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Career Skills 2
Applying & Tailoring
Today’s lesson will focus on:Learning proven techniques that have gotten people employed.
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Class Agenda:
Applying and TailoringAt the end of today’s session, you should feel better answering the following questions:
1. What are the most effective ways to apply for a job?
2. What types of interviews and questions are there?
3. How do I tailor my resume and cover letter?
This session’s topics will be:
• Job Search Mindset
• Job Search Techniques
• Resume Tailoring
• Cover Letter Tailoring
Deliverable: None
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• Positive Outlook
• This is a Marathon, not a sprint
– Grit!
– Budget time accordingly
– Best method: “If it is Wednesday, I will apply
for a job”
Job Search Mindset: Main Points
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Reasons for Rejection Include
• Personality did not fit
• There was an internal hire
• You need to improve certain skills
• You are seen as overqualified
• Your resume didn’t hit enough keywords
A Rejection Is Not a measurement of your worth. So many factors go into employment, it’s impossible to know the exact reason. IT doesn’t even mean your skills were bad, just that someone else’s combined with their personality were a strong fit.
Job Search Mindset: Rejection
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That being said, rejection is never easy.
In These Times, apply following techniques:
• Treat yourself to something nice
• Remember: Stress is NOT helpful
• Think of past obstacles you have overcome
• Remember: Jobs will ALWAYS be available
• Create a support network to reach out to
• Do not compare yourself
Job Search Mindset:
Be Prepared to Re-Motivate Self
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• Be realistic about your job search
• It will help you learn and understand what is out there and how to
position yourself.
Job Search Mindset: Manage Expectations
Job Boards
• Employers typically pay a fee to post jobs (Monster)
Job Search Engine
• Search web and list all job listings from job boards and employer websites
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Job Search Techniques: Vary Your Approach
Not to say only network, but it is best to apply in many different ways:
-Online Job Search - Career Fairs -Apply in Person(Use multiple sites)
-Volunteering/Internships -Networking (Friends, Family, etc.) -Local Classes
-Follow Up!
In 2016, Employee Referrals accounted for
what percentage of hires?
30%-35%
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Job Search Techniques: Your Timetable
“Applying for jobs is a PT job itself!”
• Generally suggested you will need to search for several months.
• Staff surveyed at Byte Back stated they applied for 7-10 jobs, daily!
• Set a reliable schedule to apply at least several hours per week.
– Ex: Every Tuesday I’ll apply for jobs from 5:30pm-7:00pm
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Job Search Techniques: Where To Find Jobs?
Careers.dc.gov
• DC Government Jobs
USAJobs.gov
• Federal Government Jobs
DCJobs.com
• DC Jobs
LinkedIn.com
• Combining Networking w/ Applying
Indeed.com
• Combine jobs from multiple sources
Idealist.org
• Jobs at nonprofits/schools
VolunteerMatch.com
• Volunteer Opportunities (No Jobs)
Dice.com
• IT-specific jobs (Generally Mid to High Level)
Tips • You can use words like “entry level” if you do
not have much experience yet• Focus on more recent positions• Apply directly to the company if possible.
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Job Search Techniques:
Comparing the Search Engines
Most Job Boards can be engaged with in the same manner, but below is an overview of major different between the main ones:
Indeed: Known as top external source-of-hire resource from employers.
• 73% of all external interviews last year.
LinkedIn: Main job board that combines applying with networking
Craigslist: Community Based Job Board
• Generally the quickest turnaround for jobs, particularly for entry level administrative.
• Less likely to use ATS.
• Apply for recent jobs only, and be careful of who you respond to and engage with.
Idealist: Nonprofit focused
• Less likely to use ATS.
• Has one of the strongest filtering systems, allowing you to filter by level of education required, which most job boards don’t adjust for.
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Search words determine search results.
• Know what you want and search using similar job titles, skills, and their
synonyms.
• Job Title
– What job title do you want to hold?
• Specific Skill
– What skills are you able to bring to the work force?
