Job Search H A N D B O O K Career Services www.ecc.edu/crc
Employment Resources The following sites can be used to job search, post resumes, research regional and national job statistics, and to gather important career guidance information. ECC Career Link http://bit.ly/2bdzgn1 WNY Jobs www.wnyjobs.com Indeed www.indeed.com CareerBuilder www.careerbuilder.com O*Net OnLine www.onetonline.org Buffalo Job Finder http://jobs.buffalonews.com NYS Civil Service www.cs.ny.gov Erie County Civil Service www.erie.gov/employment Federal Jobs www.usajobs.gov Unified Court System www.courts.state.ny.us/careers NYS Department of Labor www.labor.state.ny.us US Department of Labor Job Bank www.careeronestop.org Do you need career guidance? Ask the Career Resource Center about Focus 2, a career assessment tool that will help you pick a college major and assist with your career planning. 3
Company Research It is important to research the company you would like to work for before sending out a resume and cover letter. You need to research the company before you write your cover letter and before you attend your job interview. It is important to demonstrate that both you and the company have similar goals and values. Using the internet is an effective way to find out information about a company. Most companies have their own website and many have an about section. It is often beneficial to speak with individuals who work there, if possible. Interviewers will be impressed if you demonstrate knowledge of the company during your interview. Questions to research: v What are the organization s mission, value and vision statements? v What services or products does this organization provide? v How long has the organization been in business? v Who are the organization s target clients? v What are the skills and characteristics the organization is looking for in their employees? v How are you a good fit for the organization? Job Applications Your application should be neat, complete and error free. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when filling out an application: v Look over the entire form before filling it out v Use black ink or type the information v Take your time completing the application v Respond to all questions, and write N/A if the item does not apply to you v If you submit a resume with your application, never write, See Resume on the application instead of filling it out. Your application and resume are two distinct documents and they both must completed. v If an application requests information about sex, marital status, race, creed, religion, age, or other factors on which it is illegal to base hiring decisions, you are not required to supply it. (http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/index.cfm) v Bring samples of your work when appropriate v Dress appropriately and arrive alone v If you are applying to a job that has a busy time of day, do not show up during the rush v Keep all of the information and details you need to fill out the application handy. On the following page is a form you can complete ahead of time and keep on hand so you never forget the important details of your previous jobs. Most companies will traditionally ask for information regarding your last three employers. 4
Job Application Prep Sheet Company Job Title Start Date (Mo/Yr) End Date (Mo/Yr) Phone Number Address Supervisor Phone Hours Per Week Rate of Pay Job Duties Company Job Title Start Date (Mo/Yr) End Date (Mo/Yr) Phone Number Address Supervisor Phone Hours Per Week Rate of Pay Job Duties Company Job Title Start Date (Mo/Yr) End Date (Mo/Yr) Phone Number Address Supervisor Phone Hours Per Week Rate of Pay Job Duties 5
The Cover Letter Some employers will request a cover letter in addition to your resume. Your cover letter should be a simple introduction that compels the employer to look at your resume. Your cover letter should clearly state why you would be a good candidate for the job. Make sure you do not just repeat what you already have in your resume. Information from the NYSDOL (http://nycareerzone.org): Dos: v Address your letter to a specific person v Send with resume v Keep it brief (one page) v Send an original letter to each employer v Proofread all letters for mistakes v Use action verbs (Provided, Supervised) v Be sure the employer can reach you (correct phone number, address) v Let the employer know which job you are seeking v Be positive and upbeat Don ts: v Don t send a cover letter that has typos, misspellings or errors v Don t include letters of recommendations or references, unless requested v Don t send photocopies v Don t tell employers what they can do for you; tell them what you can do for them v Don t say anything that you cannot back up v Don t be vague v Don t give a specific salary requirement, unless requested 6
