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Pierce College Career
6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
818-719-6401
www.piercecollege.edu
Career Services Guide
Career Center Information
Career / Major Exploration Toolkit
Job Search Tips
Resume Guide and Examples
Interview Advice
Post-Interview Steps
Los Angeles Pierce College
Table of Contents
Career Exploration 1 Career Center Information 2 Career Exploration Guide
3 Self- Exploration Toolkit
4 Major Exploration Guide
5 Major Exploration Toolkit
Job Search 6 Job Search Strategies
Resume Creation 7 Resume Writing Guide
8 Resume Components
9 Choosing the right resume format
10 Sample Resumes
13 Action Verbs
14 Cover Letter
15 Cover Letter Example
Interviewing 16 Interview Basics
17 Day of the Interview
18 Top 10 Interview Mistakes
19 What to do After an Interview
Information
Career Center Website: www.piercecollege.edu/offices/career_center/
Transfer Center Website: www.piercecollege.edu/offices/transfer_center/
The Career Center is located on the first floor of the Student Services building .
Career Center Hours are Monday—Thursday 8am—7:30pm and on Friday 8am—3:30pm
Phone Number: (818) 710-4126
.
. Q: Can someone at the Career Center tell me what major to choose?
The Career Center has resources that can assist you in ex-ploring your options. There is no one assessment or person who can tell you what the right major or career is for you. It takes time and research to figure out the answer to that ques-tion.
Q: I need help finding a job. Can the Career Center offer me assistance?
While the Career Center does not have job postings we can help you with the job search process. Services include re-sume critique, interview coaching, job search strategy assis-tance, as well as a large selection of print resources in our Ca-reer Library. The Pierce Job Center has job listings for both on-campus and off-campus jobs. They are located in the Village
Frequently Asked Questions:
Career Center Information
Internships
At the Internship Corner located in the Career Center you will find information on how to find an internship as
well as an internship board with local internship
openings
Classes Pierce College offers three Personal Development
classes each semester, PD 4 (1 unit), PD 8 (2 units), and PD 20 (3 units). All classes are designed to assist
vocationally undecided students in their career and major exploration process. In the class you will have an opportunity to learn more about your personality, values, interests, and skills so that you can make an informed career and major choice. For full class de-scriptions, see the Pierce General Catalog or the
Career Center Website
Workshops
During both the Spring and Fall semesters the Career Center offers a wide variety of workshops. Subjects
include:
Special Events
The Career Center sponsors a wide array of special events over the course of the year. Be sure to check
out our annual Majors Fair where you can get informa-
tion on all of the majors available at Pierce. We will also be featuring a “Department of the Month” at the
Career Center.
Career Resources
The Career Center library contains books on a number of subjects. They include: information on different ca-
reer areas, job search, interviewing, resume writing, as
well as interest skills and values exploration.
Individual and Drop-In Counseling
For those students who have begun their career or ma-
jor exploration process and need more assistance or
have questions, there is both drop-in Career Advising and hour long Career Counseling appointments avail-
able. Please visit the Center for hours and availability.
Our Mission:
The Mission of the Pierce College Career Center is to serve our students in the career education, plan-ning, and development process. Career Center ser-vices and resources provide assistance to students with the exploration of career options, the cultiva-tion of a comprehensive employment and education plan, and the enhancement of job search techniques
and strategies.
. Q: Does the Major I choose here at Pierce determine what my future career will be?
The short answer is no. Unless you are choosing a very technical field it is important to choose a major you will enjoy and do well in. Most majors translate into a wide variety of professions.
Q: Can I take a test that will tell me what Major/Career to choose?
No. There is no one “test” that will give you that informa-tion. We do however offer a resources and assessments that can give you information that will assist you in making that all important choice. It is crucial to remember that Career and Major exploration is a process that takes time and there is no one activity that will give you all the answers.
Resume Writing
Interviewing Skills
Internships
Major Exploration
Networking
Industry Specific Speakers
Los Angeles Pierce College
Page 1
The Career Exploration Process
As you begin your college education it is okay to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life. It is important, however to begin the Career Ex-ploration process. If you are like many students, this process may not be an easy one. The first thing to remember is to relax…..most people will change ca-reers anywhere from three to seven times, so the ca-reer choice you make now, may not last the rest of your life. are simply assessing what would be a good fit for where you are now. Chances are you will be doing something different down the line. A common question asked by students is “which decision do I make first, Career or Major?” It is the belief of this office that, when possible, choosing or at least narrowing down your career choice should come first, then you can use that information to select an ap-propriate major. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to career choice, there are simply options and possibilities. So sit back, relax, and take some time to do the first step in the Career-Exploration Process: Self-Assessment (see right). It is important to remember that you don’t have to choose something right away. Sometimes narrowing your options down to a few dif-ferent things is all you need to do at first. This will al-low you to focus on a few key areas. The following pages can assist you in breaking the process up into achievable steps that will ultimately help you pick your ideal career. Use the following steps as a guide on your path to a rewarding Career.
