I have a resume, I need someone to make it more professional. And I need a Letter of Application
For many of you this chapter might prove to be the most important chapter in the book. It is a chapter that is not only useful now, but one that will hold you in good stead over the coming years. As you progress in your careers, your job search and resume will develop and change too and this chapter provides the needed guidance. This week we will focus on the parts of chapter seven dealing with looking for a job and preparing a resume.
First, it’s important to put yourself in the employer’s shoes and understand the employer’s perspective and the steps taken before an employee is hired. According to Kolin, here are the stages in this process:
Deciding what duties and responsibilities go with the job and determining the qualifications the future employee should possess
Advertising the job on the company website, in newspapers, and in professional publications
Scanning, reading, and evaluating resumes and letters.
Having candidates complete application forms
Requesting further proof of candidates’ skills (letters of recommendation, transcripts, portfolios)
Interviewing selected candidates
Offering the job to the best qualified individual
The next step that is not always easy is to be very objective about yourself. You need to analyze your skill sets and determine your strengths and interests . Do you excel in problem solving, for instance? Do you have strong writing skills? Are you talented in computer graphics? Do you speak a second language? Once you’ve engaged in an honest assessment of what you have to offer, you are ready to start the search.
Of course, the internet is an excellent resource, Here you can research companies in your field. You can also consult the many and varied online job services. Newspapers and federal and state employment offices are also helpful. In addition, be sure to check professional trade journals and associations in your major.
Special attention also needs to be paid to networking. Let everyone know you are on the job hunt — friends, family members, professors, etc. They may be able to tell you about a job opening they have heard of. Better yet, they may recommend you.
Another resource that should not be overlooked is NYIT Career Services. They offer a wide array of services including but not limited to job banks, seminars on interviewing skills and etiquette. If you haven’t already done so, you should check them out. You can also use outside employment agencies. As Kolin says though, “Because employment agencies often find out about jobs through channels already available to you, speak to your campus career center first.”
Preparing a Dossier
Your dossier is your personal file stored at your campus placement office. Your dossier includes:
Letters of recommendation
Letters that awarded you a scholarship or honored you for community service, etc.
Your resume
Your transcript
Choose your references with great care. Make sure they are your strong supporters.
Preparing a Resume
The most important document in your job search is your resume. You use it to sell yourself. You need to study “What Employers like to see in a Resume.”
honesty
attractiveness
careful organization
conciseness
accuracy
currency
relevance
Kolin also lists action verbs to use in your resume and these verbs should definitely appear in yours.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the list of things listed in this chapter to exclude from your resume.
Parts of a Resume
Contact information
Career objective
Credentials
Education
Experience
Related skills and achievements
Computer skills
Honors/Awards
References
Please note that 1) the order of education and experience can vary and 2) for references you can say that you will provide references on request.
Organizing Your Resume
There are two primary ways the organize your resume: chronologically or by function area. Look at the sample resumes carefully that Kolin provides.
When you submit your resume as part of Assignment #2, I would ask that you use the chronological pattern of organization for purposes of this exercise. It is important that you choose one of the textbook models and follow it closely.
The Online Resume
In today’s world, you will most likely be asked to send your resume online. Study the guidelines for formatting a Digital Resume with great care.
Assignment #2
1.Your resume
2. Your Letter of Application for an ideal entry-level position in your field of interest. If you are already further into your career, then tailor the job level to your level of experience.
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