Deck 13: The Job Search, Résumés, and Cover Messages

Question 1

Revising Janet's Résumé
One effective way to improve your writing skills is to critique and edit the résumé of someone else.
Your Task. Analyze the following poorly organized résumé. List its weaknesses, Your instructor may ask you to revise sections of this résumé before showing you an improved version.
OBJECTIVE
I would love to find a first job in the "real world" with a big accounting company that will help me get ahead in the accounting field
SKILLS
Word processing, Internet browsers (Explorer and Google), Powerpoint, Excel, type 30 wpm, databases, spreadsheets; great composure in stressful situations; 3 years as leader and supervisor and 4 years in customer service
EDUCATION
Austin Community College Lamar Center, San Marcos, Texas. AA degree Fall 2007
Now I am pursuing a BA in Accounting at TSU-San Marcos, majoring in Accounting; my minor is Marketing. Expected degree date is June 2009; I recieved a Certificate of Completion in Entry Level Accounting in June 2007
I went to Scranton High School, Scranton, PA. I graduated in June 2004.
Highlights:
• Named Line Manager of the Month at Home Depot. 09/2004 and 08/2003
• Obtained a Certificate in Entry Level Accounting, June 2005
• Chair of Accounting Society, Spring and fall 2007
• Dean's Honor List, Fall 2008
• Financial advisor training completed through Primerica (May 2008)
• Webmaster for M.E.Ch.A., Spring 2009
Part-Time Employment
Financial Consultant, 2008 to present
I worked only part-time (January 2008-present) for Primerica Financial Services, San Marcos, TX to assist clients in obtaining a mortgage or consolidating a current mortgage loan and also to advise clients in assessing their need for life insurance.
Home Depot, Kyle, TX. As line manager, from September 2004-March 2008, I supervised 50 cashiers and front-end associates. I helped to write schedules, disciplinary action notices, and performance appraisals. I also kept track of change drawer and money exchanges; occasionally was manager on duty for entire store.
Penn Foster Career School-Scranton, PA where I taught flower design, I supervised 15 florists, made floral arrangements, sent them to customers, and restocked flowers.
List at least six weaknesses in this résumé.

Answer 1

Following are the weaknesses in the Janet's resume:
1) The objective lacks in providing the detailed relationship between her and the job requirements.
2) The topics are not in a chronological order.
3) Skills are not placed in a chronological order and clear manner.
4) Educational qualifications are not in a chronological order and lack in providing emphasis.
5) The uneven distribution and lack of white spaces make the resume untidy.
6) Action verbs and bulleted points should have been used for describing education, experience, and skills.

Question 2

The following résumé has errors ¡n capitalization, number usage, punctuation, spelling, proofreading, and other problems. You may either (a) use standard proofreading marks (see Appendix B) to correct the errors here or (b) download the document from www.meguffey.com and revise at your computer. Study the guidelines in the Grammar/Mechanics Handbook to sharpen your skills.
Summary of qualifications
• Over two years experience in Office Administration interacting with customers
• Ability to keyboard (fifty-five wpm) and proficient with 10-key calculator
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and the internet. Enjoy working with colleagues' and customers'
Experience
Office Assistant (part time)) Western mineral resources, Tucson, Arizona June 2009 to present
• Gather and distribute data for minerals related reports
• Keyboard and format Letters, Memos and Reports in MS Word
• Respond to inquirys from the public, industry and government agencys
Assistant Manger, Southwest Housewares, Tucson, Arizona July 2008 to May 2009
• Managed store in mangers absence.
• Ordered merchandise and supervised 2 employees; earned rapid promotion
• Assisted manger in opening and closing registers; balanced daily reciepts
Education
Mesa community college, Mesa, Arizona
Major: organizational leadership
Aa degree expected June 2010. GPA in major: 3.7 (4.0 = A)

