Entering the World of Job Searching 101

Resumes, Cover and Marketing Letters, Marketing Cards, and the

Interview Process

• Before starting your job search, you must have an effective resume and cover letter.

• The resume and cover letter is a representation of YOU, the applicant and it is considered a marketing tool.

• As a Job seeker you need to make the best first impression.

Resumes• Functional – List skills, experience and abilities

obtained through previous work or life experiences first -- then work history. (Perfect for students just entering the job market.)

• Chronological – List companies and dates of employment (in reverse order) and is ideal for a person who has skills obtained over several employers

Functional Objective To obtain a position as a cashier were I can utilize my skills and

abilities.

Experience CashierTook customer orders and maintained the dining room.

Employers 2008-2010 Burger World Berea, Ohio

Education

Chronological

Objective To obtain a position as a cashier were I can utilize my skills and

abilities.

ExperienceBurger World Berea, Ohio 2008-2010

Cashier Took customer orders Maintained the dining room

Education

Cover Letter• Used to enhance or introduce the resume• Introduces yourself as the individual• Mention the job you’re applying for• State where you found the job listed• Mention skills that you would bring to the

company• Explain your plans to follow up

Cover Letter• As in your resume, it should contain BUZZ WORDS and skills • Repeat back to the employer verbiage

they have used in the job ad

• Generally 3 paragraphs long

Cover Letter Example:Dear Human Resource Manager: Please accept my resume and cover letter for the position of ____________, which

I found advertised on Career Builder, on________(date). As you can see, I have the following skills and experiences:

• Skill #1• Skill #2• Skill #3

I am also qualified in (list a few). Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above phone number. If I do not hear from you, I will follow up with you soon to schedule an interview, so we can further discuss how my skills and abilities can meet your current needs.

Thank you for your assistance and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your name

Marketing Letter• Introduces and sells yourself

• Lists your skills and abilities

• DOES NOT apply to any one position

• A PROACTIVE approach

• Tells the employer YOU exist BEFORE the company even knows they have a need!

Marketing LetterDear Human Resources, Allow me the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is ___, and I am a qualified ___, with skills and experience in: (list) I understand that you may not be hiring right now,

however, in the event that something becomes available, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above referenced number.

Thank you for taking your time to consider my resume.

Marketing Cards

• Used to tell someone about you, and your skills and abilities

Name, phone number, email address, and skills you want to market

Marketing Cards• Used in the following settings:

Job Fairs– Open job recruitments– Meeting someone who might know someone– Encounter with a hiring manager, HR person,

or anyone that help you land that job

Applying On Line

• Advanced technology – filtering process Example: “Looking for someone with the following

skills: Able to read and write English, advanced Math skills, detail oriented, etc.”

• When applying - put those skills in the

section called Qualifications

More to Applying On Line

• Failure to respond using the listed Qualifications can disqualify you!

• Advanced filters are put in place to screen OUT candidates that do not meet the minimum qualifications

The Interview Process• Behavioral or

Situational interviewing questions are another way to weed out candidates.

• Be prepared to answer about past experience and future ways you would handle issues.

The Interview ProcessHow would you handle? or Tell Me About a

Time….

• When you were up against a deadline• When you had conflict • A person wasn’t happy with …..• Your boss, teacher, parents wasn’t

happy with your work• You needed to make a decision

The Interview Process• Be prepared to answer questions• Be prepared to ask questions

“When will you be making a decision?” “When will the person you hire start?”

“What is the next step?”

• Be prepared to ask for a business card• Be prepared to send a Thank You card

What are we looking for ?

• Return calls promptly – when called for an interview

• Show up early to the interview (15 min)• Have a cheat sheet ready to complete an

application ie: former employer’s address, references, and phone numbers• Dress appropriately • Make good first impression with the greeter

Resources

• Job search – Ohio Means Jobs www.ohiomeansjobs.com

• Career Research – Ohio Labor Market http://lmi.state.oh.us/

• Local One Stop http://www.employmentconnection.us/

ANY QUESTIONS ?