JOB SEARCH MANUAL

A. TYPES OF RESUMES

• Keep it short (1-3 pages).
• Tailor your resume to your career goals. You may need separate resumes if you have more than one job target.
• If possible, use a computer so you can easily tailor your resume and cover letter for specific vacancies. Also, word processing software can dress up your resume with different fonts, highlighting, etc.
• Keep sentences short.
• Avoid overusing "I".
• Use 8½" x 11" paper, preferably a slightly heavier weight than ordinary paper. An off-white beige or pink is attractive without being flashy.
• Staple in the left hand corner.
• Put your name on every page.
• No gimmicks (e.g. pictures, plastic folder) unless you have a specific purpose, such as to stand out amongst hundreds of others.
• Consider the appearance of your resume. Avoid folding. While faxing may be cheap, your resume may suffer in the transmission and will probably be printed on flimsy paper.

Your resume should be concise, accurate, logical, brief, and pertinent. In short, it tells what you have done and how well you did it. There are three common types of resumes:

1. Historical/Chronological This type lists your work experience sequentially, usually starting with your most recent job. It is the most frequently used format and the easiest to compose, however it may not be the best type for your particular circumstances.

1. Functional This type concentrates on the skills you are able to perform. It suits those with little work experience or a gap in their working career (e.g. raising a family). Professionals also make good use of the style.

1. Combined This type gives a short work history, but focuses on skills acquired throughout your career. This style is often the best for professionals, especially those working on contract.

Appendix B gives examples of the three types. Look over them now so you understand the basic differences.

B. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The key to a successful resume, to a winning interview and subsequent job offer are your accomplishments. Your ability to show your past accomplishments and show what you can do for a prospective employer influences the choice of hiring you over another candidate.

An accomplishment is something that you did that improved a situation, solved a problem or made a contribution, either in value or substance. Your list of accomplishments should cover your entire work history. From this list you focus on those accomplishments that pertain to the job which you are researching. You use these accomplishments to create your resume and provide a focus during the interview(s).

Consider the following questions regarding your accomplishments:

• What was the problem?
• What did you do?
• What skills did you use?
• What was the benefit to your company?
• What was the benefit to you?

It is often easier to think about your actions and how you did your work when you are writing resume items. Ask yourself what you remember doing in the job and make a list of these. Then, go over the list and work with each statement to create a resume item.

For example, you would recall "hiring and training a new sales team." Ask yourself, why did I do this? What happened because I did this? The result will be your accomplishment. For example the response might be: 25% increase in sales in the first six months. Ask yourself what the action verb would be.

Look over the following list and let memories of your accomplishments percolate.

Activity Fifteen - Identifying More Skills

In the same vein, complete the skill chart in Worksheet #15. Chances are you have many of these skills.

Next, review the list of positive and action words in Appendix C. It is important that your resume present you as dynamic, able to perform difficult tasks and open to challenges.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

Activity Sixteen - Identifying Accomplishments

Here's your chance to really blow your own horn. Photocopy as many copies of Worksheet #16 as you need and note all career activities, responsibilities and achievements. Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include volunteer work as well. Use action verbs and lots of detail. You will refer to this exercise repeatedly as you create your resume and adjust it for specific jobs. Reviewing the material before an interview will also refresh your memory and boost your confidence.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

C. DRAFTING VARIOUS TYPES OF RESUMES

Activity Seventeen - Creating a Chronological Resume

While the exact format and layout of resumes can differ considerably, the outline on the next page provides a guide. You may adjust it to your liking, especially if you already have a resume, but include all the elements requested and highlight your accomplishments. Refer to Appendix B for examples.

List in reverse order your work history. Avoid repetition and wordiness. Don't be concerned about bolding, different typefaces, etc. Later we'll explore ways to "dress up" your resume. Use word processing software and save your resume on a floppy disk so you can easily make changes.

Your finished product should be no more than three pages. There should be no mention of height, weight, state of health, or anything that could identify your religious or political beliefs. At this point it is not necessary to list references or salary expectations. Avoid using abbreviations.

