Chapter 12 Written Communications in Job Hunting
Presentation Overview Letters in the job search process Resume writing Resume tips Resume vs. vita References Transcripts & co-curricular transcripts Record keeping
Letters in the Job Search Process Letter of inquiry Cover letter Targeted vs. broadcast approach What s the difference? See sample outline in Figure 12.2 Tips on preparing effective cover letters Letters in the electronic age
Cover Letter 1 st paragraph Opening Reason for writing Name of position, career area How you heard of the opening 2 nd paragraph Body Highlight related experience/qualifications Slant to employing organization Why interested in organized, position, location Refer reader to any enclosed materials
Cover Letter 3rd paragraph Closing Request opportunity to visit employer or state when available to meet Best means to reach you for additional information Thank reader for considering your application Sincerely, Include signature Type Full Name
Letters in the Job Search Process Interview appreciation letter Letter of acknowledgement Letter of acceptance Job offer rejection letter
Purpose of a Resume Self-marketing tool Highlights one s relevant education, experience, and related qualifications Designed to get employer s attention & obtain an interview
Resume Styles Length generally 1 page for college graduates Longer for persons with advanced degrees Format Choose categories appropriate to job target Order categories from most to least relevant Use consistent format
Alternative Resumes Posting resumes online use of key words assume that anyone will be able to see it Scannable resumes Use simpler format & common headings Emphasis on specific skills & wording relevant to employer/position Avoid colored paper, folding, staples
Organizing a Resume Chronological vs. functional What s the difference? Advantages & disadvantages of each May use a combination of the two
Resume Categories Identification Career Objective Education/Training Experience Other Categories
Identification NAME Address Street or P.O. Box City, State, Zip Phone number(s) E-mail address
Career Objective Opinions vary on whether to include Needs to focus on types of job targets being sought Can emphasize career areas, position titles, type of organization, functional skills, specific population Avoid vague objectives that communicate no useful information to employers
Career Objective Examples Position Title To obtain a copy editor position at a publishing firm Type of organization Seeking a data analytics position in a sports media organization Functional Area/Population To obtain a position in human services working with the elderly
Education Begin with highest level of training Name/Date of Degree Name/Location of Institution Major(s)/Minor(s) Overall GPA/Major GPA Relevant coursework Academic Honors (can also be a separate section)
Experience Can include: Paid/non-paid Part-time/full-time Internships Volunteer/community service Military Other category names: Related or Additional Experience
Experience What to include: Position title Name of organization Organization s location (city, state) Dates Duties/skills used/responsibilities Accomplishments/results
Sample Positive Action Words Advised Arranged Built Compiled Demonstrated Designed Edited Established Organized Planned Supervised Trained See complete list in Table 12.1 in text
Positive Action Word Examples Sales Representative Initiated and completed all services for new customers, as well as handled all billing problems and service change orders. Teaching Assistant Served as peer educator in class of 110 students; helped design and implement lesson plans; assisted with grading assignments
Personal Data Generally omitted from resume, including Birthdate Marital status Physical characteristics Religion Beware of including any information that could be used by cyberthieves
Reproducing Your Resume Use word processing software to produce a high quality original Pros and cons of templates Use high quality printer and paper in making copies
Resume Tips Get multiple critiques Be brief, clear, concise Be consistent Be honest & positive Be careful & neat
Resume Don ts State salary requirements Give reasons for leaving employers Limit geographic range Expound on philosophy or values Offer any negative information
Resume versus Vita Most college graduates will use a resume, 1-2 pages long Vita is more complete record of academic & professional accomplishments Graduate schools & overseas employers may request a vita Vita categories focus on areas valued by academic institutions
References & Letters of Recommendation 3 to 4 individuals who can speak to employers about your qualifications Who are the best individuals to use? Most important: ask references if they are willing to do this before you give their names out List names and contact information on separate sheet See sample reference page figure 12.5
Transcripts & Co-Curricular Transcripts Research suggests that employers often review transcripts Co-curricular transcripts (activities outside the classroom) not as frequently requested by employers Information from co-curricular transcripts can be included on resume Be able to connect academic experience to job targets
Establish a Record-Keeping System May be paper, electronic, or both Examples may include: Job search correspondence List of contacts & referrals Notes from personal conversations Copies of job announcements Employer literature Interview travel arrangements & receipts
CIP Perspective Self- Knowledge Use resume and cover letter to communicate your values, interests, & skills Option Knowledge Know what is available & how your qualifications match those positions Decision Making Targeting employers, following through with each CASVE cycle phase Executive Processing Think positively about what you have to offer