Welcome to Todays Seminar on Job Applications Resumes

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To get credit for attending today, check in with
the receptionist at the front desk. Failure to do
so may delay your claim.
_________________________________________
Any questions about your claim should be directed
to 1-800-266-2252 option 3 or hold on the line.
_________________________________________
During the presentation All cell phones and
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________________________
As a reminder no food or drinks are allowed in
the Resource Center
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Welcome to Todays Seminar on Job Search Job
Applications Resumes Cover Letters
NHES is a proud member of America's Workforce
Network and NH WORKS.NHES is an Equal
Opportunity Employer and complies with the
Americans withDisabilities Act. Auxiliary aids
and services are available upon request
ofindividuals with disabilities. TDD ACCESS
RELAY NH 1-800-735-2964.
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Looking for Work...IS Work
Job Search

• Have a plan, be organized

• Document!

• Be positive

• Your first impression may be your ONLY impression

• Your chance to SHINE

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Looking...Is Full-Time Work

• Maintain a schedule
• Easy to fall into traps
• sleeping late
• staying up late

• Set Goals
• Number of contacts
• Number of companies researched

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Getting Started...

• Self Assessment

http//online.onetcenter.org

• Gather Needed Information

• Employment History
• Education Information
• References/Recommendations
• Evaluations
• Employers With Jobs in Your Field

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Self-Assessment

• Where have I worked?
• Be ready to respond to any gaps in your
  employment history
• When did I work there?
• What were my duties?
• Most favorite parts of the job?
• Least favorite parts of the job?
• How did I help achieve my last employers
  business goals?
• What problems did I solve?
• What did I do to solve them?
• What were the results?

• Who am I?
• What do I LIKE to do?
• What do I WANT to do?

• What are my talents/special skills?
• Training or Education
• Transferable skills
• Languages

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Information - References
There are four types of references
Employment

• Past employers, co-workers, subordinates, or
  clients
• People for whom you perform volunteer activities,
  babysitting, lawn mowing, and other odd jobs

Professional

• Contacts from business, clubs, or professional
  and community organizations

Academic

• Instructors and vocational counselors
• Appropriate for current students or recent
  graduates

Personal

• Neighbors and friends
• Doctors, librarians, bankers, and landlords

Be prepared to give references from as many types
as possible
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Choosing References

• Choose your references with care
• Someone who knows YOU
• Someone with something GOOD to say
• Someone who can say you will do a good job

• Always get permission first
• Prepare the reference to present you as an ideal
  candidate
• Tell about your job search and the type of job
  opportunities you are seeking
• Give the prospective employer the references
  contact preferences and the best time to reach
  her/him
• Be prepared to provide the reference's
  occupation, phone number, length of time you have
  known each other, and the nature of the
  relationship
• Send a thank you note to each person who has
  given you a reference

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Information - Recommendations

• Written evaluations of your work performance or
  participation, dedication, skills, quality of
  work, and work habits. Recommendations should
  include how long the writer has known you.

For people with paid work experience

• Usually written by your present or previous
  supervisor, manager, or team member at your
  request
• Used to recommend you to another employer.
  Employers are not obligated to write these
  letters and may not write them due to liability
  issues and company policy

For people with no paid work experience or
students

• Ask instructor, internship supervisor, advisor,
  mentor, or volunteer coordinator
• Ask landlord, neighbor, volunteer coordinator,
  community leader, etc.
• It should be someone you have completed a task or
  project with or someone who knows you well

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Information - Evaluations
What is a performance evaluation?

• A performance evaluation is a formal, written
  review or evaluation of your work

What does it include?

• It usually covers a specific period of time and
  includes the quality, quantity, work habits, and
  attitude with which you have performed your job
• It can also state your promotions, demotions, and
  reprimands

How can they be used?

• Positive performance evaluations can be included
  with your resume or application to bolster your
  credentials and increase your opportunities of
  securing a job

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Where to Look...

• Job Match System (JMS)
• In the Resource Center
• On line
• On the Internet
• Networking
• Newspapers
• Placement Agencies
• Job Fairs

WORK
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Http//www.nhes.state.nh.us
Helpful job search links and career exploration
resources
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Additional job seeker links to help explain
programs labor, tax and NH economic information
Explore this helpful web-site at home in in our
Resource Center!
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Networking

• The two MOST effective ways to find work are
• DIRECT EMPLOYER CONTACT
• NETWORKING

• Networking creates momentum
• Increases your chances of getting job opportunity
  leads
• Volunteering or part-time work
• increases networking contacts
• may help you gain skills

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Who Makes Up My Network?

• Employers

• Co-workers
• Former Employers

GOAL
Social Organizations
Other Places

• Professional and Trade Contacts
• People you know who are looking for jobs
• People you know who recently found work
• Family Friends
• Others - you know your life contacts better than
  anyone

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How Do I Network?
Make and Prioritize a Contact List

• Who is likely to be most valuable and productive?
• Who is most worth getting in touch with
  immediately?
• Who is better to postpone until later?

