Post on 01-Nov-2014
description
Department of Workforce Services
Shane Paul OtvosShane Paul OtvosWorkshop Presenter
Employers are looking for candidates who have skills in Employers are looking for candidates who have skills in three areasthree areas
SkillsSkills
Job Content Job Content
Job Content: Skills related to job-specific tools and tasks.
EXAMPLE: If you’re a web application developer, your job content skills may be Photo editing, PHP scripting, Flash Animation, etc.
Transferable Skills Transferable Skills
Transferable: Skills you have acquired that are transferable to the desired position.
EXAMPLE: Speaking in public
Self-Management Self-Management Skills Skills
Self-Management: Employer traits that help an employer decide if you are a good fit for the job.
EXAMPLES: Strong work ethic & Positive attitude
Choosing a Good FitChoosing a Good Fit
Some factors to consider when choosing an occupation:
•The skills you want to use
•The type of special knowledge you have
•Where you want to be located
Choosing a Good FitChoosing a Good Fit
Some factors to consider when choosing an occupation:
•The amount and types of responsibility you are willing to accept
•The values that are important and have meaning to you
•The benefits or income you hope to have in your next job
Another PerspectiveAnother Perspective
Funding for TrainingFunding for Training
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Scholarships
University Employment
FAFSA Website
Utah Futures – Scholarship Search
Fast Web
Brigham Young University
University of Utah
QUESTIONSQUESTIONS
Job SearchingJob Searching
Wit
h
Tech
nolo
gy
Pre-Job Search ChecklistPre-Job Search Checklist
Resume & Cover Letters
A professional email address
Dependable, professional voicemail
Clear focus
Tracking System
Jibberjobber.com Conduct searches and activities for
free Manage contacts Track companies
Job Seeker site tracking Track job searches, not job seeking
process
Online Tracking Online Tracking ToolsTools
What to research?What to research?
Online Tracking Online Tracking ToolsTools
Where to research?Where to research?
Job Seeking Web SitesJob Seeking Web Sites
Tips When Looking Tips When Looking OnlineOnline
1. Look for older listings
2. Target your efforts
Social Networking Social Networking SitesSites
QUESTIONSQUESTIONS
Power Up Your ResumePower Up Your Resume
1. There is one “perfect resume” that works for everyone and every job.
2. The person who will hire me is the person who will see my resume.
3. The length of a resume is its most important characteristic.
Common Myths
4. My resume will get me a job.
5. A resume is easy to write.
6. Once I finish my resume, all I have to do is send it out.
Common Myths
Format can be:
The way the content in the resume is organized.
The technical approach to the resume’s preparation (scannable, HTML, etc.)
A combination of both
Resume Formats
Content Organization
HMTL (Hypertext Markup Language) is used for: Submission to sites requesting HTML
formatted resumes Posting your resume on your own web page
ASCII is a text-only version of your resume and are used for: Posting to online resume databases Emailing your resume when you don’t know
what software the employer is using
Technical Formats
Elements of a Resume
Elements of a Resume
Change things up!
Move the elements of the resume to focus on what most interests the employer EXAMPLE: Your education is your strongest
qualifier for a position. Consider putting it near the beginning.
If necessary, create different titles for the elements of the resume EXAMPLE: For volunteer experience, you
could create a section called “Complimentary Experience.”
Changing Things Up!
Non-powerful language: I had to arrange clothes and ring up customers. I tried to answer customer questions. I was required to keep the store stocked.
Powerful: Arranged clothes and displays. Completed customer transactions. Answered customer questions. Maintained the shelved stocked.
Powerful Language
Tell: Handled customer complaints over the phone.
Show: Received and successfully processed 250 customer complaint calls a day.
Show vs. Tell
Typical Resume Problems
Typical Resume Problems
Before giving your resume to a potential employer:
Review it for grammar and spelling
Make sure the visual format is consistent
Ask someone to critique it
The Finishing Touches
Ask permission of your potential references before listing them as references
Discuss the positions you are applying for and how many potential employers might contact them
Ask for the best contact number and time
Reference Etiquette
Discuss what they might say about your skills and abilities
Let them know if you get the job, and thank them again!
Reference Etiquette
Are an introduction to your resume
Should be personalized
Answer: “What can this applicant do for me?”
