Career Placement & Cooperative Education Services
Conducting a Successful Job Search
Research Employers
Designing Your Resume and Cover Letter
Prepare for Your Interview
Thank You Letter
Research Employers
There are two basic reasons to research employers: 1) to aid in your job search and 2) to help you prepare for interviews.
When researching an employer find out:
- The main functions carried out by the employer.
- The financial stability of the employer. Are they going to be in business for a long time?
- The types of jobs that exist within that organization.
Sources of Information:
- Company Internet Sites
- Newspapers
- Annual Reports
Designing Your Resume and Cover Letter (Back to top)
General Rules
- Set your margins to one inch all around.
- Set the default font size to 10, 11, 12, or 14 (name only).
- Choose a common font (Helvetica, Times Roman, Arial).
- Color of resume paper should be conservative (white, tan, beige, etc.).
- Tell the truth.
- Sell yourself.
- Keep it simple and streamlined, but use complete thoughts.
- Can be more than one page if necessary.
Chronological vs. Functional Resumes
Chronological. Chronological resumes are the most common with candidates and employers. Chronological resumes list your most recent education and employment first. They focus on the time frame in which you were employed, your job title, and job duties. See an example
Functional. In a Functional resume, the content is categorized by functions or skill groupings, rather than chronological employment order. Functional resumes are often used when experience falls into distinctly different employment areas, when a career change is being made, or for recent graduates with little experience. See an example
Basic Components of a Resume
Heading: List your permanent address, phone number, and email on your resume. Employers must be able to reach you. You should avoid using vulgar or inapropriate music on your outgoing ringer, keep the message on your voicemail professional, and use a professional sounding email address.
The Objective: Your objective is your goal. You should gear your objective to the specific position you are applying for. Example:
Seeking a part-time position as a sales representative where I can utilize my customer service skills and experience.
Education: List your most recent/current education first. State what degree and major you have completed/are pursuing (e.g. Associate of Applied Science in Public Health), institution, city, state and (expected) graduation date.
Skills: This section makes you stand out from other applicants. List computer skills, knowledge of office or other special equipment, foreign languages (including fluency level), interpersonal and communcation skills, as well as any other strenths you have as they relate to the job you are applying for.
Honors/Awards/Activities: List awards or recognitions that you have received from a work experience, academic awards or scholarships, civic awards, etc.
References: Be prepared to furnish them.
- Have at least three references available.
- Try to avoid only using supervisors, use previous instructors and co-workers too.
- Always ask references for permission to use them as a contact.
- Make sure the reference knows what position you are applying for.
Preparing Your Cover Letter
A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer. Employers frequently ask that you submit a cover letter with your resume when you are applying for a position. Cover letters can also be called Letters of Interest or Letters of Application.
Components of a Cover Letter:
Heading: Use the same guidelines as your resume heading - Keep it professional! Address the letter to a specific person or department in the firm. Include name, title, business name, address, phone number, and fax or email.
First Paragraph: State the specific position you are applying for and how you heard about it. Don't use a generic cover letter for all of the jobs you are applying for. Show the employer that you are interested in that specific job.
Second Paragraph: State why you would be the best candidate for the position. Your resume tells the facts of your experience, education, and skills, now tell a story about your qualfications.
Third Paragraph: Ask the employer for an interview. Be confident and directly ask the employer for a chance to speak with someone about the position.
Sign the Letter: Unless you are emailing your application package, you should always sign yur cover letter. Be sure to list any enclosures such as a resume, references, or transcripts.
Preparing For Your Interview (Back to top)
An interview is an opportunity for the employer to determine if you are a good fit for the organization. The interviewer will assess your skills and qualifications related to the position you are applying for. Preparation for the interview and follow-up will ensure your success.
Before The Interview
- Research the company - Find out who the are and what they do.
- Know the exact time and location of the interview and plan to be there ten minutes early.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before.
- Bring extra copies of your resume and names and phone numbers of references.
- Dress for success - Take a shower that morning to wake yourself up; Less is more when it comes to perfume, cologne, make-up and jewelry; Dress professionally - no jeans or sweats, check your clothes for holes and to make sure they are clean, ironed and fit appropriately.
During The Interview
- Come alone - Never bring friends or family with you.
- Be extra courteous - Say hello, smile, and be friendly to everyone you meet.
- Shake hands firmly as you introduce yourself.
- Be confident - Remember, they want to hire you.
- Know and use the interviewer's name.
- Show respect for the manager's position - Address the manager as Mr. or Ms. unless they ask you to call them by their first name.
- Have a reason for wanting this position - Why did you choose this line of work?
- Think "Can Do" - If the interviewer says you don't have a certain skiill or enough experience, ensure him/her that you are a quick learner, a hard worker, and that you deliver more than what is expected.
- Participate in the conversation and answer questions in complete sentences.
- Ask questions - Show your interest by asking specific questions about the job or the company.
- Use body language - Use your hands to illustrate what you mean and facial expressions to emphasize important points.
- Tell the interviewer that you want the job.
After The Interview
- Right after the interview, send the interviewer a brief Thank You Letter.
- If there were any issues that were addressed during your interview that you feel sparked some interest with the interviewer, come up with some suggestions and send the interviewer a letter explaining your ideas.
- One week after the interview, make a follow-up phone call, thanking the interviewer once again for taking the time to speak with you and ask if a decision has been made.
Thank You Letter (Back to top)
It is important to send a Thank You Letter as soon as possible after your interview. It should not only thank the person for taking the time to meet with you, but also reinforce the fact that you want the job. Reiterate your qualifications and discuss anything of importance that was not covered in the interview.
