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