I By: By: By: By: Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Shadia Shadia Shadia Shadia Yousef Yousef Yousef Yousef Banjar Banjar Banjar Banjar http://SBANJAR.kau.edu.sa/ http://wwwdrshadiabanjar.blogspot.com Marketing Yourself Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 1 12/9/2010
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I Marketing Yourself By: http://SBANJAR.kau.edu.sa/Dr. Shadia
Yousef Banjar http://wwwdrshadiabanjar.blogspot.com 12/9/2010 1 Dr.
Shadia Yousef Banjar
Luck favors the well-prepared.12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef
Banjar 2
Prepare for Your Next StepsWhere will you go after graduation?
Graduate School? Professional Program? World of Work? 12/9/2010 Dr.
Shadia Yousef Banjar 3
INTRODUCTIONFirst thing to do:Ask yourself: Where do I start?
What do I need to know? Who do I need to know? Preparation what
preparation? Why isnt it easy? Cant I just apply online and turn up
to my new job? 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 4
Questions to ask yourself What type of work do you enjoy? What
are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia
Yousef Banjar 5
Dont be one of these! Lone ranger Student with external support
who does not engage faculty. Wishful thinker Student who persists
in area despite lack of space and/or funding. Bookworm Student who
seeks comfort in classes, as opposed to research.12/9/2010 Dr.
Shadia Yousef Banjar 6
What is it all about? Its NOT all about your degree or
technical skills You must know yourself first: i. What is your
motivation? ii. What are you most passionate about? iii. How do you
communicate? (Its not what you think either!) iv. What are your
career objectives? v. Where do you want to work? 12/9/2010 Dr.
Shadia Yousef Banjar 7
Selling Yourself on Paper The Cover Letter The cover letter is
your formal introduction to aprospective employer,a must when
mailing any resume.Because it is generally the first piece read, it
can mean the difference between landing aninterview and landing in
the rejection pile.So, how do you attract the employer to read
yourresume?What type of information do you include in acover
letter?These are some of the questions you mustanswer as you
continue on the road toemployment. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef
Banjar 8
Achieving InterestTo gain access to the employer, you must
draft a cover letterthat is brief and interesting.The content
should not be a carbon copy of your resume, butinstead highlight
what you can do for the employer. It is difficult to create a
totally different letter for each job youapply for, so make it
adaptable. In this way, you can create one basic letter that can
beadapted for each employer reading it. Never write a form just to
be duplicated and sent out.12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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Presenting YourselfThere are two basic types of cover
letters:1. a letter of application and2. a letter of inquiry. The
letter of application is targeted toward a specific job
advertisement. When drafting this letter, be certain to outline the
skills and accomplishments that best meet the companys needs. Some
employers suggest using terms or language from the ad to make this
description more effective. The letter of inquiry is a marketing
tool, used to gain an informational interview from a company or to
correspond with a networking contact. These letters should be sent
after you have conducted some research on your career interests,
the job market and specific companies in your area that may be
hiring. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 10
How to Write an Inquiry LetterHeres what you need to include in
an inquiry letter:Introduce yourself:In a request letter, you can
just mention that you are writing with reference to aparticular
advertisement.But in an inquiry letter, give more detailed
information as to who you are, where doyour work (if relevant) and
why do you need this information.What Information do you
need:Clearly mention what information you require- why are you
writing this inquiry letter?Again, it should be very clear why you
require this information.Why are you sending the letter to this
specific person/organization:If you are sending a solicited letter
in response to an ad, then this information is notrequired. But if
you are sending an unsolicited letter to a person or an
organization,tell them why you have specifically chosen to write to
them.For example, you could say, I believe you will be the best
person to help me as youare an established authority in the field
of - - -.Include your contact details:This goes without saying.
Make it easy for them to contact you. Include yourtelephone
numbers, address, and Email ID. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope:If you want a quick
reply, (or any reply!) you need to make iteasy for the person to
send it to you.Including a stamped, self-addressed envelope in
inquiry letterswill definitely increase your chances of getting a
reply.Mention that you could not find this information anywhere
else:You must show that you have done your homework beforewriting
the inquiry letter. State that you tried to find thisinformation,
but were unable to do so.Close the letter by saying
Thanks:Acknowledge that somebody will take out the time to send
youthe required information, and thank them for their time.
BePolite. It will only help you! 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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Creating the Right ImpressionNo matter what type of letter
youre sending, the key is to getthe interview! Here are ten things
to keep in mind when draftingeither type of cover letter:Write each
letter to a specific job opening.Theres no such thing as a one size
fits all letter. Each jobyou apply for is different. Adapt your
letter to show how youmeet the needs of a given job. Be sure to
refer to the specificjob in the first few sentences so that the
reader knows the jobfor which you are applying.Describe your skills
as they relate to the job.Saying you worked for a company in a
specific job title doesntmean the reader will make the connection
between you, yourprevious job, and the job in question. It often
helps to tie yourexperience to your skills, directly relating them
to the jobdescription.Make it personal.Address your letter to a
specific person in the company. This isespecially important in a
letter of inquiry. If you do not have acontact, call and ask for
one. Also, use a comma after thename, its more personal. 12/9/2010
Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 13
Create a catchy opening sentence.When people read letters, they
scan them for content. Attentiongrabbing first sentencesdescribing
why youre the best person for thejob or addressing the interests of
the businesswill get the employer tocontinue reading. Include vital
information.Your name, address and telephone number (including area
code) shouldbe easily visible on every cover letter you send out.
