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Marketing Your Self Effectively Click to edit Master subtitle style

Resume and interview preparation

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Why do organizations recruit?

To find the Right Fit for the Right Job

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First

Appearance Counts

Job or application letter

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The Cover or Job application letter

The It

covering letter shows the employer why they should consider your rsum. is the first impression you make on the employer and shows how well you communicate in writing.

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The Cover or Job application letter

When

writing your cover letter (and resume), keep in mind that the reviewer is only interested in one thing; the facts. negatives time thinking about the layout of your letter, and make sure that it is easy on the eyes.

Avoid

Spend

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The Cover or Job application letter

A

cover letter should be typed unless the employer specifically requests a handwritten letter. should never be more than one page long. the text into short paragraphs that makes it easier to read. cover letter provides the opportunity to highlight how your skills and qualifications will benefit the

It

Break The

Cover Letter - Info to Include

Contact The The Your

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Info

Job Organization Qualifications Skills

Additional

Conclusion Sign-off

Contact Info
This

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is the header of your cover letter and should show the employer how to reach you. It should include: Full address Phone number Fax number (optional) E-mail address (optional)

Name

Address

It Right!

Contact Info
The

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address should include:

Name Full

and title of the person reviewing your application - spelled correctly. address of the organization. are always impressed when a cover letter is addressed to them specifically

Employers

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Example of Address Line

Gerald

Linklater, Office Manager GenTech Ltd. 234 Parsons Road Kingston 21

The Job

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This paragraph should indicate:

The

position you're applying for

How

you found out about the opening. If your information is from someone the hiring manager knows--for example, a person inside the company--make sure you say so brief statement about why you would fit the position.

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Example
I

am pleased to respond to your advertisement for a receptionist as advertised in the Chronicle Herald on May 7, 1996. My qualifications very closely meet the needs outlined in the advertisement.

The Organization
This paragraph should:
Show

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that you've researched the organization, and understand its needs. why you want to work for the organization.

Demonstrate

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Example
I

have read about GenTech in our local newspapers and am familiar with your chemical-cleaning products and the environmental services you offer to manufacturers. I would be very interested in working for a company that is helping the environment and also has an excellent reputation as an employer in our community.

Your Qualifications

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Show the employer why you're a good match for the job and the organization. This paragraph should include:
One

or two of your most relevant qualifications/skills, and how they can be of value to the employer or two accomplishments that demonstrate your experience as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume for details.

One Be

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Example
As

you will see in the attached resume, I have worked as a receptionist at RB Enterprises for five years where I handled incoming calls, mail and courier services. During that time, I also assisted with the selection of the Signex 320 telephone system and trained others in its use.

Additional Skills
Show

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the employer that you have other skills or abilities appropriate for the job. This paragraph may not be necessary if the 3rd paragraph is sufficient.

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Example
I

am familiar with Windows-based systems and am proficient with Office 2000 and WordPerfect 8. I am also familiar with spreadsheet programs such as Excel.

Conclusion

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This paragraph should include:

A

request for an interview

Indication

that you will follow up with a phone call. It is recommended to follow-up within 2 weeks.

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Example
I

would be pleased to review my qualifications in more detail during an interview with you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me.

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Sample Cover or Application Letter

September 22, 2000 Gerald Linklater, Office Manager GenTech Ltd. 234 Parsons Road Kingston 21

Dear Mr. Linklater:

I am pleased to respond to your advertisement for a receptionist as advertised in the Chronicle Herald on (date). My qualifications very closely meet the needs outlined in the advertisement.

I have read about GenTech in our local newspapers and am familiar with your chemical-cleaning products and the environmental services you offer to manufacturers. I would be very interested in working for a company that is helping the environment and also has an excellent reputation as an employer in our community.

As you will see in the attached resume, I have worked as a receptionist at RB Enterprises for five years where I handled incoming calls, mail and courier services. During that time, I also assisted with the selection of the Signex 320 telephone system and trained others in its use.

I am familiar with Windows-based systems and am proficient with Office 2000 and WordPerfect 8. I am also familiar with spreadsheet programs such as Excel.

Cover Letter - Do's and don'ts

Because

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your cover letter is the first time you "speak" to an employer, it has to be "letter-perfect" and professional in appearance.