Answer 2

JONATHAN M. DEMPSEY
2259 7th Avenue
Tucson, Ariz. 85021
Summary of qualifications
• Over two years of experience in Office Administration and customer interaction.
• Ability to type in keyboard (fifty-five wpm) and proficient with 10-key calculator.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, Power point, and the internet.
Experience
Office Assistant (part time), Western mineral resources, Tucson, Arizona
June 2009 to present
• Gathering and distributing data for mineral related reports.
• Typing and formatting Letters, Memos, and Reports in MS Word.
• Responding to inquiries from the public, industry, and government agencies.
Assistant Manager, Southwest Housewares, Tucson, Arizona
July 2008 to May 2009
• Managing store in the absence of the manger.
• Ordering merchandise and supervision of 2 employees; earned rapid promotion
• Assisting manger in opening and closing registers; balancing daily receipts
Education
Mesa Community College, Mesa, Arizona
Major: Organizational leadership
AA Degree expected June 2010. GPA in major: 3.7

Question 3

Number Style Review Sections 4.01-4.13 in the Grammar/Mechanics Handbook. Then study each of the following pairs. Assume that these expressions appear ¡n the context of letters, reports, or memos. Write a or b in the space provided to indicate the preferred number style and record the number of the G/M principle illustrated. When you finish, compare your response with those at the end of the book. If your responses differ, study carefully the principles in parentheses.

Answer 3

The correct options are as follows:
1. The correct option would be b. 20 menu items. (4.01a).
2. The correct option would be a. Third Street Promenade. (4.05b).
3. The correct option would be a. 24 newspapers. (4.01a).
4. The correct option would be b. September 1. (4.03).
5. The correct option would be b. the sum of $50. (4.02).
6. The correct option would be a. on the 15 th of July. (4.03).
7. The correct option would be b. at 4 p.m. (4.04).
8. The correct option would be b. five 250-pound athletes. (4.07).
9. The correct option would be b. over 50 years ago. (4.08).
10. The correct option would be b. 2 million people. (4.10).
11. The correct option would be b. 15 cents. (4.02).
12. The correct option would be b. a 20-year old student. (4.08).
13. The correct option would be b. two thirds of the emails. (4.12).
14. The correct option would be a. two printers for 15 employees. (4.06).
15. The correct option would be a. 40 of the 1,000 laid-off employees. (4.06).

Question 4

How has the Internet changed job searching for individuals and recruiters? Has the change had a positive or a negative effect?

