the job search, preparing: part 3

The Job Search, Part 3Preparing

Nancy Range AndersonBlackbird Learning Associates, LLC

Blackbirdlearningassociates.com

Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

Part 1: Plan Part 2: Network Part 3: Prepare


There are Three Major Steps in the Job Search Process

The Resume◦ Preparing to Write the Resume◦ Types of Resumes◦ Cover Letters

Interviewing◦ Types◦ Questions◦ Flow

Resources and Samples

Topics


Include Job Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities)

Include Accomplishments Use Selective Information Use Action Verbs Use a Recognized Resume Template Include a Summery/Branding Statement

All Resumes…


Focus on You

Focus on the Job

Where Do You Start?(From Job Search, Planning: Part 1)


Identify your Strengths and Development Needs, Values, Interests

List your Skill Sets and Transferable Job Skills

Gather your Job Accomplishments. What impact did these have on your former job?

Gather your transferable job skills**. List your recent certifications, trainings,

awards, professional associations.

**The life and work skills that can transfer to another job.

Prepare – Focus on You


Values Interests

Personality Skills


Focus on You – ChartingFrom Job Search, Part 1: Planning

Capture It!– Specific Job SkillsName of Job Skill Tasks of Job Skill Noteworthy

Accomplishment(Specific, Measurable results)

Enjoy Doing (√) Skill Level

(High, Medium, Low)


What are the three top words to describe this job?

What industry phrases are in job description?

What job competencies are generally in this position? (examples can include negotiation, teamwork, project management, customer service…)

Prepare – Focus on the Job


Chronological Functional Targeted

Types of Resumes


• Chronological

• Functional• Targeted

Documents work history in chronological order

Recent dates first Generally used by those staying in same

field Employers prefer

Chronological Resume


Focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological work history

Used by those changing careers Used by those who are returning to

workplace after absence Used by those with little work experience

Functional Resume


Customized to fit the job in which you are applying

Highlights the experience and skills relevant to a particular job

Time consuming All resumes should be Targeted

Targeted Resume


Types◦ Respond to advertisement/job board◦ Develop for networking contacts◦ Transmit to agencies or search firms◦ Inform targeted managers of your availability

Cover Letter


Well-written Free of typos Specific and personalized to the

job/situation Brief

◦ Purpose for writing◦ Match your skills/experience with employer needs◦ Next steps or actions you expect (use bullets) or

the “T” format

General Guidelines for Effective Cover Letters


Position Requirements My Skills and Behaviors3 – 5 Years recruiting experience Hands on experience sourcing complex roles Strong knowledge of recruiting policy, procedures and databases Proven customer service skills Manage the global relocation program

6 Years Recruiting Experience, including sourcing over 150 college trainees. Communicating and defining recruitment needs with all levels within the organization Extensive background and knowledge in policy, processes and database management Award winning customer service skills including Managed the global and domestic relocation program for # employees over the course of their two-year training rotation

Sample Cover Letter: T-Form


Networking

Screening

Decision-Making

Types of Interviews


Obtaining Advice, Information and referrals from personal contacts you know or have developed.

Approximately 75 – 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Networking Interview – A Critical Job Search Skill


What types of skills are needed for this job? What is a normal day on the job like? My background is _____. Is there a way that I can use my

former skills in this new position? What is the job market like for this position? Are there any particular classes that you suggest I take? Are there any particular industry-related journals,

magazines or web sites that you suggest I read? Are there any professional organizations that I should join? Do you have any contacts that you suggest I contact to

gather additional information?

** From Job Search for Moms, Nancy Range Anderson


Sample Networking Interviewing Questions**

Screening Interview

A pre-qualifying interview, typically conducted over the telephone by a human resources representative. Determines an invitation for an on-site interview.


Have your resume readily available Have a short list of your accomplishments

strengths and weaknesses available to review. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted. If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk

at another time and suggest some alternatives.

Go to a quiet room If possible, use your landline phone

Preparing for the Screening Interview


Decision-Making InterviewAn interview to access your qualifications for a specific position that is or will be available. This can be via telephone of face-to-face.


Research the company Research the position Identify the competencies needed for this

job (Skills, Knowledge, Behaviors) Identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals,

background Come up with STAR Stories about yourself Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Prepare list of personal and professional

references

Preparing for the Interview


Review skills listed in job requisition. Do your skills match?

