The Job Search 1. Your Resume You have 30 seconds to make that first impression on your resume!...

The Job SearchThe Job Search

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Your ResumeYour Resume

You have 30 seconds to make that first impression on your resume!

Avoid the many resume writing services there are available

Your resume must be YOUR resume

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Resume SuggestionsResume Suggestions

Your goal is a professional copyUse quality paper (may be a slight tint)No extremes of paper/color/designCreativity is a plus (some colour, graphics)

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Resume Suggestions (cont)Resume Suggestions (cont)

Group similar skills (even if they are from different jobs)

Be creative but HONESTUse action verbs and keep them

parallel (ie: ending in “ing” or “ed”

Use efficient /effective layout (columns, bold, shading, bullets)

When using bullets – be consistent

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DO include in your Resume DO include in your Resume (in any order):(in any order):

Contact information (name larger)Experience – use bullets to list skills, skills,

skills – 3-5 per jobEducation – year, diploma/degree, school,

location (can put pending grad too)Volunteer work – include skillsAwards, achievements, certificatesStrengths – computer skills, people skills,

organizational skills

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DO include in your Resume DO include in your Resume (in any order)(cont)(in any order)(cont)

Hobbies, interests (what you like to do in your spare time

Professional development (workshops, conferences, reading

References (3 people who will confirm your skills – and make sure you check with them first)

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Do NOT use, Avoid, or Over-use:Do NOT use, Avoid, or Over-use:

Personal pronouns (I, me, my) overuseSentences, repetition or lengthy

descriptionsOverwritten dates or the chronological

“trap” (ie. Put Summer, 2009 instead of April 30, 2009 – August 31, 2009

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SampleLetter

2323 Tower Place Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 April 8, 1998 Mr. Kyle Jones Acme Marketing Research Associates P.O. Box 482 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201 Dear Mr. Jones: I am applying for the position of first-year associate of Acme Marketing Research Associates, which I learned about through the Office of Career Counseling at the University of Cincinnati. I am a senior mathematics major at the University of Cincinnati who is interested in pursuing a career in marketing research. I am highly motivated, eager to learn, and I enjoy working with all types of people. I am excited by the prospect of working for a firm like Axon Group where I can apply my leadership and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. As a mathematics major, I have developed the analytical proficiency that is necessary for working through complex problems. My courses in statistics have especially prepared me for data analysis, while my more theoretical courses have taught me how to construct an effective argument. My leadership training and opportunities have given me the ability to work effectively in groups and have taught me the benefits of both individual and group problem solving. My work on the Strategic Planning Committee has given me an introduction to market analysis by teaching me skills associated with strategic planning. Finally, from my theatrical experience, I have gained the poise to make presentations in front of small and large groups alike. I believe that these experiences and others have shaped who I am and have helped me to develop many of the skills necessary to be successful. I am interested in learning more and continuing to grow. I look forward to having the opportunity to interview with you in the future. I have enclosed my resume with my school address and phone number. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Elisa C. Vardin

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321 – 4 St Lethbridge AB T1K 1T3  

March 23, 2013 First Steps Family Health Lethbridge AB Dear Sir/Madam: 

Re: Home Visitation AdvocatePosting #: XYZ-11-251 

Please find attached my resume in application for the position of Home Visitation Advocate as posted on your website. I believe my professional and personal experiences would allow me to demonstrate my skills in being an effective Home Visitation Advocate. I have great knowledge, compassion and experience that are directly related to this position. I have demonstrated the ability to develop excellent collaborative relationships with a variety of community agencies and resources. With my extensive experience and knowledge in programming and behavioral management strategies for children and youth, I know I can prove to be the best candidate for the position. As a parent, I have been involved in a variety of community programs with my own children and have found the benefit of these programs to myself and to my children. I believe I would be an effective resource and support for overburdened families. As part of my studies I have completed the Native awareness training and understand the role culture plays in the family. I believe in empowering people and the positive potential that community involvement and inclusion can bring.