Decide on how to make contact

• Write (mail or e-mail)
• Phone
• Visit

Let contacts know you would like help with
possible leads, company information or an
introduction
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Job Applications

• A legal document

• Whether written or electronic
• BE HONEST
• False information could mean discharge

• Legal Rights

• Application questions should pertain to the JOB
• It is your right to withhold information
  unrelated to the job

• Illegal Questions - Applications may contain
  questions that are tricky or even illegal

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Discriminatory or Illegal Questions

• What is/are your...

• Have you...
• ever been arrested?

• age or date of birth?
• hair/eye color?
• height/weight?

• ever been married?
• made child care arrangements?

• maiden name?
• spouses name/work?
• child(ren)s names?

• ever filed for Worker's Compensation?
• ever been injured on the job?
• ever been treated by a psychiatrist?
• been treated for drug/alcohol addiction?
• been taking any prescribed drugs?
• been absent from work because of illness?

• credit record?
• garnishment record?

• Do you
• own your home?
• have any physical impairments?

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Legal Questions

• Describe your education.
• What experience qualifies you for this job?
• Do you have licenses/certifications for this job?
• Are you willing to travel?
• What name(s) are your working records under?
• Are you available for overtime?
• Do you have the legal right to work in the US?
• Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or
  a felony?

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After Hiring, An Employer May Request
-Affirmative action statistics
-Marital status
-Proof of citizenship
-Photographs
-Physical exam and drug testing
-Social Security card or alien registration card

• -Birth certificate

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Reasons for Leaving - Job Gaps

• Carefully choose your response
• Avoid using the trap words like

• Laid Off - Explain WHY lack of work, reduction
  in force, lack of funds, temporary or seasonal
  employment, company or plant closed, company
  downsize/merger

• Fired or Terminated - Use involuntary separation

• Quit - Use resigned or voluntary separation
• For Another Job - employment history should
  support this
• To Attend School - education should support this
• Job Gaps can show positive qualities

Be prepared to explain the reason in the
interview.
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Job Application Tips

• Prepare!
• Dress as if for an interview
• Bring
• pens (black or blue ink)

• a sample (mock) application and a resume

• Follow Directions

• Read application BEFORE writing
• Respect OFFICE USE ONLY Areas

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Job Application Tips

• Target Qualifications

• Meet the employers need
• Fill out an application for EACH job

• NEVER write
• See Resume
• Anything

• Complete the Application
• Neatly
• COMPLETELY
• No Errors (spelllling, four ecksample)
• SAFA

(Stay Away From Abbreviations)
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Resumes
A resume is A marketing tool An application for
an INTERVIEW, not for a job
A resume should Outline skills and
experiences Highlight and summarize qualifications
How can a resume help me? It can organize your
work search Increase self-assurance by showcasing
accomplishments
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What Makes A Good Resume

• A good resume will
• highlight and summarize qualifications and skills
• present information attractively and
  systematically

• It will include
• your name and contact information
• objective
• accomplishments
• education
• work experience

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Easy-to-Read Resumes

• Formatting
• Font and font size
• Margins (at least 1)
• White or off-white stationery
• Printable version
• Word document to email to employers
• Text only to upload to employment sites

• Use bullets
• Use action verbs - keep statements short
• Pay attention to verb tense

• Have at least two people check for errors

• May need a different resume for each job
  type/employer

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Resume Format Checklist

• Name and contact information at the top?

• Text aligned correctly?

• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation correct?

• Short, bulleted statements?

• Positive word choice?

• Headings Capitalized and Bolded?

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Resume Content Checklist

• Realistic objective?

• All related work included?
  

• Education/training relevant to your objective?

• Pertinent activities included?

• Achievements and special skills noted?

• Most marketable information first?

• References Furnished Upon Request at the
  bottom? (optional)

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Selecting a Format
Chronological
Functional
Combination
Targeted - Each of these can be targeted
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

• Time consuming
• Can be confusing if not well organized
• Must be revised for each job

• Personalized
• Specific for employer need
• Shows research
• Impressive to employer

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Chronological-
List work experience by dates with the most
recent employment listed first. Best for people
with steady work record and people with
experience directly related to the position being
sought.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

• Shows employment gaps
• Points out career setbacks
• Emphasizes employment, but not skill development
• Emphasizes lack of related experience

• Widely-used format
• Logical flow - easy to read
• Shows growth/promotions
• Shows loyalty

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Functional-
Work experience and abilities listed by major
skill areas. Best for people without work
experience, changed jobs frequently, or have
developed skills from other than documented
employment. Good if changing career path.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

• Employers view with some suspicion if there is a
  lack of work history detail
• De-emphasizes job growth/job titles

• Emphasizes skills
• Disguises gaps in work history
• Organizes various experiences
• Volunteer
• Other non-work activities

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Combination-
This presents both major skill areas and
chronological work history. Best for people who
are in transition, changing career path,
re-entering the workforce, pursuing a former
occupation, or who have grown in skills and
responsibilities.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