Question 5

Network Your Way to a Job ¡n the Hidden Market
The "hidden" job market may account for as many as 70 to 80 percent of all positions available. Companies don't always announce openings publicly because interviewing all the applicants, many of whom aren't qualified, is time consuming and costly. What's more, even when a job is advertised, companies dislike hiring "strangers." They are more comfortable hiring a person they know.
Smart job seekers won't count on the Internet or a newspaper's classified section to land a job. Recruitmax, an applicant-tracking company that powers corporate career sites, along with countless other human resources experts, admitted that "most new hires come by word of mouth and employee referrals." The key to finding a good job, then, is converting yourself from a "stranger" into a known quantity. Probably the best way to become a known quantity is by networking. You can use either traditional methods or online resources.
Traditional Networking
• Develop a list. Make a list of anyone who would be willing to talk with you about finding a job. List your friends, relatives, former employers, former coworkers, members of your religious community, people in social and athletic clubs, present and former teachers, neighbors, and friends of your parents. Also consider asking your campus career center for alumni contacts who will talk with students.
• Make contacts. Call the people on your list or, even better, try to meet with them in person. To set up a meeting, say, Hi, Aunt Martha' I'm looking for a job and I wonder if you could help me out. When could I come over to talk about it? During your visit be friendly, well organized, polite, and interested in what your contact has to say. Provide a copy of your résumé, and try to keep the conversation centered on your job-search area. Your goal is to get two or more referrals. In pinpointing your request, ask two questions: Do you know of anyone who might have an opening for a person with my skills? If the person
doesn't, ask, Do you know of anyone else who might know of someone who would?
• Follow up on your referrals. Call the people whose names are on your referral list. You might say something like, Hello. I'm Eric Rivera, a friend of Meredith Medcalf. She suggested that I call and ask you for help. I'm looking for a position as a management trainee, and she thought you might be willing to spare a few minutes and steer me in the right direction. Don't ask for a job. During your referral interview ask how the individual got started in this line of work, what he or she likes best (or least) about the work, what career paths exist in the field, and what problems must be overcome by a newcomer. Most important, ask how a person with your background and skills might get started in the field. Send an informal thank-you note to anyone who helps you in your job search, and stay in touch with the most promising contacts. Ask whether you may call every three weeks or so during your job search.
Online Networking
As with traditional networking, the goal of online networking is to make connections with people who are advanced in their fields. Ask for their advice about finding a job. Most people like talking about themselves, and asking them about their experiences is an excellent way to begin an online correspondence that might lead to "electronic mentoring," a letter of recommendation from an expert in the field, or information on an intern ship opportunity. Making online connections with industry professionals is a great way to keep tabs on the latest business trends and potential job leads. Here are possible online networking sources:
• Join a career networking groups. Build your own professional network by joining one or more of the following: http://www.linkedin.com, http://twitter.com, http://ryze.com , http://zerodegrees.com , and http://itsnotwhatyouknow.com. Some of these sites are fee based while others are free. Typically, joining a network requires creating a pass word, filling in your profile, and adding your business contacts. At some sites, you can specify search criteria to locate and then contact individuals directly. At other sites both parties' e-mail addresses are hidden. The site then acts as an intermediary connecting people only after they agree to share their contact information. Once you have connected with an individual, the content of your discussions and the follow-up will be similar to that of traditional networking. The medium, however, will center on electronic communication through e-mail and chat room discussions.
• Participate in a discussion groups and mailing lists. Two especially good discussion group resources for beginners are Yahoo! Groups ( http://groups.yahoo.com ) and Google Groups ( http://groups.google.com/ ). You may choose from groups in a variety of fields including business and computer technology. For example, if you click the Business/Finance listing, you will see links leading to more specialized groups. Click Employment and Work, and you will find career groups including construction, customer service, office administration, court reporting, and interior design
• Locate relevant blogs. Blogs are the latest trend for networking and sharing information. A quick Web search will result in hundreds of career-related blogs and blogs in your field of study. Many companies, such as Microsoft, also maintain employment-related blogs. A good list of career blogs can be found at http://www.quintcareers.com/career-related_blogs.html. You can also search a worldwide blog directory at http://www.blogcatalog.com/. Once you locate a relevant blog, you can read recent postings, search archives, and make replies.
Career Application. Everyone who enters the job market must develop a personal net work. Assume you are ready to change jobs or look for a permanent position.
Your Task
To begin developing your personal network, do one of the following:
• Conduct at least one referral interview and report your experience to your class.
• Join one professional discussion group or mailing list. Ask your instructor to recommend an appropriate group for your field. Take notes on group discussions, and describe your reactions and findings to your class
• Find a blog related to your career or your major. After monitoring the blog for several days, describe your experience to your class.

Question 6

Revising Janet's Cover Letter
The following cover letter accompanies Janet Garza's résumé (Activity 13.1).
Your Task. Analyze each section of the following cover letter written by Janet and list its weaknesses. Your instructor may ask you to revise this letter before showing you an improved version.
To Whom It May Concern:
I saw your internship position yesterday and would like to apply right away. It would be so exciting to work for your esteemed firm! An internship would really give me much needed real-world experience and help my career.
I have all the qualifications you require in your ad and more. I am a junior at Texas State University-San Marcos and an Accounting major (with a minor in Finance). Accounting and Finance are my passion and I want to become a CPA and a financial advisor. I have taken Intermediate I and Il and now work as a financial advisor with Primerica Financial Services in San Marcos. I should also tell you that I was at Home Depot for four years. I learned a lot, but my heart is in accounting and finance.
I am a team player, a born leader, motivated, reliable, and I show excellent composure in stressful situation, for example, when customers complain. I put myself through school and always carry at least 15 units while working part time.
You will probably agree that I am a good candidate for your internship position, which should start July 1. I feel that my motivation, passion, and strong people skills will serve your company well.
Best regards,
List at least six weaknesses in the cover letter.