I enjoy people and work well as part of a team and I am able to take initiative and become a leader when the situation arises. I hope you will seriously consider my application. I am available at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications and can be reached anytime at 403-380-0000.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Jane Dough

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Elisa C. Vardin 2326 Tower Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 Phone: (513) 861-2497 Email: Elisa Vardin@UC.edu Professional Objective To use my intellectual abilities, quantitative knowledge, communication skills, and proven leadership ability creatively to further the organizational mission of a high-integrity marketing research organization. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, CINCINNATI, OH. B.A. in Mathematics, June 2001. GPA 3.36. Dean’s List. NATIONAL THEATRE INSTITUTE at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, CT. Fall, 1998. Acting, Voice, Movement, Directing, and Playwriting. WORK AND OTHER BUSINESS-RELATED EXPERIENCE REYNOLDS & DEWITT, SENA WELLER ROHS WILLIAMS, Cincinnati, OH. Summer 2000. Intern at Brokerage/Investment Management Firm. Provided administrative support. Created New databases, performance comparisons, and fact sheets in Excel and Word files. MUMMERS GUILD, University of Cincinnati, Spring 1998-2000. As treasurer, responsible for all financial/accounting functions for this undergraduate theater community. SUMMERBRIDGE CINCINNATI, Cincinnati Country Day School, Cincinnati, OH. Summer 1999.

Full-time teacher in a program dedicated to helping “at-risk” junior high students develop an interest in learning. Taught two courses in 7th grade mathematics, 6th and 7th grade speech communication class, sign language course; Academic advisor; Club leader. Organized five-hour diversity workshop and three-hour tension-reduction workshop for staff.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE, Summit Country Day School, Cincinnati, OH. Fall 1996-1997. Worked with the Board of Directors (one of two students) to develop the first Strategic Plan for this

1000-student independent school (Pre-K through 12). AYF INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, Camp Miniwanca, Shelby, MI. Summers 1996-1998.

Leadership conference sponsored by American Youth Foundation bringing campers from 50 states and 26 countries. Skills learned: visioning, vision-based goal setting, forming action steps, and revisioning.

PERSONAL UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI: Musical Theater: Lifetime involvement, including leads and choreography for

several shows. A cappella singing group: 1998-2001, Director 2000-2001. Swing Club: 1998-2000, President and Teacher of student-run dance club. Junior High Youth Group Leader: 1999. Math Tutor: 2000. Aerobics Instructor: 1999-2000. American Sign Language Instructor: Winter 1999-2000. Six years voice lessons. 12 years off and on training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and acrobatics, Macintosh and IBM proficient.

REFERENCES On request.

SampleResume

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Jane Dough123 - 4 St Lethbridge, AB. T1K 3T4home: 403-333-3333 cell: 403-222-2222email: jane.dough@jmail.com  OBJECTIVE: To obtain a home visitation advocate position that requires a broad mix of skills in family functioning, child development and collaboration with community agencies. EXPERIENCE:

SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE WITH FAMILES Youth Counselor, McMan Youth Services

• Provided counseling and non judgmental direction to youth• Assisted in positive relationships between youth and families• Provided behavior management strategies and set up individualized programs.

Roommate/Companion, SACLA and SASH• Cared for live-in clients with mental and/or physical disabilities• Assisted with positive life choices and decision making• Utilized behavior management techniques

 COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES

Youth Counselor, McMan Youth Services• Coordinated and cooperated with community agencies • Attended ongoing Native awareness studies• Provided staff training, leadership and consultation with documentation, goal setting, and community integration

Roommate/Companion, SACLA and SASH • Provided support in accessing community agencies on a continual basisCSART (Community Substance Abuse Response Team)

•Provided information and education to community•Completed harm reduction

WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS Youth Counselor, McMan Youth Services

• Provided staff training, leadership and consultation with documentation, goal setting, and community integration • Provided office duties, filing, and computer programs•Completed all documentation

Parent Council, Dr. Gerald Probe Elementary School• Organized and implemented committees and their duties• Provided leadership and team building opportunities• Planned and coordinated numerous fundraising and social events 

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Jane Dough…2

EDUCATION:Masters of Leadership and Administration currentGonzaga University, Spokane, WA.

