detail

Watch what you share! Pictures Status updates

Try to avoid ring backs (songs that play instead of a phone ringing) Make sure your voic is appropriate Don’t leave them guessing! Include your name

Make sure you ask first Do you know what they will say about you? Updated phone number Confidentiality

Networking opportunity References Build skills Clerical Phone Customer service

Many factors you can’t control Focus on what you can control. Do your best. Track your efforts. Spreadsheet, list where and when you have applied to a company Take names/phone numbers Attach a copy of the resume you submitted, or write the file name

Each of these topics could be their own workshop Check with your local Job Center for more workshop opportunities

Discussed opportunities to find employment Discussed application, resume, and cover letter pointers Discussed how to prepare for an interview and follow up once completed Practiced some of the skills covered