christy meriwether, senior director donna balko, employer relations career services center steps to...
TRANSCRIPT
CHRISTY MERIWETHER, SENIOR DIRECTOR
DONNA BALKO, EMPLOYER RELATIONSCAREER SERVICES CENTER
Steps to Help You Land the Interview and Get the Job
Steps
Step 1 Self AssessmentStep 2 NetworkingStep 3 Constructing a Winning ResumeStep 4 ReferencesStep 5 Cover LetterStep 6 Letters of RecommendationStep 7 Thank you notesStep 8 The Interview
Begin with a Self Assessment
In preparation for your career, think about:What is your starting point?
What makes you unique?What are your strength and
weaknesses?Where you are headed?
What are your goals in 1, 5, 10 years?
Reconsider these questions throughout your career.
Networking
In some industries, at least 60% of jobs are found by networking.
Direct approach – Ask for job leadsLess formal approach – Ask for information or advice
What is a resume?
It is usually the first impression you will make on a potential employer, so create interest by telling them why they should hire you!
Summary of relevant experience
Screening tool (good and bad)It is an invitation for an interview
Career planning tool
General Tips for Resumes
No more than two pages in length Name at a 16 font sizeHeaders (Education, etc.) at a 12-14 font size
Use a horizontal formatText underneath headers is at an 11-12 font
sizeReadable and clear font Acronyms spelled out when not commonly
known When spelled out do not put acronyms in parentheses
unless using them more than once
General Tips for Resumes
Do not write in first or third-person, except in the Objective Statement where you can use pronouns, “I” or “me”
Use action verbs to describe school and work experiences and use proper tense
Use bullets for lists – not for one itemNo pictures, graphics or URLsIf your resume is two pages, put your name on
the second page.
Finish strong
Proofread and have others proofread! Watch caps!
Print on resume paper and use a quality printer Also use for cover letter and reference page
Sample Elements of a Resume
Name, Address, Phone, EmailObjectiveEducationClinical Experience Related Work ExperienceCertificationsHonors/AwardsCommunity EngagementProfessional Memberships
Objective Creation Tips
Keep it concise, targeted and relevantFocus on your skills how you will benefit the
employer Should be crystal clear about career directionVaries depending upon the job you want
Objective Format Example
Begin with what you are seeking Add what you will bring to the positionEnd with how you will help, benefit or
improve the hospital, etc.
Keep to one sentence
Example:To secure employment as a Graduate Nurse in which I can
utilize my ______ skill(s) to_________.
Education
Name of school plus city and state Bold the university and/or college names Do not list high school
Degree, month and year (do not say “anticipated” graduation date)
GPA Optional (if over 3.0)
ExampleTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014GPA: 3.0
Documenting Clinical Experiences
Relate bullets to your objective Use bullets that begin with action verbsTwo lines or shorter in lengthThink in terms of a processHospitals want to know your performance in
the following areas: Competent bedside care Use of high level equipment Performance in high level procedures Good communication skills Teamwork
Education with Clinical Experiences
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014GPA: 3.0
Clinical ExperienceUniversity Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or Oct. – Nov. 2013
• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death
• Assisted….Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013
• Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering with coup contrecoup lesion
• Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit for a patient who only spoke Spanish
• Placed a nasogastric tube on a patient in the SICU
Clinical Experience as a Separate Heading
University Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or Oct. – Nov. 2013
• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death
• Assisted….Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013
• Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering of coup-contra coup lesion
• Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit on a patient who only spoke Spanish
• Placed a nasogastric tube on a patient in the SICU
Use the Job Description as a Guide
Job Responsibilities: Implements and monitors patient care plans. Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate. Monitors and documents patient's condition and effectiveness and timeliness of care and/or interventions; evaluates, updates and revises plan of care to facilitate achievement of planned and expected outcomes. Serves as a primary coordinator of all disciplines for well-coordinated patient care. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocol. Notes and carries out physician and nursing orders. Assesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team. Assesses educational needs of the patient and significant others considering cultural issues and other special concerns. Provides teaching and educational material as appropriate. Validates and documents patient and family understanding of teaching.
