Getting the Job! Dr. Carol Larson Jones Cal Poly Pomona

Lulu Fou, Manager, Accenture As a senior executive at Accenture, I have spent many years recruiting talented individuals to our consulting firm. The best applicants I have seen are high achievers. These qualities are demonstrated by good grades, work experience, & leadership activities. Resumes should be kept to one page in length; busy people are too busy to read more than one page. And, most college graduates and many professionals do not have sufficient substance that cannot be summarized in one page. Lastly, the worst mistake that I have seen is where the applicant misspells the company name. Some highly qualified applicants have lost an opportunity for an interview for this simple but unfortunate oversight. The applicant that is enthusiastic and engaged in the interview will score favorably. During the interview, I am validating the resume for its content. The bottom line is whether the applicant will be able to integrate well with the team. Is this person reliable, trustworthy, and someone that I would like to work with? The successful applicant will be able to communicate those qualities verbally and non-verbally.

Successfully Obtaining Employment Your most important business communication will be about your employment. To obtain employment, you will need to conduct a job campaign: 1.Analyzing your qualifications 2.Obtaining information about employment opportunities 3.Developing resumes 4.Writing application letters 5.Interviewing for a job 6.Preparing other employment communication

Step 1: Analyzing Your Qualifications Because you are the product you are selling in your job campaign, you must know yourself well. –Individual profile: On a sheet list your name, address, telephone number, address, and fax number. This profile should include your interests and hobbies, community service activities, organization memberships, etc. –Education: On a sheet list the schools that you have attended, the dates, your major, your minor, your grade point average, etc. Enumerate your computer and software skills as well as courses that relate to the job requirements, etc. –Experience: On a sheet list your part-time and full-time work experience. Keep in mind your responsibilities as well as your accomplishments. Be sure to include voluntary work, military experience, etc. – - References: On a sheet list individuals who will give you favorable recommendations. If you do you them, be sure to have their permission to do so.

Step 2: Obtaining Information about Job Opportunities Finding positions for which you can apply generally requires an organized effort. You must determine which jobs are available and what the job requirements are for those positions. Positions are either solicited (a specific job for which employers are seeking applicants) or unsolicited (a job that may be available but is unlisted or unadvertised.) The following are possible sources for findings positions –Campus Career Centers –The Internet ( –Newspaper and Journal Advertisements – Private or Government Employment Agencies – Other Sources include friends, relatives, instructors, acquaintances, and past or present employers

Step 3: Developing Your Resume A resume is a summary of your qualifications. It should be clear, concise, and positive. The main purpose of the resume is to obtain a job interview! 1.Styles of Resumes Targeted Resume General Resume 2.Formats for Resumes Chronological Format Functional Format Choosing a Format 3.Electronic Resumes Keyword (Scannable) Resumes –Keywords –Preparing a Keyword (Scannable) Resume On-Line Resumes

Preparing Your Resume With the information you developed when you analyzed your qualifications and the job market, you are now ready to prepare your resume. Resumes have commonly used the following sections. It is recommended that your references be listed on a separate sheet as discussed later. 1.Opening 2.Education 3.Experience 4.Activities, Honors, Special Skills, and/or Other Appropriate Titles 5.References

Electronic Resumes: Keyword and Online New technology is changing the way you can search and apply for a job. More companies are using computers to seek qualified employees. Electronic resumes can be classified as either 1. Keyword (scannable) or 2. Online. –Keyword resume follows the traditional style of a resume and includes a section of Keywords which is a listing of words that describe YOU. These Keywords should be nouns or adjectives that describe your skills and personal characteristics. This resume can be sent in the mail, faxed to the employer, or handed out at interviews and job fairs! –Online resume which are placed on the Internet play an important part in your job search, too. Remember do not list your home address or phone number on this resume. JobTrak is the service CPP and colleges use!

Step 4: Writing Application Letters An application letter, which functions as a cover letter in the transmittal of your resume, is a sales letter—with you are the PRODUCT! The three major parts of the letter include: 1.Gain Attention in Opening Gain favorable attention Provide orientation and transition 2.Convincing Employer You Fit Job Specify job requirements Review qualifications Refer to resume 3.Promoting Action in Close Ask for interview Be flexible

Writing Application Letters The following paragraphs should be used in your targeted letter of application: Paragraph 1—Opening. State your interest in a specific job. Explain where you found the job advertisement. Paragraph 2—Education. Give information on your degree and major. Be specific about accomplishments. List classes. Paragraph 3—Work Experience. Give an overview of your accomplishments on the job. Paragraph 4—Optional. You can explain your leadership roles or special qualifications for the job. Paragraph 5—Promote Action. Ask for an interview.