Los Angeles Pierce College
Getting Started……..
Top Careers for 2010 as reported by
U.S. News and World Report
Environmental Engineering Technician
Hydrologist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physician Assistant
Mediator
Accountant
Urban Planner Medical and Public
Health Social Worker
Actuary Market Research
Analyst
Landscape Architect
Multimedia Artist
2
3
Conducting a Self-Assessment
A self-assessment will allow you to discover more about yourself including your skills, per-sonality, interests, strengths, and values. This information can then be used to help you iden-tify your ideal career. 1. Complete the self-exploration tool kit on
page 6. It will help you to learn what you need to know about yourself in order to choose a career.
2. Take a Personal Development Class offered on campus (see pg. 1).
Gather Occupational Information
After you have completed a self-assessment the next step is gathering information about poten-tial occupations. Use the resources listed on the toolkit to explore occupations and consider the following: Conduct multiple informational interviews
and participate in Job Shadowing (see pg. 6). Explore professional associations related to
the occupations and industries you are in-terested in
Experience industries first hand by getting an internship
Read industry literature & trade publica-tions
1
Page 2
Visit the Career Center
The Career Center offers you a wealth of in-formation that can help you with your Career-Exploration Process. Check out the Career Library for books on
a wide variety of careers and career info. Take advantage or Career Counseling.
Appointments are available to all students free of charge. Drop-In Career Advising is also available. See the website for hours and details.
Attend workshops hosted by the career center to further explore options and pos-sibilities.
California Career Zone
www.cacareerzone.org
First Things First! Ask yourself the following questions…….
1. What activities do I enjoy doing?
2. What are my favorite schools subjects?
3. Why type of working environment do I like? (office, healthcare, outdoors, a school)
4. What are the things Iam most proud of?
5. What jobs you have I liked and disliked and why?
Jot down some notes and keep these things in mind as you move to step #2
Page 3
Step
1
Self-Exploration Toolkit
Step
3
Step
2
Conduct research on the occupations and industries you have identified.
Check out the career center website for resources to explore occupations. Look at current job openings in the field to see what experience and education employers are looking
for, as well as the variety of jobs available.
Conduct Informational Interviews (see page 6) Check out Vocational Biographies which offers first hand information on a variety of occupations:
www.vocbiosonline.com username: lapc password: anna
Attend career fairs and take advantage of the resources in the Career Center Library
True Colors
5-10 min; identifies occupations based on your personality.
MicroSkills
30 min; identifies occupations based on your skills and what
you value in a job
Ocu-Sort
20 min; sorts occupations based on job tasks you identify
as positive or negative
Quick Assessment
5 min; identifies occupations based on your personality.
Interest Profiler
30 min; identifies occupations based on your interests
Work Importance Profiler
30 min; identifies occupations based on what you feel is impor-
tant in a work setting.
When you aren't sure what you want to do for a major or career or you have an idea but are not sure If
it is a good fit for you, it’s time to conduct some self-exploration.
Los Angeles Pierce College
Utilize the following self-assessments to further your self-exploration. Eureka
www.eureka.org; Site ID TSGEYKW
Examine the list of occupations that result from your self-assessments and identify all of those that
you are interested in (at least three). Now you are ready to move on to the next step.
The Major Exploration Process
Page 4
Unexpected Major/Career
Matches
Psychology:
Sociology:
Math:
Choosing a Major can often be a frustrating process for students.
With so many options and possibilities available it can be difficult to
narrow down your choices and know what the “right” decision is.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no one
“right” answer. Often there are many majors that are appropriate
for a wide range of careers. After you have done your research and
narrowed down you career options the next step is to choose a
Los Angeles Pierce College
Advertising Executive, Human
Resources Professional, Market
Researcher, Probation officer.
Program Supervisor, Business
Manager, Marketing Assistant,
Educational Advisor.
Tutor, Market Trends Analyst,
Software Engineer, Operations
Manager, Sales Consultant.
10 Most Chosen College Majors
(CNN.com/living)
Major Myths
MYTH: Whatever I choose as a major now will dictate ex-actly what my career will be. Ex: If I major in History my ca-reer options are basically Teacher or Historian.