• Specific Certifications
– What certifications are you able to bring to the work force?
Job Search Techniques: Keyword Searches
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• Filter to find exactly what you’re
looking for
• Filter options are often on the left
side of the search results
• May require you to click an
“Update” or “Filter” button after
you have chosen how you would
like to filter the results
Job Search Techniques: Filtering Job Searches
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• Many large companies have an online page or website for job
seekers
• Look for words like Career, Jobs or Join our team
• View announcements for the available jobs, or search using
keywords
Job Search Techniques: Company Career Sites
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Job Search Techniques: E-mailingImaging you are a Hiring Manager, How Would You Rate This E-mail?
Initial E-mail
See Attached Resume
What’s Wrong?
-Way Too Short-No Greeting-No Signature
Improved E-mail
Dear Hiring Manager,
Attached is my resume and cover letter for the Administrative Assistant position with your company. I look forward to hearing next steps. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sally Student
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• Search regularly and record your efforts. Keep track of
the search engines you use, your search words, when you
search, and whether the search was helpful.
• Once you know which sites do and don’t meet your
needs, you can prioritize your search efforts.
• Create a simple excel template – Name of position, date
of posting, Link, contact, follow-up dates
Job Search Techniques: Job Search Tracker
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Job Search Techniques: Job Search Tracker
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Job Search Techniques: Follow-Up
• One of the MOST important steps
• Time Courtesies
– Reach out 5-10 business days after posting closes,
otherwise:
– Reach out 5-10 business days later after applying
• Some companies use this as a weeding tool, and
won’t reply unless people reach out
• Also can help you stand out later in the process
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• 19 Protected Traits. If you feel you were discriminated against, call the Office of Human Rights: 202-727-4559
Job Search Techniques:
Handling Discrimination
1. Race2. Color3. Religion4. National Origin5. Sex6. Age7. Marital Status8. Personal Appearance9. Sexual Orientation10. Gender Identity &
Expression
11. Family Responsibilities12. Political Affiliation13. Disability14. Matriculation15. Familial Status16. Genetic Information17. Source of Income18. Place of Residence or
Business19. Status as a Victim of an
Intrafamily Offense
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Job Search Techniques:
Noticing DiscriminationSpecific questions should not be asked of you:
• Age: How old are you?, When were you born?– Generally, applications can ask this for demographic reasons but
should be anonymized, none of the above questions should be asked in the interview.
– Employers can ask if you are over 18 ,as this relates to labor laws, but shouldn’t try to focus on getting a certain number out of you.
• Familial Status: Are you married? Do you plan on having children? Do you have children?
• Background: What’s your race? What’s your religion? Are you gay?
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Job Search Techniques:
Responding to DiscriminationIf you are asked an illegal questions, here are some options for you:
• You can respond truthfully, but address any stereotypes associated in the question.– “Do you plan to have children?”
– “I plan to pursue a career whether or not I decided to raise a family”
• Refuse to answer– “Can you remind me how this is relevant to the position?”
• Make sure to note any questions you feel are illegal should you decide to pursue legal action.
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Resume Tailoring: Let’s PracticeFor a real life example, together we will be reviewing how one would tailor a resume.
• Resume: We will be practicing with Example Admin Resume 1.– This is an actual student resume that gained a student a job.
• Application: Mock Administrative Assistant Application– This was created from actual Administrative job postings
online
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Resume Tailoring: Overview• Objective: Include Job Title and Company
– If it fits, include main qualities from job
• Summary of Qualifications: Make sure main job requirements are highlighted
• Keywords: Insert keywords from job description
– www.jobscan.co
• Bullet Points: Readjust bullet points so most relevant are at top of job description
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Resume Tailoring: Objective (Admin)• Adjust your Objective Statement each time to include the
company name and job title, and potentially modify skills
based on what position is asking for.
What to Change (Resume) What Caused this Change? (Job Description)
Administrative Professional bringing skills of clerical duties and social media to support your company in an administrative role.
