transition assistance program slideshow

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Transition Assistance Program RHU, 120th AG BN

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This is the slideshow given to Initial Entry Soldiers who are in the process of being separated from the Army in order to help them prepare themselves for the civilian workforce.

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Transition Assistance Program

Transition Assistance ProgramRHU, 120th AG BNIn This LessonKnowing yourselfJob SearchingJob Applications/ResumsInterview PreparationInterviews and Follow-up

Slideshare (All slides/books located here):www.slideshare.net/FortJacksonRHUO*NET (Occupational Information Network)www.onetonline.orgFort Jackson MWR Employment Readiness Programwww.fortjacksonmwr.com/acs_emp/index.html(Click: Job Search Links)Virtual Career Librarywww.virtualcareerlibrary.com/jacksonReferences: (Write these down!)Before the Job Search:Before beginning a job search, its important to know which of the following?What companies you want to work forWhat kind of job you want and how you can help an employerOpportunities for growth that companies have to offerThe Job Searching ProcessFind the field/industry which you are willing to workSearch for openingsNetworkingJob PostingsAdjust your profile for the jobApplicationCover LettersRsumInterviewFollow-upThank you letter

Knowing YourselfWhat kind of work do I like to do?What am I best at?What kind of work environment do I prefer?What are my financial goals?Am I willing to relocate?

Hollands Hexagon of Personality TypesWhat Job is For You?Think of:Your skills/qualificationsWhat you can provide to a companyWhat criteria most of your selected jobs require

O*Net Interest Profiler: http://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip The Job Searching ProcessFind the field/industry which you are willing to workSearch for openingsNetworkingJob PostingsAdjust your profile for the jobApplicationCover LettersRsumInterviewFollow-upThank you letter

Truths About the Job MarketThere are always jobs out thereWhether you can find them depends on your methods of job-huntingJob Finding TechniquesBest WaysWorst WaysAsk for job leads (33% success)Knocking on door of prospective employer (47%)Creative Approach to Job-Hunting (86%)

Mail out resums at random (7% success)Answering ads in professional or trade journals (7%)Answering non-local newspaper ads (10%)Answering local newspaper ads (5-24%)Going to private employment agencies (5-24%)

The Creative ApproachDo thorough homework and explore upon yourself. Know in what kinds of fields you want to use those skills.Talk to people who are in those kinds of jobs. Choose organizations and do research on those organizations.Seek out the person who actually has the power to hire you for the job you want. Use your personal contacts to get to him or her.Show how you can help your prospective employer solve their problems.Getting Organized Treat Finding a Job as a Job. Create Sample Applications Create Several Rsums Create Several Cover Letters Set Goals Weekly Job Search Schedule

NetworkingWhy Network? Find the hidden jobs Get direct referrals Expand the number of people you now in the industry you targetBuild relationshipsListen and Ask QuestionsSupport and Maintain Connections