FACT: Most majors can lead to a wide variety of careers. There are history graduates working in business and industry, government, politics, publishing, and a variety of other indus-tries. This is true of many majors and careers with the excep-tion of those that require specific technical skills or knowledge.
MYTH: What I choose as my major is going to determine my lifelong career path, so I better choose right!
FACT: Most people change careers several times over the course of their lives. What you choose as a major may have some bearing on your first job after graduation but your ca-reer choices are likely to change over the course of your life-time.
MYTH: Career choices such as Doctor or Lawyer require very specific undergraduate majors. FACT: A recent Harvard University study shows that most professional schools do not require a specific major as long as you meet certain academic course requirements. In fact, inrecent years Liberal Arts majors have had better luck getting into medical school than Biology majors.
MYTH: I need to choose a major that will lead to a well pay-ing career. FACT: Oftentimes it is more important to choose a major that you like and will do well in overall. Many employers are not concerned with your major but rather your gpa and trans-ferable skills such as communication, interpersonal, motiva-tional, detail orientation, and organizational skills.
1. Biology
2. Business Administration / Management
3. Communications
4. Computer Science
5. Criminal Justice
6. Elementary Education
7. Marketing
8. Nursing
9. Psychology
10. Political Science
major. Use the Major Exploration Toolkit on
the next page to help you discover which ma-
jor is right for you
First Things First! What did you find out when you did your self-assessment? Which careers or industry areas did you discover that would be a good fit for you?
Page 5
Step
1
Major Exploration Toolkit
Step
3
Step
2
Conduct the following research steps on each of the majors you wrote down.
After you have completed your career exploration process it is time to take some steps that will help
you choose a major.
Los Angeles Pierce College
Do some research using the resources on the Career Center Website to dis-cover which majors are an appropriate fit with the careers you listed above
List the careers or the industry areas that you discovered on the lines below.
Take the list about and narrow it down to five or less careers or industry areas.
Career / Industry Area Related Major(s)
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
1. Take a look at the at some class descriptions and course requirements for the majors you
have listed. Do the classes look interesting to you? Can you see yourself spending the
next few years leaning about this subject?
2. Check out the Chose A Major, Plan a Career section on the career center website. This will give you a broader idea of all of the career options there are within a given major.
3. Talk to students already in that major or individuals (family members, friends of friends,
coworkers) who have graduated with that major to find out more information.
4. Attend the annual Pierce College“Meet Your Major” fair
An informational interview allows you to gather inside information about a specific industry and/or job. A typical informational interview lasts about 15-30 minutes. Be prepared to ask questions about how a person
broke into their field, what they like and dislike about their career, what their daily responsibilities are, and other related questions.
An informational interview is NOT the time to ask for a job. You are simply finding out more about an occupation you have interest in.
An informational interview can be a great way to make contacts and when a job does be-come available the person you interviewed (and hopefully impressed) might think of you!
Informational Interviews
Tap Into Your Network individuals you can find out what companies have unpub-licized job openings and you automatically have a refer-ence to put on your resume. They may also be able to give you advice on how to best go about your job search in their field. Use networking as an opportunity not only to search for jobs but to learn more about the jobs you are applying for and your chosen field. Informational Interviewing (see below) is another aspect of networking that can be very useful in your job search.
80% of jobs come from networking, not job postings. The goal of networking is to meet people in your desired field. This can be accomplished in a number of ways; join profes-sional associations, attend lectures on related subjects, join a group or club related to your field, or by asking family and friends who they can introduce you to. The more time you invest in getting in contact with indi-viduals who are currently working in your desired field, the better your chances of landing a job. From these
Page 6
Job Search Strategies
Job Search Resources Networking,, (#1 way to find employ-
ment.)
The Internet Career Fairs: Colleges and local asso-
ciations often host career fairs that are open to the public
Internships: available in most indus-tries, both paid and unpaid
Employment agencies: some specialize in specific fields while others cater to all employers and job seekers
Alumni Associations
Keys to Successful Networking
Popular Online Resources
College Grad: Entry level jobs and internships. www.collegegrad.com
Indeed: Job search engine that pulls from multiple sites and com- pany websites. www. indeed.com
USA Jobs: Jobs with the federal government all over the country.
www.usajobs.gov Idealist: Jobs in non-profit and social service areas. www.idealist.org
K-12 Jobs: Jobs in K-12 education in all 50 states. www.k12jobs.com
Entertainment Careers: Jobs and internships in entertainment.
www.entertainmentcareers.net
Tech Jobs: Jobs in IT. www.dice.com
More information about informational interviewing can be found at:
www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
Los Angeles Pierce College
1. Be an effective and clear communicator. Prepare for networking events ahead of time so you know what you are talking about.
