Preparing for the Job Search 1. Self-assessment – find a career that

fits your interests, skills & values

2. Research Careers – informational interviews, job shadowing, research companies online

3. Get Experience!!

4. Determine your goals

5.  Network (& informational interviews)

Business Card Challenge https://icc.ucdavis.edu/services/crm.htm

Qualities Employers are looking for v Communication Skills v Energy, Drive, Enthusiasm and Initiativev Adapts book Learning to the Working World v Critical Thinking Skills – Problem Solver v Comfortable with Technologyv Leadership Skills v Oriented to Growthv Team work v Customer focused v SELF MOTIVATED

v Hardworking, Disciplined, Dependable v Eager, Professional, Positive v Confidentv Uses common sensev Quick Learnerv Organized v Willing to grow v Written & oral communication skillsv Accepts and Handles responsibilitiesv Willing to do more than required.

Resumes

Resume Do’s and Dont’s

Ø  Don’t add a objective summary at beginning of resume

Ø  Don’t add more than 1 page for private sector resume

Ø  Do add Titles, Start and End Dates, Name and phone # of Supervisor, hours per week

Ø  Do add Key Qualifications at top in bullet point form, 5 top attributes

Ø  Do only add between 3-5 bullet points per job/position

Ø  Do add “References available upon Request” at bottom of page

Ø  Do add info about hobbies/specialized skills, make yourself standout

Do’s & Don'ts

Cover Letter

Cover Letter Ø  Always tailor your Cover Letter to the

position you are applying

Ø  Never have a standard cover letter

Ø  Input info not discussed/explained in Resume

Ø  Take the time to write without any errors, proof read, edit many times before sending

Ø  Recruiters have an average of 15-30 seconds for each Cover Letter/Resume, stand out by using key words

Tips

Applying for Jobs WHAT TO DO

v RESEARCH THE COMPANY & THE JOB

v Be sure application is spelled right and filled out completely

v Set Social Media to Private

v Follow up with HR to make sure they got your application

WHERE TO GO

v CAPCA.com

v AgCareers.com

v Your school career center!

v Specific companies websites

v Federal, State & county Agency websites § USAJobs.gov § CDFA, CALTRANS, Dept Fish & Wildlife § County Ag Commissioner offices

v Indeed.com, Linkedin

v Recruiting/Staffing Firms

Applying Online

Applying Online Ø  Always remember to address your

email to a specific person/group Ø  Follow up to make sure they received Ø  Write a small email intro/response, list

attachments in email body Ø  Make a list of the positions you have

applied; name of company, time/date, position, keep in a folder so you can retrieve

Ø  Don’t just apply to every job, tailor your info to specific positions, spend more time on each and every announcement

Ø  Don’t get frustrated, adjust your style if not working

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Preparing for the Interview v Two Types of Interview styles (see questions attached) § Traditional Question & Answer § STAR/Behavior Questions

v Write out 6-8 examples from your life that you could use to answer these questions

v PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

v Tips:§ Make sure you are clear the role you are interviewing for § Practice “Tell me about yourself” & **circle 10 key questions to prep at least** § Always turn negatives into positives! § Research the company & have questions for them prepared & typed! § Bring copies of your Resume and references…..can even bring a portfolio

Interview Dress Code DO

v Dress for the role you want

v When in doubt dress up, usually you can’t go wrong with business casual

v When in doubt ask about appropriate attire

v Pay attention to the details (iron your clothes, clean your shoes, comb hair, easy access to printed resumes, typed questions, notepad for notes, etc.)

DON’T

v Wear shirts, skirts, shorts or sandals

v Wear a hat

v Throw something together last minute

v Show piercings or tattoos – cover them up

Men’s Attire v Corporate: Slacks, Collared & Buttoned down dress shirts, undershirt, dress socks, clean shoes v Field Office: Clean jeans, clean boots, button down shirt (plaid/Columbia/etc.) v Tips: § Be sure your clothes fit well§ Facial hair neatly trimmed § Tuck in your shirt and double check

your collar & buttons § No cologne

Women’s Attire v Corporate: Slacks/Blouse/Heels or Flats

v Field Office: Clean jeans, clean boots, button down shirt (plaid/Columbia/etc.)

v Tips § Be sure your clothes fit well§ When in doubt be conservative with

makeup, hairstyle, jewelry and nail polish§ No perfume § If you chose to wear skirt be sure it is long

(below the knee) & paired with flats

Day of Interview DO

v Dress for the role you want

v Have good etiquette – turn off your phone

v Greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone you meet politely, pleasantly and enthusiastically.

v Shake hands firmly, make eye contact, relax and lean forward so you appear interested and engaged.

v Pay attention, be attentive

DON’T

v BE LATE – arrive 10-15 mins early v Come unprepared – bring good questions, pen, notepad & crisp resumes v Lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. v Get anxious. Remember to breathe and showcase all your amazing qualities!! You got this!

Follow Up v Always ask for a business card for all interviewers at the end

v Send an email within 24 hours to all parties (never call or text) § Ask when would be a good time to follow up

with them regarding the position § Follow up every two weeks to express

interest (some jobs take 60-90+days to fill)

Business Card Challenge Networking Starters for speed networking

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