What competencies or soft skills are needed in this position? (teamwork, supervision, customer service, etc.)

Write it Out!◦ Provide measurable examples◦ Include money saved, service levels increased, #

of staff supervised

Prepare: Skills and Job Competencies


Through an interview, a company will find out three critical factors about you:

1. Can you do the job?2. Do you fit into the company culture?3. Do you want this job?

Your responses to questions, your questions,your attire, your communication are critical!


Three Very Important Factors

Behavioral Examples: Past behavior is an indicator of future performance. Questioning techniques that are focused on the specific tasks and requirements described in the open position.

Specific

TaskActions Taken

Results

STAR Stories: Behavioral Interviewing

STAR


STAR Acronym ST- Situation or Task: Describe an actual situation

or event from a job or activity. Do not generalize. A-Action: Describe your role in the event. If the

action involved other people be sure to acknowledge them but keep the focus on the actions you took.

R- Result: Describe the end result of the actions you took. Explain what was accomplished.


STAR Stories

Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work within a tight deadline. Tell me specifically the steps you took and the results of these actions?

REMEMBER: Review the job, what types of STAR questions would the interviewer ask based upon the job?

STAR


Give me an example of a complex technical assignment or project. What was your role? What was the outcome?

Tell me about a situation when you had to “stand up” for a decision you made even though it made you unpopular. What were the results? What was the impact?

Describe a time when you had to persuade a boss, superior or other authority figure. Take me through the steps you followed.

Describe an unpopular decision you had to make. Why was it unpopular? What did you base your decisions on? What was the result


Sample STAR Questions

Tell Me About Yourself. What Are Your Strengths? What Are Your Weaknesses? What Are Your Long-Term Goals? Why are You Leaving Your Present Position?

Typical Interview Questions


Tell Me About yourself.

• Education• Career

objective• Recent

positions• Next career

Steps

What Are Your Strengths?

• Job-related Strength

• State strength and provide response

What Are Your Weaknesses?

• Job-related weakness

• What you are doing to correct this

Questions/Suggested Responses


What Are Your Long-term Goals?• Focus on meeting the needs of the open position• Indicate ambition

Why Are You Leaving Your Current Position?• Brief, accurate • Prepare this statement

Questions/Suggested Answers Continued…


What can you ask the interviewer? a. What are the short and long term goals of the

company?b. What is the vision of the department?c. What is the company environment like?d. What concerns need to be addressed immediately? e. What do you see happening with this position for the next 3 to 6 months?f. What are the particular attributes needed to succeed in this job?g. What are the challenges a person coming to this job will face?

Questions for the Interviewer


Introduction/build rapport Early career/education Professional life (companies, positions,

career patterns) Probing for skills, experiences,

accomplishments Information about position, company,

answer your questions Next steps

Interview Flow


Send a thank you note (electronic, hand-written or typed)

Assess Yourself◦ What went right?◦ What did I learn from the experience?◦ How were my questions?◦ How was my knowledge of the company/position?◦ How were my STAR answers?

Follow-Up Activities


Job Search for Moms, Nancy Range Anderson, 2010. Susan Britton Whitcomb, Interview Magic. JIST Works,

Indianapolis, IN. 2005 Max Messmer, Job Hunting For Dummies. IDG Books, Foster

City, CA. 1995 About.Com Monster.com Job Hunting for Dummies. Max Messemer IDG Books

Worldwide 1995. Workforce NJ www.wnjpin.net NJ Department of labor: www.state.nj.us/labor www.indeed.com www.quintcareeers.com

References



Who is Nancy Anderson?

http://blackbirdlearningassociates.com/http://blackbirdlearningassociates.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/BlackbirdlearningassociatesTwitter: @Nancy_1

Nancy Range Anderson is the President of Blackbird LearningAssociates, LLC a company that specializes in job search training. Nancy is a training & development leader with over 25 years experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development in the pharmaceutical, finance and insurance industries. Known for her excellent facilitation skills, Nancy teaches resume preparation, interviewing, networking, and career change tactics to individuals and groups. In 2010, Nancy released the book, Job Search for Moms.

http://blackbirdlearningassociates.com/

http://blackbirdlearningassociates.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/Blackbirdlearningassociates