Bachelor of Professional Arts, focusing onPsychology, SociologyAthabasca University, Athabasca current

General Studies Diploma, focusing on

Psychology, Sociology, and Early ChildhoodDevelopmentLethbridge College December, 1998

Psychology/SociologyUniversity of Lethbridge 1995-1996 SPECIALIZED TRAINING:

Special Needs• Human Development: from conception to death, including special needs

• Cognitive Psychology: learning, memory, perception, language, concept formation, thinking and problem solving • Child Growth and Development: development of children in the first six years of life

Social Integration• Special Groups Recreation and Leisure Activities: for physical and mental disabilities• Social Problems: focus on critical analysis of causes, consequences and solutions

Administration and Organization• Excellent communication skills and effective team leader• Knowledge of Social Services systems and processes

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING:Native Awareness TrainingCrisis Prevention and InterventionRisk Reduction and Universal Precaution Training  REFERENCES: References available upon request.

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Job InterviewJob Interview

Can help interviewers determine the applicant’s specific abilities, ambitions, energy, ability to communicate, knowledge, and intelligence

It allows the interviewee to show her or his strengths in the same areas

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The InterviewThe Interview

Do your homeworkRehearse the interviewDress appropriatelyBe prompt at arrivingBe alert, look at the interviewer, and listen

carefully

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Responsibilities of the Job ApplicantResponsibilities of the Job Applicant

The Interview The Interview continuedcontinued

Give yourself time to think before answering a question

Ask questions about the type of work you will be doing

Show enthusiasm for the jobDo not engage in long discussions on

salaryDo not harp on benefits

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BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTIVE BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTIVE INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

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MAJOR PRINCIPLEMAJOR PRINCIPLE

PAST BEHAVIOR IS A GOOD PREDICTOR OF FUTURE BEHAVIOR

YOUR EXPERIENCES◦NOT WHAT IF!

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW?INTERVIEW?

DETERMINE HOW CANDIDATE WILL PERFORM ON THE JOB.

OBSERVE ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS- UNDER PRESSURE!

IS CANDIDATE A GOOD ORGANIZATIONAL FIT?

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PREPARING FOR BEHAVIOR PREPARING FOR BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTIVE INTERVIEWDESCRIPTIVE INTERVIEW

MOST IMPORTANT: KNOW THE JOB YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR!

REVIEW COMPETENCIESWEB SITESORGANIZATION THEMSELVES

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

INITIATIVE ◦ ACTIVE ATTEMPTS TO INFLUENCE EVENTS TO

ACHIEVE GOALS: SELF-STARTER RATHER THAN ACCEPT PASSIVELY:

◦GOING BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE GOALS

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

TENACITY ◦STICKING TO A POSITION OR PLAN OF ACTION

UNTIL OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED OR ARE NO LONGER ATTAINABLE

TOLERANCE FOR STRESS ◦STABLE PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE

(TIME PRESSURE OR JOB AMBIGUITY) : RELIEVING STRESS IN AN ACCEPTABLE MANNER

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

TEAMWORK/COLLABORATION ◦WORKS WELL WITH A TEAM (PEERS,

MANAGERS,ETC) : ACTIONS ARE RESPECTFUL :

◦CONTRIBUTES TO AND ACCEPTS CONSENSUS: SUBORDINATING OWN OBJECTIVES TO THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION OR TEAM

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

JUDGEMENT/PROBLEM SOLVING ◦DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF

ACTION THAT ARE BASED ON LOGICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND FACTUAL INFORMATION: CONSIDER RESOURCES,CONSTRAINTS, AND

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES.

