ELAC Carrear and Job Resoures Guide

8/2/2019 ELAC Carrear and Job Resoures Guide

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Written & Created by: Janet H. Huang, M.S.

Contributing Writers: Chris Garcia, Erik Moberly, and Gilbert Viveros

Contributing Editors: Kerrin McMahan, Dean of Academic AffairsSharon Tate, Director of MarketingSusan Spangler, Professor of English

Career & Job ServicesJanet Huang, M.S., Coordinator

www.elac.edu

East Los Angeles College

Career & Job Resources GuideVersion II


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Table of Content

Career & Job Services

Other Student Services

Steps to a Successful Career Search

Resums

Sample Action Verbs

General Outline

Chronological Resum

Combination Resum

Creative Resum & Portfolio

Electronic Resum

Functional Resum

Cover Letters

Internship Information

Interview

Steps to a Successful Interview

Interview Questions

Illegal Interview Questions

Thank You Letters

Resignation Letter

Helpful Websites

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2

3

4

5

7

9

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

25

27

29

31


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Career ServicesAppointmentsMake an appointment with the career counselor to:

declare a major

assist in career changes

Please call the center to schedule an appointment.

Career AssessmentsIf you are undecided, take a career assessment to help

with your career decision! Contact the center for more

information and instructions on taking these assessments.

Career ResourcesBooks on majors, occupations, scholarships, intern-

ships, universities, job search skills, interviewing

skills, resum and cover letter techniques are avail-able at the center.

Want to know what major is required to become a

doctor, if you need to transfer to become a teacher, or

how much probation officers make? Use the career

computer programs such as Eureka and Choices

Explore to find out.

Occupational ServicesAppointmentsSpeak to the counselor to learn how to write an

effective resum and cover letter. If you have a job

interview, make an appointment to get helpful tips

and to practice your interview techniques.

WorkshopsWorkshops are offered throughout the semester for:

Job Preparation Skills

Interviewing Techniques

Resum & Cover Letter Writing

Please call for the workshop schedules.

Career & Job ServicesEast Los Angeles College

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, 8:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Contact Info: Phone: 323.415.4126

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.elac.edu

Job & Internship ListingsLooking for a job or work experience? Positions are

posted weekly at the center and on the website.

Listings include:

Full-Time On-Campus

Part-Time Off-Campus

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Counseling Department

Other Student Services

Appointments can be set up for:Academic Dismissal Agreement

Academic Guidance

Academic Renewal

Financial Aid Appeals

Graduation Petitions

Petition Approval

Student Educational Plans (SEP)

Transfer Planning

Hours: Monday - Thursday8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Fridays: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Phone: 323.265.8751South Gate: 323.357.6200

Appointments

Students are encouraged to make appointments with a

counselor every semester to refine their educational

goals and to develop a Student Educational Plan

(SEP). Appointments are 30 minutes in length and are

on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointment books

are open Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. in person and by

telephone at 10:30 a.m.

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center provides services to students

wishing to transfer to four-year colleges and universi-

ties. A monthly calender of activities is published that

lists, university tours, assistance with college and

financial aid applications, day and evening appoint-

ments, and more.

University representatives are available to answer

questions about transfer and provide updated informa-

tion and admission requirements. Students can contact

the center to see the list of representatives available or

attend workshops.

A complete library of college/ university catalogs,

brochures, and literature on transfer are available.

Transfer and fee waiver applications may be completed

and submitted on-line in the Transfer Center.

Hours: Monday - Thursday8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Fridays: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Phone: 323.265.8623

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Successful Career SearchSteps to a

1. Identify your interests: Assess what your skills,

abilities, and interests are. What skills do you

enjoy using the most? The least? What are your

strongest skills?2. Learn about careers and jobs related to your

interests: Once you know what careers fit your

preferences, you can narrow your search for

companies, organizations, and industries.

3. Build a network of contacts: A network of contacts

begins with friends and relatives. You should eventu-

ally expand your network by requesting an informa-

tional interview in the field that interests you. Your

professors, trade magazines, and professional organi-

zations can provide a lot of contact information. You

want to know everything about your field of interest

as well as establish new contacts.

4. Develop/Revamp your resum: Your resum

should be specific to your field of interest. Make

sure your resum reflects skills you have gained in

previous employment that are pertinent to your new/

current field, are of interest to the employer, and fitthe position for which you are applying.

5. Identify and research potential employers: Seek

employers in your field of interest and investigate

their purpose, mission statement, primary products

and/or services, the nature of positions they offer, andnecessary skills for such positions.

6. Create a cover letter: Use your research and

resume to write customized cover letters.

7. Prepare to interview effectively: Practice with

someone who will constructively critique your

skills, reflect upon previous interviews where you

have made mistakes, and research the company with

whom you will interview. Above all else, be available

to interview.

8. Interview: Arrive early and dress appropriately. Be

prepared to ask questions and answer questions

about yourself, your skills, interests, and know-

ledge about the job and organization.

9. Follow-up: Demonstrate your continued interest by

sending a thank you letter to the interviewer and/or

organization.

Searching for a new job can be stressful. The experience can cause more anxiety if you do not know where to

start. These steps are a simple foundation for a more effective, successful, and less stressful process.

3

Dont forget...The most important part of your job search is preparation. Once you are prepared, your job search will be

successful and you will find that the extra effort will pay off dividends.


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Developed

Diagnosed

Directed

Distributed

Drove

Executed

Established

Evaluated

Examined

Facilitated

Formulated

Founded

Generated

Guided

HandledHeaded

Illustrated

Implemented

Improved

In Charge of

Increased

Initiated

Inspected

Installed

Investigated

Maintained

Managed

Marketed

Monitored

Negotiated

Operated

Organized

Oversaw

Performed

PlannedPrepared

Programmed

Proposed

Purchased

Recruited

Reduced

Repaired

Researched

Responsible for

Reviewed

Revised

Recorded

Repaired

Scheduled

Served

Serviced

Sold

Solved

Supervised

SurveyedTaught

Trained

Translated

Updated

Wrote

Use Action Verbs to help your phrases or sentences sound more powerful and professional. These words describe

your experience, duties, and/or responsibilities.

