resumes and job letters, part 2

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Why do businesses hire?

What is the purpose of a business?

cc licensed ( BY SD ) flickr photo by 401K: http://flickr.com/photos/68751915@N05/6355220839/

Why don't businesses hire?

What could possibly go wrong?

Recruiting How do businesses find job candidates?

• Internal candidates

• Internships

• Recommendations from employees

• Competing firms

• Colleges/Schools

• Unsolicited resumes

• Classified ads/online services

Recruiting Risks?

• Internal candidates

• Internships

• Recommendations from employees

• Competing firms

• Colleges/Schools

• Unsolicited resumes

• Classified ads/online services

In teams

• As an employer, what would you do to minimize the risks of hiring a new employee?

• As an employer, what would you look for when screening applicants to reduce risks?

“In my position as CEO of a firm employing over 80 000 engineers, I can testify that most were excellent engineers, but the factor that most distinguished those who advanced in the organization was the ability to think broadly and read and write clearly.” –Norman Augustine, former CEO Lockheed-Martin

What skills do employers want to see?

• Leadership (81%)

• Problem-solving skills (75%)

• Communications skills (written) (75%)

• Ability to work in a team(74%)

• Analytical/quantitative skills (72%)

• Strong work ethic (73%)

Source: NACE Job Outlook Nov. 2013

Cover letter: 1st paragraph • identify job

• how you found out

• detail about company or position

• connection to company

Cover letter:2d paragraph

• sell your skills

• past accomplishment(s)

• meet qualifications

• how you can help them

Cover letter: 3d paragraph

• Request interview or meeting

• How to contact

• Thank you

Don't

• Don’t write “To Whom It May Concern,” or "Dear Sir or Madam."

• Don’t use slang.

• Don't make corrections on hard copy.

• Don't handwrite letter or envelope.

• Don’t write a letter longer than one page.

• Don’t include personal information.

• Don't include salary information.

Self-assessment

• What are your skills and interests?

• What are your strengths and qualifications?

• What are your short-term and long-term goals?

• What type of work environments do you prefer?

• What other work values are important to you?

Environmental scan

• Desired job?

• List of businesses

• Networking

– In person

– Online

Draft cover letter & resume

• Due Wed., Jan. 29, at beginning of class

• Find job posting for position you would apply for

• Draft cover letter & resume

• Bring 2 copies of letter, resume, and ad to class

cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by Roger Carr: http://flic.kr/p/6A856T

cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by Kyle: http://flic.kr/p/6KTqSi