Chapter 13 Preparing Résumés and Application Letters

Chapter 13 Preparing Résumés and Application Letters

Learning Objectives 1. Prepare for employment by considering relevant information about yourself as it relates to job requirements. 2. Identify career opportunities using traditional and electronic methods. 3. Prepare an organized, persuasive résumé that is adapted for print, scanning, and electronic postings. 4. Utilize employment tools other than the résumé that can enhance employability. 5. Write an application message that effectively introduces an accompanying print (designed) or electronic résumé.

Learning Objective 1 Prepare for employment by considering relevant information about yourself as it relates to job requirements.

Process of Applying for a Job Continued

Process of Applying for a Job (cont. )

Learning Objective 2 Identify career opportunities using traditional and electronic methods.

Sources for Identifying Career Opportunities Traditional • Printed sources • Networking Electronic • Career service center • Career guidance information • Employers’ offices • Job listings • Employment agencies • Company web pages • Professional organizations • Résumé posting services

Using Electronic Sources • Use career sites to learn about phases ______ of job search • Use corporate sites to learn about the company ____ specific ____ • Find out what _______ skills a company is seeking • Network electronically with potential ______ employers

Learning Objective 3 Prepare an organized, persuasive résumé that is adapted for print, scanning, and electronic postings.

Standard Parts of a Résumé Identification Objective Career summary Qualifications Personal information References

Preparing a Print (Designed) Résumé • Develop appealing format that ____________ highlights qualifications easy • Format for quick, ____ reading • Create an appealing output ______ • Consider adding a statement of creativity originality your ____ and _____

Selecting an Organizational Plan for a Résumé

Types of Electronic Submissions *Most common method Email résumé to job bank or networking contact Beam a quick résumé version to a PDA or digital phone Complete online or download form from job bank, corporate website, or career services center to be returned by email, fax, or mail Create electronic portfolio on your own personal home page

Preparing Electronic Postings • Know postings are not ______ confidential • Prepare a professional submission that follows ____ instructions ______ precisely • Send résumé in requested format: Inline ─ ______- résumé — text résumé pasted below email cover message ─ Text résumé — ASCII or RTF format that removes formatting ______ ─ Attachment saved as word processing file keyword • Include _____ summary after identification section

Preparing a Scannable Résumé • Use popular, nondecorative typefaces • Use 10 - to 14 -point font • Do not include italics, underlining, open bullets, or graphic lines/boxes • Use ample white space • Print on one side of white, standard-size paper • Do not fold or staple

Making a Résumé Search Friendly • Place name as first item on every page • Add powerful keywords in separate section – Capitalize first letter of each keyword – Begin with most important, work in reverse – Use only 80 keywords • Support keywords in résumé body

Learning Objective 4 Utilize employment tools other than the résumé that can enhance employability.

A Professional Portfolio. . . • Illustrates past activities, projects, and accomplishments • Can be easier to organize and transport if presented digitally • Must show clear understanding of audience needs and your qualifications

Electronic Portfolio: Post on Your Website

Preparing Vésumés for You. Tube • Keep video simple with one stationary shot using a good camera and tripod • Use proper lighting that focuses on applicant’s face • Speak clearly at easy-listening pace using quality microphone • Choose camera friendly, good-fitting clothing appropriate for job sought • Edit video to assure professional image

Learning Objective 5 Write an application message that effectively introduces an accompanying print (designed) or electronic résumé.

Preparing Effective Application Messages • Use persuasive message strategy to sell your _____ qualifications original • Include _______ statements • Select concise, on-target language _______to tailored the employer’s needs • Assure tone that avoids insincere ____, modesty flattery boastful false _______, or _______ statements positive • Focus on your strengths and portray a _______ attitude

Email Application Message: The Content Does Not Change To: Saunders Greyson From: Brandon R. Shaw Subject: Career Fair Followup: Résumé for Brandon Shaw Date: October 15, 2012 Mr. Saunders Greyson Human Resources Manager Tropical Importers 1240 Coastal Lane Miami, FL 33140 -1000 Dear Mr. Greyson: It was a pleasure meeting you at the career fair this morning. The opportunities offered in logistics management identifies your company as being a leader in today’s international marketplace. My experience and knowledge of logistics management enable me to be a valuable asset to your company: • Realistic international experience with a delivery company. • Provides subject line that ensures message will be opened • Reveals how applicant learned of position and confirms interest in company • Condenses content of persuasive application letter sent by mail into one screen Continued

Email Application Message: The Content Does Not Change (cont. ) • Demonstrated commitment to developing an appreciation for international cultures and business practices. • Excellent performance evaluations, including special recognition for troubleshooting transportation problems to remote locations. Please review the attached résumé that you requested for additional information about my education and related work experience. Please message me so we can discuss my joining Tropical Importers. Sincerely, Brandon R. Shaw Attachment • Introduces résumé and reminds interviewer that submission was requested. • Encourages employer to take action without sounding apologetic.