4

Accomplished

Administered

Approved

Arranged

Assisted

Budgeted

Built

Calculated

Coached

Collected

Compiled

Communicated

Completed

Constructed

CoordinatedCreated

Counseled

Delegated

Demonstrated

Designed

Action VerbsSample


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ResumsGeneral Outline for

HeadingList your name, address, phone number, and e-mailaddress at the top of the page.

Make sure your phone number has a professional

message on the answering machine or the person answer-

ing phone is responsible and will take a message for you.

Also, the e-mail address should be professional. If the

e-mail address is creative, open a new account for your

job search and be sure to check your e-mails regularly.

ObjectiveWhen applying for a position, tailor the objective to each

job listing. Make sure to include the position title, job

number (if it applies), the department, and the company

name as in the example in the next column.

Highlights of QualificationIn this section, list about 5-10 general, transferable

skills and/or characteristics that can be used at a company

such as computer capabilities, language skills, and per-

sonal traits. Refer to the above example.

Creating a resum for the first time can be difficult. Gather your work history and a listing of the job and you

are ready to begin. When creating a resum, you can list volunteer, paid or unpaid positions, internships, full-

time & part-time experience. The outline below gives a great basis for creating a comprehensive resum.

5

Objective

Applying for the Clerical Position, #432 in the

Accounting Department at East Los Angeles College.

Highlights of Qualification 5-years of clerical experience.

Type 80 wpm and knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Experience answering a 10-phone line system.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to

work with a diverse population.

Ability to multi-task and work in a fast pace

environment.

Sample resum sections

in the green boxes are

based on this job listing.

S a m p l e J o b L i

s t i n g

East Los Angeles College, Accounting DepartmentClerical Position #432

Duties and responsibilities included, but are not limited to typing memoran-dums, answering telephones, opening mail, greeting customers, interfacing

with employees. This individual must have strong customer service skills, the

ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced environment.


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ExperienceThis is the most important part of your resum. Make

sure to discuss specific projects, duties, and responsi-

bilities accomplished at past jobs that relate to the experi-

ence and/or responsibilities listed in the job description.

Start off the short phrases with action verbs (a list is

available on page 4), this will make the phrases sound

more active. You will also save space by using short

phrases instead of full sentences as seen in the example.

EducationIn the education portion, list all your degrees, certifi-

cates and/or courses that apply to the position. If your

degree is posted or you have special training or courses

related to the position you are applying for, include

the education section before your experience. If your

degree has not posted, include this section after your

experience section. Refer to the example below.

Honors, Awards, & ActivitiesHonors, awards and activities can be included at the

bottom of your resum. List all honors and awardsreceived that relate to the position.

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Dont forget...To increase your chances at an interview, create a separate resume for each job you are applying for.

List all your job history before you organize your resume layout.

Do not abbreviate.

Make sure to proofread your resum several times and have someone else read it again before submitting.

Resums should only be one-page, unless you have a 10-year work history and all the experience is related.

Experience

Senior Office Assistant 2009-2010Toyota Corporation, Monterey Park, CA

Coordinated special projects, activities, andmeetings for 15 employees.

In charge of purchasing and maintaining officesupplies.

Composed monthly sales reports for a depart-ment of 20 employees.

Routed incoming and outgoing telephone calls for a10 telephone line system.

Eduction

Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts,

East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA

Projected Graduation - June 2012

Honors, Awards, & Activities

Awarded Best Customer Service for May 2008.

Received the Deans Honor Roll for Spring 2009.

President of the Business Club.

Member of the Girls Soccer Team.


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Chronological ResumTips for the

Why use this format?This type of resum is the most typical and widely

used because it is easy to format, the most recognizable,

and very easy to understand. A chronological resum lists

experience from the most recent to the least recent. This

type of resum will emphasize your experience, showcas-

ing it in an orderly fashion, and showing progression and

growth in your occupational path.

When to use this format?Chronological resums work best when you have

several occupations within the same field or industry

and are planning on changing within the same occupa-

tional pathway. Use this format when the resum shows

you have worked continuously with no lengths of time

longer then 6 months without work, which exemplifiesprogression in your occupational growth.

Do not use this format if you are changing career

paths or have very little experience in the type of job you

are applying for.

How to formatFollow the example given on page 8, and the General

Resum Outline on pages 5-6. In the Experience section,

list the most recent position first, followed by your first

job.

Keep the resum to one page if possible. Try to limit the

employment history to the last 10 years if possible unless

all the experience listed relates to the position you are

applying for. You do not have to list all tasks in each

position. Only list responsibilities, tasks and projects that

will relate to the position applying for.

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Chronological ResumExample of a

Joe Husky

OBJECTIVE: Applying for the Clerical Position, #432 in the Accounting Department.

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATION Type 100 wpm Fluent in Spanish 5+ years of customer service experience Excellent problem solving skills Ability to work on a team and independently Computer literate and proficient with MS Office applications such as Word and Excel.

EDUCATIONAssociate of Arts Degree in Business Administration, Projected June 2012East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park CA

EXPERIENCESenior Office Assistant (2007- 2010)

Company Inc., Monterey Park, CA Coordinated special projects, activities, and meetings within a department for 15 employees. In charge of purchasing and maintaining office supplies. Composed monthly sales reports for a department of 20 employees. Routed incoming and outgoing telephone calls for a 10 telephone line system.