2. Be confident in yourself and your abilities.
3. Always be polite and professional.
1. Use professional speech. People will judge your abili-ties based on how well you present yourself.
2. Accept that rejection is part of the process. 3. Use networking in conjunction with traditional job
search strategies.
Resume Writing Guide Things to think about…. ...
Page 7
Los Angeles Pierce College
Resume Do’s Make your resume clear, concise, and easy to
read
Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. If it is a marketing job focus your objective and bullet points on relevant experiences such as when you created an ad campaign or increased revenue with a great marketing idea
Use action verbs such as “created” or “coordinated” to describe your experience
Include specific accomplishments when describing your job duties
Focus on the specific results of your work, signifi-cant achievements, and recognition received. Instead of writing “tax document preparation” write “accurately prepared over 300 tax returns for individuals and businesses that resulted in over $3 million dollars in refunds.”
Focus on transferable skills such as communica-tion, work ethic, flexibility, taking initiative, organ-izational skills, detail orientation, etc.
List volunteer and extracurricular activities. These can often be a great way to illustrate your transferable skills
Get feedback from several people, preferably people who are involved in the professional world such as a Career Counselor or family friend
Use a readable and common font; the simpler the better
Resume Don’ts Use a template. Those who read resumes will
immediately see the lack of creativity and time spent on your resume and make judgments
Lie, you will get caught and often it can result in you loosing your job
Use personal pronouns such as I, we, you, he, she
Use phrases such as “Responsibilities included”
Use long sentences or paragraphs. Be concise.
Include salary information, references, or de-tailed employer address information. It may be requested at a later date but is unnecessary in a resume
Include your college GPA if it is below 3.0.
List your high school
List hobbies or interests, hiring managers are not interested in what you do for fun, they want to know what you can do for their com-pany.
Have any typos or poor grammar. This shows a lack of attention to detail and a lack of effort on an applicants part.
Submit the same resume to every employer, regardless of position. Each resume needs to be tailored to each individual job you are apply-ing for. It is obvious to hiring managers when someone submits the same cookie cutter re-sume to every job they apply to. This is a guar-anteed way to NOT get an interview.
A resume is your first introduction to a prospective employer and it is a crucial way for you to sell yourself and move forward to the next step of a successful job search; the interview.
It is important to keep your audience in mind when you are creating your resume. Hundreds of resumes may be submitted for any one position and the people who read these resumes sum up your skills and qualifications at a glance.
Try and match your transferable skills with the skills required by the prospec-tive employer and provide the resume reader with a concise, easy to read pres-entation of your accomplishments and interests.
Remember, keep your resume short, simple, and to the point; employers are likely to look at your resume very briefly before making an initial determination, so make your first impression a good one!
Resume Components: Things to think about……... Heading
This section will include your name, address, phone number, and email.
Objective Section: This section is designed to alert a potential employer to what position you desire and what some of your skills are. The objective section is optional; many people think it is necessary, others disagree. Ex: To utilize my interpersonal, teamwork, and organizational skills to obtain an executive assistant position at
Lockheed Inc.
Education
The section should include (in the following order): 1. In Bold list the degree followed by your concentration / major and date of graduation (or anticipated date). Un-
derneath list the Name of the College you are currently attending and the city and state college is located in.
2. Academic Accolades including Dean’s List or any other notable awards relating to your education.
3. List G.P.A. for highly competitive fields or when it is asked for by potential employer, include only 3.0 or higher.
Experience This section can include paid & unpaid jobs and paid & unpaid internships. Also consider including relevant volunteer and leadership experience, these are often a valuable resource for transferable skills. List jobs in reverse chronological order. Include employer, city and state, dates worked, and job title. Job descrip-
tions should consist of three to five bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and accomplishments. Always begin each bullet point using an Action Verb and focus on accomplishments.
If you have had several short-term or non-career related jobs such as waitressing or babysitting you do not have to list each one separately. Instead, you can include a statement at the end of the Experience section such as: “Additional work experience includes part-time and summer positions as waitress, babysitter, and tutor.”
Skills
This is where you want to include any foreign languages you speak as well as your fluency level.
Ex: Conversant in Spanish, Fluent in German.
Also in this section are computer literacy skills, as well as certificates and certifications.
Ex: Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Advanced skills in Photoshop, CPR Certified, Certificate in X-Ray Technology.
Activities
List participation in any clubs, organizations, sport teams, professional associations, etc.