Review your first draft. Does it highlight your 5-7 key areas of strength? Is it a true representation of who you are, what you have done and how well you performed in each function. Does it sound like someone you would hire?

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME FORMAT

Activity Eighteen - Creating a Functional Resume

Functional resumes are harder to write than chronological ones, but they are frequently more effective because they focus on your skills and achievements. They are ideal for those who have little job experience or a gap (child rearing, incarceration, illness, etc.).

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

FUNCTIONAL RESUME FORMAT

Activity Nineteen - Creating a Combined Resume

Lastly, compose a combined resume. These are usually longer than either a chronological or functional resume, but should avoid repetition. Combined resumes are used most often by professionals.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

COMBINED RESUME FORMAT

Activity Twenty - Dressing up Your Resume

Choose one of your resumes and experiment with word processor or desktop publishing software to liven it up and make it stand out. Keep in mind that employers are generally a conservative lot, so avoid extremes while trying to find a unique look that will catch the eye and hold interest, especially if the employer has received hundreds of resumes.

Be especially creative with fonts, point size, bolding, underlining, and italics. Horizontal lines and bullets are often effective. Remember to use a heading and or footer so your name and a number is on subsequent pages. Try to hold the length to two or three pages, even if it means using a smaller font size. White space allows the eye to relax, so include as much as is practical.

If you are faxing your resume, avoid point sizes below 10, shading above 10%, and fine or dark graphics. If possible, fax your resume to someone who can give you the faxed result so you can see for yourself how employers will see your resume.

Use a paper stock that is slightly heavier than normal. A light shade of colour is permissible. For faxing purposes, also have a copy of your resume on ordinary white paper so there is maximum contrast.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

D. REFERENCES

Some employers request references together with your resume, so prepare a separate page at the same time as your resume.

Most employers will want to talk to your former employers before offering you a position. The individuals you choose, and the responses they give to specific questions can affect the hiring decision.

While references are usually past employers, others may be included in special circumstances.

1. Technical strength
2. Ability to get the job done
3. Ability to work with others
4. Stability
5. Weaknesses
6. Promotability

It is important for your references to know specifically the kind of position that you are seeking

When you asked for your references, it may be a good idea to let your references know exactly what the responsibilities of the position are and remind them of your experience in those areas. They will be able to address your abilities that relate to the particular job when they are called.

NEVER use an individual's name as a reference without first getting his or her approval. If you are still employed, include your present supervisor if circumstances are appropriate. Only include people who will give you a good reference!

Activity Twenty-one - Creating Your List of References

Create a reference sheet. A sample one is shown below.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

Always send a cover letter with your resume. This is a formal type of letter, so the language should be business-like, the spelling and grammar perfect, and the style appropriate. Normally, cover letters are typed or word processed. Use plain white paper, even if your resume is on special paper.

Some ads request a hand-written cover letter, indicating the employer may be using a hand writing analyst. This is a fascinating subject and you might want to read up on it so you know what the employer is being told. Public libraries have lots of books.

Cover letters will be different for each employer, even if your resume never changes. It provides an opportunity to state how your skills and experience match what the employer is looking for. While keeping the letter to a single page, use the opportunity to be as specific as possible. Read the ad closely and make sure you cover every requirement.

If you do a mass mailing or faxing, your cover letter will of necessity be the same, but even here, target a specific type of job and summarize your qualifications in your cover letter, otherwise the employer may discard your resume without reading it. The effectiveness of mass mailing/faxing can be greatly increased if you take the time to find out the name and title of a specific individual and then use a mail merge program to personalize your cover letters.

Appendix E has several examples of cover letters for different circumstances. It also includes a blank form letter that you can use as a guide in writing your own cover letters.

Activity Twenty-two - Writing a Cover Letter

Find an advertisement for a job matching your target and prepare a cover letter for your resume.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

F. JOB SEEKER'S CALLING CARD

A neat alternative to a resume is the JOB SEEKER'S CALLING CARD, usually a 3½" by 5" index card that tells employers at a glance why you should be given an interview. It gives potential employers your name, telephone number and position desired. It also presents your skills, preferred working conditions and qualities as a worker.