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DO
Address Tailor

the letter to a specific person, not a title; the letter to the job and the organization. It shouldn't be "canned"; your enthusiasm for the job; the letter to one page;

Show Keep Keep Use

the paragraphs short and to the point; action verbs to describe what

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Dont.
Make Use

the cover letter run longer than one page; a long word when a short one will do. For example, use "try" rather than "endeavour"; the letter with too many facts or those that are not relevant to the job. Employers are not interested in your life story; coloured paper or coloured type;

Clutter

Use

Cover Letters - Employers Talk

A "Window" on You "A cover letter is like a window that enables you to view an applicant's communications skills, enthusiasm and, to a certain extent, style and personality. I look specifically for a professionally written letter that has creativity as well as basics such as accurate spelling, sentence structure and vocabulary." Laura Sbrocchi, Client Support Assistant,

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Cover Letters - Employers Talk

Good Writing Counts!
"If

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a cover letter is carelessly written, then I think the person doesn't care how he or she comes across and probably won't care who they rent our cars to." Angela Sample, Human Resources Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. well-written cover letter shows that you're prepared to work to get a foot in

"A

Cover Letters - Employers Talk

Show Confidence in Your Skills
"I

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look for a coherent, articulate cover letter that shows a person who is confident in his or her abilities. I don't want someone who simply says 'I'm the best person.' And please--short, sweet and to the point." Emily Loh, Human Resources Administrator, Hughes Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Systems Division.

Cover Letters - Employers Talk

Promote Yourself
"A

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cover letter is an opportunity to talk about yourself and be a self-promoter. Don't be shy." John Tompkins, Sales Staff Manager, London Life Insurance Co.

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What

do you have to offer?

Resume Writing

Rsum
Employers

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will scan a rsum for about 30 seconds to decide whether to consider an applicant. Some may use an automated scan in order to short list rsums. Get your rsum in the for consideration pile.

Rsum

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A rsum is a "snapshot" of you and needs to be:

Written

with the employers interests in in appearance

mind
Professional Targeted

for a particular job or organization Spelling and grammar mistakes can mean an automatic trip to

"Letter-perfect."

Target Your Rsum

Employers

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look for people who have researched the job and can explain clearly how their skill, knowledge and abilities meet their needs. today's job market, a generic, "onesize-fits-all" rsum doesn't work.

In

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Hit the target!!

Its

better to send 10 rsums and get 5 interviews than send 100 and get 1. of your rsum as a jigsaw puzzle with different pieces. In each targeted rsum, you place the pieces in a new way to create a slightly different picture of yourself. your rsum as your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. It's the right place to take pride

Think

Consider

Research specific employers.

Visit

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the organizations website, find newspaper or magazine articles on the organization, or get the organizations annual report to look for: Occupations they hire, hiring process, contact names, new contracts or announcements, corporate culture

Information

Research the occupation5/30/12 to identify:

Standard

wording for duties, responsibilities, and requirements, emerging skill requirements.

Research the industry to5/30/12 identify:

Trends

and issues so you can tell the employer how you can make a difference to their bottom line employers specific key words and jargon

Prospective Sector

Associations

that are good sources of industry information

Before Writing Your Rsum

Make

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a list of your skills.

Sources

of transferable work experience

Part-time or Summer Work and Recreational Activities Work Experiences Activities

Sports

Volunteer

Entrepreneurial Academic

Styles
There

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are two different styles you can use for your resume:
Chronological Skills-Based

Chronological Resumes
For

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someone with progressive work experience in the same career field. It shows the employer who you've worked for and what you contributed in each work setting.

Skills-Based Resumes
For

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someone who wants to highlight work experiences and skills, has many employers, has little work experience, or is planning a career change. It focuses the attention on the skills you have used in a variety of settings.

Rsum Sections
Contact Career

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Information

Objective

Education Work Skills Professional Awards

Experience Qualifications

/ Achievements

Affiliations

Contact Information

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Ensure the employer can contact you easily

Use

a permanent address

Provide

an alternate number if you are often away from your phone and dont have an answering machine an email address especially if you are submitting your resumes electronically

Include

Career Objective

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Your Career Objective is the perfect place to show the employer, in one or two sentences, how your interests and skills match his/her job. Employers use this section to see how your goals mesh with their needs.
Include:

Job Title, Reference to your skills or experience, the main benefits to the employer it the first statement in your

Make

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Examples
Web

Designer: to use my graphic arts and marketing skills to create user friendly web sites that encourages new customers for the business. To use my teaching and organizational skills to develop educational Web sites. Hardware Clerk: To apply my knowledge of construction and interpersonal skills as part of giving excellent customer service for building

Retail

Education
Employers

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with a position that requires a certain type of education or training will use this section to screen resumes. Other employers will use the education achieved as an indicator of your ability to learn.

