Getting Started
Preparing a Resume and Cover
Letter
Interview
Employment Links
Websites to Find Company
Information
Getting
Started
The Internet provides a variety of services to help job seekers
and employers contact each other. The skilled Internet surfer can
benefit from a variety of sites offfering employment leads, tips for
resume preparation, and relocation tips.
How you can use the Internet in your job hunting process
- a place to search for jobs, using the want ads from online
newspapers, or company websites, or job postings
- a place to write and post a resume
- a place to do research on a company, a city to which you're
moving , or general career information
- a place to develop contacts with people who can help you with
your job search or schedule an interview
Effective job hunting methods
- the approach - focus on experience, skills, and knowledge.
Research any employer that deals in your skills and
knowledge.
- research an employer that interests you; go to the yellow
pages, company website or directly to the company.
- ask friends, relatives or acquaintances about any job
openings.
- go to your high school guidance counselor or college planning
office, even if you have graduated. The planning office usually
has bulletin boards with job notices and vacancies.
Things to always remember when job hunting on the Internet
or using e-mail
- did the company mention money?
- did the company ask for a credit card number? If the company
asked for a credit card number, be sure to check the legitimacy of
the company.
- there are people on the Internet looking to take advantage of
other people
- remember, as a job seeker on the Internet , you are vulnerable
to others surfing the web.
Preparing a
Resume and Cover Letter
Cover letters
A cover letter is important , it allows you to highlight and
elaborate on your abilities as described in the job ad and contained
in your resume. It's a way to make your resume more personal. It
should be short ,and to the point.
A well -written cover letter and resume work together to give a
persuasive picture of your experience, education, and capabilities
and talents.
Cover Letter Format
When writing a cover letter use the basic business letter
format
- use the same typeface and font as your resume
- use the block or indented format
Your cover letter should include
- your return address
- date
- title and name of the person to whom you are sending the
letter
- job title of person
- name and address of company
- salutation line - example: Dear Mrs. Jones
- body of letter
- closing
- your signature and typed name
There are 2 types of cover letters
- basic - introduces you and your capabilities to the
employer.
- persuasive - are attention-getters that work to influence the
potential employer.
The cover letter is made up of three parts
- the opening - explains to the employer why you have contacted
them and states the specific position for which you are applying.
If you are enclosing additional items such as a resume or
references, you may list them in the paragraph.
- the body - describes items in your resume, education , and any
personal qualities that will help you be successful in the job. Do
not use abbreviations
- the closing - let the employer know when you will be available
for an interview. You might let them know you are eager to talk
with them,. Thank them for considering you for the job. Be
brief.
Preparing a Resume
Resume (rez-e-ma) -a summary; a statement of job applicant's
previous experience, education, etc. Webster's
The purpose of the resume is to provide a potential employer with
a concise summary of your education, experience, accomplishments and
abilities. It is a selling tool. You are selling yourself to an
employer.
When going to an interview take five copies of your resume. One
copy for the interviewer and extra copies for unexpected interviews.
If more than one person is sitting in on the interview, give each one
a copy of your resume.
References are not included on your resume, but have a list of
references with you , in case the interviewer asks for them. Also
letter(s) of recommendation from a previous employer are not included
with your resume but it's a good idea to have them if the interviewer
should ask.
Types of resumes
- Chronological - recaps your experience based on time and
sequence of events. This type is most effective when education and
experience are closely related and your goal is to advance within
the same career field. This format is the most popular with
employers and recruiters because it is clear.
- Functional - highlights specific activities in which you have
education and experience. A functional resume directs an employer
to what you want noticed.
- Combination - includes elements of both the functional and
chronological. Its purpose is to respond in a results orientated
way to the requirements of a specific job advertisement or
particular type of career opportunity
Chronological resume checklist
- heading - name, address, phone number, and e-mail address
- objective -state for which position you are applying and the
value you can contribute. Make it brief
- work experience - in reverse chronological order cite
positions, dates, and company names with a brief summary of duties
and accomplishments . Focus on your strong points that relate
directly to your career objective
- education - list degrees and institutions with graduation
dates, include a brief description of achievements related to each
degree
- honors - list honors and commendations with appropriate
details
- activities - cite organizations and civic activities with
accomplishments
- professional memberships - provide professional memberships
with accomplishments, leadership positions, etc.
- special skills - summarize any special skills relevant to your
targeted career
- references - note that references are available upon request.
Do not list contact names on your resume
For examples, click on of the following links.
Functional resume checklist
- heading - name, address, phone number and e-mail address
- objective - state for which position you are applying and the
value you can contribute. Make it brief
- accomplishments- summarize skills, results, outcomes,
recognition
- employment history - in reverse chronological order cite
positions, dates, and company name
- education - in chronological order list degrees and
institutions with a brief description of achievements
- references- note that references are available on request. Do
not list contact names on your resume
For examples, click on of the following links.
Combination resume checklist
- heading - provide your name, address, and phone number
- objective - state for which position you are applying and the
value you can contribute. Make it brief
- professional profile - summarize career highlights, including
skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities
- employment history - in reverse chronological order cite
positions , dates and company name, include a brief description of
tasks
- education - in reverse chronological order list degrees and
institutions with a brief description of achievements related to
each degree
- references - note that references are available on request. Do
not list contact names on your resume
For examples, click on of the following links.
