Thank you for attending the April 12, 2011 job fair!

Post-Job Fair Survival Guide Brought to you by

Thank you for attending Northeastern Pennsylvania Job Fair 2011!

We hope you found the 2011 NEPA Job Fair helpful to your job search, and left prepared with the contact information of many great employers to follow up with. To thank you for your attendance, and to help you further in your job search, we are gifting you with this Post-Job Fair Survival Guide prepared by our regional job board partner, WorkNEPA.

Included in this guide, you will find helpful information on:

Resume Tips & Builders Cover Letters

Interview Etiquette Thank You Letters

We hope you find the included information helpful in your job search. Another way you continue your job search—Register for your free WorkNEPA job seeker profile today. Once registered you have access to over 20,000 posted jobs in NEPA, 6,000+ job seeker resources and tools in the Virtual Career Library, and mobile device applications. To register, visit http://WorkNEPA.com today!

Great Resumes

Many people have difficulty creating a resume. It’s not always easy condensing all the responsibility and accom-plishments you have worked sometimes years on at a job or building out a resume when you haven’t had a lot of experience. It’s important to understand that your resume is your professional marketing piece, meant to draw enough attention to you and interest in you that the company wants to talk with you. Three basic rules are: do not exaggerate your education or experience, do not make it a bullet pointed laundry list that looks just like everyone else’s and tell your story! There are several types of resume format. Most employers prefer chronological resumes because they are straight forward and easy to read: • Chronological - This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.

• Functional - Focuses on your skills and experience, rather than chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.

• Combination - A combination resume lists your skills and experience first, followed by employment history. With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.

• Targeted - Customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience. A targeted resume can also be chronological.

Resume Builders For assistance with formatting and design, here are two resume builders you are sure to find helpful: Get Noticed First—http://www.getnoticedfirst.com Online Resume Builder that helps you create, edit and update your resume, cover/thank letter and references and receive a personal resume website and resume CD files – all for FREE. Minimal advertising supports the site. JobSpice—http://www.jobspice.com Online Resume Builder with 7 free designs (there are premium designs that can be purchased if you choose but it’s certainly not necessary), instantly publish to PDF or DOC, and create an online profile for your resume. No Ads, ever.

Pocket Resumes / Contact Cards Perfect for networking events and to keep in your wallet because you never know when you wish you had a business card or re-sume on hand, we can’t say enough about personal contact cards and portable resumes. If you are very good with graphic design and lay out you could do these on your home computer if you use quality business card stock and a high quality ink jet or laser printer – however, we recommend that if you can afford it, you have them done professionally by a printer. The pocket resume measures 4 x 7 folded to a 3.5 x 2 finished business card size. They have room for a lot of information and are a very worth-while investment!

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Six of one, half dozen of the other, the cover letter debate never ends among recruiters. Some say they never read them, some say they always do, others say if the resume looks like it might be a fit they read the cover letter for additional information. One thing is true, you cannot possibly go wrong with writing one and to those who do expect them – you won’t disappoint. If you are applying via an applicant tracking system (on line application) that gives you the opportunity to upload your resume, they key is to create one document with the cover letter on the first page followed by the resume on the next, because most likely you won’t be able to upload two. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position. Do not repeat all of the information contained in your resume. Instead, highlight or elaborate on resume items that are directly applicable to the position for which you are applying. Other information that should be included (if applicable) is willingness to relocate, reason for gap in employment and explanation of change of career path. Just like any formal letter, it should include an introductory paragraph, body and closing paragraph. If at all possible, research who will be receiving the letter and resume. If you cannot determine who that will be then use “Dear Hiring Manager”. Example cover letter for a recent college graduate:

Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name], I learned of the opening with [company name] for a [job title] from [source or name]. I believe that my educational background and my experience in business make me a strong candidate for the position. I have attached my resume for your review and appreciate your consideration. I am a graduate of [school you received the highest level of credential from] with a [degree or certifi-cate name]. I have up-to-date knowledge in the field, having completed courses in [name courses]. The capstone to my program was [name project and provide some highlights]. I enjoyed developing skills and knowledge in the area of [career name] and now want to pursue a position in that field. Others I have worked with consider me to be self-motivated with excellent communication skills. My attention to detail and familiarity with office procedures have served me well in the workplace. I am an energetic and enthusiastic worker with a positive approach to providing customer service and believe my strengths will be an asset to your company. I look forward to talking with you further about the skills, strengths, and experiences I might bring to your company. I will contact you next week to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Name]

Interview Etiquette

If you have been through more than a couple of job interviews as a candidate you most likely caught on quickly that you can’t anticipate what you’ll walk into. Anything from a casual conversation with a manager to a panel inquisition awaits you behind the door. Sure it’s daunting; how many people would say their favorite activity is going to a job interview? Preparation can ally some of the uneasiness, and coupled with understanding interview etiquette can give you the edge as a candidate.

It may be generic and uncreative, however, when you’re looking for a job make sure your voice mail message is something like, “Hi, this is [name] and I can’t take your call right now, please leave a message and call back num-ber and I’ll return your call as soon as I can, thanks.” It is improper to say, “I’ll return your call at my earliest con-venience” – another common message that is sure to not go over well.

The Face-to-Face Interview The preferred candidate checks chattiness at the door and sticks to the mission — answering the interview ques-tions. There are plenty of ways to infuse your personality, character and style into your conversation and answers. The point is not to initiate conversation that could easily backfire on you. After all, you want to set yourself up for success not failure, right? Some candidates present themselves exceptionally well and have promising or tenured careers. Others have a very difficult time landing desirable employment, all the time wondering why someone else always gets the job and feeling like the forces of nature are against them and that the world just isn’t fair. Naturally, self confidence, presentation skills, professional appearance, personality, character and the desired skills and experience for the job cannot be overstated or overlooked as essential interview traits. However, where many candidates fail to make the grade is in the amount of non-job related commentary they engage in. Whether triggered by nerves, over confi-dence, a feeling of entitlement or the gift of gab, too much personal information from a candidate causes interview-ers to disengage and disqualify.

Phone Interviews Phone interviews are the first step in the selection process. If you have submitted your resume you should expect calls (we cannot promise you’ll get them though we have our fingers cross and are in your cor-ner!). Have a copy of your resume in a convenient go to place. If there is noise in the room let the interviewer know you are moving to a quiet area to continue. If you are called on your cell phone at a noisy event it’s better to ask to schedule a call time than try to talk over everyone and have difficult hearing the interviewer – not to mention you won’t concentrate well or be at your professional best. Just like you need to have a professional sounding email address, not wazup@gmail.com, you should not have a less than professional voice mail message – “You know what to do” is a common example of a very cold and uninviting greeting that in no way inspires leaving a message.

Here are some examples:

• Bringing up what a great hockey mom you are invokes images of you needing to leave work early or not being available to work late.

• Talking about your illness brings thoughts of absenteeism and your ability to carry your own weight in the organization.

• Mentioning your sexual orientation will create concerns about why you feel the need to bring that up, it has no bearing on your ability to do the job.

• Your mention of being the single parent of 3 can create mental images of late starts, tons of calls from school to pick up the kids because they’re coughing and other childcare concerns.

