Job Search
Coronado High School
November 12, 2015
Rusty Smith
Outline
o Finding Open Positions
o Resumes
o Cover Letters
o Interviews
o Typical Interview Questions
o Review
o Q&A
Finding Open Positions
o Gazette (http://gazette.com/jobs)
o Job websites (LinkedIn, Monster, Career Builder,
DICE)
o Company websites (look for Career/Jobs link)
o Personal Network
Cover Letters & Resumes
Purpose: To get you an interview
Resumes
Length: 1 page (no longer than 2 pages)
o Clean, simple, easy to read
o Chronological, NOT Function or Summary
o Most important or most related experience to job
applying for is highlighted or at the top
Chronological Example
Good Font
Chronological Example
Bad Font
DO NOT DO
Functional Example
DO NOT DO
Chronological Example
Good Font
DO!
Cover Letters
Length: ¾ to 1 Page
Gives an idea of who you are as a person; Personality
Traits/Characteristics, Motivations, Passions, Special
Accomplishments, and, most importantly, why you think
you are qualified for the position.
o 1st Paragraph: Interest in position applying for
o 2nd/3rd Paragraph: Why you are qualified for the position
o Closing Paragraph: Reiterate interest and your
commitment to interviewing for position
Cover Letter Example
Interviews
Purpose: To get a Job Offer
Goal: To get as many Job Offers as possible
o Do your research
o Dress appropriately (1 level above the company culture)
o Have answers prepared for both easy and difficult questions.
o Expand on your answers
o Have examples of what you did in the past ready
o Be prepared to ask questions about the company and position
Typical Interview Questions
o What are your strengths?
o What are your weaknesses/areas of improvement?
o Why do you think you’re qualified for this position?
o What do you think you could bring to this position/company?
o Why are you interested in this position/company?
o Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
o Please give me an example of a time when…….
o Why did you leave xxxx company?
Review
What’s the purpose of your Cover Letter & Resume?
What’s the purpose of the interview?
What’s the goal?
o Create a simple, comprehensive Resume & Cover Letter
o Be prepared: Do your research and have answers ready for questions
o Always dress 1 level above company culture
o Expand on your answers when possible
o Be cool: Follow up appropriately but don’t bother, stalk or harass (The job
search process is like courting – follow the same guidelines)
Questions & Answers