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Air District “Spare the Air” “Spare the Air” Work to protect the environment Work to protect the environment Prepare future workers Prepare future workers “Committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment”

Finding Work Where are you working now? How did you get that job?

Overview Where to find available jobs Where to find available jobs How to create a resume How to create a resume Handling the first phone call Handling the first phone call

Where to look for available jobs: Walk in Walk in Career center Career center Online resources Online resources –Job search databases:  Craigslist.org  Monster.com –Company websites  Starbucks.com  Bankofamerica.com Job fairs Job fairs Friends and family connections Friends and family connections Networking… Networking…

Once you have found available positions, how do you get the job? Apply in person Apply in person Fill out an application Fill out an application Send a resume & cover letter Send a resume & cover letter If you don’t get the job the first time, keep trying!

Networking Establish connections Establish connections –Some common interest/experience –More of a mutual bond Build professional relationships Build professional relationships Professional mentor Professional mentor

Resume Writing What is a resume and why is it important?

Allows you to sell yourself Allows you to sell yourself Employers use them to see if you are qualified Employers use them to see if you are qualified Tailors interview discussion topics Tailors interview discussion topics Resumes are used for many things: Resume Writing

Simple resume tips: Be honest Be honest Be clear and concise Be clear and concise Don’t use slang Don’t use slang Avoid writing in the first person Avoid writing in the first person –no “I” statements Avoid abbreviations Avoid abbreviations –spell out each word Use a consistent format Use a consistent format –Microsoft Word has some great resume templates Proofread Proofread Use action verb statements Use action verb statements(p.15-16) Resume Writing

Accomplishments: Clubs, Awards Accomplishments: Clubs, Awards Skills: Computer, People, Languages Skills: Computer, People, Languages Experiences: Paid/Un-paid, Volunteering Experiences: Paid/Un-paid, Volunteering Qualifications: Education Qualifications: Education Resume Writing Efficient way to display: It is an employers first impression of you

Resume Format (p.19)

Action verb statements: Make your resume standout! Make your resume standout! Three components Three components –Describe the action –Describe the result –Identify a problem/situation For example: For example: “Organized successful school canned food drive” (action) (result) (situation) (p.17) (action) (result) (situation) (p.17) Resume Writing

What NOT to include on a resume Availability Availability Salary Salary Age, race, sex, national origin Age, race, sex, national origin Photographs Photographs Charts and graphs Charts and graphs Weaknesses Weaknesses Reasons for leaving Reasons for leaving References References Resume Writing

What Should You Do When an Employer Calls? The First Phone Call

Smile Smile –They can’t see it, but they can HEAR it! Be energetic Be energetic Be a good conversationalist Be a good conversationalist –Enunciate, speak clearly Listen carefully Listen carefully Take notes Take notes Take a second to compose your answers Take a second to compose your answers Think before you speak!! Think before you speak!! Survival Tips

The First Phone Call You are unprepared You are unprepared (i.e.: don’t have your resume handy) You are in an awkward situation You are in an awkward situation (i.e.: on BART) Politely ask to reschedule the call at another time that is convenient for the caller. It is Acceptable to Reschedule if:

Conclusion Use available resources to find work Use available resources to find work Make yourself stand Make yourself stand out with a good resume To look less To look less needy, get busy!