1. Taking Charge of Your Career
Chapter C
Taking Charge of Your Career

2. P- Prepare Identifying your ideal job, skills and career goals
Try It 1

3. O- Organize Finding Career Opportunities Books and Web Sites
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Dept. of Labor web site-
Interest and Personality Assessments
Campbell Interest and Skill Survey
Kuder Occupational Interest Survey
Strong Interest Inventory
Personal Interviews

4. W- Work Creating a Career Portfolio
Dynamic record that documents your skills, capabilities, achievements, and goals, as well as provides a place to keep notes, ideas, and research findings related to careers.
Part I: Background Information
Basic personal data
Career research notes
Syllabus and outline from courses you have taken
Transcripts
Your personal history
Description of ideal job
Long-term career goals
Writing samples
Credentials
Try It 3

5. W- Work (cont.) Part II- Resume and Cover Letter Resume Cover Letter
Contact information
Job objective
Education
Awards and honors
Campus and community activities
Professional memberships
Particular skills
References
Cover Letter
Bring life to the list of qualifications
Enthusiasm
Match qualifications of job requirements

6. Building Cover letter Introduction- catching the reader
Why you are writing
How you learned about the job
Why you are interested
Letter body- drawing in the reader
Who you are
Why they should choose you
Info. that isn’t included in resume
Conclusion- a call for action
Restate interest
Suggest that you are available to discuss further
State availability for interview
THANK them for their consideration

7. E- Evaluation Getting feedback on your resume
Trusted person (instructors0
People in the field
Network- it’s about who you know and who knows you.

8. R- Rethink Reconsidering your career choices
Does the occupation you’ve chosen take advantage of you skills and strengths?
Have you been diligent in carrying out research about alternative careers?
Are you excited about your choice?
Does the job fit closely with your values and aspirations?

9. References Identifying people to provide references
Former job supervisors
Colleagues in previous positions
Class instructors
Community service supervisors
Asking for reference
Always ask for permission
NO reference is better than a BAD reference

10. Interviews Before the interview During the interview
Learn about the potential employer
Prepare with questions
Prepare answers
During the interview
Be punctual
Dress appropriately
Use your social skills effectively
Ask questions
Be yourself and be honest

11. Interviews (cont.) After the interview Phone interviews
Evaluate your interview performance
Consider if you still want the position
Write a thank-you note
Follow up
Phone interviews
Be prepared
Keep your resume and list of accomplishments in clear view in front of you
Take notes on the conversation
Avoid distractions
Avoid saying “um”, “er”, “you know”, and other verbal “tics”
Don’t eat or drink during the phone interview
Practice being interviewed on the phone