Assistant to the Director (2001-2007)ELAC Foundation, Los Angeles, CA

Typed correspondence, professional letters, and memos for the Director of Finance. Managed the Directors schedules and organized meetings. Responsible for handling confidential reports and sensitive materials.

Sales Representative (1999-2001)Santa Monica Marketing, Santa Monica, CA

On a team that raised over one million dollars for the company. In charge of organizing and planning the annual fund-raiser, Toy Drive 2001 involving 20 employees and over200 participants.

Serviced over 40 customers per day, distributed information to customers, input information in the computersystem.

ACTIVITIES/ HONORS Deans List, 2009 Best Sales, 2000

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez , Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) [email protected]

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Combination ResumTips for

Why use this format?The combination format is a unique way to present

information and get the job you have your sights on. It

allows you to combine the best parts of the functional

format (page 15) and chronological format (page 7)

resums. You can highlight the skills you feel are related

directly to the job you are pursuing AND the employer

will see a consistent employment history. You can place

your skills and qualifications right at the forefront of the

resuma guaranteed way to peak employer interest in

what you have to offer as a potential part of their staff.

When to use this format?Given that this is a very direct format with proven success

and effectiveness, the combination format is an excellent

choice when you feel that you have related skill sets that

apply directly to the position you are applying for. Astrong combination resum will also demonstrate you

understand of how your unique qualifications can meet the

needs of the employer.

How to formatThis will sound familiar since the combination resum

takes the strongest elements of the resum sections that

we just covered. As a result the combination resumeutilizes the following categories: A description of func-

tional skills, a chronological history of employment, and

education. It is important to remember that these are only

general categories to include in your structuring of this

particular resum.


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Combination ResumExample of a

Lauren UndeclaredLauren UndeclaredLauren UndeclaredLauren UndeclaredLauren Undeclared3240 Career Court 323-343-8888Los Angeles, CA 98195 [email protected]

ObjectiveObjectiveObjectiveObjectiveObjective

Teachers Aide position with an elementary school in the El Monte School District.

EducationEducationEducationEducationEducation

Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA June 2009

Highlights Of QualificationHighlights Of QualificationHighlights Of QualificationHighlights Of QualificationHighlights Of Qualification

An enthusiastic, care-giving educator who believes that all children can learn and thrive in an environment that is fun, enjoyable,and comfortable, and who is capable of developing their academic, social, and personal skills. Team player with experienceworking directly with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure childrens success. Skilled in the use of one-on-one andgroup educational and social activities.

ExperienceExperienceExperienceExperienceExperience

Child Care Experience Created a safe, comfortable, and fun learning environment for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Introduced, explained, and taught groups of children personal hygiene skills and how to dress themselves,and assisted with

potty training. Developed and implemented good citizenship recognition program to reward, motivate, and encourage poitive behavior.

Planning and Organizing Skills Supervised four day care rooms providing a full range of age-appropriate activities and educational lessons to help develop

childrens social skills. Created instructional materials and procedures consistent with individual learning needs and behaviors. Implemented weekly afternoon activities to help develop reading ability, motor skills, and language skills. Maintained childrens attention during group time by presenting material in a fun and exciting way through the use of visual

aids, puzzles, and Lego blocks.

Planned and directed monthly field trips including La Brea Tarpits, Adventure Land, Golf & Stuff, Seal Beach, and Sea World.

Parent Contact and Teamwork Promoted effective, ongoing communication with parents by providing weekly verbal reports and written notes on

childrens daily activities. Collaborated with coworkers, supervisors, and parents to maintain a partnership environment by coordinating monthly

nursery informational meetings

Employment HistoryEmployment HistoryEmployment HistoryEmployment HistoryEmployment History

Head Child Development Supervisor Happy Days Daycare Facility, Alhambra, CA 2008 - PresentSenior Secretary Sunshine Elementary, South Gate, CA 1998 - 2008

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Creative Resum & PortfolioTips for

Why use this format?A creative resum is used to demonstrate your cre-

ative abilities in a professional manner. This is a

representation of your unique skills in a layout for-

mat.

When to use this format?When applying for a creative position such as graphic

design or marketing, use this format to make your resum

stand out from others. Even though you are applying for

a creative position, you will still need to turn in a profes-

sional document that lists your work experience, but a

creative resum stands out and will get the attention of an

employer.

How to formatYou can use the general (chronological) format on page 8,

but make sure the layout demonstrates your personal

creative style. There is no set format; the sample on the

next page is a general idea of a non-formal resum.

Different types of fonts and color can be used as well.

Why include a Portfolio?Along with your resum , you should include a portfolio

that showcases works you have mentioned in your

resum and that represent your abilities. Supply different

formats of your work, such as printed samples, an e-

portfolio, and CD versions that can be viewed on both

Mac and PC compatible.

Portfolio Tips Invest in purchasing a professional portfolio and

high-resolution color prints of each piece. Make

sure your pieces are mounted on firm mats or

backing. This will be money well spent!

Select 10-15 pieces to represent the breadth and depth

of your talent. Make sure that some demonstrate

general talents, reflect unique skills, and have someshow your specialization.

Include only current samples of your work (no more

than 3 years old.)

Organize your work in a chronological fashion with most

recent projects first to show your creative growth.

Label each piece of work with key information including

the client for whom it was produced, your role in the

project, the software utilized, and a few sentences

explaining the importance of the piece.

Dont forget...Even though this resume is representing your creative abilities, it still needs to be professional.

Play with this format and have fun with it, but make sure it is still appealing to the eye and easy to read.


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Creative ResumExample of a

Susan Susan Susan Susan Susan Success Success Success Success Success 8888 College Lane Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 795-1234 [email protected]

O b j e c t i v e O b j e c t i v e O b j e c t i v e O b j e c t i v e O b j e c t i v e Seeking the Graphic Design Assistant Position in the Art Department at Walt DisneyStudios.

