The Job Search Process

Julie Tieu, M.S. Career Counselor USC Career Center

Agenda Starting your job search Finding job opportunities Resume & Cover Letter Writing

Starting Your Job Search Self-assessment

Know what kind of jobs/organizations youre interested in
Tasks/Skills Values Work environment Lifestyle

Also assess:
Your support system Your network Your online identity

FINDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Finding Job Opportunities Online Resources

Organization/district websites Online job listings (e.g. higheredjobs.com, edjoin.org) Professional Organizations Social networks

Finding Job Opportunities Strengthen Your Network

Keep in touch to maintain a strong professional relationship with your contacts Conduct informational interviews Attend professional development events and meet colleagues, administrators, and/or alums

Maximize Your Network

Obtain Career Advice Ask your contacts if they know of any openings Get referrals to people they know

RESUME WRITING

Purpose of a Resume
To: How: Get an interview Convince the employer y p y your skills and interests match their requirements

Key Elements of the Resume Format and Content Sections: Contact Information Objective ( p j (optional) ) Education Honors/Awards Experience (use action verbs) Activities Skills (Technical & Transferable)

How it Looks: Presentation Page length Spacing g Organization Font Paper

Resume Tips Target resume to job or industry. Research the position and organization desired. P i iti i Prioritize important it t t items t toward th t d the top. Include internships, relevant school projects and leadership activities. List skills and accomplishments rather than work duties. Show drafts to a career professional.

COVER LETTERS

What is a Cover Letter?

Allows you to express interest in a position by including more detailed information about yourself Introduces and explains the main points of your resume:
Skills Qualifications Experiences

Expresses your interest within a specific position or organization Allows you to Sell your skills & qualifications to the employer Helps you get an interview

Cover Letter Basics

Heading Salutations Opening Paragraph Body f Cover L B d of C Letter Closing/Conclusion Signature

How it Looks: Presentation

Page length Spacing Organization Font F Paper

Heading & Salutations

Heading
Make sure your Contact information is updated Include the Organizations contact information Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date Name of Individual Organization Name Address City, State, Zip

Salutations
Always be Professional Address cover letter to a specific individual or to the Hiring Manager/Recruiter Dear Mr. Dear Mrs. Dear Ms. Dear Hiring Manager Dear Recruiter

Opening Paragraph
Reference the position and include how you found or heard about the position Use the name of a contact person if applicable Introduce yourself and your educational background Explain why you are interested in the position or organization:
Environment? Organization Mission?

Body of Cover Letter

Paragraph Two
Highlight skills and benefits you bring to the organization Link skills from job description to resume Do not tell, SHOW the employer why you are qualified Provide evidence from your resume
Include specific examples of skills or qualifications

Paragraph Three
Continue highlighting skills; consider additional experiences:
Activities Athletics Clubs/Organizations Course Work

Closing/Conclusion & Signature

Closing/Conclusion
Restate your interest in the position Indicate your next step Do not be forward in requesting an interview:
I would like to discuss my qualifications with you in person. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my candidacy for this position with you in person.

Signature
Remain professional use Sincerely to close letter Leave 4 lines between Sincerely and your Typed Name Sincerely, Thomas Johnson Thomas Johnson

Additional Tips
Use the Employers Words:
Think of the Job Description as the employers Wish-List and use it to help you make a connection between your experiences and what they want.

Time to Demonstrate your Written Communication skills:

Use proper grammar have your document Spell Checked make sure you grammar, do not have any punctuation errors.

DO NOT repeat your resume, HIGHLIGHT your experiences Keep your Cover Letter to One Page (no more than 3-4 paragraphs) When e-mailing a recruiter your cover letter becomes the body of the e-mail and only attach your resume Tailor every Cover Letter to each specific position

After the Interview: Thank You Notes

Personalized acknowledgement of time and effort recruiting team has dedicated to your candidacy. Reinforce a point from interview, or follow up on a question. Reiterate your expertise.

Thank You Note Tips

Make sure to send within 24-48 hours. Send thank you note to every person who was involved in the interview process. Personalize the content of your note note. Keep to 3-5 sentences. Proofread for spelling and grammar errors!