What you write on this card will help you with your telephone contacts and interview skills. The information you put on the card should be typed or even printed by a quick-print shop. If necessary hand-print it in ink. Whatever means you use, make sure the cards are neat. Feel free to be creative and imaginative in designing your JSCC.

Calling cards are particularly effective when your target job is well-defined, e.g. receptionist, waiter, welder. They are also well-suited to job seekers with little experience or training. The following is an example:

1. Elements of the JSCC

Print your name in the upper left-hand corner. Introduce yourself with your proper name. Do not use nicknames.

B. Telephone

In the upper right-hand corner of the card across from your name, print your telephone number. If you do not have an answering machine, list the number of a reliable friend or relative. Be sure to tell this person that you are expecting calls from employers.

Notice that John put down two phone numbers so that if he can't be reached at home he can be reached at his parents or they can tell where John can be reached.

C. Position Wanted

Below your name and telephone number, the title of the job you want. If you are interested in more than one job, make a separate card for each position.

D. Skills

Next, tell the employer what you have to offer. Draw the highlights from previous exercises-your skills, abilities, experience and qualifications related to the position wanted.

To form your statement, begin with the sum of your experience, followed by your most important skills. You need not write complete sentences, however, your phrases should be clear.

Remember that skills/abilities can be transferred from one job to another. The following are some examples:

• A typist- wanting to be a cashier has the ability: "GOOD WITH HANDS".
• A nurse's aid wanting to be a salesperson might say: "RELATE WELL TO PEOFLE".
• Suppose a person's hobby is building model ships in bottles. This person might want a job assembling electronic circuit boards. The ability here might be stated; "ACCURATE IN ASSEMBLING MINIATURE PARTS".

E. Working Conditions

This section is optional. It depends on how much importance you attach to this factor. Working conditions include which hours and shifts you want as well as the type of work (permanent or temporary) and amount of work (part-time or full-time). The following are examples of statements about working conditions:

• "Desire day shift, full-time work"
• "Available for all shifts"
• "Seeking part-time work, 20-30 hours per week"
• "Prefer career-oriented position"

F. Qualities

The last line should tell the employer your especially good qualities. Describe in just a few words the kind of worker you will be.

2. When to Use Your JSCC

A. As A Calling Card

You waste time and effort if you visit a company and are not allowed to fill out an application. But with your JSCC you can leave the employer with more than a quickly fading memory, Simply leave your JSCC with the person to whom you have been speaking. You may say:

"Thank you very much, But I'm really interested in working for this company. Could you please keep this card on file? I will check with you again in a couple of weeks."

In this situation, your JSCC introduces you. It gives the employer a permanent record of your visit, even without an application. Also, it shows your initiative, interest and motivation.

Be sure to check back with the companies where you have left your USCCs. Each visit will make you more familiar to the employer. Your second visit further emphasizes your interest and motivation. It could also give you a chance to become acquainted with the employer. This could benefit you if you have an interview with that person.

B. As An Attachment To An Application Form

When given an application form, fill it out. Never use your JSCC in place of an application. Rather, attach your card to the upper right-hand corner of your application with a paper clip or stapler. This will set your application apart from the others. Carry some paper clips or a small stapler with your USCCs when you visit an employer.

C. As A Business Card

Give a JSCC to each of your references and contacts to help them give you a good recommendation and/or keep an eye out for job openings in your field.

Activity Twenty-three - Creating a Job Seeker's Calling Card

Create a JSCC for one of your target jobs. The key words you use on the card will be used repeatedly as you talk to contacts and employers, so review the earlier lessons and extract the best statements that describe your skills, experience, and personal qualities.

While hand printing is acceptable for the exercise, consider either using a computer or having your JSCC professionally typeset and printed. If you design your own on a computer, you may then photocopy your JSCC onto heavy, decorative paper available in stationery supply stores.

Check off the activity on your Summary Sheet.

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