Special Special Special Special Special Skills Skills Skills Skills Skills Two Years of experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark Xpress Four Years of experience in graphic design and creating web-based and print

marketing Proficient with PC and Mac systems Ability to work on a creative team or independently

E d u c a t i o n E d u c a t i o n E d u c a t i o n E d u c a t i o n E d u c a t i o n Related Courses: Intermediate Web Design, Graphic Design II, and Storyboards

Associate of Arts D egree in Art, Desktop Publishing June 2010East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, California

Design Design Design Design Design E x p e r i e n c e E x p e r i e n c e E x p e r i e n c e E x p e r i e n c e E x p e r i e n c e A & B Associates, Pasadena, CA June 15, 2008 - PresentDesign Assistant On a team of six that designed an award-winning logo Created web page design for various clients Designed business cards & letterheads for clients

Entertainment-Media INC., Los Angeles, CA, 90033 June 1, 2005 - May 22, 2008Graphic Design Intern

Created and updated client web pages Responsible for creating and maintaining all photo scans On a team that assisted the marketing department with monthly trade show, events

and presentations for over 2000 attendeesResponsible for contacting clients and scheduling appointments

Creative Creative Creative Creative Creative

Highlights Highlights Highlights Highlights Highlights

6 years of Creative

Experience

Associates Degree in

Desktop Publishing

Proficient in Photosphop

& Quark Xpress

Excellent Communication

Skills

Ability to Meet Deadlines

Under Pressure

S S S S S S S S S S

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Electronic ResumTips for

Why use this format?A study of more than 1,500 job seekers discovered that

34 percent found their last job on an Internet job board.

With employers growing interest in the Internet to adver-

tise and fill their job openings, it is a great idea to have an

Internet friendly-resum to make sure it is fully compatible

with e-mail and job search databases.

When to use this?Use an e-mail friendly resum anytime you e-mail

your resum to an employer/recruiter or when you

upload it to popular job search databases like

Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, or HotJobs, etc.

Because of viruses attached to MS Word documents,

employers will often prefer that you plug your resum

directly into the body of an e-mail.

How to formatUsing Microsoft Word or any other word-processing

program, you can turn your regular resum into an

e-mail friendly resum with the following steps:

1. Open your regular resum file and select the

Save As tab

2. Under the Save as type tab select Plain

Text, Text Only, or ASCII

Saving your resum as a text only, plain text, or ASCII

text document will give you a good start in making your

resum e-mail friendly. Use the following tips to make

sure your resum will work with any e-mail carrier and

will be accepted by any resum scanning system and

database:

Eliminate bold, italics, and underlining. Scanners will

not recognize these special formatting techniques andthey will not show up properly in an

e-mail.

Replace bullet points with plus symbols (+), asterisks

(*), or hyphens (-).

Introduce major sections with words in ALL

UPPERCASE letters (not bold, italics, or under-

lining).

Keep all text aligned to the left.

Dont forget...Most resum scanners often stop reading resumes

after one and a half pagesso keep it short.Try to use key words or phrases used in the job

description.

Although it may seem easier to send an attachment,

many employers will no longer accept them because

of the fear of viruses.

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Electronic ResumExample of an

Mary Major

522 University Avenue, #ALos Angeles, CA [email protected]

OBJECTIVETeachers Aide position with an elementary school in the Alhambra School District.

EDUCATIONAssociate of Arts, Child Development, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA , June 2010

BACKGROUND SUMMARYAn enthusiastic, care giving educator who believes that all children can learn and thrive in an environment that isfun, enjoyable, comfortable, and who is capable of developing their academic, social, and personal skills. Team player withexperience working directly with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure childrens success. Skilled in theuse of one-on-one and group educational and social activities.

EXPERIENCE

CHILD CARE EXPERIENCE- Created a safe, comfortable, and fun learning environment for children ages 6 months to 6 years.- Introduced, explained, and taught small and large groups of children the basics of dressing, potty training, and personalhygiene skills.

- Developed, designed, and implemented good citizenship recognition program to reward, motivate, and encourage goodbehavior of children.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING SKILLS- Supervised four day care rooms to provide a full range of age appropriate activities and educational lessons to

help develop childrens social skills.- Created instructional materials and procedures consistent with individual learning needs and behaviors.- Implemented weekly afternoon activities to help develop childrens reading ability, motor skills, and language skills.- Maintained childrens attention during group time by presenting material in a fun and exciting way through the

use of visual aids, puzzles, and Lego blocks.- Planned and directed monthly field trip locations such as the La Brea Tarpits, Adventure Land, Golf & Stuff, Seal Beach,

and Sea World.

PARENT CONTRACT AND TEAMWORK- Promoted effective, ongoing communication with parents by providing weekly verbal reports and written notes on

childrens daily activities.- Collaborated with coworkers, supervisors, and parents to maintain a partnership environment by coordinating monthly

nursery informational meetings

EMPLOYMENT HISTORYHead Child Development Supervisor, Fun in the Sun Daycare Facility, Alhambra, CA, 2008 - PresentSenior Secretary, Bryson Avenue Elementary, South Gate, CA, 2003 - 2007

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Functional ResumTips for a

Why use this format?A functional resum focuses on specific transferable skill

sets and credentials specific to the job you are applying

for while down playing a linear employment history.

Because the skills you have developed are the main focus

of this resum, employment history is not really empha-

sized; it is actually usually the very last thing listed on theresume.

When to use this?Since this resum highlights what you have done and

not where you have done it, the functional resum is a

good option for job searchers that have:

employment gaps

a history of job-hoppingunrelated work history

related skills in an unrelated field

a desire to make a drastic career change

How to formatA functional resum will often start off with a Skills/

Functional Summary Heading, Accomplishments/

Skills/Professional Behaviors heading, employmentdates, and education section.

