Job Hunting. Resources and Tips

Transcription

1 Job Hunting Resources and Tips

2 Library Resources Job Hunting webpage, go to the library homepage at and click Job Hunting Books for job hunters, available for checkout Two computers reserved for job hunters, featuring WinWay Résumé software Research sources containing information about job skills, companies, and much more Access to practice tests for the WorkKeys assessment Computer classes available on a regular basis; registration is required Regular presentations and workshops for job hunters WiFi Copy machines FAX machine Organize Your Job Search Create an address that will only be used for your job search. Pick a username that sounds professional and incorporates your name. Purchase a flash drive to store your documents. Fill out the Personal Information Worksheet from IL WorkNet. residents/en/jobs/prepare/organize Use this as a reference when filling out an application. Make several copies of the Job Search Record from IL WorkNet. residents/en/jobs/prepare/organize Create a space in your home that is reserved for working on your job search. Make a schedule and set goals.

3 Computer Competencies Not only will computer skills help you apply for job online, computer literacy is in high demand by employers. Tasks you should be familiar with are: File management Printing Basic Internet searching Microsoft Word/word processing Filling out online forms Cut, copy, and paste functions Networking Don t underestimate the power of making contacts! Did you know an estimated 75% of jobs are found through networking? Using your network may be the key to finding a great new job. It s not about who you know, but who your contacts know! Join groups or clubs to meet new people and build your network. LinkedIn.com allows you to connect to others online, ask for recommendations, and search for jobs. You may even find that one of your contacts knows someone at a company you are applying to. Elevator Speech Introduce yourself with a second sound bite called an elevator speech. Describe who you are, what your accomplishments are, and where you are going. Be intriguing so the listener will want to know more about you. Show you have what it takes to beat the competition! Your elevator speech can be tailored for many different situations. For examples, search for elevator speech on YouTube.com.

4 Volunteering Volunteering is an excellent idea whether you are employed or unemployed! Volunteer work builds real world skills and should be part of your résumé. In addition, you will meet new people, which will allow you to gain contacts and references. Volunteer at the Library Volunteer Match Business Letter Writing Correct formatting when writing business letters is essential. A proper cover letter will demonstrate to a potential employer that you have good business letter writing skills which will also benefit you on the job. Know the difference between Block and Modified Block styles. Your cover letter should conform to one of these styles. For help visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab at owl/resource. Always ask someone else to proofread your work. The computer won t catch everything. True proofreading deals with organization, structure, and word usage. Company Research Acquiring information about companies you are applying to will give you an edge over your competition. You can use these details in your cover letter and other contact with the company to convey genuine interest. Use Reference USA, accessible at Gail Borden Public Library or through the website, to lookup details such as location information, industry profile, business demographics, competitors and more.

5 Cover Letter Content Return address. Your contact information. Date. Inside address. The company s contact information. Salutation. Only use Dear Hiring Manager if you cannot find out the name of the person your letter should be directed to. Body. Name the position you are applying for, word for word, found in the job posting and explain why you are perfect for the position. Also, be sure to respond directly to requirements listed in the job posting. Closing and signature. Cover Letter Tips Keep it short and simple, approximately 3-4 paragraphs. Use the cover letter to link the job listing and your resume. Explain any special circumstances, for example, if you are looking to work in a new field or have been out of work. Pick a format. This letter should be organized just like a business letter in block, semi-block, or modified block format. Use words found in the job posting in your letter, especially if your field includes technical terms. Show that you are responding directly to that specific job posting. Expect to tailor your cover letter each time you apply for a new position. Direct your letter to a particular individual. If you don t know the name of the person your letter should go to, find out! Close with a statement that indicates action.

6 Résumé Tips Target your résumé. Grab the reader s attention with words that match keywords in the job description. Show that you have what the job listing is asking for. Pick a style. Choose chronological, functional, or a combination whichever highlights your experience and skills best. Use an appealing design. This will help highlight the most important parts of your résumé, such as skills and experience. Pick a common font and use it on your cover letter, résumé, and business cards. Qualify and quantify to show off your skills. Employers want to know the results you have produced. Think about achievements, not responsibilities: Managed multiple line phone system receiving over 200 incoming calls per day vs. Answered phones. Be Electronic Friendly Many positions require your application and résumé to be submitted online. To prepare your résumé for copying and pasting into an online form, first convert it to plain text. You can do this by first copying and pasting your résumé into the Notepad program. This will remove all formatting, which will ensure whomever receives your résumé will see it just as you do. Once you have pasted your resume into Notepad it may require some cleanup. Keep every line left justified, put headings in all capital letters, and use spaces between sections. Save this as a separate file. You may also want to save your résumé as a PDF file. It is an ideal format for sending your résumé by .

7 Storytelling for Interviews To prepare for an interview, think about your work and volunteer experience and take notes about specific situations you for which you may be able to develop a story. Building mini-stories will help you communicate your skills better during an interview. Given a situational question, your answer can show that you identified a problem, used specific skills to solve it, and analyzed the outcome. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have these skills. Each mini-story should be no longer than two minutes. Ignore the details and focus on the main points and the outcome instead. Be prepared to elaborate on your story if asked. Access Reference USA & more 1. Go to 2. Hover over the word Research 3. Click Databases 4. Enter your Gail Borden Library Card # 5. Click the resource you would like to use

8 Links Job Hunting at Gail Borden Public Library Illinois Department of Employment Security Kane County Department of Employment and Education EAC Works Elgin Community College Illinois WorkNet Chicago Job Talk IL Job Bank - Career One Stop Career Click O*Net OnLine