Keep your email professional
Bad: [email protected]
Good: [email protected]
Page 8
Los Angeles Pierce College
Writing Effective Bullet Statements
Bullet statements can make or break your resume. Hiring managers read multiple resumes at a time so you want to make sure that yours stands out from the crowd; having effective bullet statements is one way to accomplish this.
Start each bullet statement with an action verb (see pg 15). Be sure to not repeat any action verbs in your re-sume.
The stronger your statement the better. Try to create bullet statements that illustrate ways in which you per-formed particularly well, or ways in which you improved something.
Use bullet statements to show how you took initiative and went above and beyond your required duties.
Ex: Earned Employee of the Month honors for exceptional customer service in June 2006 and February 2007.
Ex: Created effective merchandise displays that increased monthly sales by 35% during the holiday season.
Which Type of Resume is Right for Me?
This is the most commonly used resume format. Typically follows your work history backward from your current position and includes a list of companies, accomplishments, and dates. A chronological resume is often chosen by individuals who have a consistent work history without large gaps in employment.
You should consider using a chronological resume when:
You have a clear and logical career progression
You have a long work history in a specific profession You want to outline several positions held within one company in a cohesive
manner
You want to emphasize your education and degrees
Page 9
A functional resume focuses on the skills and responsibilities a job candidate has had and de-emphasizes where these skills come from. It is a good resume choice for col-lege students because it allows them to highlight skills gained from sources other than paid employment.
You should consider using a functional resume when you:
Have diverse work experience
Have frequently changed jobs
Have work experience that is predominantly unpaid (i.e. internships) Are going through a career change in which the new field requires different ex-
perience than your current field
Are an older worker who wants to de-emphasize a lengthy job history
Have had large gaps in employment
A combination resume takes aspects from both the chronological and functional resume formats and combines them into a “hybrid” resume.
You should consider using a combination resume when you: Have a steady work history with demonstrated growth and you want to con-
tinue within that same profession Believe that listing your skills and abilities before your work history will be bene-
ficial Want to highlight industry specific skills that you feel will set you apart from
other job candidates
Chronological
Functional
Combination
Los Angeles Pierce College
There are three main resume types; chronological, functional, and combi-
nation. It is up to you to decide which one is appropriate for you. Below
is an explanation of each type of resume, its strengths and weaknesses, and applicability.
Keep in mind that certain employers prefer a specific style of resume. If
an employer specifies a specific type, create your resume accordingly.
Robert Watters 4735 Vista Dr. 818.555.3232
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 [email protected]
Highlights of Qualifications:
Over three years of insurance industry experience
Consistently recognized for superior customer service and efficiency
Exceptional attention to detail, illustrated by consistently high review scores
Education:
Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration May 2006 Biola University, La Mirada, CA
Associate of Arts in General Studies December 2004 College of the Canyons, Valencia, CA Experience:
Commercial Claims Representative February 2006 - Present Farmers Insurance, Woodland Hills, CA
Handle commercial insurance claims dealing with HOA’s, apartments, and liabilities
Increased personal efficiency rating from 89% to 98% in three months
Assisted in Wind and Hail Catastrophe in Dallas, TX, in June 2009
Licensed in 48 states to adjust insurance claims
Claims Representative October 2007 - February 2009 Farmers Insurance, Orange County, CA
Specialized in determining coverage for insured's
Generated high levels of claim process times and finalization
Led a team of insurance adjusters during several CATs
Managed high inventories and provided file audits and feedback to team members
Financial Credit Manager October 2006 - October 2007 Wells Fargo Financial, Kansas City, MO
Recognized as top performer in the Midwest region
Generated over 2.5 million in sales from January-August 2007
Earned maximum monthly bonus in record amount of time
Activities and Honors:
Claims Representative of the Month, August 2008
Active participant in the March of Dimes
Additional Skills:
Advanced skills in all Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Corel Word Perfect
Bilingual in English / Spanish.
Chronological Resume
Page 10
Los Angeles Pierce College
Functional Resume
Page 11
Los Angeles Pierce College
Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration Expected May 2010 California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA Deans list for seven consecutive semesters. GPA: 3.45/4.0
Associate of Arts in General Education December 2007 Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills, CA
To utilize my education and work experience to obtain a position at Disney as an assistant operations manager
Leadership Elected President of Young Business Professional Association Created Mentorship program between first and second year business students Founded and managed tutoring program for high school students
Communication
Composed business articles for campus newspaper Created successful marketing materials for tutoring program Developed membership pamphlet for Young Business Professionals Organization Wrote letters to several members of congress in response to proposition 22 as part of campus wide effort to overturn legislation
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills Exhibited ability to work with wide range of individuals while volunteering with Aids Project Los Angeles Recruited and managed members for campus organizations Volunteered to be a undergraduate mentor for Business program
Assistant Manager, Banana Republic, Glendale, CA May 2005 - Current Sales Associate, Best Buy, Glendale, CA May 2004- April 2005
President, Young Business Professional Organization, June 2005 - May 2006 Volunteer, Aids Walk Los Angeles, January 2006 Student Volunteer, Campus Tutoring Organization, June 2005 - May 2006 Member of National Society of Collegic Scholars
Michael Amos 4895 Delight St.