Dont forget...Sometimes hiring managers will begin to question why

a candidate is using a functional resum over a

traditional one. You will need to ensure that your

resum is well-written and strategize to successfullyuse a functional format; the last thing you want is for

your resum to be discarded because the hiring

manager thinks you are camouflaging problems in

your employment history.

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Functional ResumExample of a

ObjectiveSeeking a full-time executive assistant position with a hotel catering and event management department

Professional SkillsOrganization:

- Redesigned catering office guest intake and appointment check-in protocol to minimize guest wait time and simplify event payment processing

- Increased guest satisfaction by introducing new guest check-in protocol, room service delivery, and guestrewards program resulting in the highest front desk customer service rating in regional hotel area

Teamwork:- Worked with a team of four catering managers and two corporate representatives to identify musicalperformers, guest room accommodations, and conference room bookings for a 500 person, 3-day corporateretreat and seminar

- Led the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel marketing team in quarterly redesign and updating of advertising materials,banquet entree menus, promotional packet supplies, and mass-mailings

Customer Service:- Greeted, checked in arriving guests, and accommodated requests of front desk guests, contributing to hotelbeing declared the 2005 Sheraton Cerritos Hotel of the Year- Collected event security deposits, processed payments, and deposited daily catering department revenue

EductionAssociate of Arts Degree, Executive Assistant Anticipated Completion Date:East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, California June 2012

ProjectLed the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel marketing team in developing a local business outreach program generating an increasein $10,000 from additional hotel room bookings and event services from neighboring businesses in the areas of Artesia,

Bellflower, and Cerritos.

ExperienceCatering Assistant, Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, Cerritos, California 2009 - PresentFront Desk Supervisor, Embassy Suites Hotel, Downey, California 2002 - 2009Front Desk Attendant, Wyndham Commerce, Commerce, California 1998 - 2000

Honors and AwardsEmbassy Suites Employee of the Month, February 2004 & June 2005Sheraton Cerritos Guest Relations Customer Service Star Award, July 2009

Samantha Sample2010 Decision Drive, Rosemead, CA 91770 Phone: (323) 415-5555 E-Mail:[email protected]

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Cover Letter Tips & Outline for a

Many job seekers avoid writing a cover letter, but it is

essential and necessary. A cover letter is a summary of

your resum and should be used to grab an employers

attention. Remember, your cover letter should persuade

the reader to continue on to your resum.

Job seekers should tailor the cover letter to each job

listing. Avoid using a generic letter for all potential

employers. Try to address the specific individual incharge of hiring to make the cover letter more personable

even if it means making a few phone calls to find out the

persons name.

The cover letter has a standard one-page structure

that allows you to sell yourself by presenting key

points in a concise format (refer to the sample on the

right for tips on what to write.)

Opening ParagraphWhy you are writing: Write a confident openingstatement that expresses what you are seeking and

will cause the reader to develop an interest in your

resum. Convey your interest in the position and

briefly summarize your accomplishments.

Middle Paragraph(s)What you have to offer: Here you present yourunique qualifications and skills. This is also an

opportunity to talk about your interest in the em-

ployer. Above all else, make sure you convery a feeling

of confidence in your ability to do the job well.

Closing ParagraphHow you will follow-up: Close your letter by re-questing an interview and state your availability will be at

the employers convenience. By now you have stated

your main skills, and the employer will contact you if they

are interested.

Dont forget...Focus on what you have to offer: Tell the employer how they would benefit from your accomplishments ratherthan state what you are looking for (salary, benefits, etc.) Telling an employer what you want to earn financially will

guarantee your resum a date with the trash can.

Follow standard business protocol: Write clearly and concisely, checking for spelling and grammar. Coordinate

your cover letter and resum with a matching envelope. Any mistakes will make a bad impression and cause a

potential employer to see you as unprofessional and not truly interested.

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Cover Letter Example of a

Joe Husky1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez Monterey Park, CA 91754

(323) 414-3333 [email protected]

May 8, 2012

Ms. Jane CorporationDirector of Human ResourcesABC Company5555 Employment WayLos Angeles, CA 91754

Re: Applying for the Clerical Position, #432 in the AccountingDepartment.

Dear Ms. Corporation;

As a graduating senior from East Los Angeles College with anAssociate Degree in Business Administration, I feel my uniqueexperience and educational background match the qualificationsfor your position.

With over five years of administrative support experience, I havebeen responsible for day to day operations, in charge of specialprojects and well versed in clerical skills. I have also built upstrong communication and customer service skills as a salesrepresentative. Through coordinating meetings with 20 employ-ees, I am experienced in working as a team and being organized.

Through my past experiences, I feel I possess the qualificationsand skills you are looking for. Thank you for your time andconsideration and I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,Joe Husky Joe Husky

Your NameAddressPhone NumberE-Mail Address

Date

Name of Company ContactTitleCompany Name/ OrganizationAddressCity, State, Zip

Re: State the Position name ( and Department.)

Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms. __________________;

INTRODUCTIONDiscuss how you heard of the position, why you are interested and who you are. Should be about 3 to 4 sentences.

SELL YOURSELFThis is the most important section of your cover letter where you explain your uniqueness and how valuable you would be to the company.

Incorporate information that demonstrates your knowledge of the company, its industry and relevant issues. Refer to the Highlight of qualifications and Experience section in your resume and the job description on the job posting. Discuss several skills, duties, accomplished, and special abilities you have that relate to the position . If your courses, major, or degree relatedto the position, briefly discuss them. List about 3 to 5 key points about yourself.