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

COMMUNICATION ◦EXPRESS IDEAS EFFECTIVELY IN INDIVIDUAL

AND GROUP SITUATIONS (INCLUDES NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION)

OVERALL KNOWLEDGE ◦ UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE OF

POSITION/COMPANY BEING APPLIED FOR MISSION STATEMENT,STRUCTURE, FUNCTION,

WORK AREAS, KNOWLEDGE OF CITY, UNDERSTANDING OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIESEXAMPLES OF COMPETENCIES

IMPACT – FIRST IMPRESSIONS : COMMANDING ATTENTION AND RESPECT : SHOWING CONFIDENCE

PICK ME SPEECH

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HOW TO PREPAREHOW TO PREPARE

DOCUMENT ANY BEHAVIORS WHICH YOU RECOGNIZE AS STRENGTHS FROM ANY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE

•IF YOU DO ANYTHING AT WORK, SCHOOL OR IN IF YOU DO ANYTHING AT WORK, SCHOOL OR IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE THAT REFLECTS YOUR YOUR PERSONAL LIFE THAT REFLECTS YOUR POSITIVE CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES WRITE IT DOWNPOSITIVE CHARACTER ATTRIBUTES WRITE IT DOWN

•LIFE EXPERIENCES BEST WAY TO ANSWER LIFE EXPERIENCES BEST WAY TO ANSWER BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONSBEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS

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ANSWERING BDI QUESTIONSANSWERING BDI QUESTIONS

STAR◦S/T - SITUATION OR TASK◦A – ACTION YOU TAKE◦R – RESULT OF THE ACTION

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STAR - SITUATIONSTAR - SITUATION

THE SET – UP SHOULD BE BRIEF AND CONCISE

INTERVIEWER SHOULD HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT THE ISSUE OR PROBLEM WAS

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STAR - ACTIONSTAR - ACTION

DEVELOP THE ACTION WHICH YOU HAVE TAKEN

CLEARLY INDICATE WHAT YOU DIDINDICATE THE PROCESS YOU USED TO MAKE

YOUR DECISIONMOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANSWER –

DETERMINES YOUR ABILITY TO RESPOND TO AN ISSUE BY YOUR ANSWER.

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STAR – ACTION (Con’t)STAR – ACTION (Con’t)

IF YOU DON’T TELL HOW YOU DID ITIT WILL BE SOMETHING THE INTERVIEWER WILL NEVER KNOW!

DESCRIBE IT WELLTELLS HOW YOU WILL LIKELY BEHAVE IN

THE FUTURETELL THEM ABOUT OPTIONS YOU

CONSIDEREDRESEARCH YOU DIDWHATEVER IS RELEVANT TO RESOLVE

SITUATION

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STAR - RESULTSSTAR - RESULTS

HAPPY ENDING? HOW DID SITUATION TURN OUT?

THINGS DON’T ALWAYS TURN OUT THE WAY WE WANT

NOT IMPORTANT!WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS TO SHOW YOU

HAVE THE SKILLS TO HANDLE SITUATION IN A MATURE, RESPONSIBLE MANNER.

YOU ARE A PROBLEM SOLVER!

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DO’S AND DON’T’S DAY OF DO’S AND DON’T’S DAY OF INTERVIEWINTERVIEW

DON’T PARTY NIGHT BEFORE

DON’T COME IN WITH PHYSICAL INJURY AND NOT EXPLAIN IT

DON’T BE ARROGANT/COCKY

DON’T USE FIRST NAMES OF PANEL – EVEN IF YOU KNOW THEM

DO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

DO DRESS APPROPRIATELY

DO REMOVE JEWELRY ETC THAT IS DISTRACTING

DO ACKNOWLEDGE PANEL AND GREET THEM WITH HANDSHAKE

DO THANK THEM FOR OPPORTUNITY

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And …..

Practice….Practice….

Practice!!!33

After the InterviewAfter the Interview

Send a “Thank you” note

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Leaving Work on the Leaving Work on the Best TermsBest Terms

Strategies for Leaving Work on the Best Terms:

• Leave Before You Loose Your

Cool

• Tell Your Boss First

• Don’t Trash the Company

• Finish on a Strong Note

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Leaving Work on the Best Leaving Work on the Best TermsTerms

The following YouTube clip offers a humorous look at what not to do when you decide to leave a job:

Best Way to Quit Job

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