Chapter 13 Preparing Résumés and Application Letters

Chapter 13

Preparing Résumés and Application Letters

Objectives

1. Prepare for employment by considering relevant information about yourself as it relates to the job requirements

2. Identify career opportunities using traditional and electronic methods

3. Prepare a persuasive résumé that reflects the most effective organizational pattern

Objectives

4. Adapt the résumé for alternate presentation and delivery methods, including print (designed) formats, scannable versions, and electronic postage

5. Utilized implement tools other than the résumé that can enhance employability

6. Write an application message that effectively introduces an accompanying print (designed) or electronic résumé

Objective 1

Prepare for employment by considering relevant information about yourself as it relates to the job requirements

Process of Applying for a JobChapter 13 Lecture Slide

Gather Essential Information

1. Get a relevant information for decision-making by completing

a. a self-assessment-identify your qualifications related to the job

b. An analysis of the career field that interest you including a specific job in that field


2. Prepare a company/job profile

Use a format that allows you to compare your qualifications and the job requirements—determined if there is a match


3. Identify unique selling points and specific support

Figure 13-2 reveals compatibilities and incompatibilities

Objected 2

Identify career opportunities using traditional and electronic methods

Identifying Potential Career Opportunities

Development an organized strategy For each possible employer, record

Names Addresses Telephone numbers Date of each job call made and received plus what was learned Date of each return call Name of the person called Date the résumé was sent, etc.

HTTP://search.officeupdate.Microsoft.com/templategallery Job search log

Sources for Finding Prospective Employers

Printed sources

Networking

Career service center

Employers offices

Employment agencies

Professional organizations

Career guidance information

Job listings

Company web pages

Résumé posting services

Chapter 13 Lecture Slide

Electronic SourcesElectronic SourcesElectronic SourcesElectronic SourcesTraditional SourcesTraditional SourcesTraditional SourcesTraditional Sources

Objective 3

Prepare a persuasive résumé that reflects the most effective organizational pattern

Planning a Targeted Résumé

Targeted resume Reflects requirements of the specific job listing

To grab an employer’s attention writing must be powerful

The employer must be able to read the résumé quickly but thoroughly

Selectively choose What to say

How to say it

How to arrange it

Planning a Targeted Résumé

A properly prepared résumé demonstrate your communication skills demanded in today’s information-intensive society

The goal of a résumé-get a job interview

Standard Parts of a Résumé



Allows the interviewer to reach you

IncludesName

Current address

Telephone number

E-mail address

Internet address


Center on page or use graphic elements for emphasis

The telephone number should be where messages can be left

Explain to those taking messages possible employers may be calling

Evaluate the personal message on your answering machine


The job you want

Must be specific enough to be meaningful

Should be general enough to apply to a variety of jobs

Job And/or Career Objective


General objectives

A position that offers both a challenge and a good opportunity for growth

Specific objectives

entry into management training program with advancement to commercial lending

Job And/or Career Objective

Some experts argue that a statement of your career objective may limit your job opportunities


Persuasive summary statement of yourTransferable skills

Accomplishments

Attributes

Placed in a section labeled “Summary” or “Professional Profile”

pp. 547


Divided qualifications into appropriate parts

Choose appropriate labels for each part

Arrange them in the best sequence


Education Beginning with the most recent latest

Degree

Major

School

Graduation day

Determine the order for this information and follow that order consistently


Education Omit high school activities unless pertinent to your

qualifications

Include overall and/or major grade-point averages if they are ‘B’ or better

Honors and achievements (directly related to education) may be incorporated or in a separate section

Figures 13-5 and 13-8


Work experience Information about your employment

history

For each job held include Job title

Company name

Dates of employment

Primary responsibilities

Key accomplishments


Work experienceList in reverse chronological order

Arrange order so that most important information is emphasized

Format all information consistently


Work experience Of action verbs are useful

– p. 552

Used adjectives to describe your work experience

– p. 552

Do not used to many adjectives or adverbs that may seem too strong


Work experienceUse crisp phrases

Omit pronouns referring to yourself (I, me, my)

Use subject-understood sentences

Begin sentences with action verbs

p. 551


Honors and activitiesSome headings or subheadings might be

Honors and Activities

Activities

Leadership Activities

Memberships

Military Service

Civic Activities

Volunteer Work


Honors and activitiesResist the urge to include everything you

have ever done them

Ask yourself if the activity is related to the job

Does it provides job-related information that is not been included elsewhere


Be very selective, the employer cannot make hiring decisions based on Gender

Age

Marital status

Religion

National origin

Disability


Do not include personal information that could lead to discriminatory hiring

Reveal ethnic background only if it is job-related

Include personal information that will strengthen your resume

Consider whether personal information might be controversial

Selecting an Organizational Résumé Plan

Chronological order

Chrono-functional(Combination of both)

