This document provides guidance on creating effective resumes and conducting successful job searches. It discusses highlighting relevant skills and experience, using active language in resumes and cover letters, tailoring materials to specific positions, and utilizing online professional networks and job search websites. Key recommendations include starting with a skills list, using a chronological resume format, writing compelling cover letters, following up with references, and staying organized throughout the application process.
2. Welcome and…
A sense of direction on how to present
What I want
you to walk
your best self in written format
away with…
The ability to use an online job search
The ability to fill out an online
application
The ability to be in control of your job
search
3. It’s Really Not
As much a job for you to get,
as it is
something for someone to offer.
4. Gatekeepers…
The email or fax system
Your resume
has to get
The tired recruiter or HR manager
past…
The unenthusiastic hiring manager
The person who doesn’t know you
5. How do You Start?
Skills List Where have you worked?
What do you know? Do you know the
correct name and
What specializations
addresses?
do you have?
Are they still in
What projects or
business?
teams have you been
on?
6. Cover Letters – Important?
Should always accompany your resume.
The cover
letter is the
In an email, be the email, not an
first
impression
attachment.
that the
“gatekeeper”
In an online application, can be an
has of you.
attached item, or often you can type it
The cover
in and it will be submitted along with
letter often
decides
the “resume”.
whether they
will seriously
continue.
7. Format
Justify left margins
Forget the
letters of
Clean Fonts
past…
Date at top
A clean,
symmetrical
Who it’s going to
look is best.
Saluation
Body
Closing
Signature
9. The Beginning
Dear Recruiter/Hiring Manager:
State your
purpose and
I have attached my resume for your
intent.
review and consideration for the
position of Maintenance Supervisor as
posted on monster.com.
My background appears to be a good
match for the qualifications you are
seeking.
10. Next
I have recently been laid off as a result
Provide a
brief summary
of continuing job reductions due to the
of what’s
ongoing economic crisis. Change can be
going on with
your current
frightening, but my work experience
situation.
and skills are strong, and I look forward
to a new challenge.
11. Or
My current position is Accounting
You still have
a job, but
Manager of the Accounting department
you’re scared
for a mid-sized manufacturing company.
won’t have for
long, or you’re
We are experiencing volume decreases
looking for
and a reduced cash flow, and like many
something
better
organizations, we most likely will be
cutting jobs. The accounting team lead
description matches my skills and
experience, and I would like to learn
more about this opportunity.
12. Another example
I am submitting my resume to you for
It’s not bad to
look for
consideration for the Training Manager
another job!
position as posted on CCastd.org. I am
a member of CCASTD, and have
recently been looking at selective
opportunities, as my current employer
continues their second year of
continuous job reductions.
13. And briefly
As a lead mechanic, I have extensive
Highlight your
background
experience with equipment conversions,
installations, and retrofit of older
equipment and lines. Additionally, I
served on several improvement teams,
including safety and production.
14. Make it Easy for Them
I’d appreciate the opportunity to learn
Make sure
you include
more about this position, and your
contact
needs. You may contact me at 773-
information
and when it’s
666-8898 (cell). Because of my
best to call.
schedule, it may be hard to reach me
directly, but I will return your call
promptly.
15. Conclude
I look forward to hearing from you.
State the
positive!
Regards,
John Wilson
16. Words
Create instead of made
Use words of
action and
Organized, and archived company
power.
documents instead of filed
Led, leadership, performance
management, designed, contributor,
team member,
Read the job ad – match their words to
your resume
23. Formats
Functional is usually best when you’re
Your career
stage or
fresh out of school, returning to work
asked for
after parenting, but have part-time or
position can
help
volunteer activity.
determine
what style –
Chronological
or functional
25. Resources
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resume
Use these sites
for help and
s/p/resumetypes.htm
inspiration.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-
us/templates/default.aspx?ofcresset=1
Careerbuilder
Monster
Local workshops – LIKE THIS!
26. Job Search Websites
Professional Monster.com
organizations for Careerbuilder.com
specific job types or Dice.com
professions – such as
Associationforum.org
astd.org; dice.com;
Indeed.com
Association websites
City or village
Company websites
websites
Government
27. Go for a Drive
Always keep paper Go directly to the
and pen handy – write company website and
down company names look for postings
Go back and look Park in the lot and go
them up – google is to the buildings – ask
your best friend the guards about who
to see
28. Join a Group
Attend that group But always pay it
meeting you never had forward
time for – Share information
Ask people you know Get a breakfast group
Volunteer at church or going
school – people know
people and share
information
29. Join an Online Group
Linkedin.com
Connect, connect,
connect
Join groups – and
read the postings
30. Your Own Website
What to Include
•Resume
•Portfolio of work
•Scanned recommendations
•Project Lists – scope of work
•Anything pertinent to your skill base and
competencies
Stay Away from:
•Personal philosophies
•Embarrassing pictures, jokes, anything you
wouldn’t mind immediately seen by a stranger
who you want to give you a chance
32. Details that can Make or Break You
To follow up Ask for references
Confirm the recruiter Know your company’s
has what they need policy about
from you references and
background checks
Check your voicemail,
your email Always, always spell
check every single
document
33. Stay Focused
Don’t be afraid to ask
Pay it forward -
always