Chapter 13: The Job Search and Resumes in the Digital Age

3 main parts of cover letter

1) opening that captures attention, introduces message, and identifies position 2) a body that sells the candidate and focuses on the employer's needs 3) a closing that requests an interview and motivate action. write a personalized, customized cover message for every position that interests you

pursuing the hidden job market with networking

build a personal network use social media to network build your personal brand

proofread your resume

check spelling, grammar, mechanics, content and format.

create a customized resume

choose a resume style organize your info concisely tailor your resume to each position optimize for digital technology

Resume styles

chronological and functional

polishing your resume and keeping it honest

keep it professional be honest/truthful

5 ways college students can use linkedin

receive job alerts leveraging your network researching a company getting recommendations helping companies find you

final tips for successful cover messages

reduce how many times you say "I" make activities and outcomes the subjects of sentences don't write unnaturally

Openings for solicited jobs(announced jobs)

refer to the name of the name of an employee in the company refer to the source of your information precisely refer to the job title and describe how your qualifications fit the requirements

Cover letters

reveal to employer's ability to put together complete sentences and to sound intelligent cover letters set applicants apart

Understanding the Changing Job Market

analyze yourself develop a job-search strategy create a customized resume know the hiring process

motivating action in the closing

confidently request for an interview avoid expressions such as "i hope" supply telephone number and best times to call

4 ways to brand yourself

create your own tagline distribute a business card prepare an elevator speech build powerful online presence

opening for unsolicited jobs(non announced jobs)

demonstrate an interest and knowledge of the reader's business show how special your talents and background will benefit the company

searching the open job market

exploring the big boards exploring company websites checking niche sites using linkedin and social networking sites checking newspapers

functional

focuses on a candidate's skills rather than on past employment.

submitting your resume

follow prospective employer's instructions use Word, Plain-text, PDF, company database, and Fax

analyze yourself

identify your interests and goals assess your qualifications explore career opportunities

getting your resume selected: maximizing keyword hits

include specific keywords or key phrases focus on nouns use variation of the job title concentrate on the skills section skip keyword summary

chronological

lists work history a job by job starting with most recent position

Resume categories

main heading career objective optional summary of qualifications education work experience or employment history capabilities and skills awards, honors, and activities personal data references

length of resume

make your resume as long as needed to present your skills to recruiters and hiring managers 10 years or less of experience 1 page 10 years or more of experience 2 pages senior level 3 pages or more

develop a job-search strategy

search the open job market pursue the hidden job market cultivate your online presence build your personal brand network

video resume

shows public speaking, interpersonal, and technical skills save money on travel make sure its appropriate for the field you're applying to

promoting strengths in the message body

stress reader benefits: strong points in relation to the needs of the employer choose strongest qualifications and how how they fit the targeted job you may choose to discuss relevant personal traits refer the reader to your resume

know the hiring process

submit a resume, application, or e-porfolio undergo screening and hiring interviews accept an offer or revaluate your progress

Sending your resume and cover message

submit both in an email message convert to plain text send cover message in an email and attach resume send short email message with both cover message and resume attached send cover message and resume as printed word documents by U.S. mail

Career E-Portfolio

talents accomplishments technical skills resume reference letters awards work samples complete list of courses links to digital copies of artwork film projects videos blueprints available at websites

protecting yourself when posting at online job board

use well-known sites dont divulge personal data set up a separate email account post privately keep careful records don't include your references dont respond to blind job postings

infographic resume

uses colorful charts, graphics, and time lines to illustrate a candidate's work history and experience visual aids may not be appropriate for every job

how many resumes?

you need one basic resume that you can customize for various job prospects and formats