CLOSINGIn this paragraph, you can ask for an interview and/or thank them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Remember to sign your name here.Your Name (Typed)

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Internship Information

What is an internship?An internship is a way to gain valuable experience at

a company to learn about the company, the position,

and the industry. It is only available to students.

What are the benefits? Internships are a great way to test your interest in a

field or occupation to see if it is a match for you.

They offer a way for you to gain valuable work experi-

ence to enhance what you have learned in a classroom.

They are also a great networking opportunity to get to

know employers in your field of interest.

Students say the best benefit is that internships can

turn into full-time positions before you graduate!

Are interns paid?It depends on the employer. Many internships do

compensate you financially, especially positions in

our district program, the LACCD Interns Program.

Information is available on the next page.

Students can earn 3 - 4 units per semester by enroll-

ing in the Cooperative Education/Work Experience

course. This course provides credit for on the job work

experience via an independent study program related to a

major. For more information on East Los Angeles

Cooperative Education Work Experience, refer to the

Schedule of Classes or contact J. Benavides at

(323) 415-5386 or email: [email protected]

Are internship hours flexible?Yes! The employer and the student create a schedule

appropriate for both. Hours can range from 5 to 40

hours per week and can change from semester to semes-

ter. Some internships can continue until the student has

graduated.

Where can I find internships? Contact Career & Job Services at (323) 415-4126.

Talk to your instructors or department chairs; they are

in contact with individuals in their industry and might

know of internship opportunities.

LACCD internship program has many openings and

many of the positions can lead to full-time jobs!

For more information on the LACCD Interns

Program, refer to the next page.

Now that you have a resum and cover letter, you

are ready to apply for a position. Work experience

comes in different forms-- from volunteering, to

full-time jobs, to internships.

All experience is great, but internships are

best suited for students.

Here are some common questions and answers

about internships:

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LACCD Interns Program

Build LACCDLACCDLACCDLACCDLACCD

The LACCD Interns Program is part of an innovative program designed to expand educational opportunities at all nine LosAngeles Community College campuses.

Working with private businesses and firms contracting with the Proposition A/AA bond program, we are creating hundredsof new exciting internships in a wide range of occupation.

Internships are available in all disciplines including architecture, engineering, computer graphics and technology, marketingand business management, customer service, clerical and many others.

Internships provide students with skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in todays workplace.

To Be Eligible For An Intern Position, Students Must:

Be enrolled in 6 or more units at one of the LA Community College Campuses Complete an internship application on-line at www.laccdinterns.org Submit a resume on-line Print and obtain a faculty referral/recommendation for an internship

Students enrolled at EAST LA, HARBOR, LACC, LATTC, LAVC, MISSION, PIERCE, SOUTHWEST, and WEST

LA COLLEGE (from all majors, certificate programs or continuing education classes) are eligible to apply.DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT INTERN POSITIONS MAY BE FILLED AT ANY TIME.

For Contact Information:

Build LACCD213-996-2533

www.laccdinterns.org

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Successful InterviewSteps to a

Before the Interview1. The most important thing you can do before an

interview is to be prepared! Review your resum

and practice answers to typical interview ques-

tions. Assess yourself as an individual. Know

your accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses.

Employers want to know you and this is your

opportunity to sell your qualities and experience

as a possible asset. If you need help in preparing,

contact the Career & Job Services for an

appointment or attend a workshop.

2. If possible, research: the companys industry, the employers background information, what the position entails.

You will be at an advantage if you do. If there is asecond interview round, be prepared for more

in-depth questions about your qualifications in

relationship to the employer.

3. Dress professionally and conservatively. You are

judged by your appearance and the attention you

have placed upon it. Be polished and keep fra-

grances to a minimum. Touch-ups done whether in

the car or just before entering the site can be per-

ceived as not being fully ready if seen by the inter-

viewer (and this has happened). Above all else,

prepare your outfit beforehand so you do not waste

time looking for an item.

4. Be prepared to fill out a job application or question-

naire. Bring a pen. Use your resum to help answer

questions. Print clearly and legibly. Take your time,so you do not eliminate any answers.

5. Know where to park! As ridiculous as this may

sound, not knowing may cause you to be late to

your interview.

6. Arrive early! Be at the interview at least 15

minutes prior so you can relax.

During the Interview1. Be attentive! Maintaining good eye contactexpresses this. Being assertive is also a good

thing (such as reaching out to shake the

interviewers hand upon meeting) for it shows

confidence. Anything else will give an immediate

bad impression.

Congratulations! Your resum is well put-together and because of the time invested, you have scored an interview. Now themore challenging part comes into play: succeeding at the interview and getting the job. There are manythings you can do to get that job before, during, and after an interview; fine details are involved that make itsuccessful.

Here are a few things to prepare for a successful interview:

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2. Expect the unexpected: interviewers usually ask

questions about your resume in addition to the

standard queries such as weaknesses, but they may

ask about teamwork, problem-solving, adaptabi-

lity, ethics, initiative, planning and organizing, commu-

nication, sensitivity, and/or supervision. Take a few

seconds to think about the question before answering;

its OK.3. Sit up straight. Your posture is a good indicator of

your interest and professionalism. A slight lean

towards the interviewer shows attentiveness.

4. Ask questions. Most of the time interviewers will ask

if you have any questions. Be ready to do so. Asking

questions (about additional responsibilities, expecta-

tions, performance evaluations, management style,

etc.) conveys interest and enthusiasm. You also findout if the job is really a good fit with your goals and

expectations.

After the Interview1. Send a thank you card, note, or e-mail and thank

your interviewer for the opportunity. In the

correspondence, you can also discuss the answers

to questions you did not answer properly during theinterview.

In case you are not offered the position, another

possibility can come up and the chance of you being

considered for another position can be high by just

saying thank you.