Sample Cover Letter Template: Your Name Your Address Date Employer s Name Employer s Title Company Name Company Address Dear Ms. Jobs: The first paragraph of your letter should identify which job you are applying for and how you heard about it. It can also include a statement about why you want to work for the company. The first paragraph should be about 3 sentences long. The second paragraph should explain why you are qualified for the job. You should tailor this section to the job posting. Identify how your skills and experience match the qualifications and requirements the company is searching for. Each cover letter you write should be unique to the job you are applying for. This paragraph can be your longest, but try to be clear and concise. In the final paragraph you should formally request an interview. Thank the employer for their time and make sure that they have your phone number by including it again. Sincerely, Your Name Tips v Try to find out the hiring person s first and last name. Use Mr. or Ms. when addressing them. If that is not possible, use Dear Sir/Madam. v If you are mailing your cover letter, leave room to sign it. If you are submitting it electronically, you do not need to leave room. 7
Sample Resume Template: John Q. Jobs 1234 Main Street Buffalo, NY 12345 (716) 123-4567 johnjobs@gmail.com College/University Name Degree name Awards/honors Education Professional Experience City, State Month/Year of Graduation Company Name City, State Job Title Month/Year-Month/Year v List your experience in reverse chronological order (start with most recent job) v Your resume should be on one page v Use bullet points to clearly describe your job duties, skills, and accomplishments v Never use personal pronouns including I, me, or my v Try to sum up your skills, abilities, and accomplishments in 3-5 bullet points Company Name City, State Job Title Month/Year-Month/Year v Use present tense if you are still in the position, use past tense if you are no longer there v Use action verbs to begin your statements (managed, organized, assisted, prepared) v Do not include your references or the phrase References Available Upon Request v Do not use abbreviations West End Catering Buffalo, New York Caterer Mar 2006-Nov 2009 v Assisted with organizing and planning catering events for local businesses v Prepared tables with appropriate silverware, dishes, linens, and center pieces v Set up buffets and ensured buffets stayed stocked with food v Washed and sanitized dishes, cleaned linens, and loaded equipment into trucks for transport v Ensured guests had pleasant dining experience Volunteer Work Company Name City, State Job Title Month/Year-Month/Year v Additional sections you may want to include are: volunteer work, internships, additional skills, certifications, leadership and research v Do not forget to include dates, your role, and the organization s name and location v Make sure to include any relevant trainings and/or languages Company Name Certification Certifications City, State Month/Year 8
Sample References Page Template: Tips John Q. Jobs 1234 Main Street Buffalo, NY 12345 (716) 123-4567 johnjobs@gmail.com Professional References Name of Reference Job Title Company/Organization Name Address Phone number Email Name of Reference Job Title Company/Organization Name Address Phone number Email Name of Reference Job Title Company/Organization Name Address Phone number Email v Your reference page should be on a separate page than your resume v Ask permission of your references before giving their information to an employer v Provide your references with a copy of your resume and detailed information about the job you are applying for v Use past or present supervisors, coworkers, faculty members or colleagues v Maintain a relationship with people who you want to use as your reference 9
Interview Preparation Are you on your way to an interview or to apply for a job? Dress professionally v Clean and professional clothing v Proper footwear v No excessive perfume or cologne v No excessive jewelry Be prepared v Research the company before you go v Make sure that you have an updated resume that has been edited v Prepare questions to ask your interviewer v Bring a pen and a folder with extra copies of your resume v Ask for a business card Arrive ahead of time v Write down the date and time of your interview v Arrive 5 to10 minutes early for the interview Practice your people skills v Make eye contact v Smile v Use and remember the name(s) of your interviewer(s) v Have a firm handshake v Be confident and attentive v Be polite to everyone who you meet at the business v Turn your cell phone off prior to entering the business 10
After The Interview It is important to follow up with the employer immediately following the interview. Send a short thank you letter or email reiterating your interest in the position, with a brief summary of why you are qualified. Make sure to thank them for their time. Once you have been offered the position, it is okay to ask about salary and benefit information. Do not ask about this during the interview. You are allowed to request time to think about the offer. It is also wise to ask for the job offer in writing, and you may want to ask the employer if they would like your acceptance in writing as well. If you decide not to take the job, let the employer know as soon as possible, and make sure to thank them for their time and interest. 11
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Erie Community College Career Services South Campus 4041 Southwestern Blvd. Building 5, room 5207 Orchard Park, NY 14127 Phone: 716.851.1683 Fax: 716.270.2829 City Campus Katie Marshall Director of Placement 45 Oak St., room 150 Buffalo, NY 14203 Phone: 716.851.1183 Fax: 716.851.1193 North Campus Joseph P. Abbarno Coordinator of Placement II 6205 Main St. Gleasner Hall, room 161-G Williamsville, NY 14221 Phone: 716.851.1484 Fax: 716.851.1483 www.ecc.edu/crc