• Can be confusing unless well organized.
• Requires more creativity and effort to prepare

• Highlights most relevant skills and
  accomplishments
• Combines skills developed in a variety of jobs
• Minimizes job gaps
• De-emphasizes work history in lesser jobs

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Tips for Using Your Resume

• Always send resume to a specific individual
• Always send resume with a cover letter
• Always follow up with a phone call
• Give a copy of your resume to your references
• When directly contacting employers, always have a
  copy of your resume available and take the
  initiative to offer it to them
• Always bring extra copies of your resume to an
  interview

Always follow-up with the employer after you
give them your resume!
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Resume Tips - What to Avoid

• Do Not...

date your resume - keep it current include
religious membership include political
organization membership mention salary
requirements include photo include height,
weight, birth date include marital status give
reason(s) for leaving last position(s) include
references
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Cover Letters
Provide an introduction to the employer
Help convince the employer that your specific
skills, abilities, and attributes match the
employer's needs
Letters that are skill- and achievement-oriented
give a competitive edge
Should be individually developed for each position
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Parts of a Cover Letter
First
Identify the specific job and how you learned
about it
Second
Match your skills, training, and experience with
those required for the job, using specific
knowledge of the company.
Third
The last line should emphasize your interest in
the job and indicate how the employer can best
reach you or when you might be calling them to
follow-up
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Nine Winning Cover Letter Tips

• Keep it short
• State the position
• Explain why you want the job
• Clearly describe ways you will contribute
• Match, but don't re-state, your resume
• Don't say you're not qualified
• Keep the tone and content professional
• Tell the reader what you're going to do next
• Proofread

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John Ryan15 Spring RoadHamlet, KS
41120545-555-5555January 20, 20xxMr. Brian
CarsonHiring Manager Rest Easy HotelHamlet, KS
41120Dear Mr. CarsonThe management trainee
position you have advertised in today's Hamlet
Gazette greatly interests me. The Rest Easy
Hotels have always served as landmarks for me
when I travel, and I would like to contribute to
their continued growth. I have enclosed my resume
for your review.In May, I will be graduating
from Large State University with a degree in
business. While in school, I developed strong
organizational and customer service skills. As a
dormitory assistant, I organized events, led
meetings, and assisted students. As treasurer of
the Business Society, I maintained the budget and
presented budget reports. My summer jobs also
required extensive interaction with the public. I
believe these experiences have prepared me for
your management trainee position.I would
appreciate the opportunity to discuss my
qualifications more fully in an interview. I can
be reached at 545-555-5555. Thank you for your
consideration.Sincerely,John Ryan
Tip 1 On Just One Page
Tip 2 State Position
Tip 3 Why You Want the Job
Tip 4 How Will I Contribute
Tip 5 Match Resume
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Marc R. Shieldon Home (901)
434-55552113 Northwest Highway

Cell (901)
220-5555Apartment 1244

Fax
[phone]Memphis, Tennessee 37123-4556
E-mail shielton_at_swiftnet.net
April 7, 20xx Mr.
Stanley GregsonDirector of Human
ResourcesEduTech, Inc.1400 Bonaventure Avenue,
Suite 100Montgomery, Alabama 36100Dear Mr.
GregsonCurrently, I am the District Sales
Manager at Educational Technology located in the
Memphis, Tennessee area. While I am happy in this
position and the company has continually
acknowledged and rewarded my contributions. I
would like to take on a greater challenge with
greater rewards as a Regional Sales Manager in
the Montgomery, Alabama location.As a
professional whose career has spanned over 30
years and who has bridged two different but
challenging fields sales and education, I know
EduTech, Inc. to be a leader in the educational
technology field and a company with a reputation
second to none for performance and loyalty to
customer and employees.Throughout my career, I
have built a reputation for proven customer
satisfaction and, as a direct result have
increased companies' sales and profits. Moreover,
as a former teacher and coach, I am particularly
committed to the potential of educational
technology and the satisfaction of knowing I
would still be contributing to the growth and
learning of young people.I am planning to be in
Montgomery the week of April 22nd. Perhaps you
might contact me before then to set up an
interview or, if there is no objection, I will
telephone you when I am in the area. I hope an
interview will convince you that my experience
and proven "track record" will be just the
solution for you. I will anticipate seeing you in
a few weeks.Sincerely,Marc R. Shieldon
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Cover Letter Hints

• Use standard business letter format
• Use same font and stationery as resume
• Address to the hiring authority, using name and
  title
• if you don't have a contact, call the company and
  find out to whom the letter should be addressed
• Do your homework on the company

• Do NOT mention salary, wages or benefits unless a
  salary history has been requested then give a
  NEGOTIABLE salary range (e.g. 20,000-25,000)

GET THE JOB OFFER FIRST!
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Any Questions?
Any questions about your claim should be directed
to 1-800-266-2252 option 3 or hold on the line.