Question 7

How is a résumé different from a company employment application?

Question 8

Identifying Your Employment Interests
Your Task. In a memo or e-mail addressed to your campus career counselor or to a professional job expert you would like to hire, answer the questions in the section "Identifying Your Interests" at the beginning of the chapter. Draw a conclusion from your answers. What kinds of career, company, position, and location seem to fit your self-analysis? Explore options on your campus in career placement and advising; find out if you have access to personality and aptitude testing to help you flesh out a likely career path.

Question 9

Some job candidates think that applying for unsolicited jobs can be more fruitful than applying for advertised positions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of letters that "prospect" for jobs.

Question 10

Evaluating Your Qualifications
Your Task. Prepare four worksheets that inventory your qualifications in the areas of employment, education, capabilities and skills, and honors and activities. Use active verbs when appropriate.
a. Employment. Begin with your most recent job or internship. For each position list the following information: employer; job title; dates of employment (months and years); and three to five duties, activities, or accomplishments. Emphasize activities related to your job goal. Strive to quantify your achievements.
b. Education. List degrees, certificates, and training accomplishments. Include courses, seminars, or skills that are relevant to your job goal. Calculate your grade point average in your major.
c. Capabilities and skills. List all capabilities and skills that recommend you for the job you seek. Use words such as skilled, competent, trained, experienced, and ability to. Also list five or more qualities or interpersonal skills necessary for a successful individual in your chosen field. Write action statements demonstrating that you possess some of these qualities. Empty assurances aren't good enough: try to show evidence ( Developed teamwork skills by working with a committee of eight to produce a... ).
d. Awards, honors, and activities. Explain any awards so that the reader will understand them. List campus, community, and professional activities that suggest YOU are a well-rounded individual or possess traits relevant to your target job.

Question 11

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of unconventional job applications that use "gimmicks" or a video résumé to get noticed.

Question 12

Choosing a Career Path
Many people know surprisingly little about the work done in various occupations and the training requirements.
Your Task. Use the online Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco, prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to learn more about an occupation of your choice. Find the description of a position for which you could apply now or after you graduate. Learn about what workers do, the nature of the job, working conditions, training and education needed, earnings, and expected job outlook. Print the pages from the Occupational Outlook Handbook that describe employment in the area in which you are interested. If your instructor directs, attach these copies to the cover letter you will write in Activity 13.10.

Question 13

Ethical Issue: Job candidate Karen accepts a position with Company A. One week later she receives a better offer from Company B. She wants very much to accept it. What should she do?

Question 14

Locating Salary Information
What salary can you expect in your chosen career?
Your Task. Visit America's Career InfoNet at http://www.acinet.org or Salary.com at www.salary.com and select an occupation based on the kind of employment you are seeking now or will be seeking after you graduate. What wages can you expect in this occupation? Use your current geographic area or the location where you would like to work after graduation.
Click to learn more about this occupation. Take notes on three or four interesting bits of information you uncovered about this career. Bring a printout of the wage information to class and be prepared to discuss what you learned.

Question 15

How should the job-search process begin? By writing a résumé?

Question 16

Searching the Job Market
Where are the jobs? Even though you may not be in the market at the moment, become familiar with the kinds of available positions because job awareness should become an important part of your education.
Your Task. Clip or print a job advertisement or announcement from (a) the classified section of a newspaper, (b) a job board on the Web, (c) a company Web Site, or (d) a professional association listing. Select an advertisement or announcement describing the kind of employment you are seeking now or plan to seek when you graduate. Save this advertisement or announcement to attach to the résumé you will write in Activity 13.9

Question 17

Using the Web, where should job candidates look in addition to using the big job board sites?