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Dont forget...Practice answers to some typical interview ques-

tions. Really understand what is on your resum.

Be prepared and bring extra copies of yourresum and cover letter to your interview.

Make sure to speak loudly and clearly during

the interview.

Remember to have a firm handshake and to

address all the interviewers.

Do not chew gum or smoke during or waiting

for the interview.

Show your interest in the position through your

body language.

Never discuss the pay rate until the employerdoes.

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Interview QuestionsTips on

Tell me about yourself What to say : Discuss your unique qualities, characteris-

tics, education, skills and qualifications. Refer to thesewhich are highlighted in your resume.

What is the employer really asking... Who are you?

Also, the employer wants to determine if you are a good

match for the company and what special skills or qualities

you have. Also they want to see how you stand out from

the other candidates.

On this page, you will find three typical interview

questions that relate to the most common questions

asked by employers. Formulating answers for these

will help to prepare you for your interview and feel

more confident going into the interview.

When formulating answers to these questions, refer

back to the job description and make sure to

discuss your

a) skills

b) qualifications

c) education

d) unique qualities

e) how you meet the job requirements.

The bottom line is discuss what you can do for the

employer, not what the employer can do for you.

Why should they hire you?What to say : Discuss how your qualifications and skills

can enhance the department or company.

What is the employer really asking... To see if you are

qualified for the position and if you can really do the

job. To also see if your past experience will enhance

your productivity in this company and if your education

and skill set are adequate for this position.

List 3 strengths and weaknessesWhat to say : Positive traits about yourself.

Discuss characteristics that would describe your persona-

lity and work ethic, and make sure to relate them to the

qualities described in the job description.

All weakness should be turned into positives.

For example, if the employer is looking for a student with

an Associate of Arts Degree and you plan on receiving it

in a couple of months, this can be considered a weak-

ness. However be sure to point out that you will be

receiving it in a couple of months (which is a positive.)

What is the employer really asking... To see what youhave done to improve negative situations, and if you

learned and/or grown from your experiences.

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Interview QuestionsSample

Characteristics & PersonalityWhat makes you unique?

What are your interests?

Are you creative, independent, a team player, etc.?

What decisions are difficult for you to make?

How do you deal with stress?What are your biggest achievements in life?

Experience & QualificationsWhat qualifies you for this position?

Why are interested in working for us?

What did you like the most about your last position?What did you like the least about your past employer?

Strengths & WeaknessesHow would you deal with a difficult supervisor or coworker?

Describe an incident that was difficult for you?

Why did you quit your last job?Why were you fired from your position?

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Dont forget...Tell stories. In other words, give

examples of your answers (so there isa visual picture behind the answer and

it will be more memorable.)

Be Positive! Always leave a positive

impression even if you are giving a

negative answer.

**For help with interview questions,

attend an Interview Workshop or make

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Illegal Interview QuestionsConfronting

During an interview, you may be asked some questions that are inappropriate or are not job-related. You

are not required to answer these types of questions.

Federal, state, and local law regulates questions asked by an employer as a basis for hiring

and prohibits inappropriate questioning.

Questions asked on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process must be related to the job

for which you are applying. Questions on race, gender, religion, marital status, age, disabilities, ethnic back-

ground, country of origin, sexual preferences or age are not appropriate. Just remember that all questionsshould be job-related. The employers is assessing who is the best candidate, so they should question you on

your performance, how you will function in this job, and how your qualifications relate to the job duties and

responsibilities.

Remember that during an interview process, not only is the employer looking for the best candidate, but

you are also seeking the ideal employer. If employers do ask inappropriate questions, think twice about

working for this employer.

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Possible ways to answer illegal questions

a) Give an answer.

However, you may be setting up the grounds for more illegal questions or harm your chances of securing the

position.

b) Refuse to answer.

It is within your right not to respond, but this may also disqualify you for the position.

c) Question the question.

Instead of answering, ask about the relationship of the answer to the job. Question how this would pertain

to the job description or job performance.

c) Give an appropriate answer that explains your qualifications, experience, professionalism, work ethics,

and performance. Understand the basis for the question and give a positive answer.


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Illegal QuestionsA list of illegal questions you may encounter.

AffiliationWhat clubs or organizations do you belong to?

Age

How old are you?When is your birthday?

Criminal RecordHave you ever been arrested or convicted or acrime?

DisabilityDo you have any disabilities, health issues, or pastillnesses?

EthnicityAre you a U. S. citizen?Where were you born?

PersonalHow tall are you and how much do you weigh?

Marital StatusAre you married or do you plan on gettingmarried soon?Do you plan on having children? When?What are your child care arrangements?

MilitaryHave you been discharged from the military?

Appropriate QuestionsAppropriate ways for employers to ask questions.

AffiliationGive a list of professional groups or associations youbelong to that may pertain to this position.

Age

Are you over the age of 18?

Criminal RecordHave you ever been convicted of a felony?

DisabilityAre you able to perform the skills and requirements of this position?(Some positions require a medical exam.)

EthnicityAre you authorized to work in the United States?What languages do you speak, read and/or write?

PersonalAre you able to lift 45 pounds and/or carry it 50yards?

Marital StatusWill you be able to relocate?If needed, would you be willing to travel for thisposition?Would you be able to work overtime?

MilitaryWhat branch of the Armed Forces did you serve in?

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Illegal QuestionsSample


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Thank You Letter Tips for a

Why send a thank you letter?Submitting a personalized thank you letter addressed to

the individuals who took time out of their busy day to

interview you is a professional courtesy that is often

overlooked. Because that is the case, the people that do

send thank you letters after their interview tend to make a

positive impression. When you consider that the people

who are hiring often see a large number of people during

the interviews, you realize how a thank you letter can

make you stand out from the crowd and get noticed!

