1. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 13 Finding and Obtaining Employment

2. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Preparing for the Job Search freeimages.co.uk

3. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Gather Information ‣ Through the library, Internet, or placement center research ‣ Through interviews ‣ Through professional organizations, meetings, e-mail lists, and electronic bulletin boards

4. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Apply For Work-Study, Internship, or Volunteer Programs ‣ To gain valuable experience related to your field ‣ Through on-campus job, service-learning, non- profit or community-service organizations ‣ To set yourself apart from other candidates applying for the same job

5. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Begin a Résumé or Personal Data File ‣ To keep track of employment-related names, dates, experiences, and qualifications ‣ To update and record details at least once a year ‣ To see gaps in your training or experience ‣ To help those who might recommend you

6. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Request References ‣ In two forms: letters of recommendation and verbal references ‣ From professors, supervisors, or other community and business leaders ‣ In person, not via email or over the phone ‣ By giving your reference a list of facts and important details you’d like them to mention

7. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Compile a Dossier or Portfolio ‣ Containing the basic credentials and materials needed for most job searches and applications ‣ Through a service, like your college’s placement center or a dossier service ‣ To distribute materials in a secure, organized, professional manner

8. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Begin Your Job Search ‣ By applying directly to employers ‣ By networking ‣ By searching online ‣ By searching newspapers and journal listings ‣ By searching journals and catalogs ‣ By using your college’s placement service ‣ By using a professional placement service

9. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Creating Employment- Related Documents freeimages.co.uk

10. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Your ability to communicate effectively in job related documents might determine whether you get interviewed for a job

11. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Recommendation Request Letters ‣ Are written to each person solicited to write a recommendation ‣ Should begin with the specific request ‣ Should specify whether the recommendation is for a specific job or for a broad job search ‣ Should include as many pertinent details in your request as possible

12. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Should mention if the letter is needed by a certain time ‣ Should provide pertinent contact information such as your phone number and email address ‣ Should propose to meet with the recommender to discuss this recommendation in further detail, if necessary ‣ Should thank the individual for considering your request, but should not assume they will write the letter

13. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Are sent to specific organizations that do not currently have jobs available in your field ‣ Gives companies a chance to learn about potential employees, promote their company, and add you to a list of future prospects ‣ Request an informal interview in the opening line of the letter ‣ Mention your qualifications for a future position in their firm Letters of Inquiry

14. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Suggest your reasons for contacting their particular organization ‣ Offer to bring a copy of your résumé to an informal interview or send it to them beforehand ‣ Provide pertinent contact information such as your phone number and email address ‣ Propose to meet with them at their convenience, and thank the individual for considering your request for an informal interview

15. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Your Résumé ‣ Contains key information about your experiences and training ‣ Functions as the main tool for getting a job interview ‣ Can be a chronological résumé ‣ Emphasizing degrees, job titles, and dates ‣ Can be a skills résumé ‣ Emphasizing experience and skills

16. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Résumés May Contain ‣ Contact Information ‣ Career Objective ‣ Education ‣ Experience ‣ Honors and Awards ‣ Activities ‣ References freeimages.co.uk

17. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Contact Information ‣ Includes the author’s full name followed by that person’s address directly below it ‣ Includes your complete phone number with the area code ‣ Includes your professional email address and homepage

18. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Career Objective ‣ Might be included for those beginning a career or switching to a new one ‣ Informs readers about your goals during the next 5-10 years ‣ Should be kept short and realistic ‣ Should be specifically written for the job for which you are applying

19. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Education ‣ Should be listed first if your degree specifically applies to the job you are seeking ‣ Lists the degree you received, the date you graduated (or will graduate), the complete name of the school, and the city and state in which the school is located ‣ Lists all schools from which you have earned degrees in higher education

20. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Experience ‣ Lists any employment experience since high school, including part-time jobs, summer employment, military training or experience, and work study, internship, or volunteer positions ‣ Includes the job title (in bold text), the name of the employer, the city and state in which the employer is located, and the dates you worked for them

21. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Honors and Awards ‣ Emphasizes accomplishments in school, work, and service ‣ Include information like ‣ Scholarships and Fellowships ‣ Academic or service awards ‣ Nominations for awards ‣ Publications ‣ Academic honor societies

22. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Activities ‣ Lets employers know what activities you have participated in on a regular basis ‣ Include activities that showcase skills and ability to work with others, like ‣ Membership in professional organizations ‣ Volunteer work

23. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. References ‣ Are listed on your résumé, usually including three references and their contact information ‣ Includes the referees’ full names and titles if they have them ‣ Includes their full mailing addresses, work phone numbers, and email addresses

24. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Design Elements ‣ Should make the information clear, accessible, and easy to locate ‣ Should arrange information to emphasize strengths ‣ Should fit the overall “image” of the company to which you’re applying ‣ Should be consistent throughout ‣ Should make use of white space, bullets, indentations, italics, and bold type for clarity

25. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Online Résumé ‣ Gives a “high-tech” impression of you and your information ‣ Should include an email link ‣ Should use keywords so it is friendly for search engines ‣ Should omit your mailing address, phone number, page numbers, and headers

26. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Should use internal links to allow readers to easily navigate from one part of the résumé ‣ Should include hyperlinked URLS ‣ Should include links to downloadable, print-based versions of your résumé ‣ May include a front page containing links to various sections of your résumé ‣ May include a few simple and professional graphics or perhaps a photo of yourself ‣ May include a short quote about you from one of your referees

27. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Scannable Résumés ‣ Facilitate scanning directly into a database of potential and current employees ‣ Are categorized according to specialization, geographic region, keywords, and other classifications ‣ Should use a standard typeface that will not jumble together when scanned

28. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Should not contain underlining, italics, or boldface text ‣ Should use specific keywords and terms common in your profession ‣ Should not contain indented text or columns ‣ Should use a ragged right margin ‣ Should be free of any graphics ‣ Should list each phone number on a separate line ‣ Should be saved as plain text or ASCII

29. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Ethics and Résumés ‣ How you represent yourself in your résumé is not only a matter of rhetorical choice, but of ethical choice as well ‣ Exaggerating or fabricating résumé information is a serious ethical and professional breach ‣ It is in your own best interest to represent your experience and training accurately

30. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters ‣ Address the specific job for which you are applying ‣ Emphasize the most important qualities that make you attractive to the employer ‣ Highlight qualifications and experiences that set you apart from other candidates

31. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters Contain ‣ An introductory paragraph that identifies the particular job for which you are applying ‣ Body paragraphs that provide further details about your qualifications for the position ‣ A concluding paragraph the refers to the résumé and any other documents included in the application

32. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Preparing for Interviews ‣ Be sure you can be easily contacted ‣ Gather information about the company and the interviewers ‣ Anticipate questions you will be asked and write out specific answers ‣ Practice with a mock interview ‣ Gather documents that might help during the interview

33. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. When Participating in Interviews ‣ Portray yourself as a confident, energetic, and intelligent person in everything you do ‣ Enter with a confident smile, make eye contact, and repeat everyone’s names as you say hello ‣ Try to interact with the interviewers rather than simply answering the questions as they are delivered

34. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Ask questions of your own during the interview, but do so only after you respond to their questions ‣ Be specific with your responses, but not effusive ‣ Remain calm and cool, even if asked questions that seem unfair, confusing, or unanswerable ‣ Ask two or three questions that demonstrate your ability to do the job well and your genuine interest in working for the company ‣ Thank them for considering you for the position

35. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. ‣ Send a follow-up response to the individual who led the interview within 24 hours ‣ Reinforce positives from the interview ‣ Make you appear highly interested in the job and motivated to get it ‣ Encourages the interviewer to remember you when making the hiring decision Follow Up Letters

36. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Negotiating and Accepting Job Offers ‣ Focus on the positive ‣ Ask for 24 hours to decide ‣ Be patient if the negotiations take some time ‣ Be firm but flexible when negotiating for salary or benefits ‣ Call other companies that might be interested ‣ Look at the big pictures when deciding between two offers ‣ Don’t haggle over minor details

37. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Job Acceptance Letter ‣ Begins by stating your acceptance of the job in the first sentence ‣ Expresses your appreciation for and enthusiasm about the job ‣ May briefly describe the terms of your employment ‣ Is usually limited to one page

38. Dobrin / Keller / Weisser : Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century. © 2008 Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved. Job Rejection Letter ‣ Should be brief and clear, declining the offer in the first paragraph ‣ Provides one or two sentences explaining why you are declining the offer, if appropriate ‣ Avoids saying anything negative ‣ Concludes by thanking the employer for the offer