Job search101.key

Job Search 101Résumés, Cover Letters & Linkedin Summaries

Objectives•Understand the key elements

of a successful résumé, cover letter and Linkedin profile

• Learn strategies for planning and drafting these items

Job Search 101Résumés

Résumé-writing is hard...•Objective or no objective?

•One page or two?

•No work experience?

But we can make it easier.

Gold Standards forRésumés• Uses a simple format

& standard fonts

• Flows logically

• Outlines work history

• Highlights results

• Showcases relevant experience

• Uses appropriate jargon & key words

• Includes correct contact information

The Transition-Action-DetailsTM

Strategy

Transition Action Details

1. Put position

titles & dates in this column

2. Put overviews of your duties in this column

3. Put evidence,explanations &

examplesin this column

Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

•Microsoft Certified Professional

•Johnston Scholar

•Valedictorian, East Bladen High

Evidence

•Certified ScrumMaster: Coach and process owner of 8-person software development team

•Proficient in QuickBooks, the bookkeeping and tax preparation software

Explanations

•Started recycling program that reduced waste stream by 34%

•Recovered $850 in past-due bills

•Built database to capture sales activity

Examples

How to put it all together•Work left to right across the rows,

making each row a section

•Use a narrative style (sentences & paragraphs) or bullet points

• Expand on the information in the organizer as needed

Transition Action Details1.

Assistant Manager, H&M,

2012

2. Helped with

training, scheduling and sales at 2nd-

highest grossing store in NC

3. 15 employees

$200 performance

bonus

Download the packet: http://bit.ly/JobSearch101NCCU

Questions?

Job Search 101Cover Letters

& Linkedin Summaries

Cover Letters Gold Standards • Includes name of

position applied for (and job number if required)

• Uses key words/jargon from job description

• Has an authoritative but friendly voice

• Establishes your credentials

• Provides a key example, explanation or evidence of results you’ve achieved

• Showcases what you bring beyond basic requirements

• States clearly why you want the job

• Includes correct contact information

The Content-Purpose-AudienceTM

Strategy

Content-Purpose-Audience Strategy TMContent-Purpose-Audience Strategy TM

ContentContentContentContentMain Idea Key Details

PurposePurposeThink Do

AudienceAudiencePeople Questions

Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

Content: The Main Idea• The most important thing you

want your prospective employer to know.

• If you could only say one thing, what would that be?

Content: Key Details

The evidence, examples and explanations that support your Main Idea or answer Questions.

ContentContentMain Idea Key Details

Helping other people be effective is important to me.

•Doing similar job now part-time (explain)•Upbeat personality/natural problem-solver (example)•Clear communicator•Used to performing under pressure •Use holistic methods in own life (examples)

Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

Audience

Who are you trying to persuade or inform and what questions or objections will they have?

AudienceAudiencePeople Questions

•HR staff•Hiring manager

•What direct or analogous experience do you have?•Why should we hire you over other qualified candidates?

Purpose: Your Call To Action• What do you want your

prospective employer to think or feel about you?

• What do you want them to do?

PurposePurposeThink/Feel Do

•I have the professional experience and personal interest to excel in this position.•I am a good fit for this job and company.

•Give me an interview•Seriously consider me for the position•Recommend/refer me to others, if appropriate

How to put it all together

Ways to structure your cover letter• Main Idea-Key Details-Do• Think-Key Details-Do• Key Detail-Main Idea-Key

Details-Think-Do• Question-Key Details-Think-

Do

Questions?

Gold Standards for Linkedin Summaries

• Sounds like you (not everyone else)

• Sets the stage for work history

• Indicates your overarching aspirations

• Uses key words

• Showcases what you have to offer and how you like to work

• Provides insights into your personality and values

Follow the same steps to create

Linkedin Summaries

Content-Purpose-Audience Strategy TMContent-Purpose-Audience Strategy TM

ContentContentContentContentMain Idea Key Details

PurposePurposeThink Do

AudienceAudiencePeople Questions

Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

Now you try. Let’s write!

Questions?

Margot Carmichael Lester