When to send one?Timing is absolutely key! Aim to have your thank you

letter in the mail by the end of the day of your inter-

view. Thank you letters are all about leaving a lasting

positive impression. This is not possible if your letter

arrives late and a hiring decision has already been made.

A good rule of thumb is to always send a thank you letter to demonstrate your gratitude for the opportunity

to interview. Thank you letters not only show that you are aware of professional courtesy and etiquette but

also demonstrate that you are still interested in the job after the interview. While thank you letters will

probably not make or break your chances of getting a job offer, people who make hiring decisions state that

personalized letters sometimes help them decide between two candidates.

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Thank You Letter Example of a

Carlos Classroom1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez Monterey Park, CA 91754

(323) 415-4126 [email protected]

April 13, 2007

Ms. Jane SmithDirector of Human ResourcesABC Corporation5555 Corporation WayLos Angeles, CA 91754

Re: Applying for the Clerical Position in the Business Depart-ment.

Dear Ms. Smith;

Thank you for the opportunity to interview with youyesterday. I enjoyed meeting you and discussing the jobresponsibilities. The interview strengthened my enthusiasmfor the position. I believe my education and work experiences parallel the job descriptions and I am certain I

would make a significant contribution to the company.

I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the positionand my hope to work with you and your staff. Pleasecontact me if you have any additional questions. Thank you again for the opportunity to meet with you and yourconsideration.

Sincerely,Carlos Classroom Carlos Classroom

Your Name AddressPhone Number E-Mail Address

Date

Name of Company ContactTitleCompany Name/ Organization AddressCity, State, Zip

Re: State the Position name ( and Department.)

Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms. __________________;

INTRODUCTION/ BODY OF THE LETTERThank the employer for taking the time to meet with you. You can also discuss your strengths or some keypoints you want to mention about your qualifications. If you feel a question was not properly answered in the interview, you can address it here.

CLOSINGEmphasize your interest in the position and working for the company. Also thank the employer for their time.

Sincerely,Remember to sign your name here.Your Name (Typed)

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Resignation Letter Tips for a

A resignation letter signifies the end of your current employment. It is important when leaving the position

that you still maintain your professionalism. The rule of thumb is to keep the letter as simple, brief, and

focused as possible to leave a positive impression. It is important to be courteous, mature, and profes-

sional by showing discretion in your job resignation letter.

29

Why send a resignation letter?There are three reasons for this letter.

1) It provides an official notice of your resignation.

2) It can help to keep a positive relationship with the

previous employer.

3) You may be able to call on this past employer as a future

references.

When to send one?When resigning, it is common courtesy to give the

employer two weeks notice. A resignation letter will

signify your last few weeks. This is a professional letter

stating the end of your employment regardless of whether

had a positive or negative experience.

What to write?This is a simple business letter that should get right to the

point. Start by stating your intent to resign and if possible

your reasons such as relocation or acceptance of another

offer. It is acceptable to mention the positive aspects of

the position you are leaving and that the position you are

accepting perhaps fits to your personal preferences or

career goal. As a common courtesy be sure to mention

your two week notice and specifically state your last day

of employment. At the end, be sure to thank the em-

ployer for the opportunity to work at the company.

Dont forget...To keep the letter positive and do not mention anything negative or disparaging about the company, your job

responsibilities, your supervisor, or anyone in the company. This letter will be included in your employment file

and could be shared with potential future employers. Therefore, it should be professional and polite.


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Resignation Letter Example of a

Sandy Student2010 Elac Avenue

South Gate, CA 90280(323) 327-6200

[email protected]

July 6, 2009

Ms. Carla CareerOffice ManagerCounseling R Us987 Teacher WayLos Angeles, CA 90036

Dear Ms. Career;

This is to notify you that I am resigning fromCounseling R Us as the Administrative Assistant. Pleaseaccept this letter as my formal notice of resignation,effective on July 20, 2009. If I can be of any assistancebefore my resignation, please let me know.

Thank you for providing me with this opportunity andvaluable job experience.

Sincerely,Sandy Student Sandy Student

Your Name AddressPhone Number E-Mail Address

Date

Name of Company ContactTitleCompany Name/ Organization AddressCity, State, Zip

Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms. __________________;

INTRODUCTION/ BODY OF THE LETTERStart out the letter with a statement and an effective date of resignation.

If possible have an explantion for your reisgnation. Also discuss positive aspects of your current employer or work experience. You can also discuss your willingness in making your leave a smooth transition. Make sure not to make any promises you cant keep.

CLOSINGIn the last paragraph, thank the employer for the opportunitity to have worked there.

Sincerely,Remember to sign your name here.Your Name (Typed)

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Job Fair Tipshttp://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Job-Fair-Success/

http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/jobfair10/l/aa070102.htm

http://www.employmentguide.com/careeradvice/Job_Fair_Advice.html

Career Information (Majors/ Occupations/ Salary Range)Career Search http://careerclues.org

http://missingmajor.com

http://www.californiarealitycheck.com/

http://www.acinet.org/acinet

Hot Jobs with an Associates Degree http://www.whodouwant2b.com/

EDD-Labor Market Info http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/

Interviewing skillshttp://www.cvtips.com/job_interview.html

Helpful Websites

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Salary negotiationhttp://content.monster.com/articles/3483/16797/1/home.aspx

http://content.monster.com/articles/3483/17248/1/home.aspx

http://www.quintcareers.com/salary_counter_proposal.html

Tips for after the jobhttp://content.monster.com/articles/3483/18563/1/home.aspx

Thank You Lettershttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/blthank.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/thankyouletters.htm

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.htmlhttp://www.susanireland.com/thankyouletters.htm

http://www.damngood.com/ready/exmpl/thank-you.html

Documents

ELAC Carrear and Job Resoures Guide