JOB SEARCH
SUCCESS
OBJECTIVES
• Where and how do I look?
• Filling out an application
• How to write your resume
• Carry out an interview
with professionalism
CAREER DECISIONS
“If you don’t know where you
are going, how are you going to
get there?” Try to find a job that
you are going to be happy with.
Remember you will be spending
a large portion of your time
there. If you are happy, you will
do a better job and stay longer.
CAREER PATHS
• Assess
–Work needs
–Work desires
–Your skills and
training levels
–Willingness to
return to school
–Salary concerns
–Commuting
THE HUNT
Most job seekers spend their
time checking and responding to
want ads. However, employers
hire the least number of people
through want ads. The solution:
Identify companies you want to
work for, fill out an application,
leave a resume and keep
checking back.
WHERE TO LOOK
• Networking
• Internet
• Hiring or job fairs
• Pound the
pavement
• Want Ads
THE APPLICATION
In many cases, the application is
the first thing that a potential
employer will see from you. It will
give the employer an outline of
your work history. They typically
pay close attention to work history,
length of employment, specific
duties, reasons for leaving, and
references.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
• Wear
interview
appropriate
clothing
• Bring your
own pens
• Print clearly
ON THE APPLICATION
• Use black ink
• Take your time
• Use correct
spelling
• Avoid
abbreviations
• NEVER leave
blank spaces
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
•
•
•
•
Be positive
BE HONEST
Be accurate
Ask permission before you
use someone as a reference
• Don’t give an expected
salary
• Give a positive reason for
leaving your last job
• FOLLOW UP on your
application
RESUME
A résumé is a document that contains
a summary or listing of relevant job
experience and education. The
résumé is typically the first item that
a potential employer encounters
regarding the job seeker and is
typically used to screen applicants,
often followed by an interview, when
seeking employment.
RESUME APPEARANCE
• Good quality paper
• Clean and crisp
–No tears, wrinkles,
folds, worn corners,
smudges, or
handwriting
• No typos, misspellings
or grammatical errors
• Copies need to be
clean and clear.
FORMAT
• Normal Margins
• Simple
professional
Fonts
• Keep it short
–Resume should
be no more
than one page
–Avoid long
paragraphs
WORDING
• Clearly written
and organized
• Use action verbs
to emphasize
achievement
• Don’t be vague
• BE HONEST
• Eliminate not
related and nonessential details
REFERENCES
• List a minimum of
three of each type
–Professional
–Personal
• Keep the heading the
same as your resume
page
INTERVIEW
First impressions are everything!
Up to 60% of hiring decisions are
made in the first three minutes
of the interview. By preparing
both physically and mentally,
you will feel more organized and
ready. Remember it is natural to
feel nervous.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
• Wear well fitting clothes in darker subdued
colors
– Dress a step above standard job attire
• Clean, polished, closed toe shoes in good
repair
• Hair clean and controlled
• Clean hands and well cared for nails
ATTENTION TO DETAILS
• Modest low key
accessories
• You may carry a briefcase
or small handbag but not
both
• Less is best for makeup
and scents
• Remove all loose threads
• Try to avoid having
jangling pocket contents
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
•
•
•
•
•
Slit or too short skirts
Bright annoying colors
Sleeveless shirts
Low necklines
Dirty or ill-fitting
clothing
• Overlong nails or odd
colored polish
• Strong cigar or
cigarette smoke
smells
• Hats
• Sunglasses either on
your face or on the
top of your head
• Large rings or
earrings
• Dangling or chunky
jewelry
• Excessive piercings
• Heavy makeup
BODY LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT
•
•
•
•
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Posture
Personal space (3036 inches)
• Gestures ( keep your
movements slow
and deliberate)
• SMILE!
SELL YOURSELF
•
•
•
•
Be ten minutes early
Don’t bring anyone with you
BE HONEST
When meeting the
interviewer
– Call him/her by name
– Shake hands firmly
– Introduce yourself
– Thank him/her for their
time
• Write a thank you letter and
keep in touch
ONLINE IMAGE
• What is your
email address?
• What does
your My
space,
Facebook etc.
look like?