How to Use Cover Letters
Describe how your qualifications match the employer’s needs
Identify how you can help solve the employer’s problems
Identify mutual acquaintances
How to Use Cover Letters
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
Are short and to the point
Must have perfect grammar and spelling
How to Use Cover Letters
No contact information
Spelling errors
Putting the wrong company on the cover letter
Most Common Cover Letter Errors
Not at all related to the job description
Offensive or revealing email address
Most Common Cover Letter Errors
QUESTIONS?
Interview SkillsInterview Skills
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Know Yourself Identify your goals: Conditions, pay,
benefits, companies, etc.
Know your skills, abilities & interests: Use tools on jobs.utah.gov to discover these
Know what previous employer is saying
Know Yourself Identify your goals: Conditions, pay,
benefits, companies, etc.
Know your skills, abilities & interests: Use tools on jobs.utah.gov to discover these
Know what previous employer is saying
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Know Yourself Know your credit report:
www.freecreditreport.com and www.freescore.com
Know your background check
Know what is on the Internet about you: Search your name on major search engines such as www.google.com
Know Yourself Know your credit report:
www.freecreditreport.com and www.freescore.com
Know your background check
Know what is on the Internet about you: Search your name on major search engines such as www.google.com
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Know the Company
Interview process: Panel, one-on-one, demonstration, etc.
Information on salary and benefits: Find out through labor market information, people in similar fields or the company’s website
Know the Company
Interview process: Panel, one-on-one, demonstration, etc.
Information on salary and benefits: Find out through labor market information, people in similar fields or the company’s website
Know the Company Mission & values statements
Products and services: What is the company’s “bread and butter?”
Locations: Where are headquarters? Is travel required? Do they offer relocation? Telecommuting opportunities?
Know the Company Mission & values statements
Products and services: What is the company’s “bread and butter?”
Locations: Where are headquarters? Is travel required? Do they offer relocation? Telecommuting opportunities?
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Know the Company
Standing: What is the company’s standing it the industry? Who is their competition?
Leadership: Leader’s names
Company origin
Know the Company
Standing: What is the company’s standing it the industry? Who is their competition?
Leadership: Leader’s names
Company origin
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Doing Your Homework Before the Interview
Where to Find Information on the Company
Where to Find Information on the Company
Where to Find Information on the Company
Where to Find Information on the Company
Employer Tip!Employer Tip!
The call from the employer to invite you for an interview is a wonderful place to collect additional information. Consider
asking:
The call from the employer to invite you for an interview is a wonderful place to collect additional information. Consider
asking:
• What is the dress code for your company or for this position?
• What is your address?
• How will the interview be structured?
• Who will I be interviewing with? What position(s) does he/she hold in the company?
Preparing Your Presentation
Prepare your materials Resume (several copies) References (several copies) Certificates Licenses Transcripts Letters of recommendation Awards and honors Work samples Job announcement
Preparing Your Presentation
Prepare your materials Resume (several copies) References (several copies) Certificates Licenses Transcripts Letters of recommendation Awards and honors Work samples Job announcement
Coming PreparedComing Prepared
Dressing the PartDressing the Part
Guidelines for dress: Limit jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Sparse make-up & perfume Cover tattoos Clean, manicured & trimmed nails Avoid overly trendy outfits (unless
required for the job) Good personal hygiene
Guidelines for dress: Limit jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Sparse make-up & perfume Cover tattoos Clean, manicured & trimmed nails Avoid overly trendy outfits (unless
required for the job) Good personal hygiene
Defining Business Casual
Defining Business Casual
Women: Khaki, corduroy, twill or
cotton pants or casual dresses and skirts, neatly pressed
Sweaters, twinsets, cardigans, polo/knit shirts
Solid colors and/or conservative patterns
Women: Khaki, corduroy, twill or
cotton pants or casual dresses and skirts, neatly pressed
Sweaters, twinsets, cardigans, polo/knit shirts
Solid colors and/or conservative patterns
Defining Business Casual
Defining Business Casual
Men: Khaki, cotton pants (like
Dockers), neatly pressed Cotton long-sleeved
button-down shirts, pressed polo shirts or knit shirts with a collar
