Connecting Utah

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

Occupations Search

Work Importance Locator

UTAH FUTURES

http://www.utahfutures.org/

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

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


Demonstrate your knowledge of the company

Are short and to the point

Must have perfect grammar and spelling


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


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



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

http://www.freecreditreport.com/

http://www.freescore.com/

http://www.google.com/

http://www.freecreditreport.com/

http://www.freescore.com/

http://www.google.com/



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?



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



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


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



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


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



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


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


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


•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.



•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


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



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



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.


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.


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?

Connecting Utah

Documents

Transcript of Connecting Utah