Education
List

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your education/training in reverse chronological order--the most recent educational experience first, the nextmost-recent second, and so forth. Include completion date. the title of your degree, diploma or certificate and then the name and location of the educational institution any academic honours you

Indicate

List

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Examples
Mechanical

Engineering Technology Huronia College of Applied Arts and Technology, Toronto, ON Dean's List (GPA 3.8/4.0), McLaren Award for first-class standing in Mechanical Program Commerce University of Alberta Developed award-winning business plan for manufacturing entrepreneur,

B.A.

Work Experience
There

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are two different styles you can use for your work experience:
Chronological Skills-Based

Chronological Resume

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Tells the employer what jobs you've had, what you've accomplished in each, and your career progression
Include:

Employer name, Employer location, Type of organization (optional), Dates employed, Job title, Duties, responsibilities and key results. the work experience that will be of most interest to the employer. action verbs to show you're a

Highlight Use

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Example
Acme Networks 03/10/96-Present Ottawa, Ontario Information Officer Composed departmental press releases Reviewed departmental texts and publications for quality assurance Answered public inquiry

Skills-Based Resume

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Knowing what other employers you have worked for helps the employer assess the kind of experience you have. In the skills based resume you provide the following information on previous employers:
Job

Title, Employer, Employer Location, and Type of organization (optional)

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Example
Information Officer, Acme Networks, Ottawa, Network Development Company

Professional Qualifications

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This section informs the employer of your professional, trade certifications and licenses to practice.
Include Include If

voluntary and mandatory certifications. information on the issuing body for the certification your membership is not up to date, get it renewed before including it

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Examples
Professional Engineer- Alberta Professional Engineers and Geologists Association Certified Human Resources PractitionerHuman Resource Practitioner Association of Ontario Red Seal Certificate Carpenter U.S Border Crossing Certificate (Truck drivers)

Skills
Tell

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the employer your skill areas and accomplishments skill areas

Start Use Also Use

Describe

with broad skill categories. Under each category provide detailed examples. action words include results achieved using the skills where appropriate short statements

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Example
Wood Frame Construction
Estimate

material, time and resources forms for foundations

required
Construct Frame

walls, floors and ceilings

Consistently

complete construction within budget and time estimate

Awards / Achievements

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From this section the employer can see highlighted achievements that may not apply specifically to the job you're seeking, but demonstrate your desire to achieve excellence.
Information

on specific awards or achievements can be highlighted separately or included under education or work experience short statements

Use

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Example
Received

The Ottawa Citizen 2000 Short Story Award Saskatoon President, The Diabetes Society Service Commission of Canada, Presidents Award, Employee of the Year for 2000-2001

Elected

Public

Affiliations

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This section can help the employer see you as a well-rounded person.
Include

membership in professional or volunteer organizations. Use discretion in including religious or political affiliations.

Volunteer Work

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Your volunteer activities provide important information to employers about your personality, interests and skills. You can highlight skills and achievements obtained through non-paid work.
Describe

each volunteer activity as you would a work experience but with less detail. your volunteer assignments in

List

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Example
Meal Deliverer, Meals on Wheels, Winnipeg MB
Delivered Provided Worked

more than 500 meals to 10 live-at-home seniors ongoing advice and assistance as required with community team to set up a Neighbourhood Watch system

Interests

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This section can help the employer see you as a well-rounded person.
Be

brief but show the range of your interests. the employer with a more individualized view of you as a person

Provides

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Example
Reading

fiction, playing flute with an ensemble, exploring the Internet, participating in an investment club

FAQs
What

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if I've only worked for one employer? If you've had different positions within the organization, then list the positions separately and explain your responsibilities and accomplishments in each one.

If you've stayed in one position only, make sure that you list your accomplishments for that position.

FAQs
What

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if I have gaps in my work history? Under "Work Description" describe what you were doing while out of the work force, especially if it provided you with valuable experience. Use a Skillsbased resume.