Sweaters Tie optional Sport or suit jacket
optional
Men: Khaki, cotton pants (like
Dockers), neatly pressed Cotton long-sleeved
button-down shirts, pressed polo shirts or knit shirts with a collar
Sweaters Tie optional Sport or suit jacket
optional
Arriving to the Interview
Arriving to the Interview
Look up directions to the location online (Google Map or Mapquest)
Give yourself a little bit of extra time to get there
Prepare your clothes and materials the day before
If something happens and you absolutely have to be late, call the employer
Look up directions to the location online (Google Map or Mapquest)
Give yourself a little bit of extra time to get there
Prepare your clothes and materials the day before
If something happens and you absolutely have to be late, call the employer
Making an ImpressionMaking an Impression
Do’s before an interview
Professional phone message: Avoid music or silly jokes – keep it short
Professional email address: Avoid addresses that send the wrong message or tell too much about you
Return calls promptly
Do’s before an interview
Professional phone message: Avoid music or silly jokes – keep it short
Professional email address: Avoid addresses that send the wrong message or tell too much about you
Return calls promptly
Making an ImpressionMaking an Impression
Do’s before an interview
Come organized: Bring a pen and materials organized in folder
Observe the office
Present yourself well: Stand, ask for names, smile and make eye contact
Do’s before an interview
Come organized: Bring a pen and materials organized in folder
Observe the office
Present yourself well: Stand, ask for names, smile and make eye contact
Don’ts before an interview
Don’t chew gum
Don’t leave your cell phone on or talk on it in the waiting area
Don’t bring your Ipod or gaming devices
Don’t bring food or drink
Don’ts before an interview
Don’t chew gum
Don’t leave your cell phone on or talk on it in the waiting area
Don’t bring your Ipod or gaming devices
Don’t bring food or drink
Making an ImpressionMaking an Impression
Body LanguageBody Language
“People believe what they see over what they hear.
Facial expressions and gestures account for 55%
of meaning.” Dr. Linda Martin, Coordinator of the
Communication Program at Louisiana Tech University
Do’s & Don’ts of Body Language
Do’s & Don’ts of Body Language
•How you sit: Sit upright, lean in slightly. Don’t slouch, be too stiff, lean toward the door, or fold your arms across your chest.
•Eye contact: Make eye contact when you shake hands and with all those involved in the interview. Don’t stare blankly, make unnatural eye contact or look down.
•Facial expression: Look interested, nod when appropriate, be natural. Don’t be fake.
Do’s & Don’ts of Body Language
Do’s & Don’ts of Body Language
•Physical contact & proximity: Maintain a comfortable space between you and the interviewer. Don’t give “limp fish” or “bone-crusher” handshakes.
•Quirks and tics: Pay attention to what you are doing with your hands. Keep your nervous habits (rocking in chair, drumming fingers, etc.) in check. Don’t rub or touch your nose.
Your 60-Second Commercial
Your 60-Second Commercial
Why should you use it?Answers questions like - Tell us about yourself?
Where can it be used?In the interview, in your networking, in cover & thank you letters or at job fairs
Why should you use it?Answers questions like - Tell us about yourself?
Where can it be used?In the interview, in your networking, in cover & thank you letters or at job fairs
Your 60-Second Commercial
Your 60-Second Commercial
What should it include?
A brief introduction with relevant employment & education background
3-4 accomplishments Skills and traits A clear career objective
What should it include?
A brief introduction with relevant employment & education background
3-4 accomplishments Skills and traits A clear career objective
Your 60-Second Commercial
Your 60-Second Commercial
How to do it: Write 3-5 key sentences on your experience,
strengths and skills as they pertain to the job Remove redundancies and add specifics and
detail Practice, but keep it natural! Create different commercials related to:
WorkPersonalCombination work and personal
How to do it: Write 3-5 key sentences on your experience,
strengths and skills as they pertain to the job Remove redundancies and add specifics and
detail Practice, but keep it natural! Create different commercials related to:
WorkPersonalCombination work and personal
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
My name is Allen Wyler, and I've spent six years in customer service with Smith’s and Walmart. I'm known as a guy who gets things done, and I always go the extra mile for customers. I have been proactive in developing more effective customer response procedures that have been adopted by all of the Smith’s stores in the northwest region. I'm really energized by solving problems for people.
I know I can use my interpersonal and customer service skills to help your company meet its mission of making every customer feel like an individual.
