Research
- Labor market information. Determine the skills needed in the current workforce, job outlook, and successful job search
methods.
- Prospective employers. Determine the employment hiring procedure, types of products or services offered by
companies, company size, departments, company needs, etc.
- Information about yourself. Determine which career fields will be a match with your personal interests, values,
goals, skills, and abilities.
Product and Development
There are two types of products that you must create …
Verbal Products
Include your answers to interview questions and questions that you should ask the interviewer.
Sample Interview Questions...
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you applying for this job?
- What do you know about this job or company?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What are your major strengths?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are your goals in life?
- What accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction?
- How does your education or experience relate to this job?
Sample Questions you can ask an employer during an interview...
- Who would be responsible for my training?
- What would be my primary responsibilities?
- Who would be my supervisor?
- Would there be advancement opportunities?
- When can I expect to hear something regarding the position?
Remember... For a successful interview, identify your skills.
Would you believe over 80% of all job seekers are unable to describe their skills in an interview?
Determine your...
Self-Management Skills
- Describe your personality
- Allow you to adapt to new situations
- Make you a productive employee
Transferable Skills
- Can be used in a variety of jobs
- Often called universal skills
- Can transfer from one job to another
Job-Related Skills
- Required for a particular job
- Usually require training or experience
- Often used for “screening” applicants
Written Products
A Résumé is...
- Expected from you by many employers
- A quick way to make a good impression
- A way to answer, “Why the employer should hire you?”
Types of Résumés...
Chronological (lists of work experiences beginning with most recent)
Pros
Good for those with a strong work history
Employers prefer it
Cons
Displays problems like job hopping and gaps
Not good for career changes and those with little work experience
Functional (work and personal experiences listed under key skill areas)
Pros
Highlights strengths, hides weaknesses
Can present life experiences
Good for those with limited work experience
Cons
Multiple changes may be necessary to reflect appropriate skills for position
Employers are often not as familiar with this type of résumé
Combination (combines elements of both résumé types) Résumé writing tips...
- Write it yourself
- Make it ERROR free
- Make it look good and easy to read
- Be brief and relevant
- Be honest and positive
- Be specific
- Use action words and short sentences
Refinement...
- Don’t use templates! You want your résumé to stand out, not blend in
- Have someone proof your résumé for you to ensure there are no typographical or grammatical errors
- Consider changing your objective and rearranging your headings to accommodate the job for which you are
applying (this means reading the job description and prioritizing your skills and abilities to fit what the employer is seeking)
- Print your résumé on quality paper
Marketing and Distribution...
- Distribute copies of your to friends, family members, former instructors, etc. If you don’t let people know
that you’re looking for a job, they won’t know!
- Always update your résumé with any new job skills that you learn and resubmit to potential employers
Remember... A résumé alone will not get you a job offer. It will take preparation, research, networking,
résumé, interviewing, and follow-up to be successful in the job search.
MORE HELPFUL INTERVIEW INFORMATION...
- Dress appropriately (no shorts, flip flops, hats, hanging pants, etc.)
- Wear very little jewelry
- Prove your skills with facts
- Relate your skills to employer needs
- Research company prior to interview
- Arrive 20-15 minutes before the interview
- Be positive --- have a good attitude
- Introduce yourself to an interviewer
- Give a firm handshake during introduction
- Always give good eye contact throughout interview
- Demonstrate good manners and behavior
- Provide additional comments to yes/no questions
"Changing Lives One Student At A Time"
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