THE JOB SEARCH: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY!

PRESENTED BY: FRED CARTER, JR.

RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR

OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE

FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY

CARTERF@FRANKLINPIERCE.EDU

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Evaluate priorities, wants, and needs to plan for their own job search • Recognize and appreciate the importance of institutional fit and how

to determine it • Use best practices to create solid resumes, cover letters, and

reference lists • Name and explain the value of the basic tenants of appropriate

interview etiquette • Be confident in their ability to participate in a job interview

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? • It’s important to determine what you’re interested in doing?

• What are your interests? • What kind of experience(s) do you have?

• Does it match your interest? • How can you market that experience?

• What jobs are available? • Near you? • Distance—would you be willing to relocate?

• Consideration of Graduate School?

PREPARATION

• Before searching for a job, you should be prepared! • Your resume should be completed and reviewed!

• Your Career Development Office offers assistants with resumes! Use them!

• Also consult with your supervisor(s) and other SA Pros! • Additional Preparation

• Research interview questions—think about your answers and then write them out!

JOBS, WHERE ART THOU?

The first step in searching for a job is knowing where to look! • Utilize your Career Development Office (Career Services). They

often have job boards or special information about posted jobs. • Higheredjobs.com • insidehighered.com • Chronicle.com (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

• Now it’s time to search!

APPLYING

• When you begin to complete applications you can be sure that you will need at least 3 things.

• Cover Letter • Resume • References (3)

COVER LETTER

A Cover Letter gives you the opportunity to: • sell yourself to the employer beyond your Resume. • Market yourself for the specific position for which you are

applying. • Provide a writing sample

Employers may use this document as one method of screening out unqualified candidates!

TYPES OF COVER LETTERS The Invited Cover Letter

• Applying for a specific position • Highlight your qualifications • Express your excitement for the position, company

Letter of Inquiry/Cold-Contact Letter • No specific position, inquiring about available positions • Requires follow-up

• Phone call, email

Referral Letter • Name dropping—referred by someone • “Suzie Creamcheese from Accounting suggested I contact you about the

open position in Marketing”

SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTERS • No Spelling or Grammatical Errors!

• Proofread! • Have more than one person review it!

• Address it directly to the employer! • Many postings will list the name and contact information. Use that as

opposed to “To Whom it May Concern”

• Use your own language! • Don’t be fancy! • If you’re using words outside of your vocabulary, an employer will

expect to hear you talk the talk!

• Speak about the specific institution! • Research* • Any similarities? How do you identify with the institution?

SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTERS

• Use terms/phrases that are relevant to the area • This can be drawn from your experience

• Keep it to the point! KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) • Stay on topic • Qualifications • Avoid irrelevant information

• NO GENERIC COVER LETTERS

RESUME & REFERENCES

HELPFUL TIPS

DO’S

• Clear formatting and organized

• 1 page, 10-12 pt. font

• Emphasize skills, abilities, education, accomplishments, experience

• Action Verbs!

• Take your time, typically 2-3 drafts

DON’TS

• Avoid resume templates on Word, Pages, etc.

• Consistent font sizes • No personal pronouns- I, me,

we • References = separate sheet • College Jr+ no HS info • Don’t exaggerate or

misrepresent yourself! • No personal info- age, race,

marital status

COMPONENTS OF A RESUME • Contact Information

• Full name, address, email, phone number. May include LinkedIn profile or personal website

• Profile/Summary • 2/3 line description of accomplishments and strengths. Stress related

skills, experience, positive qualities. • Education

• Institution, location, degree, major, GPA*, expected date of degree conferral.

• Honors/Awards • Relevant coursework* • Special Projects

COMPONENTS OF A RESUME • Work Experience

• Paid or unpaid (internships). Company, job title, location, dates.

• Involvement • Highlight clubs, organizations, extracurricular activities. List any

leadership positions held.

• Volunteer Experience • Viewed positively

• Skills • Indicate your proficiency in foreign languages, computer usage, office

skills, or other TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS!

REFERENCES

• Most employers will ask for at least 3 references • You should be able to provide more • Ask those who know you well to serve as a reference

• They should be able to speak to your character, work ethic, professionalism, achievements, etc.

• Inform references when you have interviewed! • No one should be surprised that they were used as a

reference!

THE INTERVIEW

THE PHONE INTERVIEW • Commonly used to interview interesting and qualified candidates • Helps diminish applicant pool • Just as important as an On-Campus Interview!

• Requires just as much preparation!

• Smile when speaking, remember that they can’t see you, but can hear the difference when you’re smiling.

• Choose a quiet place where you can focus and not be distracted • Keep your notes handy! • Dress the part! Look good, Feel good! • Practice! • Monitor your speech patterns

• “Umm… is not an answer!” • Take your time answering!

THE ON-CAMPUS/ IN-PERSON INTERVIEW • Research

• Learn about the institution, the office, and some of it’s programs. This will also generate questions to ask.

• Mock Interview • Organize friends, supervisors, Career Services

• Show up on time! • 10 minutes early is on time, on time is 10 minutes late! Plan to arrive at

least 15 minutes early! • Dress professionally! • Connect to employers

• Listen to their questions, sell and match skills with their needs • Organize your thoughts

• Practice! Answers should be concise and complete

THE ON-CAMPUS/ IN-PERSON INTERVIEW • Be specific!

• How can you contribute? Use examples and stories! • ASK QUESTIONS!

• These may have been thought of during your research or your interview. • Have 6-8 questions to ask in your “back pocket”! • Are there any questions you have that may clarify something for you?

• Send a thank you note! • Typed, written, or emailed thank you note • Be sure to get business cards before leaving for contact information! • Personalize your cards!

• Evaluate your experience! • This was also an interview of the institution! This will help you determine fit!

HAPPY HUNTING!