For example: "Travel and study" or "Family management".

I'm

older and worried my age will

FAQs
What

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if I'm interested in more than one work opportunity? Modify your resume for each position so that it is targeted to each organization.

10 Resume Red Flags

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

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It's Covered in Glitter -- Literally. There Are References. It's Written in Full Sentences. There Are No Numbers.

It Includes the Words "Duties" or "Responsibilities." It Lists an Objective. It Contains Spelling or Grammatical Errors.

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First

Impressions Lasts

The interview

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Preparation
Preparation

will make or break your

interview

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Personal
Know

your own qualifications and how they relate to the position

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Industry
Know

everything you can about the industry

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First Impression
The

first few minutes are critical, and will set the tone for the interview. To succeed, you must project enthusiasm about the position, show confidence and competence. Your goal is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company.

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Visual Image
Dress

appropriate for the position you're seeking. Your attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed. hair and fingernails are essential. Avoid excessive cologne, jewellery or make-up.

Your

Clean

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Be Prompt
Be

on time! Allow extra time for traffic, parking and slow elevators. whatever it takes to arrive a few minutes early. arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

Do

Late

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The Interview
Do

not rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself. Your resume was most likely pre-screened by the HR department, and your interviewer hasnt even seen your resume. yourself! When you are answering the interviewers questions, look the prospective employer in the eye while

Sell

Prepare for the Interview

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5/30/12 Find out everything you can about the specific position

The

better you understand the position and the employer's needs the more effectively you can show how you'll benefit their organization. Read the job ad thoroughly - it will often tell you some of the employers major concerns.

Practice introductions
The

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decision to hire is often made in the first thirty seconds. Make a good first impression: Practice opening a door, coming into a room, offering your hand confidently, smiling and introducing yourself. Use your left hand for carrying, leaving your right hand free for the handshake.

The interview
Practice

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responses to interview questions - but don't try to memorize them. Being yourself is essential to interview success. Responses need to feel and sound natural. you've thought through how you can add value to a specific employer, you'll be able to easily add examples of how in the answers you provide. give a top-notch interview, you need

When

To

Why do I want this job?

Employers

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aren't just looking for bodies to fill in vacant positions. They want people who can bring something new and valuable to their business. only way you can prove to an interviewer that you've got what it takes is to show that you know exactly what his/her organization does. Find out as much as you can. you really know the answer to

The

When

What do I have to offer?

Employers

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want to know why they should hire you. To find out, they ask a variety of questions to help them find out who you are and what you can do. To be prepared, review your experiences at work, at school and in volunteer activities.
Keep

a mental list of your accomplishments. about challenges you've faced and how you dealt with them.

Think

What else do I need to know?

One

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of the final questions you'll be asked in an interview is: "Is there anything you would like to know about the organization or the job?" "No" sends the wrong signals--that you're not really interested in the organization, don't know what's important to you in an employee/employer relationship, or lack confidence and assertiveness.

Answering

Tell me about yourself.

Purpose:
To To To

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put you at ease.

learn from you why they should or should not hire you. find out if your mind is on what you can offer an employer; or if it is on personal concerns that may interfere with your work performance. learn a little bit about your background. assess your ability to communicate

To To

5/30/12 Tell me about your experience with this type of work.

Purpose:
To

find out whether or not you can do the job. you have done this work, state where and give examples of your achievements. you have done related work, state your transferable skills. Show your interest in the position and your willingness to learn. you have not done this work, mention

Suggestions:
If If

If

5/30/12 What kind of machines/software can you operate?

Purpose:
This

question indicates that skills in this area are very important. Express your experience and capability. as specific as possible about your expertise. you haven't had experience with the equipment required, describe similar machines/software you've worked with.

Suggestions:
Be If

What are your greatest strengths?

Purpose:
To To To

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discover reasons for hiring you. find out how well you know yourself.

find out if you believe in yourself; and if you are the right person for the position. that besides the work skills, training and experience that you would offer, you also offer job-related qualities such as reliability, enthusiasm,

Suggestions:
Mention

What are your weaknesses?

Purpose:
To

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discover if you are wrong for the job as a result of lack of experience or training, poor people skills, refusal to follow orders, poor attitude laziness... a positive attribute, then continue with a statement of reassurance. For example, I feel that it is very important to meet deadlines; satisfy the customer; ... I have to really make myself be patient,

Suggestions:
Describe

5/30/12 What kind of salary are you expecting?