Valley Village, CA 91364 818.555.6666
Objective:
Education: Professional Skills:
Work History:
Activities / Honors:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Over four years of computer programming and repair experience Active participant in the computer community as demonstrated by involvement with teaching
and tutoring of students Exceptional computer skills as outlined by experience in website creation and computer repair
TECHNICAL SKILLS Computer Skills
Advanced skills in HTML, XML, Perl, Java, Visual FoxPro, C++ Broad understanding of, and experience with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Linux, Solaris,
and HP-UX Extensive experience with Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Adobe Acrobat Professional
Programming Experience Designed several websites for campus organizations including the Tech Club, Students for
Equality, and the Career Pathways Organization Created Online Word Puzzle game using artificial intelligence program Currently creating online store for Big Johns Fishing Outlet
Communication Tutored freshman and sophomore Computer Technology students in C++ and HTML Presented a lecture on emerging technologies for Systems Programming Class Prepared written reports for research done by the Tech Club
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Bilingual in Spanish / English Able to translate computer programs from English to Spanish
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Computer Technician May 2006 - July 2008 Best Buy, Valencia, California
Completed computer repairs accurately for customers in a timely manner Developed a new check in system for repairs which is currently utilized in ten stores
Mobile Computer Repair Technician May 2004 - April 2006 Mash Mobile Repair, Van Nuys, CA
Recognized for superior customer service and computer repair abilities
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology Expected May 2010 University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA GPA: 3.0/4.0 Courses Include: Computer Programming, Systems Programming, and Compiler Construction
Combination Resume
Page 12
Los Angeles Pierce College
454.555.3636 [email protected] 87 West Ave, Malibu, CA, 98545
Jamie Rosenberg
Action Verbs
Management
Executed
Approved
Attained
Improved
Strengthened
Increased
Directed
Evaluated
Organized
Planned
Met
Page 13
Los Angeles Pierce College
Communication
Wrote
Informed
Interpreted
Contacted
Addressed
Convinced
Formulated
Critiqued
Spoke
Inspired
Recommended
Manual Skills
Assembled
Bound
Built
Constructed
Designed
Developed
Handled
Installed
Monitored
Operated
Prepared
Detail Oriented
Arranged
Allocated
Scheduled
Processed
Prepared
Enforced
Documented
Compared
Planned
Specified
Evaluated
Helping
Assisted
Coached
Counseled
Educated
Expedited
Motivated
Rehabilitated
Served
Solved
Initiated
Arranged
Negotiation
Cooperated
Represented
Coordinated
Publicized
Strengthened
Developed
Prepared
Recommended
Submitted
Investigated
Compiled
Technical
Assembled
Calculated
Computed
Designed
Operated
Upgraded
Solved
Repaired
Programmed
Devised
Fabricated
Teaching
Adapted
Advised
Inspired
Informed
Coached
Clarified
Verified
Trained
Provided
Persuaded
Set Goals
These words can enhance your resume. Use them to point out accomplishments and
describe experiences
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential em-ployer and to expand upon the information you have already included in your resume. An effective cover letter should:
Include information about why you want to work for the employer
Demonstrate clear and concise writing skills Address any concerns about your application, such as a gap in job his-
tory or lack of a specific skill Demonstrate your knowledge of the position to which you are apply-
ing. Create a different cover letter for each position you apply to Create connections between your experience and the qualifications
the employer is looking for
Don’t create a wordy introduction that lacks your job objective. This will cause confusion about what you are applying for and you will immediately lose the interest of the employer.
Don’t forget to spell check and proof read your document, have several people look over it. Do not include details or experience that is irrelevant to the position you are applying for. Create a document
that is focused on the specific position to which you are applying.
A Cover Letter should not be more than one page.
Do not fail to encourage an employer to contact you at the conclusion of your letter.
Goals of a Cover Letter
Attract a potential employer’s attention
Quickly and concisely point out
relevant skills, knowledge of in-dustry / position, and knowl-
edge of company
Encourage the reader to move
on to your resume with positive expectations
Los Angeles Pierce College
What Not to Do
The Cover Letter
Your Information Date
Contact Person’s Information
RE: Position Title
Dear Mr. / Mrs._______,
Introduction: Refer to the job for which you are applying and how you heard about it. This is the appropriate place to mention a referral.