• Putting out there that it’s been tough to get a job since you turned 40 or 60 isn’t relevant or helpful and points out your being in a protected class like a sore thumb. Any of these all too real scenarios can cause the interviewer to stick fingers in ears, sing lalalalala, and wish for a swift painless end. It certainly causes the interviewer quandary and panic about what to and not to include in the interview notes and frankly, after a candidate provides the interviewer with that many red flags, chances of joining the team are just about, if not, zero. Understand that you control the interview. You really do! Take your cues from the interviewer’s tone of voice, eye contact and body language. If it is going well and your answers are example based and interesting and en-gaging to the interviewer, he will act interested and engaged. If it’s not going well he may even visibly lose in-terest and cut the interview short. A typical interview for a professional position that goes well lasts 45 – 60 minutes and possibly longer. For non-professional positions, expect no less than 30-45 minutes. The best way to answer interview questions is with examples from past employment or curricular activity. Try to not use one word answers like yes and no, unless asked a clearly yes or no question. If you do not know the an-swer to a question or don’t have an example to provide, be honest and say you don’t know and explain how you would handle the situation if it happened. Looking for a real edge? The 90 day plan is some-thing 99% of candidates don’t have and will set you apart 100% of the time. It’s your personal vision of your first 90 days, your personal on boarding plan for success. It gives your interviewer an idea of your analytical process and creative mind. It shows you’re comfortable with projects, proposals and presentations, that you have done your research, how you establish goals for yourself and leaves something very meaningful and unique when you walk out the door to remember you by and reflect on. It demonstrates you are mentally invested, that you have already stepped into the position and started to work. And in sales, especially in sales… that you have assumed the sale. A 90 day plan cannot be a template, it is unique to every job you prepare to interview for. It is possible to create one for any job, any level of responsibility and any company. It’s how to distinguish yourself from other candi-dates to give you the interview edge. Prepare a 90 day plan for your next interview for additional WOW factor.

Thank You Letters

You’ll want to send a thank you letter after a job interview. This is not only important for personal interviews but also after a phone interview, which often serves as the first interviewing round by many employers. Phone inter-views have the same importance as those conducted face-to-face because it is the first step in the selection process.

The thank you letter not only reminds the employer about you as an applicant but also reiterates your interest in the job. You should send a thank-you email after a phone interview within 24 hours. If you want to add a personal touch to your ‘thanks’, you can send a handwritten letter by mail.

Tip: Be sure to ask the phone interviewer for the correct spelling of her name, email address and phone number at the end of your call when asked if you have any questions. For in person interviews, ask for a business card if you weren’t offered one. Example phone interview thank you letter:

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], I’m sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to speak with you yesterday about my skills and experi-ence in regard to the [job title] position at [company name]. After reflection on our discussion about the position and my research on the company, I am confident not only that my qualifications align with the job requirements but that I would be a great fit for the culture. I remain very interested in taking the next step to pursue this opportunity. Again, thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon with details about a face-to-face interview. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [job title] position at [company name] with me. After meet-ing with you, I am further convinced that my background and skills align very well with your needs. In addition to my education and experience, I am certain I would be a great fit for your company culture. Thanks also for introducing me to the team and showing me around the department. I know I would enjoy working with you and your group and look forward to hearing from you concerning your hiring decision. I appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Sincerely, [Your Name]

Example face-to-face interview thank you letter:

The proper thing to do is to write a thank you note after each interview. If the position requires a second or even third interview you’ll need to be thoughtful and creative in your approach – customize and do not send any of these examples word for word! Not everyone sends thank you notes. If you do, it will be one of the ways you set yourself apart as a detail oriented and memorable candidate. Conclusion We hope you have found this post-job fair survival guide helpful (and even sometimes slightly entertaining). For more information on job search technique, click on the resource tab at http://WorkNEPA.com. Still looking for the right job match? Register for free as a job seeker with our regional partner WorkNEPA and enjoy the Virtual Career Library (for registered job seekers only) with over 6,000 job search and career related resources, sponsored by Arbor E&T. In addition to searching for jobs on the site you can elect to receive notices by email or text message based on your keywords and apply via mobile. That’s right, get a text message and apply on the go. No matter where you are, the jobs come to you. No more be-ing tied to the computer. It takes just a few minutes at a computer to register, upload your resume, connect your LinkedIn profile (optional) and select your keywords (ex. marketing, nurse, human resources, IT, retail). Set it and forget it! Thanks again for attending the 2011 NEPA Job Fair. We wish you the best of success in your job search—and dare we say that we hope we don’t see you next year?.

The NEPA Job Fair Team & WorkNEPA