Purpose:
The

interviewer wants to determine whether you have realistic salary expectations. a salary range.

Suggestions:
Mention Stating This If

an exact figure may harm your chances. is where your research can pay off. you know the going rate for the type of

5/30/12

Situation questions
Situation

questions provide you with a hypothetical situation and ask how you would deal with it. Employers can check your understanding of specific processes as well as your interpersonal or working with others skills.
How

would you respond to a customer who isn't happy with the product? would you do if a co-worker isn't pulling their weight?

What

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Behaviour based questions

Behaviour

based questions are used to assess similar skills and abilities to situational questions. In behaviour based questions the employer asks you to describe what you did in an actual experience. Past action is a predictor of future actions. How you've dealt with situations tells the employer a great deal about how you'll handle things in their organization. Before you select a situation to describe, think about what

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Behaviour based questions

When

you get a question like this, answer it as if you were telling a story and:
Identify Identify

the skill that your story demonstrates. skill. the situation in which you used the your actions. the results of your actions.

Describe Describe

Prepare your references

Select Ask Ask

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references who will comment fairly and positively. permission to use them as a reference. your reference what they would say about you especially in regards to such things such as interpersonal and team work skills, reliability, and work habits. your references promptly about

Inform

The Day Before

Organize:

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Put together the things you'll need for the day: clothes, money, and interview information such as the name of interviewer, address, and directions on how to get there. yourself time. Make sure you give yourself extra time for last minute problems. Make sure you have all the papers you need such as:

Give

Documents.

Do's and Don'ts

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5/30/12

Do...
Look directly at the interviewer. Elaborate briefly on your experience, your skills, and background. Be sincere. Sell yourself without bragging. Share what appeals to you about the employer,or the work. Be natural and let your real self show.

5/30/12

Don't...
Exaggerate

or compare yourself to

others.
Cross Place

your arms across your chest. This gesture will make you seem defensive. anything on the desk between you and the interviewer such as briefcase or portfolio. It will appear to be a barrier. just "yes" and "no" answers. Oneliners are conversation stoppers.

Give

Perform well
Listening,

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confidence, and quality of presentation are the keys to successful interviewing. want to see enthusiasm, a little knowledge about the company, confidence, and an ability to work well in their environment. interview is also your opportunity to assess the company. Do you want to work there? Can you contribute, get

Employers

The

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Make your entrance

Before

you say a word, the interviewer will make a judgement about youmaybe the deciding one. smile, a firm handshake, confident demeanor, good eye contact, and a friendly enthusiastic manner will go a long ways to making that important first impression.

Take notes - Listen carefully

Take

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your time- a concise logical answer that covers relevant factors is more effective than one that rambles. certain you've heard and understood the question. Asking for clarification is acceptable. the question that's been askedyou don't have to give all the answers you've practiced. focused on how you could add

Be

Answer

Keep

Ending the interview

Ask Ask

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questions

questions that show your knowledge of the organization or its market. questions about the company: direction, how the various departments function together, training opportunities, challenges the organization faces etc. last question could be when they

Ask

The

Tips to Staying Motivated

Most

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people find that their motivation can have a "down" spell. Here are some tips to keep going and stay positive.

Goal-setting:
set set

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realistic goals - don't be overambitious; goals you can measure don't be vague about what you want to accomplish; small as well as large goals this way you can celebrate small achievements; daily, weekly or monthly goals, depending on your self-study program.

create

set

Have a schedule:
set

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aside a special time and space for your self-study; track of your progress consider writing a journal about your learning; plateaus no one's learning ability or motivation remains at one level all the time; flexible if you have to change plans, re-organize yourself.

keep

expect

be

Keep a balance in your life:

ensure don't give

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that your life has a variety of activities, not just self-study; begrudge the time spent on your family and work obligations; yourself time for leisure and rest.

Stay healthy:
eat

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appropriately learning requires "fuel"; well your brain needs its "down" time; exercise-many people say they concentrate better if they've had physical activity.

sleep get

Find support:
share talk

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your goals/ambitions with family and friends; about your successes; be afraid to discuss a setback or ask for a pep talk.

don't

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Be happy!!!