A TO Z JOB SEARCH

TIPS AND TRICKS 2015

AGENDA

• Pre-Job Search Process

• Resume Writing

• Where/How to Search

• You Scored an Interview – now what?

• Interview Tips and Tricks

• Job Offer Success and Negotiations

WAIT – PRE-JOB SEARCH?!

PRE-JOB SEARCH

• Update Your Voicemail to a professional message

• Create a job search e-mail address that are professional

• Save extra spending cash for professional clothes for the interview •  Dress for the job you dream of, not an entry level role!

• Review your social media content and change profile pictures

• Sign up for LinkedIn

• Print business cards to handout during networking events

RESUME WRITING

RESUME WRITING • Resumes Should Include:

• Objective/Summary – what are you seeking •  Employment History (most recent on top)

•  Education • Qualifications and Standout skills

•  Computer programs you are skilled in

•  Software you have utilized

•  Languages

• Use Action Words •  Reduced open positions time to fill from 90 days to 45 days within six months of hire •  Received Customer Service Excellence award five times while employed •  Developed marketing materials for the Industry Expo event

DO I NEED A COVER LETTER?

 YES! • Tells your story beyond just your resume

• Don’t just have one Cover Letter - Update to be position specific

• List out specific projects and work experience beyond your resume

• Explain any gaps in employment, long term career goals, or just overall interesting details about why you would make a great employee

REFERENCES

• References •  List separate from your Cover Letter

and Resume

•  At least three professional/academic references

•  Preferably former Managers/Supervisors

•  Former Managers, list at least one former direct report

JOB SEARCH – WHERE TO LOOK • www.careerbuilder.com

• www.monster.com

• linkedIn

• www.milwaukeejobs.com

• www.indeed.com

• www.craigslist.com

• www.simplyhired.com

JOB SEARCH – DON’T FORGET… • Newspaper – Classified Ads

• Industry Publications

• Recruiting Companies

• Networking Events

• Family BBQ’s and Gatherings

RESUME TIPS AND TRICKS • Upload your resume and cover letter to the job site when possible

• Follow application instructions closely and complete the information requested •  Including how to apply!

• Update your resume for the specific job you are applying for

• Complete all information in the online application

• Triple check your contact information is correct

• Keep track of what companies you apply at and what position

• Name your documents appropriately •  LastNameFirstName_Resume •  LastNameFirstName_CoverLetter

CREATE YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH • What is a elevator speech?

• Why do you need it?

• How long should it be?

PHONE SCREEN TIPS

• Confirm date and time

• Ensure you are in a quiet place where there aren’t interruptions or dogs barking/children crying

• Let the Recruiter know if you are on a cell phone and determine if you get disconnected what number you should call

• Have a copy of your resume in front of you to reference – but don’t read it!

• Answer your phone professionally •  “Hi, this is First Name Last Name”

• Phone screens usually last 30 minutes and provide a very brief summary of your employment history and what you are seeking

YOU SCORED AN INTERVIEW – NOW WHAT? • Research the company and be prepared to answer what you know about the company so far

• Print at least enough copies of your resume for each person you meet with

• Try on your interview clothes at least a day in advance

• Drive by the location you are interviewing at to ensure you know where it is located and how long it will take you to commute

• Practice your handshake

ONSITE INTERVIEW • Show up 10 minutes early

• Bring copies of your resume, pen, and notebook

• Dress business professional •  Suit and tie for men

•  Slacks and blouse or business suit for women (flat shoes are recommended)

• Turn OFF your cell phone

• Be friendly with the Receptionist

• Make eye contact as you greet and shake hands with each person that participates in the interview

• Be prepared to ask at least 1-2 questions of everyone you interview with

• Ask for the business card of everyone you interview

THANK YOU LETTER

• Stand apart from others by sending a Thank You note within 24 hours of your interview

• Hand written or e-mail is acceptable

• Note what you enjoyed about the company

• Indicate why you are the best candidate for the position

DEALING WITH REJECTION? • Remember – it’s a journey!

• Don’t give up, or bring up how many jobs you’ve applied for during interviews

• Keep NETWORKING!

• Volunteer

• Take part time classes or classes at the library to keep your skills fresh

• Review your resume and practice interviewing with friends and family

ACCEPTING AND NEGOTIATING OFFERS • Thank the Manager or Recruiter for the offer! Be excited that you got an offer, even if it’s not what you planned for.

• Ask the Manager or Recruiter to send you the offer details via e-mail so you can review with your spouse/family

• Determine a timeframe and who you should call back with questions and/or to accept the offer

• If it’s not what you had anticipated, ask if the offer is negotiable •  Some offers are not up for negotiations, That’s ok!

• If accepting, as soon as you know, call the Recruiter to get the pre-employment process started

• If declining, call back and let the Manager/Recruiter know. Share a brief reason why you are declining. Be polite!

QUESTIONS?