career services center christy meriwether, managing director donna balko, employer relations steps...
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Career Services CenterChristy Meriwether, Managing DirectorDonna Balko, Employer Relations
Steps to Help You Land the Interview and Get the Job
Steps
• Step 1 – Self Assessment
• Step 2 – Networking
• Step 3 – Constructing a Winning Resume
• Step 4 – References
• Step 5 – Cover Letter
• Step 6 – Letters of Recommendation
• Step 7 – Thank You Notes
• Step 8 – The Interview
In preparation for your career, think about:
– What is your starting point?– What makes you unique?– What are your strengths and
weaknesses?– Where are you headed?– What are your goals in 1, 5,
10 years?
Reconsider these questions throughout your career.
Begin with a Self Assessment
In some industries, at least 60% of jobs are found by networking.
Networking
11
It is usually the first impression you will make on a potential employer, so create interest by telling them why they should hire you!
Summary of relevant experience
Screening tool (good and bad)
It is an invitation for an interview
Career planning tool
What is a resume?
Relevant
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing• Nurse Tech or medical work experience• TNSA and other organizations• Community involvement
Not Relevant
I always staple at exactly a 45-degree angle
Candidate’s resume included his hobbies: phishing
– Name at a 16 font size– Headers (Education, etc.) at a 12-14 font size– Use a horizontal format– Text underneath headers is at an 11-12 font size– Readable and clear font– Acronyms spelled out when not commonly known– When spelled out do not put acronyms in
parentheses unless using them more than once
General Tips for Resumes
Which if the following statements is true regarding the correct length for a resume?
#1 It must be only one page.
#2 One to one-and-half pages is okay.
#3 If you have a lot of experience, it can be as long as you want.
General Tips for Resumes
Which if the following statements is true regarding the correct length for a resume?
#1 It must be only one page.
#2 One to one-and-half pages is okay.
#3 If you have a lot of experience, it can be as long as you want.
General Tips for Resumes
Too long?
The Division President of a recruiting company said one candidate’s resume was so long, she included a table of contents with it.
Do not write in first or third-person, except in the Objective Statement where you can use pronouns, “I” or “me”
Use action verbs to describe school and work experiences and use proper tense
Use bullets for lists – not for one item
No pictures, graphics, or URLs
If your resume is two pages, put your name on the second page
General Tips for Resumes
• Proofread and have others proofread!
• Print on resume paper and use a quality printer
• Also use for cover letter and reference page
Finish strong
Name, Address, Phone, Email
ObjectiveEducationClinical ExperienceRelated Work ExperienceCertificationsHonors/AwardsCommunity EngagementProfessional Memberships
Sample Elements of a Resume
Objective Creation Tips
Keep it concise, targeted and relevant
Focus on your skills how you will benefit the employer
Should be crystal clear about career direction
Varies depending upon the job you want
Objective Format Example
Begin with what you are seeking
Add what you will bring to the position
End with how you will help, benefit, or improve the hospital, etc.
Keep to one sentence
Objective Format Example
Great examples: Example:To secure employment as a Graduate Nurse in which I can utilize my ______
skill(s) to_________.
Seeking a Critical Care internship in which I can utilize my ____ to______.
Objective Format Example
Not so great: I need money because I have bills to pay and I would like to have a life, go out partying, please my young wife with gifts, and have a menu entrée consisting of more than soup
To claw my way to the top using any means necessary….but then be a fair and just ruler, and bring your company to new heights, or whatever.
Education
Name of school plus city and state
Bold the university and/or college names
Do not list high school
Degree, month, and year (do not say “anticipated” graduation date)
GPA optional (if over 3.0)
ExampleTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014
GPA: 3.0
Clinical Experiences with Education
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014GPA: 3.0
Clinical Experience
University Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or October 2013 – November 2013
• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death
• Assisted…
Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013•Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering with coup contrecoup lesion
•Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit for a patient who only spoke Spanish
Clinical Experiences as a Separate Heading
University Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or October 2013 – November 2013
• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death
• Assisted….
Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013
• Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering of coup-contra coup lesion
• Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit on a patient who only spoke Spanish
• Placed a nasogastric tube on a patient in the SICU
Clinical Experiences as a Separate Heading
Relate bullets to your objectiveUse bullets that begin with action verbsTwo lines or shorter in lengthThink in terms of a process Hospitals want to know your performance in the following areas:
Competent bedside care Use of high level equipment Performance in high level procedures Good communication skills Teamwork
Use the Job Description as a Guide
Job Responsibilities: Implements and monitors patient care plans. Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate. Monitors and documents patient's condition and effectiveness and timeliness of care and/or interventions; evaluates, updates and revises plan of care to facilitate achievement of planned and expected outcomes. Serves as a primary coordinator of all disciplines for well-coordinated patient care. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocol. Notes and carries out physician and nursing orders. Assesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team. Assesses educational needs of the patient and significant others considering cultural issues and other special concerns. Provides teaching and educational material as appropriate. Validates and documents patient and family understanding of teaching.