Interviewing Technique -SAR
Interviewing Technique -SAR
The SAR technique answers situational & behavioral based questions with examples proving your skills and
experience.
S=Situation
A=Action
R=Results
The SAR technique answers situational & behavioral based questions with examples proving your skills and
experience.
S=Situation
A=Action
R=Results
SAR ExampleSAR Example
SITUATION: Three months ago, I was working
on a team project for Salt Lake Community College’s Financial Aide Department that was really behind in schedule. I was one of five team members assigned to revise a new system for processing financial aide applications.
SITUATION: Three months ago, I was working
on a team project for Salt Lake Community College’s Financial Aide Department that was really behind in schedule. I was one of five team members assigned to revise a new system for processing financial aide applications.
SAR ExampleSAR Example
ACTION: I initiated and facilitated a meeting
with the team to establish everyone’s progress. I also set up a tracking system for each member to report progress and coordinated all the parts to complete the project.
ACTION: I initiated and facilitated a meeting
with the team to establish everyone’s progress. I also set up a tracking system for each member to report progress and coordinated all the parts to complete the project.
SAR ExampleSAR Example
RESULT: The project turned out better than
expected; we exceeded the deadline by two-days, and the tracking system I developed was so successful that it was used by other teams for future projects.
RESULT: The project turned out better than
expected; we exceeded the deadline by two-days, and the tracking system I developed was so successful that it was used by other teams for future projects.
Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers
Commonly asked questions Greatest strength/weakness What you liked least about last boss Why you left your job Explain gaps in your work history Where you see yourself in five years What you know about the company Why you want the job What reasonable pay is
Commonly asked questions Greatest strength/weakness What you liked least about last boss Why you left your job Explain gaps in your work history Where you see yourself in five years What you know about the company Why you want the job What reasonable pay is
Answering Questions About Difficult Issues
Answering Questions About Difficult Issues
Be honest and positive!
What if you were fired?
What if you were laid off?
What if you are overqualified for a job?
What if you have a criminal background?
Be honest and positive!
What if you were fired?
What if you were laid off?
What if you are overqualified for a job?
What if you have a criminal background?
Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers
Ask the employerIn an interview, you are also interviewing
the employer to find out if the position and company are a good match for you
too!
Sample questions:Please describe the typical first year
assignments.What qualities are most important for this
position?
Ask the employerIn an interview, you are also interviewing
the employer to find out if the position and company are a good match for you
too!
Sample questions:Please describe the typical first year
assignments.What qualities are most important for this
position?
Illegal QuestionsIllegal Questions
Race and color Gender/Sexual orientation Religion National origin/ birthplace Age Disability Marital status Parental status Political affiliation
Race and color Gender/Sexual orientation Religion National origin/ birthplace Age Disability Marital status Parental status Political affiliation
What to Do About Illegal Questions
What to Do About Illegal Questions
Begin by checking for intent!Does ______ have a direct bearing on
the responsibilities for this position? If the intent is to obtain personal
information, politely decline to answer based on its irrelevance.
Report incidences of deliberate discrimination to the Federal Employment Opportunity office.
Begin by checking for intent!Does ______ have a direct bearing on
the responsibilities for this position? If the intent is to obtain personal
information, politely decline to answer based on its irrelevance.
Report incidences of deliberate discrimination to the Federal Employment Opportunity office.
Interview Follow-UpInterview Follow-Up
Thank You Note: Can be formal or informal Should emphasize your skills, expertise
and interest again Should thank the employer for his or
her time Send via mail when there is time
between the interview and when the decision is made. Send via email when the decision is going to be made soon after the interview
Thank You Note: Can be formal or informal Should emphasize your skills, expertise
and interest again Should thank the employer for his or
her time Send via mail when there is time
between the interview and when the decision is made. Send via email when the decision is going to be made soon after the interview
Interview Follow-UpInterview Follow-Up
Follow-Up Phone Call:Call when you have not heard from the employer by the date he or she gave you
Mention:The name of the person you interviewed
withWhen you interviewedWhere you interviewedThe position you applied for
Follow-Up Phone Call:Call when you have not heard from the employer by the date he or she gave you
Mention:The name of the person you interviewed
withWhen you interviewedWhere you interviewedThe position you applied for
Mock InterviewsMock Interviews
Sign up at any employment center!
Questions?Questions?