Creating your resume
- printing - make sure there are no blurs, ink marks, streaks or
faint letters. Use a laser or inkjet printer. Print on only one
side of the paper
- paper - use quality paper with a watermark that has a faint
image ingrained into the paper. Paper color should be off white,
eggshell, or a very light grey. Use 81/2" x11" paper
- typeface - Times Roman has cross lines at the ends of the
letters and they look curved and elegant. Sans-serif and Helvetica
are simple and clean . No more than two letter types should appear
on a resume.
- font size - standard size is usually 10. Use larger size 12 or
14 for headings or you can bold headings for more emphasis. Avoid
italics and underlining.
- check spelling carefully
- do not use two columns
- do not use hollow bullets (o), number symbol (#), or boxes (
[] )
- do not staple your resume, do not put in a folder or in a
plastic cover
- if you have more than one page, consider using a header on
each page with your name and page number. You may also number the
pages at the bottom of each page. Resumes should be one page but
no longer than two pages.
- when mailing, do not fold or crease your resume
- keep a balance between the white space and print
Things NOT to include in your resume
- personal data - age, sex, religion, martial status, physical
limitations, or sexual orientation
- detailed list of employment or character references
- photographs
- high school education if you have received an associate's or
bachelor's degree
- high school activities if you've been out of school for 10
years
- extensive details of hobbies or personal interests
- part-time or summer jobs held during high school and college
if you've been out of school for 10 years
eResumes
An e-resume is a resume created for use on a computer. It
can be read on the computer screen, and saved on the computer hard
drive or disk. It may be sent over the Internet, converted into other
electronic file types, and printed on paper.
Creating a e-mail resume
- when sending an e-mail resume your typeface and font will
appear in the typeface and font default of the employer's
computer. If you bold, italics, and use various fonts they will
appear as plain text on the employers computer
- do not use word wrap. Set margins at 0 and 65 or set the right
margin at 6.5".
- typeface - use a fixed typeface, such as Courier.
- font - use a size 12
- margins - one inch on the top, bottom, right and left
- tabs - do not use tabs, use your spacebar instead
- alignment - if you need to indent or center a line or heading,
use the spacebar
- attachments - paste your cover letter and resume into the body
of your e-mail or you may send it as an attachment.
- page numbers - do not use page numbers
- check spelling carefully
- subject line - use the job title or reference number
- do not use bullet symbols
- do not use bold face type or italics
- save as an ASCII or plain text format (Microsoft Word defaults
to this)
- name the document your last name not "resume". Documents tend
to become lost when a company receives many resumes
- include the cover letter and resume in one file
- keep the size of your page to 35k or less
Things NOT to include in your eResume
Interview
Prepare for the job interview
- be familiar with the company's products and services.
- find out what the job involves, reviewing the job ad
- do your skills match the job requirements? Review how you
match the job requirements
- practice for the interview - interview yourself or have a
friend ask you questions.
- the interviewer will ask you "why would you like to work for
us", "are you qualified?", "why should we hire you?"
- have a list of questions you would like to ask
- dress appropriately (see below)
Interview Etiquette
- be on time, if possible ten minutes early
- bring a minimum amount of materials with you: paper and pencil
for note taking, copy of resume, copy of references,letters of
recommendations, etc.
- do not bring someone with you to the interview
- use a firm handshake
- do not sit down until you are asked or until the interviewer
sits down
- maintain eye contact with interviewer, but do not stare
- pronounce your words clearly
- keep answers brief and to the point
- do not fidget
- watch your body language - don't cross your arms, wring your
hands, tap your fingers, or shake your feet. Keep your legs
together and your feet on the floor
- be friendly, polite and courteous
- smile occasionally, don't grin or frown
- sit up straight, don't slouch
- do not smoke before or during the interview
- Do not chew gum
- do not have mints in your mouth
Choosing What to Wear to an Interview
Your appearance is the most critical element in a first
impression, always dress professionally.
Men
- dark suit
- white or ivory shirt
- Conservative tie
- shine your shoes
- wear dark colored socks
- do not use strong after shave or cologne
- finger nails should be short and clean
- use deodorant
- brush your teeth
- hair neatly combed
Women
- tailored business suit in a solid , dark fabric
- white or ivory blouse
- shirt that is at or below the knee and big enough for you to
sit, move and bend comfortably
- wear hose that match your skin tone
- shoes should be plain, closed toe flats or low heels
- minimum jewelry
- simple accessories
- short nails with clear or pale polish
- avoid excessive makeup
- no iridescent eye shadow
- no loud colored glossy lipstick
- use cologne or perfume sparingly
- use deodorant
- brush your teeth
- hair neatly combed
Follow Up After the Interview
Thank you letters - are invaluable after an interview- you
are thanking the employer for interviewing you. They provide you with
another opportunity to expose prospective employers with your name.
This gives you another chance to highlight your strengths and
reaffirm your interest in the job. Everyone who interviewed you
should receive a follow up letter.
- letter should be mailed within one to three days of the
interview.
- keep the letter short - two to three brief paragraphs. Use the
formal letter format.
- use standard stationary, 8-1/2"x11".
- paper should be white, grey or beige.
- the letter should recap your strengths and any special
qualities that make you desirable for the position.
- express your interest in the job and your eagerness to begin
work.
- if the prospective employer asked for references, include
those in the letter.
- when closing be sure to include your full name along with a
phone number and address.
Follow up call - if an employer agreed to call you by a
specific date and has failed to do so, pick up the phone and call.
The call should simply state that you are still interested in
obtaining a position.
Employment
Links
Websites to Find Company
Information
______________________________________________________________________________________________
References
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