Job Title: Administrative AssistantCompany: Byte Back
The Ideal Candidate will have:• Proven decision making experience, ability
to work without daily supervision and be autonomous.
BECOMES
Administrative Professional bringing skills of autonomy and decision making to support Byte Back as your Administrative Assistant.
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Resume Tailoring: Summary of Qualifications (Admin)
What to Change (Resume) What Caused this Change? (Job Description)
• 15+ years management experience writing evaluations, including filing, and web research
• Responsible for scheduling, and special training in new products
• Maintains files including training records and course records• Provide support to other General Managers and District
Managers with projects
Job Responsibilities:• Provide general
administrative and clerical support including mailing, scanning, faxing, and copying
• Responsible for keeping inventory of all office supplies and placing order for replenishment as needed.
Qualifications:• 0-2 years of experience in
customer service• Ability to lift 25 pounds
BECOMES
• 15+ years management & customer service experience writing evaluations, including mailing, scanning, faxing, and copying
• Responsible for inventory management, replenishing as needed
• Maintains files including training records and course records• Provide support to other General Managers and District
Managers with projects• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
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Resume Tailoring: Keywords (Admin)
Best Site: www.jobscan.co
• Don’t aim for 100% because the site is super specific with verb tense and grammar, anything above 50% is fine
• Will ask you to create (free) account, but you can also just clear your history for unlimited searches
Most used Technical Terms Most used Soft Skills Most used Keywords
• Copying (1)• Maintenance (1)• Training (1)• Microsoft Office (1)• Inventory (1)
• Communication (2)• Follow Up (1)
• Office (4)• Administrative (3)
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Resume Tailoring: Keywords (Admin)Experience Education
• Implemented new processes and documents for employee documentation, disciplinary procedures, and ordering new products
• Lead monthly meetings for entire staff to get updates on current policies, accomplishments, and setbacks; taking and distributing meeting notes
• Supported staff; performing food quality checks, cleaning areas, and reviewing inventory
Microsoft Office Specialist Excel CertificationJun 2017Topics: Applying formulas and functions, Displaying data visually, Formatting cells and worksheets, Analyzing and Organizing data, Sharing worksheet data.
BECOMES
• Implemented new processes and documents for employee documentation, disciplinary procedures, and inventory maintenance
• Lead monthly meetings for entire staff to get updates on current administrative policies, accomplishments, and setbacks; taking and distributing meeting note and following up on any questions
• Supported staff with office and administrative tasks; performing food quality checks, cleaning areas, and copying documents
Microsoft Office Specialist Excel CertificationJun 2017Topics: Completing office tasks such as applying formulas and functions, Displaying data visually, Formatting cells and worksheets, Analyzing and Organizing data, Sharing worksheet data.
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Resume Tailoring: Bullet Point Order (Admin)
What to Change (Resume) What Caused this Change? (Job Description)
1. Implemented new processes and documents for employee documentation, disciplinary procedures, and inventory maintenance
2. Lead monthly meetings for entire staff to get updates on current administrative policies, accomplishments, and setbacks; taking and distributing meeting note and following up on any questions
3. Supported staff with office and administrative tasks; performing food quality checks, cleaning areas, and copying documents
Job Responsibilities:• Provide general
administrative and clerical support including mailing, scanning, faxing, and copying
BECOMES
3. Supported staff with office and administrative tasks; performing food quality checks, cleaning areas, and copying documents
1. Lead monthly meetings for entire staff to get updates on current administrative policies, accomplishments, and setbacks; taking and distributing meeting note and following up on any questions
2. Implemented new processes and documents for employee documentation, disciplinary procedures, and inventory maintenance
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Cover Letter Tailoring: Let’s PracticeFor a real life example, we will be reviewing how one would tailor a resume.
• Cover Letter: We will be practicing with Example Admin Cover Letter A in the Example IT Cover Letters document.– This is an actual student cover letter that has been modified
for privacy.