Body Paragraph: Sell yourself! This portion of the document is very important. It should include the following:
An emphasis on relevant skills, abilities, and experience. You want to answer the question: Why should I hire you?
Also discuss why you want to work with this particular employer, what stands out about this particular organiza-tion? This is where you want to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization including its services, products, or operations.
Explain why you want this particular position and why you are the right candidate for the job. Also demonstrate an understanding of the position to which you are applying.
Closing Paragraph: Be concise. Ask for an interview and thank them for their time.
Signature & Name Typed
A well written cover letter should always accompany your resume or application.
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Los Angeles Pierce College
1234 College Ave
Woodland Hills, CA 91352 818.555.9999
December 1, 2009 Mr. James Garcia Human Resources Manager Imagtec Technologies 2345 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91356
RE: Human Resources Associate Position
Dear Mr. Garcia,
This letter and resume are in response to the open Human Resources Associate position with Imagtec Technologies as outlined on your website. I am a recent college graduate eager to put my education and experience to work. Please accept the enclosed resume and application for this position.
Through my previous work experience, my internship with Deluth Industries, and my education, I have acquired an understanding of the responsibilities and expectations associated with working in a Human Resources Department. I have also developed exceptional written and verbal communication skills which I believe will make me an asset to your organization. At Deluth Industries I gained experience creating and giving presentations to groups as well as facilitating interventions for employees in conflict. Based on my education and experience I believe that I will be a valuable asset to Imagtec Technologies.
I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ralph Westoff
Sample Cover Letter
Page 15
The Cover Letter
Q: Tell me about yourself…
A: This is a time to sell yourself, not tell your life history. Your answer should be a quick concise explanation of your qualifications and experience.
“Since graduating with my AA degree I have been working with a public relations firm. While there I have helped to improve customer service scores by 20%. While I have enjoyed working at my current company I want to find a position where I will be working with corporate clientele.”
An interview is your opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer. There are several steps to successfully completing an interview and subsequently receiving a job offer. The
following are steps you want to take before the interview:
Page 16
What’s the big deal about interviews??
Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: One way to respond to this question is to suggest areas for improvement and how your new employer can benefit from them. Stay away from generic an-swers like “I work too hard.”
“At my previous position I was not able to develop my public speaking skills. I am looking for a position that will help me to improve at giving presentations to groups of people.”
Q: What can you offer me that another person can’t?
A: This is where you want to talk about your unique skills and record of accomplishments. Use concrete examples.
“My experience and drive for success make me the ideal candidate. At all of my previous positions I have im-proved both productivity and profit margins. For exam-
1. Research the company
Know the organization’s values and mission. Research their products and/or services. Finally look for any recent news on the company.
2. Create a list of your accomplishments What are you good at? What experiences of yours stand out?
3. Prepare for Tough Interview Questions
Look at common interview questions and think about how your experiences and skills apply
Los Angeles Pierce College
Interview Basics
Q: What are your strengths?
A: Have two or three strengths in mind before the interview. Be sure that the ones that you choose di-rectly relate to the needs of the employer.
“I possess exceptional attention to detail. At my previ-ous position I was recognized for consistently catching data entry mistakes that saved the company money. I also have great time management skills. For exam-
Commonly Asked Interview Questions Q: Why did you choose to apply to our company?
Q: Describe the best and worst manager you have had and why.
Q: What did you enjoy least about your last job?
Q: How much do you know about our company, our product, our service?
Q: How would you handle it if a member of your team was not
contributing to the workload?
Q: Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it.
Q: What do you know about the position to which you are applying?
Q: Give an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision.
Q: Tell me about a time you were not pleased with your performance.
What id you do?
Q: What do you look for in an employer?
A suit is best. A skirt and business shirt are preferable if a
suit is unavailable. A dress shirt and slacks are also acceptable for most interviews.
Tights or bright prints and colors are not recommended.
Nothing too tight or provocative Keep jewelry and perfume to a
A suit is best. Wear a long sleeve shirt, black socks, and a
conservative tie. A pair of dress pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a
tie are also appropriate.
Keep the jewelry and cologne to a minimum.
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Proper Attire for Women
By now you should have practiced different interview questions and be prepared.
Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and be positive and enthusiastic throughout. Maintain eye contact throughout the duration of the interview, when greeting the person maintain eye
contact long enough to know their eye color before you break contact. Your answers to questions should be brief. Highlight your skills, strengths, accomplishments, and ca-
reer plans. Rather than using a blanket statement such as “I’m a quick learner” site an example of a time where you learned something quickly.