Its all about who you know-Dale DobackWhy Network? The Purpose and Value While the Internet is an important part of your job search, dont forget the power of talking to people face-to-face and over the phone! Networking can enhance your other job search activities by: Helping you find the so-called hidden jobs. Some sources say up to 80 percent of jobs never get advertised. Networking may be your only way to learn where these jobs are. Networking can help you get direct referrals to individuals who are hiring. And networking can help you expand the number of people you know in the industries you are targeting, thus increasing your chances of finding a job. Cables and Plugs Needed? How to Network So how do you network? Networking is about increasing the number of people you know. Its about talking, listening and following up. Its not a high-pressure sales pitch; its a series of get-to-know-you conversations with a variety of people. You have as much to offer others as they might have to offer you, so dont be afraid to take that first step! Build Relationships Networks are relationships built on mutual needs or interests. Building a career network is about building relationships. Because the vast majority of job openings never are advertised, job seekers need to have a network of contacts - a career network - that can provide support, information and job leads. More jobs are found through networking than all the other job-search methods combined. Listen and Ask Questions Networking is about learning things about other people. You already know about yourself, so you are doing yourself a disservice if you do all the talking. Networking involves more listening than speaking. It involves showing concern and interest and asking questions. Informational interviews are a great way to learn about the industry, company and hidden jobs. They are also an easy way to get to talk to people in a company or industry you are interested in. You prepare a list of questions for each interview so you'll sound polished and professional. Support and Maintain Connections Developing a strong network means more than introducing yourself to people. It involves making connections and providing the support to maintain them. An initial meeting or contact with someone does not establish a connection unless there is follow-up of some kind. That follow-up must suggest a genuine interest in developing a mutually supportive relationship. Just making a contact with no follow-up will lead to a lot of worthless business cards. Tips for Networking Before you start making networking contacts, develop your "Elevator Speech." An elevator speech is a short, intriguing speech about who you are, what you do, what you are looking for and contains something unique about yourself. It is designed to quickly introduce yourself to contacts and give them enough information to encourage them to learn more about how wonderful you are. Sample 30 Second CommercialA sample 30 second commercial is available on the Additional Resources section. Click here to view the information.Individuals Start with people you know and let them know exactly what you are looking for. Ask them for contacts or information. Ask contacts for contacts, and so on. Contact each person. Let them know why you are contacting them, how you got their name, give them your elevator speech and ask them a few specific questions they can help you with. Avoid being too much of a burden; respect their time. Document who you contacted, when and what was said. Follow up as appropriate, in a timely manner. Send thank you notes to people who took time to help you. Organizations Look for local chapters of national industry organizations. Join local industry organizations; many allow guests to attend functions. Participate in as many functions as you can afford to attend. Become a familiar face. Offer to volunteer or even serve on a Board of Directors. Meet people by consciously speaking to as many people as possible at the event. Exchange business cards. Social Networking Tools The proliferation of social networking tools such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn and others has revolutionized networking. While they frequently are used for purely social reasons, some are specifically reserved for professional networking, and even sites that are more social in nature can help you find contacts and jobs. However, social networking tools have a flip side, too: Employers can also use what youve posted online (and what others have posted online about you) to rule you out as a candidate. Use them, but use them wisely! Choose the Right Tool If you have not already done so, sign up with a social networking site designed for professional networking, such as LinkedIn. Summarize your previous experience and skills in the appropriate places of your online profile, in case someone wants to see your skill set/experience. Post your resume if there is a place on the site to do so. Indicate you are looking for a job, and be clear about what kind of job you are looking for. Ask people to complete online referrals for you for sites like LinkedIn. Use It Wisely If you already have an online presence, look at it from an employers perspective: Does it represent you fairly, accurately and professionally? A recent study by Microsoft found that 70 percent of recruiters and hiring managers in the U.S. have rejected an applicant based on information they found online. 79 percent of U.S. hiring managers have used the Internet to better assess applicants. Clean up and "professionalize" your online presence - this includes your profile, what you say, how you say it, the pictures of you (posted by you and others), and so on. Assume that whatever you say online can be seen by potential employers.

13Job PostingsHundreds of job searching websitesNewspapersGovernment Offices/Employment AgenciesInternet AdsBulletin boardsSchools

The Job Searching ProcessFind the field/industry which you are willing to workSearch for openingsNetworkingJob PostingsAdjust your profile for the jobApplicationCover LettersRsumInterviewFollow-upThank you letter

ApplicationsMost applications are ran through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) prior to being seen by a personPrint Legibly (Black or Blue Pen)Be HonestFollow InstructionsTailor Answers to the JobOnly Give Salary Range if RequestedProvide Valid ReferencesDouble Check for MistakesUse a Master Application Form (Provided from the Virtual Career Library)Cover LettersCover Letters are a written introduction; short elevator speech on why you want the job and why they should hire youThe purpose is for the employer to clarify how your skills match the requirements and to motivate the employer to read your rsumThree to four brief paragraphs to address a specific purpose*Ensure you keep copies of all your applications, cover letters and rsums.If a cover letter is simply a written introduction, why is there all the fuss about it? The truth is that cover letters are critically important to the job seeker. A good resume is one of the most important documents you will create when it comes to your employment search; however, it may never receive the attention it is due without a strong cover letter. A good cover letter will compel the reader to learn more about you, and a poor cover letter will get the letter and the accompanying resume tossed into the trash. A cover letter has several purposes. For you, the purpose is to get the interview. For an employer, the purpose is to clarify how the candidates skills match the position requirements and motivate them to read your resume and invite you to an interview. Cover letters should consist of three to four brief paragraphs that address a specific purpose

