The Job Search

Resumes and Interviews

an Overview

Presentation Agenda• Introduction

• Resume overview

• Cover letter

• What is an interview?

• Where do you start?

• Non-verbal / body language

• Interview Strategies

• Keys to successful interviewing

Resume• Generic Resume

– Employers look to a resume for disqualifies (not qualified)

– Make your resume more generic and fill in the blanks at the interview

– Make the resume one page– Employers THINK they know what they want– Know the generals for athletic training or healthcare

settings and customize for your desired setting

Resume Writing• Clean and concise

• Easy to Read– Use bullets– What you did should be 1st (not when or where)

• Example for 1st year graduation: education, professional experience

• Place most important attribute first.

• Professional activities, professional affiliations

Resume ExampleLeamor Kahanov

P.O. Box 22El Granada, CA 94018

(650) 726-9322

PROFESSIONAL Doctorate in Education, Curriculum and Instruction,PREPARATION University of San Francisco, San Francisco CA, May 1999.

Master’s of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences, University ofArizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, May 1993.

Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Athletic Training, IndianaUniversity, Bloomington, IN 47405, December 1990.

PROFESSIONAL Assistant Professor: Graduate Athletic TrainingEXPERIENCE Curriculum Director,

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 1998-present. Director of a NATA approved graduate curriculum program. Maintain national program accreditation Management of 31 graduate Assistantships and stipends Advise students for program development Conduct Research Teach undergraduate, graduate, general education, activity, and

athletic training courses Direct master's theses

Resume Example

Resume Example

Cover Letter

• Should contain your values and goals

• Should not reiterate your resume

Cover Letter

• Bad Example:

• “ Please accept this letter as an application for the position at your institution. I have been a student athletic trainer for basketball, soccer and track for three years at

• Corrected Example with values

• ““ Please accept this letter as an application for the position at your institution. My varied experiences with basketball, football and soccer have taught me how to work well with a variety of individuals”….

Marketing/ Self-Directedness

• 1st you need to assess your values and goals– This creates emotion

• These skills are effective for:– Interviewing– Working with athletes/patients– Interacting with others

• presenting projects

• discussing current work situations

What is an Interview?

• A 2-way exchange of information:– INTER & VIEW:

• An inside view

• Conversation with a purpose

Both parties should investigate:

• COGNITIVE SKILL: Can you do the job?– Job Description– Technical Competency

• SOCIAL COMPETENCY: Will you fit in?– Organization Climate– Culture– Values (attitude vs. knowledge)

Where do you start?

• Research the Job / Employer and General Market

• Research Yourself– Self-Imagery

• Prepare a Resume

PREPARATION IS KEY!

Researching EmployersKnow the basic facts:• Products or services

– Size of organization– Services provided– Geographical locations

• Financial picture– History of company– Financial offering

• Organizational structure• Position Description

Research Employers

• Key:– Taylor fit your interview to the environment– 50% of your success is homework– Need to know the expectations of the employer– The purpose of the process is to satisfy the

outcome sought

Research Yourself

• Speak to employer in values not technical terms– environment/climate– mission/vision– purpose– values– identify what you desire from potential

employer

Essentials in an Interview• Self Awareness

– Setting/Location: Minimize distractions

• Position self/other so there are minimal distractions

• Position of the desk

– Desk if for authority/control a barrier

– Sit next to interviewer: minimize the barrier (naked truth)

– Listening Skills: Like to listen

• Don’t create labeling or prejudging

Self-Inventory

• Make a list of strengths and weaknesses

• Be prepared to neutralize the negative between two positives– example: I recognize that I don’t have much

experience but I am a quick learner and interested in learning

Social Awareness

• Green Light/Yellow Light Approach

• Nonverbal Cues

• Awareness Skills– Mimic Interviewer

• Need to recognize that mimicking occurs and keep your balance

• Misguiding the interviewee:– Make sure you are aware of

these statements and correct the interviewer

Emotional Cues

• How they impact the interview:

• Words 10%

•Tone of voice 35%

• Body Language 55%

Non-Verbal Cues

• 3 Types of Non-verbal Cues– Facial Expression– Body Language (body angle)– Eye Contact– As interviewee/er need to be aware of your own

and the participants non-verbal cues to bring individual back to a “green light”

Non-verbal Cues

• Professional dress

• Good eye contact

• Sit comfortably

• Appropriate facial expression

• Enthusiasm in voice

• Actively Listen and respond

• Firm handshake

Common Areas Covered in the Interview

KEY attributes & skills:• Communication• Teamwork / Interpersonal• Problem Solving• Organization• Technology • Decision-making• Commitment• Creativity• Leadership /Initiative

Tough Interview• Tell me about yourself…

• Describe a time when ….

• If you were to…

• What are your career goals & aspirations?

• Why should I hire you?

Closing the Interview

• Ask any final questions to the interviewer

• Sell yourself one last time

• Convey enthusiasm for the position

• Ask about the next steps…

• Thank the interviewer

After the Interview

• Debrief after the interview and reflect on how it went

• Write a thank you letter

• Follow up with the company