Functional order

Appropriate Organizational Plan

Dividing qualifications section into parts

Choosing labels

Arranging them in the best sequenceReverse chronological order

Functional order

Chrono-functional


Chronological résumé

Traditional organization

Two headings normally appear for qualifications

Education

Experience

Decide which one you think

is most impressive


Within each section use reverse chronological order

Most recent information is presented first

Chronological résumé is especially effective for applicants who have progressed up the career ladder

Format emphasizes dates and job titles

p. 562 Figure 13-5


Functional résumé Points of primary interest to employers appear in

major headings

Order of importance is probably the best sequence for functional headings Requires an accurate self- 10 job analysis

May be best for applicants with limited education or experience

p. 564 Figure 13-7


Chrono-functional résumé Combines feature of chronological and functional

résumé’s

Give us assurance that educational and experience requirements are met and still use other headings that emphasizes qualifications

Functional headings may vary for different jobs

p. 565 Figure 13-8

Objective 4

Adapt the résumé for alternate presentation and delivery methods, including print (designed) formats, scannable versions, and electronic postage

Resume Presentation and Delivery Options

Carefully select at least two other people who are qualified to review your resume and

Most applicants need three versionsPrint (designed)

Scannable

Electronic

Résumé Presentation and Delivery Options


Preparing a Print Résumé Develop an appealing, distinctive format highlighting key

qualifications

Format information for quick, easy reading

─ Use headings and lists to condense partition text

─ Use fonts large enough to be read easily

─ Include your name and a page number at the top of every page and place “Continued” at the bottom of the first page

Preparing a Print Résumé Create appealing and professional quality

─ Be consistent throughout

─ Balance attractively on the page

─ Use standard-size, high quality, neutral-colored paper (preferably 24 lb., 100 percent cotton fiber)

─ Use male envelopes large enough to accommodate without folding

─ Print on a laser printer

Preparing a Print Résumé

Some employers insist the best point for résumé is one-page

General rules or more flexible

The certain your résumé contains only relevant information presented as concisely as possible

Preparing a Scannable Résumé

Companies of all sizes are using electronic applicant-tracking systems

1. Stores in coming resumes in electronic database

2. Compares the electronic resumes to a list of keywords and ranks applicants based on the number of “hits”

3. Prepares letters of rejection and interview offers

4. Stores resumes and accesses them for future openings

Format Requirements fora Scannable Résumé

Use popular, simple typefaces

Use 10– to 14–point font

Omit italics, underline, boxes, clipart, etc.

Use a traditional format and ample white space

Laser print on one side of white, standard-size paper

Do not fold or staple

Guidelines for Making a Résumé Search Friendly


Position your name as the first item on each page

Prepare an effective keyword summary

use industry jargon and recognizable abbreviations

Capitalize the first letter of each word

Separate each word with it period

Position most important key words first

Guidelines for Making a Résumé Search Friendly

Support your keywords with specific facts and the body of the résumé

Include enough to market yourself effectively

Send a cover letter for reinforcement

Figure 13-9 p. 571

Types of Electronic Submissions


E-mail résumé to job bank or networking contact

Electronic portfolio on your own personal home page

Complete online or download form from job bank, corporate web site or career services center to be returned by e-mail, fax, or mail

Most common method

Preparing Electronic Postings

Post carefully as electronic postings are not confidential

Take the time to prepare a professional submission that follows instructions precisely


Preparing Electronic Postings

Send résumé in requested format (cover letter followed by résumé):

─ Attachment saved in word processed format

─ Text résumé (save in ASCII or RTF format that removes formatting)

─ Inline résumé (text résumé pasted below an e-mail cover message)

Include a keyword summary after identification section as done in a scannable résumé

Preparing a Professional Portfolio


Choose printed or electronic format and organize to showcase accomplishments important to audience

Remember electronic postings are not confidential Design attractive links to

─ additional qualifications

─ print and ASCII résumé versions

Omit items that can be used to discriminate─ personal photo

─ information about gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, or religion

Sample Electronic Portfolio Posted to a Personal Web Site

Chapter 13

Common Résumé Lies:Caution Advised

Fabricating or embellishing academic experience

Fudging employment dates to hide gaps in employment

Overinflating job titles and exaggerating job duties

Chapter 13

Illegal but not Eliminated:Potential Areas of Employment

Discrimination

Name: may give rise to race, ethnicity or gender discrimination

Marital status: may be considered differently for male and female candidates

Physical appearance: may be viewed negatively for female candidates

Chapter 13

Objective 6

Write an application message that effectively introduces an accompanying print (designed) or electronic résumé

Composing Application Messages

Employers expect you to include an application or cover messageSeeks to arouse interest in the résumé