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Dont write your entire resumeNote when you are available for employmentUse good quality paperCover Letter: SHARP Your letter should follow a standard business format, which typically is block-style formatting aligned to the left-hand side of the page. Your cover letter is a business communication and should be typed and printed using a quality printer. S = Standard business format Format your cover letter to match your resume (same font, design elements and so forth). If printing it out, use the same type of paper you used for your resume. H = Highlight important skills You probably will have many skills listed on your resume and hopefully have the most applicable skills in a qualification summary at the beginning of your resume. Your cover letter offers you yet another opportunity to explain and expand upon those critical skills needed for your desired job. It is a place where you can put your skills into context, connect them to an employers specific need, explain transferable skills, or otherwise mention keywords that will get your resume noticed. A = Appropriate length Your cover letter should be brief, consisting of three or four paragraphs with one to three sentences each. It should not exceed one page without a compelling reason. If your letter is being e-mailed, it should fit within one computer screen without the reviewer having to scroll through the letter. R = Reviewed for accuracy Like your resume, there is no excuse for spelling or grammatical errors on your cover letter. Take the time to have it reviewed by someone else for typos or misspellings. One error could result in your resume never receiving the attention it deserves. P = Proper salutation and signature If possible, you should address your letter to a specific person, even if that means you will need to perform a little investigative research. Addressing a letter to a person, with the correct spelling of their name, is much more effective than addressing it to "Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear Employment Manager." It also helps ensure that your letter will get to the person you intend it to reach. Equally important is your signature, so make sure your letter has one. In their haste to get a resume in the mail, many job seekers forget to sign their cover letter, which draws immediate attention to a careless mistake. Now that youve had a chance to review the basics of creating winning cover letters, it is time to put that knowledge to work!

18Types of Rsums

RsumsParts of the ResumeHeaderSummary of Qualifications/SkillsExperienceEducation

Tips:Action verbsAchievement StatementsKeywordsPROOFREADInterchangeable depending on the type of rsumSo, how do you start writing your resume? It can seem overwhelming at first, but like other writing, it is an interactive process. Job seekers may revise their resume dozens of times before they are satisfied with it, so dont expect perfection the first time. This section will explore the steps in the resume writing process. Purpose Start by deciding what you want your resume to do for you. What is the desired goal you want? How can your resume help you reach that goal? Decide what you want to say and how you want to say it. Format Decide on a format for your resume. Will a chronological, functional, or combination format work best for you? Template Consult/view several different resume samples and templates to get an idea of what you think would work best for you. Use them as a model when drafting your own resume.

Tips for Effective Resumes: Action Verbs Try to start most sentences/phrases with strong action verbs that describe your accomplishments. Click here to view a list of resume action verbs.Achievement Statements Dont tell employers just what you did; tell them what you accomplished that made you an outstanding employee and one they cant afford to pass up. Show the results of what you did, and quantify those results whenever possible. Keywords Inundated by resumes from job seekers, employers have increasingly relied on placing those resumes in keyword-searchable databases, and using software to search for specific keywords that relate to job vacancies. Use the employers keywords in your resume. You can get these keywords from the position description, job posting and other recruiting/advertising material. Keywords should be used strategically in your qualification summary, resume content or keyword section. Proofread Typos, grammatical errors, spelling errors, and so on are the kiss of death in a resume! Take the time to review your resume carefully, and ask others to proofread it for you as well. Dont rely on spell check to do it all! There is some debate about how long a resume should be. There are valid arguments on each side, but in general, resumes should be one to two pages, depending on the amount of content you have to cover. Somewhere between the chronological and functional resume lies the combination resume. Combination resumes have a mostly functional format, but also include a bare-bones chronological work history. The work history section need only include job title, name and location of employer, and dates of employment. Skills and accomplishments are listed in the functional sections.

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Education goes at the top only if your degree relates to the jobList as many skills as possibleExperience in each job relates to the job youre applying for

Sample CombinedExample 1: RetailFlying J Retail Shift Supervisor

Chronological Functional

Combined

Building Upon Your RsumVolunteer WorkCertification ClassesInternships/Apprenticeships Internships.comExperience.comGoabroad.comTyping Courses Typingweb.comGoodtyping.comSense-lang.org/typingThe Job Searching ProcessFind the field/industry which you are willing to workSearch for openingsNetworkingJob PostingsAdjust your profile for the jobApplicationCover LettersRsumInterviewFollow-upThank you letter

Before the InterviewGet directions to the interview siteDetermine what time you need to leave to get there EARLYBuild/gather your portfolioAppropriate attireResearching the companyRehearsing your Elevator Speech (Selling yourself)Appropriate AttireWomenMenTailored Shirt/Blouse or Knitted Sweater/setsNon-denim pants or knee-length skirtPantyhose with skirtsClosed toed shoes/heelsNeatly Groomed HairManicured/polished nailsConservative make-up and jewelry Conservative collared shirt/poloSolid tee/turtleneckSports CoatsNon-denim, tailored slacksBelt matches the shoesMid-calf socks, matches the pantsPolished shoesGroomed hair; shavenConservative watches