Answer the question being asked! First listen to the question, then answer it. Prepare several questions to ask the interviewer. Make sure they are appropriate, this is not the time
to ask about salary or benefits. Do not place blame or be negative about previous employers during the interview. This is a great way
NOT to get a job offer. Employers are looking for positive team players not negative blamers.
During the Interview…..
Proper Attire for Men
Los Angeles Pierce College
Sample Questions to Ask the Interviewer
What challenges and responsibilities are associated with the position?
What are the characteristics of your most successful employees in similar positions?
How does the company measure performance? When are the evaluations scheduled?
What type of training program and supervision does the position have?
Arrive to the interview 5-10 min-utes early. Take this extra time
to double check your appearance and collect your thoughts.
Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet, the receptionist, the janitor, the
interviewer. You never know who has a say in the hiring process.
Try to stay calm and relaxed. Expect to be a little nervous but don’t let your nerves get
the best of you!
TURN OFF YOUR CELL
PHONE
The Day of the Interview
Top 10 Interview Mistakes
Page 18
1. POOR TIMING
√ You should arrive 5-10 minutes early for an interview √ Getting there too early can give the wrong impression and can make your interviewer uncomfortable
or feel rushed √ If you get there too early, walk around the block or sit in your car and prepare mentally
2. LACK OF PREPARATION √ Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn’t done their research about the company
or the field √ Preparation improves overall confidence and decreases nervousness √ Always re-read your resume, the job posting and your skills matrix before the interview
3. DRESS TO UNIMPRESS √ When in doubt, dress up √ It is not “selling-out” to tone down your appearance for an interview √ Pay attention to hygiene and accessories
4. TALKING TOO MUCH √ Can give the impression that you have a hard time getting to the point—Be clear and concise and try
not to repeat yourself √ Be aware of “nervous talking”— Can come across as lying or insincere √ Be conscious of rambling—can come across as unprepared
5. NOT LISTENING √ Listening will help you avoid talking too much √ Always listen closely to the question to determine what exactly is being asked √ Never interrupt
6. TALKING NEGATIVELY √ The interviewer will assume that you are likely to talk negatively about him/her in the future √ You never know who your interviewer may know √ Frame EVERYTHING in a positive light—SPIN
7. FAILURE TO MATCH COMMUNICATION STYLES √ Don’t try to “loosen up” an interviewer who is all-business √ If the interviewer is personable, try to match their conversation style without getting too loose √ Always allow the interview to set the tone
8. LACK OF PROFESSIONAL SPEAK √ Pay attention to your vocabulary √ Tone, intonation, and speed are important √ Avoid verbal ticks like ummm, uhhhh, like, you know…
9. LACK OF ENTHUSIASM √ This is your chance to “sell” yourself √ Interviewers see your level of enthusiasm in the interview as an indicator of your enthusiasm for doing
the job √ Enthusiasm is contagious
10. LYING JUST DON’T DO IT!
Los Angeles Pierce College
Los Angeles Pierce College
After the Interview Write a Thank You Note
A thank you note is a necessary step in the suc-
cessful interview process. It is up to you
whether you decide to email or hand write your
thank you note. Keep in mind the company cul-
ture. However you can never go wrong with a
hand written thank you note.
Page 19
Job Applicant Mr. Job Applicant 1125 E. Central Blvd, Clearview, CA 98558, 555.656.3636, [email protected]
May 21, 2009
Mr. Bob Smith
J.B.S. Paper Company
Dear Mr. Smith,
I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet with you and interview for the sales position at J.B.S. Paper Company. My enthusiasm and interest has greatly increased as a result of our interview. I am especially interested in the opportunity to participate in the new sales initiative you mentioned and am confident that my education and experience make me an ideal candidate for the
position.
Please feel free to contact me at 555.656.3636 if you require any further information from me. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Signature
Use white or ivory paper for your thank you note, no crazy
colors and no scents.
Thank you Note Example
Thank You Note Etiquette Thank the interviewer for his/her time and
consideration. Restate the strengths, skills, and abilities you
can bring to the job. Try to mention something specific that came
up during your interview Use professional language, avoid slang and in-
formality. Close the letter with a comment about future
contact with the employer. Send the thank you note within 24 hours of
your interview.
Maintain
Contact Place a follow
up call to the interviewer one week af-ter they would have received your thank you note. Express your continued interest in the position and ask if they require any further information in order to make their decision.
Continue to follow up once a week until they either offer you the position or let you know that they have filled the position.