• Application: Mock Administrative Assistant Application– This was created from actual Administrative job postings
online
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Cover Letter Tailoring: OverviewCover Letter
• Research company to hit upon values and skills the company desires.
• Adjust Cover Letter in a way so it doesn’t look adjusted
First Paragraph: Adjust job title, company name, and any other sections you previously identified.
• If stronger personal connection to company, lay it out.
Second Paragraph:
• Potentially adjust one of our bullets to line up with company standards if current 3 bullets don’t.
• If speaking of IT experience, relate it to current job description.
Third Paragraph: Adjust any company specific information in this section. Otherwise, don’t change unless something is requested in the job description, such as salary.
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Cover Letter Tailoring: First Paragraph (IT)
Before After
It has been one of my life goals to leverage my skills to serve my community, and working as Skyland Workforce’s Administrative Assistant would allow me to do so. After briefly leaving the workforce to assist with my ill relatives, I have pursued technology training to re-enter this field. My 15+ years in dealing with administrative work and assisting customers make me an ideal fit for this role. Working at Skyland would be particularly exciting to me because I greatly appreciate your mission of connecting adults with employment resources.
It has been one of my life goals to leverage my skills to serve my community, and working as Byte Back’s Administrative Assistant would allow me to do so. After briefly leaving the workforce to assist with my ill relatives, I have pursued technology training to re-enter this field. My 15+ years in dealing with administrative work and assisting customers make me an ideal fit for this role. Working at Byte Back would be particularly exciting to me because I greatly appreciate Byte Back’s mission of providing a pathway of inclusive tech training that leads to living-wage careers.
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Cover Letter Tailoring: Second Paragraph (IT)Before After
• Trained in Current Software: Recently, I earned my certification in Microsoft Excel, allowing me to create charts, use pivot tables, and manage databases. I can also create PowerPoint presentations and draft correspondence in Word. My passion of working as a Receptionist is why I pursued this training, and I will use that same passion to learn any new skills to complete your assigned tasks.
• Exceptional Organization Skills: My work has given me significant experience organizing, prioritizing, and maintaining the confidentiality of thousands of documents.
• Trained in Current Software: Recently, I earned my certification in Microsoft Excel, allowing me to create charts, use pivot tables, and manage databases. I can also create PowerPoint presentations and draft correspondence in Word. My passion of innovating office culture is why I pursued this training, and I will use that same passion to learn any new skills to complete your assigned administrative tasks.
• Exceptional Organization Skills: My work has given me significant experience organizing, prioritizing, and maintaining confidentiality whiletracking, mailing, and proofing documents.
Reason for Change:Core Values:• We believe in yes – yes to innovation, yes to taking risks, and yes to growth.
Job Responsibilities:• Proof, print and mail correspondence as specified by division requirements.• Track, process and mail customer as defined by individual divisions…
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Cover Letter Tailoring: Third Paragraph (IT)
Before After
As you can see, my background and skills closely match your job requirements and I would make a positive contribution to Skyland. Thank you for taking the time to review my attached resume. I look forward to hearing from you.
As you can see, my background and skills closely match your job requirements and I would make a positive contribution to Byte Back. Thank you for taking the time to review my attached resume. I look forward to hearing from you.
Based on my qualifications and training, I am requesting a salary between the ranges of $37500-$47500. I can be negotiable depending on the benefits package.
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Resume & Cover Letter:
Your Presentation Matters You can spend a long time on your resume and cover letter, and not have them be read at all because of a poor title.
• Ex: ReSIME 2016.docx
If no specific directions are given by the company, make a title that clearly states your name, the document you are sending, and the company. This will make it easy for you to send the correct documents and for the company to identify which documents are yours.
Format: [Name] [Document] - [Company]
• Betty Byte Resume - Byte Back.docx
• Betty Byte Cover Letter – Byte Back.docx
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Class Review:
Interview Questions
How do you feel about answering the following
questions?
1. What are the most effective ways to apply for a
job?
2. What types of interviews and questions are
there?
3. How do I tailor my resume and cover letter?