Inappropriate AttireWrinkled or un-tucked clothingT-shirts with wordsJeans, sweatpants, shorts, baggy pants, exposed undergarmentsHuge belt bucklesGym socksWorn out shoes, sandals, flip-flops or athletic shoesPerfume/cologneVisible body piercings/tattoos

Interview PreparationRESEARCH THE COMPANY!Contact ReferencesGather materials you may need (Rsum, transcripts/ certificates, references list, pen and paper)Know your strengthsKnow your weaknessesAND how youre working on improving themPRACTICE!Be on time and dress appropriatelyRehearsalsPositive First ImpressionsCommunicating your skillsAnswering problem questionsAsking key questionsHelping Employers know why they should hire youClosing the interview properlyInterviewing: Selling yourselfTell me about yourselfSEESKILLSEXPERIENCEEDUCATIONInterviewers will ask trick questionsDo not open the door to:Marital/Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Race, Political ViewsInterviewing: Selling yourselfRelax!Be HonestShow InterestTake Brief NotesListenAsk Questions (Do not ask how much the position pays)Make Your Points Politely Be PositiveState Your InterestAsk When to Expect Contact (If no position is available, ask if you can check back periodically)The Job Searching ProcessFind the field/industry which you are willing to workSearch for openingsNetworkingJob PostingsAdjust your profile for the jobApplicationCover LettersRsumInterviewFollow-upThank you letter

Follow-UpThank you notes:Send a follow-up or thank you note to everyone who interviewed you. Notes may be hand written. Formal Letters should be typed.Ask additional questions, supply more information, underline an important point or just to remind the person who interviewed you that youre still interested.Keep it short. Send it quick.Follow-UpMake inquiriesIf you havent heard from an organization after the set time, try calling or sending e-mail to ask if the position has been filled

If you dont get the job, dont be discouraged!If You are Offered the JobBefore you accept, think about the position in terms of:Job responsibilityWorking hours (part-time and overtime)Pace of WorkSalary RangeBenefitsLocationTransportationWorking conditionsAdvancement Opportunities

If you accept, send a letter of acceptance, even if you have confirmed verbally. Confirm the starting date and time. Keep a copy of the letter!Keeping Your JobBe realisticBe patientShow initiativeBe cooperativeBe conscientiousBe professionalKeep learning!

If the job isnt right for you dont lose hope!

Start your search over again. Consider additional training.

Move on and move up!ConclusionDo what it takes to get the job you want!Evaluate: you personal needs, goals, skills and achievementsResearch: careers to determine the fields that are most suitable to you keep an open mindNetwork: to find specific job openings talk with your contacts and potential employersSell Yourself: to potential employers, through a thoughtfully composed rsum, cover letter & interviewSlideshare (All slides/books located here):www.slideshare.net/FortJacksonRHUO*NET (Occupational Information Network)www.onetonline.orgFort Jackson MWR Employment Readiness Programwww.fortjacksonmwr.com/acs_emp/index.html(Click: Job Search Links)Virtual Career Librarywww.virtualcareerlibrary.com/jacksonReferences: (Write these down!)Sheet1Resume FormatAdvantagesDisadvantagesBest Used ByChronologicalWidely Used FormatEmphasizes gaps in employmentIndividuals with steady work recordLogical Flow, easy to readNot suitable if you have no work historyShowcase growth in skills and responsibilityHighlights frequent job changesEasy to PrepareEmphasizes employment but not skill developmentFunctionalEmphasizes skills rather than employmentViewed with suspicion by employers due to lack of information about specific employers and datesIndividuals with no previous or gaps in employmentOrganizes a variety of experience (paid and unpaid work, other activities)Individuals with gaps in employmentDisguises gaps in work record or a series of short term jobsFrequent job changersCombinationHighlights most relevant skills and accomplishmentsConfusing if not well organizedCareer changers or those in transitionDe-emphasizes employment history in less relevant jobsDe-emphasizes job tasks, responsibilitiesIndividuals reentering the job market after some absenceCombines skills developed in a variety of jobs or other activitiesrequires more effort and creativity to prepareIndividuals who have grown in skills and responsibilityMinimizes drawbacks such as employment gaps and absence of directly related experienceIndividuals pursuing the same or similar work as they've had in the past

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