job search success

Job Search Success

Library Community CoursesPresents

Thanks in part to the Missouri Career center for their cooperation and use of materials in preparing this class.

Library Community Courses

Instructors: Taneesa Hall and Katy PattisonChristian County LibraryPhone: 581-2432Email: classes@christiancounty.lib.mo.usWebsite: http://christiancountylibrary.blogspot.com

Objectives• Where and how do I look?

• Filling out an application

• How to write your resume

• Carry out an interview with professionalism

CAREER DECISIONS

“If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to get there?” Try to find a job that you are going to be happy with. Remember you will be spending a large portion of your time there. If you are happy, you will do a better job and stay longer.

Career paths

• Assess– Work needs– Work desires– Your skills and training

levels– Willingness to return to

school– Salary concerns– Commuting

THE HUNT

Most job seekers spend their time checking and responding to want ads. However, employers hire the least number of people through want ads. The solution: Identify companies you want to work for, fill out an application, leave a resume and keep checking back.

Comparison

Want ads

Employment Agencies

Placement Agencies

Word of Mouth

Direct Employer

Contact

Internal Networks

Job Postings

External NetworksPlacement

Agencies

Want Ads

How Most people look for work: How Employers Look for applicants

Where to look

• Networking

• Internet

• Hiring or job fairs

• Pound the pavement

• Want Ads

THE APPLICATION

In many cases, the application is the first thing that a potential employer will see from you. It will give the employer an outline of your work history. They typically pay close attention to work history, length of employment, specific duties, reasons for leaving, and references.

First Impressions

• Wear interview appropriate clothing

• Bring your own pens

• Print clearly

On the Application

• Read the entire application before filling it out.

• Use black ink• Take your time• Use correct spelling• Avoid abbreviations• NEVER leave blank

spaces

Pay Attention to Details

• Be positive• BE HONEST• Be accurate• Ask permission before you use

someone as a reference• Don’t give an expected salary• Give a positive reason for

leaving your last job• FOLLOW UP on your application

RESUME

A résumé is a document that contains a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education. The résumé is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment.

Cover Letter

• Limit to one page• Adapt each cover letter

to a specific job and employer

• Remember appearance• Do not simply restate

your resume• Request an interview• PROOFREAD

Resume Appearance

• Good quality paper• Clean and crisp

– No tears, wrinkles, folds, worn corners, smudges, or handwriting

• No typos, misspellings or grammatical errors

• Copies need to be clean and clear.

Format

• Normal Margins• Simple professional

Fonts• Keep it short

– Resume should be no more than one page

– Avoid long paragraphs

Wording

• Clearly written and organized

• Use action verbs to emphasize achievement

• Don’t be vague• BE HONEST• Eliminate not related

and non-essential details

References

• List a minimum of three of each type– Professional – Personal

• Keep the heading the same as your resume page

INTERVIEW

First impressions are everything! Up to 60% of hiring decisions are made in the first three minutes of the interview. By preparing both physically and mentally, you will feel more organized and ready. Remember it is natural to feel nervous.

Dress for success • Wear well fitting clothes in darker subdued colors

– Dress a step above standard job attire

• Clean, polished, closed toe shoes in good repair• Hair clean and controlled• Clean hands and well cared for nails

Attention to Details

• Modest low key accessories• You may carry a briefcase or

small handbag but not both• Less is best for makeup and

scents• Remove all loose threads• Try to avoid having jangling

pocket contents

What not to wear

• Slit or too short skirts• Bright annoying colors• Sleeveless shirts• Low necklines • Dirty or ill-fitting clothing• Overlong nails or odd

colored polish• Strong cigar or cigarette

smoke smells

• Hats• Sunglasses either on your

face or on the top of your head

• Large rings or earrings• Dangling or chunky

jewelry• Excessive piercings• Heavy makeup

Body Language is Important

• Eye contact• Facial expressions• Posture• Personal space (30-36 inches)• Gestures ( keep your

movements slow and deliberate)

• SMILE!

Sell Yourself• Be ten minutes early• Don’t bring anyone with you• BE HONEST• When meeting the interviewer

– Call him/her by name– Shake hands firmly– Introduce yourself– Thank him/her for their time

• Write a thank you letter and keep in touch

Online Image

• What is your email address?

• What does your Myspace, Facebook etc. look like?

Thanks For Coming

• Questions?• Please Join us for the upcoming Career Workshop

(Seating is limited)• For more help please contact:

– Missouri Career Center1514 South GlenstoneSpringfield, MO 65804-1436Phone Number: 417-887-4343Fax Number: 417-888-4076www.missouricareersource.com