Chapter 12
Written Communications in Job Hunting
Presentation Overview
• Letters in the job search process
• Resume writing
• Resume tips
• Resume vs. vita
• References
• Transcripts & co-curricular transcripts
• Record keeping
Letters in the Job Search Process
• Letter of inquiry
• Cover letter—• Targeted vs. broadcast approach
• What’s the difference?
• See sample outline in Figure 12.2
• Tips on preparing effective cover letters
• Letters in the electronic age
Cover Letter
1st paragraph – Opening
• Reason for writing
• Name of position, career area
• How you heard of the opening
2nd paragraph – Body
• Highlight related experience/qualifications
• Slant to employing organization
• Why interested in organized, position, location
• Refer reader to any enclosed materials
Cover Letter
3rd paragraph – Closing
• Request opportunity to visit employer or state when available to meet
• Best means to reach you for additional information
• Thank reader for considering your application
Sincerely,
Include signature
Type Full Name
Letters in the Job Search Process
• Interview appreciation letter
• Letter of acknowledgement
• Letter of acceptance
• Job offer rejection letter
Purpose of a Resume
Self-marketing tool
Highlights one’s relevant education, experience, and related qualifications
Designed to get employer’s attention & obtain an interview
Resume Styles
Length• generally 1 page for college graduates
• Longer for persons with advanced degrees
Format
• Choose categories appropriate to job target
• Order categories from most to least relevant
• Use consistent format
Alternative Resumes
Posting resumes online• use of key words
• assume that anyone will be able to see it
Scannable resumes• Use simpler format & common
headings
• Emphasis on specific skills & wording relevant to employer/position
• Avoid colored paper, folding, staples
Organizing a Resume
•Chronological vs. functional
•What’s the difference?
•Advantages & disadvantages of each
•May use a combination of the two
Resume Categories
• Identification
•Career Objective
• Education/Training
• Experience
•Other Categories
Identification
NAME
Address
Street or P.O. Box
City, State, Zip
Phone number(s)
E-mail address
Career Objective
Opinions vary on whether to include
Needs to focus on types of job targets being sought
Can emphasize career areas, position titles, type of organization, functional skills, specific population
Avoid vague objectives that communicate no useful information to employers
Career Objective Examples
Position Title
To obtain a copy editor position at a publishing firm
Type of organization
Seeking a data analytics position in a sports media organization
Functional Area/Population
To obtain a position in human services working with the elderly
Education
Begin with highest level of training
Name/Date of Degree
Name/Location of Institution
Major(s)/Minor(s)
Overall GPA/Major GPA
Relevant coursework
Academic Honors (can also be a separate section)
Experience
• Can include:
• Paid/non-paid
• Part-time/full-time
• Internships
• Volunteer/community service
• Military
• Other category names:
• Related or Additional Experience
Experience
•What to include:
• Position title
• Name of organization
• Organization’s location (city, state)
• Dates
• Duties/skills used/responsibilities
• Accomplishments/results
Sample Positive Action Words
• Advised
• Arranged
• Built
• Compiled
• Demonstrated
• Designed
• Edited
• Established
• Organized
• Planned
• Supervised
• Trained
See complete list in Table 12.1 in text
Positive Action Word Examples
• Sales Representative
Initiated and completed all services for new customers, as well as handled all billing problems and service change orders.
• Teaching AssistantServed as peer educator in class of 110 students; helped design and implement lesson plans; assisted with grading assignments
Personal Data
Generally omitted from resume, including
• Birthdate
• Marital status
• Physical characteristics
• Religion
Beware of including any information that could be used by cyberthieves
Reproducing Your Resume
Use word processing software to produce a high quality original
Pros and cons of templates
Use high quality printer and paper in making copies
Resume Tips
•Get multiple critiques
•Be brief, clear, concise
•Be consistent
•Be honest & positive
•Be careful & neat
Resume Don’ts
• State salary requirements
•Give reasons for leaving employers
• Limit geographic range
• Expound on philosophy or values
•Offer any negative information
Resume versus Vita
Most college graduates will use a resume, 1-2 pages long
Vita is more complete record of academic & professional accomplishments
Graduate schools & overseas employers may request a vita
Vita categories focus on areas valued by academic institutions
References & Letters of Recommendation
3 to 4 individuals who can speak to employers about your qualifications
Who are the best individuals to use?
Most important: ask references if they are willing to do this before you give their names out
List names and contact information on separate sheet
See sample reference page figure 12.5
Transcripts & Co-Curricular Transcripts
• Research suggests that employers often review transcripts
• Co-curricular transcripts (activities outside the classroom)—not as frequently requested by employers
• Information from co-curricular transcripts can be included on resume
• Be able to connect academic experience to job targets
Establish a Record-Keeping System
• May be paper, electronic, or both
• Examples may include:
• Job search correspondence
• List of contacts & referrals
• Notes from personal conversations
• Copies of job announcements
• Employer literature
• Interview travel arrangements & receipts
CIP Perspective
Self- Knowledge• Use resume and cover letter to communicate your
values, interests, & skills
Option Knowledge• Know what is available & how your qualifications
match those positions
Decision Making• Targeting employers, following through with each
CASVE cycle phase
Executive Processing • Think positively about what you have to offer