- Expect multiple employers and careers
- Expect to rely on skills that involve working well with others, life-long learning, and adapting to rapid change
Prospecting for Jobs
- Assess Your Skills and Aptitudes
- Do you have skills in leadership or in group projects?
- Do you speak a second language? Have musical or artistic talent?
- Do you communicate well? Are you a good listener?
- Can you perform under pressure?
- Have you done anything special or out of the ordinary?
- Research the Job Market
- Search Online
- You can search for jobs worldwide
- You can focus your search by region, industry, or job category
- You can research companies comprehensively from many perspectives
- You can create your own Web site, with hyperlinks to samples of your work, employment references, or other supporting material
- You can search "passively" or discretely by specifying preferences for salary, region, types of industry, and then receive an email message when the service provider identifies an opening that matches your "profile"
- Your search can be ongoing, in that your resume remains part of an active computer file until your delete it
- Learn to Network
Preparing Your Resume
- Typical Components of a Resume
- Contact Information
- Job and Career Objectives
- Education
- Work Experience
- Personal Data
- Personal Interests, Awards, Skills
- References
- A lukewarm reference is more damaging than no reference at all
- Letters of recommendation are time-consuming to write
- Portfolio
- Resumes from a Template
- Organizing Your Resume
- Sample Resumes for Different Situations
- Guidelines for Resumes
- Begin your resumes well before your job search
- Try to limit your resume to a single page, but keep it uncluttered and tasteful
- Use good white paper
- Stick to material that shows what you can offer
- Never "invent" credentials
- Do not raise the topic of salary
- Avoid complete sentences
- Use action verbs and key words
- Use punctuation to clarify and emphasize, but not to be "artsy"
- Proofread, proofread, proofread
Preparing Your Job Application Letter
- The Solicited Application Letter
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
- The Unsolicited Application Letter
- Guidelines for Application Letters
- Develop and excellent prototype letter
- Customize each letter for the specific job opening
- Use great caution in adapting sample letters
- Create a dynamic tone with active voice and action verbs
- Never be vague
- Never exaggerate
- Convey some enthusiasm
- Avoid flattery
- Write in plain English
- Be concise
- Never settle for a first draft -- write a second or third
- Never send a photocopied letter
- Proofread, proofread, proofread
Submitting Electronic Resumes
- How Scanning Works
- Guidelines for Presenting a Scannable Resume
- Using nouns as keywords, list skills, qualifications, and job titles
- List specialized skills
- List general skills
- List credentials and job titles
- List synonymous versions of key terms
- Keep the print simple
- Avoid fancy highlighting
- Avoid two-column format
- Do not fold or staple pages
- Consider submitting two versions
- Types of Electronic Resumes
- Email Resumes
- ASCII Resumes
- Search-able Resumes
- Protecting Privacy and Security When You Post a Resume Online
- Protecting Your Good Name Online
Support for the Application
- Your Dossier
- Your Professional Portfolio
- Guidelines for Preparing a Portfolio
- Collect materials relevant to the job
- Sort your materials according to the major requirements of the job
- Assemble your portfolio
- Make copies as employers request
- Consider posting an electronic version
Employment Interviews
- Guidelines for Surviving a Job Interview
- Face-to-Face Interview
- Get your timing right
- Don't show up empty-handed
- Make a positive first impression
- Don't worry about having all the answers
- Avoid abrupt yes or no answers--as well as life stories
- Don't answer questions by merely repeating the material on your resume
- Remember to smile often and to be friendly and attentive throughout
- Never criticize a previous employer
- Prepare to ask intelligent questions
- Don't be afraid to allow silence
- Take a hint
- Show some class
- Follow up as soon as possible
- Telephone Interview
- If you have "call waiting", disable it temporarily to avoid beeping or interruptions
- Arrange all your materials where you can reach them
- Sit in a straight backed chair or remain standing
- Identify the interviewer clearly
- As the interview ends, encourage further contact
- Send your thank-you letter as soon as possible
- The Follow-Up Letter
- Letters of Acceptance or Refusal
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