Job Hunting: Written Communications Guide

Chapter 12 Written Communications in Job Hunting

Presentation Overview Letters in the job search process Resume writing AI in resume preparation Resume tips Resume vs. vita References/recommendation letters Transcripts Record keeping in the job campaign CIP perspective

Letters in the Job Search Process Letter of inquiry Cover letter Broadcast vs. Targeted approach What s the difference? See sample outline in Figure 12.2 Tips on preparing effective cover letters Letters in the electronic age

Cover Letter 1st paragraph Opening Reason for writing Name of position, career area How you heard of the opening 2nd paragraph Body Mention related experience/qualifications Slant to employing organization Why interested in organization, position, location Refer reader to any enclosed materials

Cover Letter 3rd paragraph Closing Request opportunity to visit employer, suggesting possible date/time Indicate when you might follow up Thank reader for considering your application Sincerely, Include signature Type Full Name

Letters in the Job Search Process Letter of inquiry Interview appreciation letter Letter of acknowledgement Letter of acceptance Job offer rejection letter

Purpose of a Resume Self-marketing & branding tool Highlights one s relevant education, experience, work- relevant skills and related qualifications Designed to get employer s attention & obtain an interview Provide employers a picture of what value you would bring to the organization

Resume Styles Length Generally, 1 page for college graduates Longer for persons with advanced degrees Format Choose categories appropriate to job target Order categories from most to least relevant Use consistent format

Alternative Resumes Posting resumes online Use of key words Assume that anyone will be able to see it Scannable resumes Use simpler format & common headings Emphasis on specific skills & wording relevant to employer/position Avoid colored paper, folding, staples

Organizing a Resume Chronological vs. functional What s the difference? Advantages & disadvantages of each May use a combination of the two

Resume Categories Identification Career Objective Education/Training Experience Other Categories

Identification NAME Phone number(s) E-mail address LinkedIn or Portfolio web address

Career Objective Varied opinions about whether to include Concise statement of position or opportunity you are seeking Can also focus on type of organization or population you wish to serve Avoid vague or generic statements

Education Begin with highest level of training Name/Date of Degree Name/Location of Institution Major(s)/Minor(s) Overall GPA/Major GPA Relevant coursework Academic Honors (can also be a separate section)

Experience Can include: Paid/non-paid Part-time/full-time Internships Volunteer/community service Military Other category names: Related or Additional Experience

Experience What to Include: Position title Name of organization Organization s location (city, state) Dates Duties/skills used/responsibilities Accomplishments/results

Sample Positive Action Words Advised Edited Arranged Established Built Organized Compiled Planned Demonstrated Supervised Designed Trained See complete list in Table 12.1 in text

Positive Action Word Examples Sales Representative Initiated and completed all services for new customers, as well as handled all billing problems and service change orders. Teaching Assistant Served as peer educator in class of 110 students; helped design and implement lesson plans; assisted with grading assignments

Personal Data Generally omitted from resume, including Birthdate Marital status Physical characteristics Religion Beware of including any information that could be used by cyberthieves

Reproducing Your Resume Use word processing software to produce a high-quality original What are the pros and cons of templates? Use high quality printer and paper in making copies

AI in Resume Preparation Many employers are using some form of AI to review Can be helpful in creating a first draft Cautions about using AI Knowing how to write well will always matter

Resume Tips 1) Be brief, clear, concise 2) Be consistent in formatting, use an easy-to-read layout 3) Be positive & honest 4) Be careful proof for errors 5) Be neat quality of resume reflects on you!

Resume Donts State salary requirements Give reasons for leaving employers Limit geographic range Expound on philosophy or values Offer any negative information

Resume vs. Vita Most college graduates use brief resumes, 1-2 pages long Vita is more complete record of academic & professional accomplishments Graduate schools & overseas employers may request a vita Vita categories focus on areas of accomplishment valued by academic institutions Clarify what format employers or graduate schools are requesting from you

References and Letters of Recommendation 3 to 4 individuals who can speak to employers about your qualifications Who are the best individuals to use? Most important: ask references if they are willing to do this before you share their names Prepare a list with names/contact information See sample reference page figure 12.5

Transcripts Research suggests that employers often review transcripts May be used to verify GPA or specific academic qualifications Clarify whether employer wants paper or electronic copy Key: Connect academic experience to positions you seek!

Record Keeping in the Job Campaign Examples may include: Job search correspondence List of contacts & referrals Notes from conversations Copies of job announcements Employer literature Interview travel arrangements & receipts Records may be paper, electronic, or both

CIP Perspective Self-Knowledge Use resume and cover letter to communicate your values, interests, & skills Option Knowledge Know what is available & how your qualifications match those positions Decision-Making Targeting employers, following through with each CASVE cycle phase Executive Processing Think positively about what you have to offer