It will be the firstthing the reader looks for when trying to
contact you.Type and proofread your cover letter before sendingit
out. Your cover letter creates an impression of you. If you make
errors,it may reflect how employers view you. If your letter is
neat andprofessional, the employer will believe you are too.Be
brief.Some employers receive cover letters and resumes daily, so
they wantto know about you without having to read a lot of
unnecessaryinformation. Use action words and active sentences to
describe youraccomplishments. Your letter should also be limited to
one pagecontaining three or four paragraphs. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia
Yousef Banjar 14
Be confident, creative and enthusiastic!Next to your resume,
your cover letter is your best way to sell yourself onpaper. In
addition to illustrating the benefits of hiring you, your cover
lettershould also let your personality come through.Keep a copy of
every cover letter you send out.Past letters will make your job
search and follow-up go more smoothly.Request a response or an
interview.Your cover letter is written to get you an interview, so
ask for one!Making the CommitmentThe content of your letter plays
an important role in your interview prospects.So, make it work for
you! DCSs Job Search Journal, Resume Guide andother publications
are available in this One-Stop Career Center. Thesepublications
include more writing tips and effective sample letters. 12/9/2010
Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 15
Selling yourself By email: broad areas of research interest
relevant undergraduate experience graduate coursework (and grades)
interactions with other students papers you have read statement of
current support current course schedule In person: keep
appointments lose the cell phone12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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Resume Preparation Employers & recruiters view hundreds of
resumes for jobs advertised. The presentation of your resume will
make or break your chance of getting an interview. You need to
learn how to sell yourself on paper first. How do you make yours
stand out? 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 17
Resume DOs Make it relevant to what you are applying to. Keep
it between 3 to 5 pages. Employment history in chronological order.
Include a technical skills matrix. Keep font and size simplistic
throughout. Clearly outline sections in your resume. Keep language
simple & straightforward. Check & double check the spelling
& grammar! Ask someone to proof read & provide suggestions.
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Resume DONTS Send your resume to hundreds of positions. Provide
too many personal details. Include the names & contact details
of your referees. Exaggerate information on your resume
(memberships, position titles, salary, etc). Include too much
technical jargon or acronyms. Ever criticise current or previous
employers. Email resumes from work email addresses or
inappropriately named personal ones. Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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The job application process Where do I start? Online job boards
are best place including: www.mihnati.com www.arabo.com.
www.bayt.com. Graduates - apply direct: find out graduate intake
times and application process Specialist IT recruitment companies
Individual company websites Research your ideal employer Tailor
application to the position advertised Match your experience to
their criteria. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 20
The job application process Send a short cover letter with your
resume. Discuss how you can add value to the organisation what can
you offer? Attend an interview to present yourself as the best
possible candidate for the job. Feedback & follow up is
important to continually revisit and improve your approach.
Communicate! Return phone calls & emails. Never not show for an
interview without communication It is a small world! Keep track of
your resume trail where is it being sent to and for what role(s)?
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Getting through the interviewBefore: Take extra care with your
appearance and dress appropriately. Know the details! Exact
address, names, position titles, time for arrival, etc. Preparation
is the key! Research and know as much as possible about the company
you will meet with. Be familiar with the contents of your resume.
Have some questions prepared. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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Getting through the interviewDuring: Be punctual dont arrive
late or too early. Greet the interviewer(s) by shaking hands
firmly. Be polite & courteous throughout. Show your enthusiasm
and interest for the role. Maintain eye contact throughout but not
fixedly. Listen to questions carefully & answer them providing
examples where possible. Dont waffle or stray from a question ask
for clarification if needed. They will be watching your total
performance - body language, communication skills, appearance,
ability to demonstrate and articulate your suitability. 12/9/2010
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Getting through the interviewClosing: Always thank the
interviewer for their time & shake hands upon leaving. If any
aspect has impressed you, mention it briefly and let them know
youre interested. Ask what the next step will be. If position is
offered on the spot and you want it, accept it. If you need more
time or have other positions to consider, be honest & let them
know. If you ask for more time, be tactful & courteous &
set a timeframe for response - making sure you do. 12/9/2010 Dr.
Shadia Yousef Banjar 24
Sell yourself! Put yourself out there! You need to stand out in
a crowd. K.I.S.S. [ Keep It Simple, Stupid!] method dont overdo it.
Communication skills are absolutely essential. Prepare for the
interview dont wing it! Improve on your presentation. Be
professional, polite and courteous at all times. Aim to impress be
a gentleman / lady. Engage experts to assist as they can also sell
you to prospective employers. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar
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The way forward Remember to learn from experience & seek
feedback where possible. Know yourself and where you are heading.
Be confident but not too much. Humility also goes a long way.
Theres no luck in landing your dream job just hard work and
preparation. 12/9/2010 Dr. Shadia Yousef Banjar 26
Resources:How to win that job! Presented by Kristy Porter,
Porter Consulting GroupBusiness Letter Guru:
www.businessletterguru.com/Selling Yourself on Paper The Cover
Letter, Commonwealth of Massachusetts:www.mass.gov/dcs 12/9/2010
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