Tips and tools for empowering yourself during your job searchRESUME and interview readiness

Presented by M.L. Cannon for LAULYP 11/11/11

Handshake, smile and compliment or something positiveIf nothing else, its nice to meet you!1

Resume BasicsA resume is a snapshot of your work experience, skills, and accomplishmentsShould highlight your skillsShould be visually appealingShould be detailed

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What a good rsum can doPique an employers interestGet you a phone screening/interviewWork as advertisement of you as an employee

Rarely does a resume alone get you a job. One instance in my 20 year career where that happened.Again, snapshot. Equate head turner.3

5 Key Elements of a Good Rsum REMEMBER TO*make sure your contact info is accurate!*utilize online resources to help build your resumeClean & crisp layoutBrief (ideally 1 page)Factual and accurateTailored to the positionError-free

----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:33) -----Transitioning industries specifically, be prepared to spend a little extra time on the front end - 2 resumes - TEACHING HR resumes - Questions?4

Which snapshot stands out more to you? SNAPSHOTS - RECEPTIONISTSNAPSHOT AJane Doe(323) 999-9876jdizzoethediva55@yahoo.com

XYZ CompanyReceptionist 8/10-Present-answer phones-file paperwork-open and sort mail

SNAPSHOT BJane Doe(323)999-9876 |jdoe@yahoo.com

XYZ CompanyReceptionist 8/10-Present-Greet callers, answer general questions, and handle high volume calls for fast paced shipping office-Maintain accuracy and organization of in-house filing system-Receive, prioritize, and deliver mail daily to 100 employees

Take a glance Ill give you 15 seconds 2x the amount of time the average recruiter will give it.Then answer----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:42) -----Technology is skimming your resume for key words and ranking it. Edison -Tailoring your resume to job - Good old days "personnel office" - What did you noticepacking a lot more punch5

What About a Cover Letter?If the job posting requests a cover letter, you should send one.Step by Step Guidehttp://bit.ly/coverletterbasics

Opportunity to add information not on resume

Know your value! Present yourself in a positive light.

Important: In addition to spell checking your cover letter, print it and ask a friend or two to read it to ensure it is error free.

----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:42) -----Google "sample cover letter"Read aloud if in6

Before the InterviewThe Phone Call/ScreeningBe AlertGet a nameBe AttentiveDont take a call in the drive thru of McDonaldsUse Voice Mail (return calls/e-mails within 24 hours)Be InterestedYour smile can be heard through the phoneEnd call with a thank you

Important: Keep a JOB NOTEBOOK (or spreadsheet) tracking where youve applied, who youve spoken with and when.

Keep a pen and paper handy (at home or in the car) for taking notes.

Examples from E! of distracted candidates/ No what job is this again? Importance of getting a nameConfirm address online, get directionsIf any concerns, contact recruiterDEMO if needed SNAPSHOT of a CALL (Mp3)----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:42) -----name - know who meeting with, thank you note, communicate if you're no longer interested - WHY?show m&m nb7

PHONE SCREENING SNAPSHOTSnapshot 1Snapshot 2Which candidate are you more interested in meeting?

Professional Voice not being fake, its being professionalFirst Impression CriticalWhat was different about the two calls?8

Interview Readiness: 5 Key ElementsApproach Eye contact, firm handshake, bright smileKnow your GoalTo determine if job is a good fit for youKnow your Skills Inventory your strengths and weaknesses and be able to articulate themListen actively and respond honestlyTake cues from interviewerHave questions for the interviewerWhen do you expect to have a decision?

What is your area of opportunity Stumped when recruiting for Sodexo Clinical Dietitians4-6 strengths no reply weakness ACTIVITY 30 seconds primary strength as an employeeWorkaholic hard for me to break away at end dayMeticulous, detail oriented slow me down because I want it to be rightAgain see if your skills match the employers need theres no need in forcing a match

----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:42) -----You've survived phone screening----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:49) -----ACTIVITY - how many know your primary strength as an employee - how many feel comfo sharing with a perfect stranger - 10 My P S is _____.Weakness - harder stumps9

When Youre Applying to JobsBe mindful of the logistics of the job you are applying for Location SalaryHoursDont invest your time applying to/interviewing for a job you have no intention of taking Utilize your personal network & online resources

*References available upon request typically at application stage10

WHERE TO LOOK FOR WORKGeneralIndeed.comSimplyHired.comLinkedIn.comUSAJobs.gov

Your personal networkAlumni Career CenterWork Source CentersIndustry Specific SitesHCareers.comEdJoin.orgShowbizjobs.com

Non-ProfitsOpportunityKnocks.orgIdealist.org

SpecialtySnagAJob.com HourlyTheLadders.com Executives

*References available upon request typically at application stage----- Meeting Notes (11/11/11 07:49) -----resume analysis/critique - MCHRLA!gmail.com11