getting experience searching for positions writing a resume and cover letter preparing for your...
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Getting ExperienceSearching for PositionsWriting a Resume and Cover Letter
Preparing For Your Future
Getting Experience
• Volunteer• Part-Time and Summer Jobs• Join College Activities
Getting Experience
• Internships• Gives you great experience• Allows for you to “test” out a career field• Both for credit and non-credit• Paid and unpaid options• Can start one anytime
Searching for Positions
• Many job seekers make the mistake of not focusing their career goals• Makes job search overwhelming
• Identify your personal strengths, interests, skills, and values
• List possible job titles and fields of interest• Sales, PR, Social Work, Research, Writing,
etc.
Searching for Positions
• Research companies and organizations• Research potential career fields
• Know typical entry-level jobs, salaries, etc.
• Think about location• Identify potential employers who you
would like to work for
Searching for Positions
• Target your resume to a specific field or position
• Update your facebook and myspace profiles• Have a professional email address and
voicemail message• Learn how to network and do an
informational interview• Develop a job search plan using multiple job
searching strategies
Job Search Strategy #1
Participate in Campus Programs and Events
Contact:Career and Employment CenterSarah Hover 651-450-3874http://www.inverhills.edu/StudentResources/
CareerServices/
Job Search Strategy #2Apply for Jobs that are Posted
General Job Posting Websiteswww.inverhillsjobs.com
Specialized Posting SitesIdealist: www.idealist.orgMinnesota Council of Non-profits:
www.mncn.orgEdPost:
www.stcloudstate.edu/joblistings/edpost
Job Search Strategy #2Apply for Jobs that are Posted
Employer Websites
Megasites Monster: www.monster.com Career Builder: www.careerbuilder.com
Newspapers or Want Ads www.startribune.com www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress
http://cswl.pbworks.com/
Finding Postings Using the Wiki
Application Questions
•Do I need to fill out each section if I already have that information on my resume?• What do I put down for my reason for leaving?•What about the salary expectations section?•Who should I put down as references?•Others???
Job Search Strategy #3Target Employers You Are Interested In
Direct employer contact
Directories Minnesota Nonprofit Directory United Way: Directory of Community Services Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Book of
Lists The Gold Book On the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/
Job Search Strategy #4NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!!!
• is a document to market your skills, experience, education and accomplishments to employers
• is meant to get your an interview
• is NOT your life history
• is very concise and easy to scan for information
What is a Resume?
Basic Guidelinesuse consistency in your presentation
utilize a 10 to 12 point, plain font
organize your information to make it easy to read
use your white space effectively
start all of your descriptive statements with past tense action verbs
proofread to check for errors
Basic Guidelines
do not use high school information
place your most relevant information towards the top
include industry related keywords
target it to the career field you are entering
keep your margins even
CategoriesObjectiveSummary of Qualifications
EducationHonorsRelated Coursework
InternshipsResearch
Related Experience
Additional Involvement
VolunteerCommunity Service
SkillsEmploymentActivities
Resume Statementsuse past tense action verbs to describe
what you did in each position or experience
be descriptive and specific – who, what, where, when, how, resultsaction verb + details + results = strong
resume statementlook at job postings to get ideaspractice telling someone else what you
did in each position or how you demonstrated each skill
Personal Information
LEAH M. HELPER2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.330.3333, [email protected]
IntroductionObjective
states what type of position you are looking for and what you will bring to the position
Summary of Qualificationshighlights your related qualifications for the
position
Education
Related Experience
Activities
Other Experience
Final Tips
• have your resume reviewed by a career specialist
• print on good quality paper
• look at sample resumes and to get help
• is a letter that gives you a change to elaborate on more skills you have that may not be specifically highlighted on your resume
• is meant to get the employer to read your resume
What is a Cover Letter?
Basic Guidelinesshould always accompany a resume even
when not requested
needs to be well-written and in a professional tone
do not start all of your sentences with “I”
customize each letter with a job description of the organization you are applying for
Headingyour name and address should come first
then put the date
next the employer’s name, title, and work address
always address your employer as:Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:
Opening
indicate the position you are applying for and how you came to learn about the position
state why you are interested in the position
say something you know or admire about the organizationshows you have done your research
Middle Section(s)
highlight your experience as it relates to the position
provide them with the key skills you have that are mentioned in the job description
be specific about how your achievements and education have prepared you for the position
elaborate more in-depth than what is on your resume
Closing
reiterate your interest in the position and thank them for their consideration
state that you hope to discuss your qualifications in an interview
say when you plan to follow-up with them and then do so
Final Tips
• sign your letter with sincerely and your signature• do your research on the employer• PROOFREAD!• use the same font and paper as your resume• show enthusiasm for the position