Step 5: Interviewing for Jobs Preparing for a Job Interview –Be Ready to Answer Questions Traditional Style Interview (what you would do) Behavioral Style Interview (what you did do) –Be Prepared to Discuss Salary –Be Ready to Ask Questions –Research the Company –Prepare Yourself Personally—Traditional Dress and Business Casual Participating in an Interview Types of Interviews –Screening Interviews; Subsequent Interviews; Video Interviews; On-Line Interviews; Group Interviews

Preparing for Interviews: Traditional Traditional style interviews are designed to find out about your education and experience. Many companies will use the traditional style interview to determine whether you have the background to fill the position. Have your answers ready for these questions, which will focus on your education and work experiences. Example: Tell me about yourself.

Preparing for Interviews: Behavioral Behavioral style interviews are designed to focus on an applicant’s past actions and behaviors in order to determine how he or she will perform in the future. Employers support this style of interview since they have found that past behaviors predict future behaviors. You can prepare for these interviews by reviewing previous situations and reviewing how you handled them at school or at work. Example: Describe a major problem you had with an employee at work and how you handled it. Describe at what point you decided to confront this employee at work.

Ten Steps to a Successful Job Interview 1.Arrive on time. 2.Introduce yourself in a courteous manner. 3.Read company materials while you wait. 4.Have a firm handshake. 5.Use body language to show interest. 6.Listen. 7.Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback to the interviewer. 8.Ask about the next step in the process. 9.Thank the interviewer. 10.Write the thank-you letter(s). As reported in A The Successful Job Interview: KNOW the Planning Job Choices: 1997, 1997, p. E65.

General Questions Tell me about yourself! What do you know about the company? Why do you want to work for us? What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can’t? What about the job offered do you find more attractive? Least? Why should we hire you? What do you look for in a job? Please give me a definition of a….(job title) How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? * How long would you stay with us?

Appropriate Dress Men: Two-piece conservative suit in a solid color such as blue or gray. White shirt with a plain or simple pattern tie. Polished shoes with socks that match the suit. Remember your belt should match your shoes. Women: Two piece conservative suite with a knee-length or longer skirt in a solid color such as blue or gray. Pants are not recommended for interviews unless you have been told they are appropriate. White blouse with modest jewelry. Polished shoes with plain hosiery. Remember your belt should match your shoes.

Step 6: Other Employment Communication The final step in finding employment is following up on your job applications and interviews. Other employment can include telephone calls, letters, e- mail, and in-person contacts. The following is a listing of the categories of other employment communication. 1.Following Up an Application 2. Accepting an Interview Invitation 3.Following Up an Interview 4.Accepting Employment 5.Rejecting Employment 6.Expressing Appreciation for Assistance 7.Resigning from a Job

What Do Recruiters Want?* Communication and interpersonal skills90% Ability to work well within a team87% Analytical and problem-solving skills87% Ability to drive results81% Quality of past hires80% Leadership potential74% Fit with the corporate culture73% Strategic thinking65% Graduates who are likely to be “stars”65% Student chemistry—overall like student49% Willingness to relocate47% Original and visionary thinking46% Overall value for money invested39% * BizEd November/December The Wall Street Journal Harris Interactive. The Wall Street Journal Guide to the Top Business Schools 2003.

What Do Recruiters Want?* General-management point of view35% Content of the core curriculum35% Retention of past hires35% Years of work experience32% Overall “chemistry” of the school32% Entrepreneurial skills26% Faculty expertise26% Career services at the school24% Past acceptance rate of job offers at school25% Strong international perspective21% Awareness of corporate citizenship issues15% *BizEd November/December The Wall Street Journal Harris Interactive. The Wall Street Journal Guide to the Top Business Schools 2003.

Thank you for listening and again remember……. Remember—Employers are looking for the important facts about a candidate and will rush over lengthy resumes. Most hiring officials will initially spend about seconds scanning a resume! Remember—Employers are looking for people who are enthusiastic about coming to work for them. Show them you are motivated and will be an asset to the company. Don’t dwell on why you left your job. Remember—Job opportunities are won or lost in the personal interview. Make your best presentation! Remember—Your most important goal is to make a positive impression and get a job offer— you never get a second chance!