Related Work Experience
Place of employment, city, state, month, and year of employment
Position held under place of employmentIf you have limited space, put the position in front of the place
of employment so it is on the same line
Bulleted experiences beginning with action words
ExampleHospice of the South Plains, Lubbock, TX June 2011-August 2011
Nursing Assistant
• Provided hospice-related healthcare in nursing homes, assisted living centers and patients’ residences
• Assisted patients with ……
Other Headers
CertificationsAmerican Heart Association, CPR/BLS and First Aid Certified
HonorsTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Dean’s List, Spring 2013
Community EngagementMarch of Dimes Walk America, Volunteer and Fundraiser
Professional OrganizationsTexas Nursing Students’ Association, Member
References
References Available Upon Request Last item on the resume Signals the end of the resume May help you stand out Reference Page is Separate from Resume Include your Page Header at the Top Center and title the page “References”
Name, credentials, title, address, phone, email Left justified
References
References
Meghan Rowen, MSN, RN
Instructor, TTUHSC School of Nursing
3601 4th Street, MS 6264
Lubbock, TX 79413
Office: 806.743.2730
Cell: 806.500.5555
References
References
Eric
Who better to tell you about me than….me
• Proofread and have others proofread
• Proofread again
• Print on resume paper and use a quality printer
• Also use for cover letter and reference page
• Did we mention….proofread
Finish strong
• Watch for words in ALL CAPS.
• Don’t rely on spellcheck alone:I am experienced in all faucets (facets) of accounting
Strong Work Ethic, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Attention to Detail
Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store.”
Hope to hear from you, shorty.
More about proofreading
Cover Letter
• Your marketing piece when you are not there
• Remember, do not repeat the information in your resume
• Include why you became a nurse
• Be specific. Don’t just tell them you are qualified. Give examples.
Cover Letter
First paragraph – IntroductionIntroduction with information about the job you are applying to
Second paragraph – BodyWhy are you interested in the position?Why their hospital?Why did you go into nursing? What sets you apart?Be specific
Final Paragraph – ClosingIndicate you hope to meet with themMake reference to your contact informationThank them
Cover Letter
• Think of the image you want to put forth and choose people who can write to support that image
• Meet with each of them and tell them what you are applying for and why
• Ask them if they would be able to provide you with a strong letter of recommendation
• Give them 3-4 weeks notice
• Provide them with information about the job, who/where to mail the letter, deadline and resume
• Be prepared to provide them with a summary of your accomplishments
Items to Remember
When applying onlineResumeCover Letter
When applying in personResumeReferences in case they ask for them
Generally, references are requested during or after the interview
Prior to the Interview
Do your homeworkReview the hospital’s website and learn factsSaves interview’s time and is impressive
Get the name of the person you will interview with and use it as it is music to their earsReview the job posting againBe prepared to answer and ask questions
Types of Interviews
Phone interview (usually for screening candidates)Face-to-face interview with one person. Usually a nurse recruiter or human resourcesGroup interview with several nurse managers
Arriving for the Interview
Take resume and referencesTurn off the cell phone or leave it in the car!
Do not be seen absorbed in your phone
Arrive 10-15 min. earlyTreat everyone you see politely
During and After the Interview
Shake hands and have good eye contact upon greeting the interviewer
Practice, practice, practice
• ListenThank the interviewer following the interview and shake handsSend a handwritten thank you note ASAP
Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are very common among hospital recruiters because past behavior is a predictor of future behaviorFor example: Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
Be preparedMock Interview
Steps to Answering Behavioral Questions
Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
Describe a specific situationIdentify hindrances or challengesExplain the action(s) takenDiscuss the results or outcomesEvaluate or summarize what was learned
Behavioral Questions
Practicing your responses will help you recall past situations
Avoid the following pitfalls:Not giving enough detailBeing unpreparedBeing too rehearsed/polished
Thank you
•Send a thank you to the recruiter(s)•References are important and deserve a BIG thank you.•Handwritten notes are the best•Follow up with your references to let them know what job you landed
Note Example
Dear Ms. Adams,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the _____.
I am very interested in the job and feel that I have the skills you
desire. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about _____
and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Additional Comments...Questions?
Resources
www.ttuhsc.edu/son/career, For StudentsCareer Counseling
Donna Balko, Career Counselor/Employer RelationsChristy Meriwether, Senior Director
Resume Builder (Optimal Resume)“How to Guide”
Interview Stream (interview prep)Jobs Job search (Career Shift) – use group code “soncareers” Current Job postings Hospital information sheetsLibrary of Resources
Resources
Library of Resources Resume Building PowerPoint Resume Planning Guide Cover Letter Planning Guide Action Verbs Interview Planning Guide Top 10 Interview Questions Interview Questions (Sample Behavioral Questions)
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
–Arthur Ashe