Question 18

Posting a Résumé on the Web
Learn about the procedure for posting résumés at job boards on the Web.
Your Task. Prepare a list of at least three online employment sites where you could post your résumé. Describe the procedure involved and the advantages for each site.

Question 19

What is a chronological résumé, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Question 20

Writing Your Résumé
Your Task. Using the data you developed in Activity 13.4, write your résumé. Aim it at a full-time job, part-time position, or internship. Attach a job listing for a specific position (from Activity 13.7). Also prepare a separate list of at least three professional references. Revise your résumé until it is perfect.

Question 21

Describe a functional résumé and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

Question 22

Preparing Your Cover Letter
Your Task. Write a cover letter introducing your résumé. Again, revise it until it is perfect.

Question 23

List five tips for writing an effective career objective on your résumé.

Question 24

Swapping Résumés
A terrific way to get ideas for improving your résumé is seeing how other students have developed their résumés.
Your Task. Bring your completed polished résumé to class. Attach a plain sheet with your name at the top. In small groups exchange your résumés for peer edits. Each reviewer should provide at least two supportive comments and one suggestion for improvement on the cover sheet. Reviewers should sign their names with their comments.

Question 25

Describe a summary of qualifications, and explain why it is increasingly popular on résumés. (Obj. 4)

Question 26

Special Tips for Today's Résumé Writers
Your Task. Using electronic databases, research the topic of employment résumés. Read at least three recent articles. In an e-mail or memo to your instructor list eight or more good tips that are not covered in this chapter. Pay special attention to advice concerning the preparation of online résumés. The subject line of your memo should be Special Tips for Today's Résumé Writers.

Question 27

Has searching for a job online replaced traditional job-search methods?

Question 28

Consumer: Being Wary of Career Advisory Firms With Big Promises and Big Prices
Not long ago employment agencies charged applicants 5 percent of their annual salaries to find jobs. Most agencies have quit this unethical practice, but unscrupulous firms still prey on vulnerable job seekers, Some career advisory firms claim to be legitimate, but they make puffed-up promises and charge inflated fees-an up-front payment of $4000 is typical, with a typical hourly honorarium of $90 to $125.
Your Task. Using databases and the Web, find examples of current employment scams or danger areas for job seekers. In a presentation to the class or in team discussions, describe three examples of disreputable practices candidates should recognize. Make recommendations to job seekers for avoiding employment scams and disappointment with career advisory services.

Question 29

What changes must be made ¡n a typical résumé to make it effective for computer scanning?

Question 30

E-Portfolios: Job Hunting in the Twenty-First Century
In high-tech fields digital portfolios have been steadily gaining in popularity and now seem to be going mainstream as universities are providing space for student job seekers to profile their qualifications in e-portfolios online. Although it is unlikely that digital portfolios will become widely used very soon, you would do well to learn about them by viewing many samples-good and bad.
Your Task. Conduct a Google search using the search term student e-portfolios or student digital portfolios. You will see long lists of hits, some of which will be actual digital document samples on the Web or instructions for creating an e-portfolio. Your instructor may assign individual students or teams to visit specific digital portfolio sites and ask them to summarize their findings in a memo or in a brief oral presentation. If this is your task, you could focus on the composition of the site, page layout, links provided, colors used, types of documents included, and so forth. A fine site to start from that offers many useful links is maintained by the Center for Excellence in Teaching (CET) at the University of Southern California, Visit http://www.usc.edu and type student e-portfolios to search the USC Web pages. Click the link to the CET site.
Alternatively, single groups or the whole class could study sites that provide how-to instructions and combine the advice of the best among them to create practical tips for making a digital portfolio. This option would lend itself to team writing, for example, with the help of a wiki.

Question 31

When you send a cover letter within an e-mail message, what changes should you make to the formal of the letter?

Question 32

What is an e-portfolio, and what are its advantages?