Introduces it

Interpreted in terms of employer benefits

Places on top

Parties are solicited or unsolicited

Preparing Effective Application Messages

Use persuasive letter strategy that sells your qualifications

Get the reader to read the résumé and invite you for an interview

p. 579

Chapter 13 Lecture slide


Gained a receiver’s attention

Identify the job sought

Describe (very briefly) how your qualifications that the job requirements

Indicate how you learned of the position in the first paragraph

Figure 13-11 p. 587


Provide evidence of qualifications For graduating students-usually educational background

p. 580

Encourage action (without being pushy) Avoid

Setting a date

Expressing doubt

Sounding apologetic

Sounding overconfident

Giving permission to call

Reporting capability of response


Use original statements that reflect contemporary language

Use concise, on-target language tailored to employer’s needs

─ Include all requested information

─ Communicate knowledge of the company, job requirements, and language of the field

Use appropriate tone that avoids insincere flattery, false modesty, or boastful statements

Focus on strengths and portray a positive attitude

Summary

1. Prepare for employment by considering relevant information about yourself as it relates to job requirements

2. Identify career opportunities using traditional knowledge on methods

3. Prepare a persuasive résumé that reflects the most effective organizational pattern

4. Adapter résumé for alternate presentation and delivery options including print, scannable versions, and electronic postings

5. Utilize employment tools other than the résumé that can enhance employability

6. Write an application message that effectively introduces an accompanying print or electronic résumé

Tips for Helping Employees Improve Time Management

Create space and time to think Design user-centered and task-oriented information Help managers clarify and organize information Help people find whomever or whatever they need to work smart

enough, fast enough Consider what information is actually needed Understand how people use information provided Know what information is needed most

quickly Ask questions: How respectful is the

organization of people’s time?Would employees say you use their time effectively?

Chapter 13– Electronic Café

Strategies for “Finding the Monkeys”

Find the monkeys

Manage monkeys by giving them proper time and attention

Shoot monkeys by

─ Eliminating particular time wasters

─ Delegating responsibility to others


Monkeys people to see, phone calls to return, and meetings to

attend.

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Calendar Home Page

http://www.calendarhome.com/

Learn about "this day" in history and visit other interesting links

Today's Calendar and Clock Page

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Learn everything there is to know about "today's" date


Shane W. Austin8901 Brookdale Road

Pueblo, CO 81002-8901(405) 555-3920

OBJECTIVE To obtain a supervisory position in commercial lending.

EXPERIENCE Commercial loan officer, Baker Mortgage Corporation, June 1997 – November 2004. • Managed a $25 million loan portfolio, including international and

domestic clients.• Made final decisions on substantial loans averaging $800,000. Intern, Sunbelt Bank, Ft. Collins, September – December 1996.• Selected as result of intense competition; earned three hours’

college credit.• Approved small commercial loans and assisted the branch

manager.

EDUCATION B.S., Finance and Real Estate, Westbrook University, May 1997. GPA: 3.6 (4.0 scale).• Held leadership positions in professional organizations• Received academic honors and scholarship.

INTERESTS Golf, racquetball, and weightlifting.

REFERENCES Available on request.

Chapter 13, Solution, Activity 2

1625 West Fifth StreetRoanoke, VA 24022-1625April 5, 2004

Ms. Tasha ThomasHuman Resources DirectorBailey Stores IncorporatedP.O. Box 134-BRoanoke, VA 24022-1530

Dear Ms. Thomas:

A strong marketing background and recent retail experience have equipped me for the store manager position in the Bailey’s West location as advertised on your web site.

Earning a B.S. in marketing with a 3.6 GPA is evidence of my mastery of the major concepts in the field. Likewise, courses in buyer behavior, public relations, and communications have provided specialized skills needed to help me anticipate and respond to buyers’ needs.

As a final project in Consumer Analysis and Behavior, my team developed a retail marketing plan that was adopted by a campus supply store; after the first month, the store showed a 10 percent increase in sales. Working as a cashier at the University Book Mart provided many opportunities to observe buying habits.

Chapter 13, Solution, Activity 3 (Slide 1 of 2)

Because of my dependability and eagerness to learn more about retailing, the manager involved me in the buying decisions, special promotions, and merchandise display—all chances to apply the principles learned from courses.

As advertising manager for the campus yearbook, I sold ads to local retailers, supervised a four-member sales team, and collected revenues. Our team’s ad revenue surpassed the previous year’s figure by 15 percent. Serving as president and activities coordinator for Kappa Sigma fraternity helped me develop leadership and management skills, many of which I have already applied on the job

After you have reviewed the enclosed résumé, I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss career opportunities at Bailey Stores.

Sincerely,

Student’s Name

Enclosure

Chapter 13, Solution, Activity 3 (Slide 2 of 2)

Documents

Chapter 13 Preparing Résumés and Application Letters