Related Work Experience
Place of employment, city, state, month and year of employment
Position held under place of employment If you have limited space, put the position in front of the place of
employment so it is on the same line
Bulleted experiences beginning with action words
ExampleHospice of the South Plains, Lubbock, TX June 2011-August 2011Nursing Assistant Provided hospice-related healthcare in nursing homes, assisted
living centers and patients’ residences Assisted patients with ……
Other Headers
CertificationsAmerican Heart Association, CPR/BLS and First Aid Certified
HonorsTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Dean’s List, Spring 2013
Community EngagementMarch of Dimes Walk America, Volunteer and Fundraiser
Professional OrganizationsTexas Nursing Students’ Association, Member
References
References Available Upon Request Last item on the resume
Signals the end of the resume May help you stand out
Reference Page is Separate from Resume Include your Page Header at the Top Center and title the page “References”
Name, credentials, title, address, phone, email Left justified
References
References
Meghan Rowen, MSN, RNInstructor, TTUHSC School of Nursing3601 4th Street, MS 6264Lubbock, TX 79413Office:806.743.2730, ext. 540Cell: [email protected]
Cover Letter
Your marketing piece when you are not there Remember, do not repeat the information in your
resume Include why you became a nurse Be specific. Don’t just tell them you are qualified.
Give examples.
www.ttuhsc.edu/son/career Library of ResourcesCover Letter Planning Guide
Cover Letter
First paragraph - Introduction Introduction with information about the job you are applying to.
Second paragraph - BodyWhy are you interested in the position?Why their hospital?Why did you go into nursing? What sets you apart?Be specific
Final paragraph – Closing Indicate you hope to meet with themMake reference to your contact informationThank them
Letters of Recommendation Process
Think of the image you want to put forth and choose people who can write to support that image
Meet with each of them and tell them what you are applying for and why
Ask them if they would be able to provide you with a strong letter of recommendation Give them 3-4 weeks notice Provide them with information about the job,
who/where to mail the letter, deadline and resume Be prepared to provide them with a summary of your
accomplishments.
Thank you
References are important and deserve a BIG Thank you.
Handwritten notes are the bestFollow up with your references to let them
know you what job you landed
Items to Remember
When applying online Resume Cover Letter
When applying in person Resume References in case they ask for them
Generally, references are requested during or
after the interview
Prior to the Interview
Do your homework Review the hospital’s website and learn facts Saves interviewer’s time and is impressive
Get the name of the person you will interview with and use it as it is music to their ears
Review the job posting againBe prepared to answer and ask questions
Arriving for the Interview
Take resume, references and samples of school work
Turn off the cell phone or leave it in the car! Do not be seen absorbed in your phone
Arrive 10-15 min. early Treat everyone you see politely
Types of Interviews
Phone interview (usually for screening candidates)
Face-to-face interview with one person. Usually a nurse recruiter or human resources
Group interview with several nurse managers
Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are very common among hospital recruiters because past behavior is a predictor of future behavior
For example: Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
Be preparedMock Interview
www.ttuhsc.edu/son/careerLibrary of ResourcesBehavior Questions PDF
Steps to Answering Behavioral Questions
Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
Describe a specific situationIdentify hindrances or challengesExplain the action(s) takenDiscuss the results or outcomesEvaluate or summarize what was learned
Behavioral Questions
Practicing your responses will help you recall past situations
Avoid the following pitfalls: Not giving enough detail Being unprepared Being too rehearsed/polished
During and After the Interview
Shake hands and have good eye contact upon greeting the interviewer Practice, practice, practice
ListenThank the interviewer following the
interview and shake handsSend a handwritten
thank you note ASAP
Note Example
Dear Ms. Adams,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the _____.
I am very interested in the job and feel that I have the skills you
desire. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about _____
and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Additional Comments…..Questions?
Resources
www.ttuhsc.edu/son/career, For Students
Career CounselingDonna Balko, Career Counselor/Employer RelationsChristy Meriwether, Senior Director
Resume Builder (Optimal Resume)“How to Guide”
CareerShift Job Search
COMING SOON!! Internship information
Resources
Library of Resources• Resume Building PowerPoint• Resume Planning Guide• Cover Letter Planning Guide• Action Verbs• Interview Planning Guide• Top 10 Interview Questions• Interview Questions (Sample Behavioral Questions)
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe