Lannon, Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18: EMPLOYMENT CORRESPONDENCE

Employment Outlook in the Twenty-First Century
"free agents" are on the rise, persons who are only with a company long enough to complete a project.

Prospecting for Jobs
start by studying the job market
-assess your skills and aptitudes: specific qualities you can bring
-research the job market: search early, don't wait for the job. look for courses that will make you more marketable.
-search online: improve speed and range of finding jobs.
-learn to network: best chance is knowing someone who knows someone.

Preparing your Resume
Companies want to know what you can do for them.
- typical components of a resume: contact info, objectives, education, work experience, personal data, personal interests, references.
    +contact info: current information.
    + job and career objectives: spell out the kind of job you want. different statements for different jobs.
    + education: place first if more substantial then work. school name, degree, year completed, major, minor
        any courses with direct relationship with job. class rank, gpa.
    + work experience: if it relates list it. dates employed, employer, contact information, full time/part time
    + personal data: if personal info could help you get the job (race, gender, etc)
    + personal interests, awards, skills: hobbies and interests relevant.
    + references: 3-5 people (already agreed) to provide strong assessments of qualifications.
    + portfolio: to illustrate your skills- if you have one indicate on resume
    + resumes from a template: easy to organize
-organizing the resume: convey the best strongest image of your skill set. highlight with revers chronology
-sample resumes for different situations: different resumes for different purposes
(1) reverse chronological resume: lots of work experience
(2) functional resume: limited work experience
(3) modified functional resume: high level of skills and work experience

Preparing your Job Application Letter
include a cover letter with each resume, emphasize your personal qualities. Relate the info of the resume back to the company.
-Solicited Application letter:
     + introduction:  confident tone, personal pronouns, name the job, where you found it, identify self
        background and establish a connection
     + body: make your case, support all points with evidence
     + conclusion: restate interest, request interview or phone call with times you can be reached.
-Unsolicited Application Letter: be forceful.
      + excellent prototype letter
      + customize for each job
      + dynamic tone: active voice and action words
      + don't be vague
      + don't exaggerate
      + enthusiastic
      + avoid flattery
      + plain english, concise
      + more then one draft
      + don't photo copy a letter
      + PROOF READ

Submitting Electronic Resumes
make your resume scannable.
- types of electronic resumes
     + email: directly attach pdf or text.
     + ASCII: text only.
     + searchable resumes: hyperlinked resume, on website.
- protecting privacy and security when posting a resume online: limit the contact and personal information online.
-protecting your good name online: "shadow resume"

Support for the Application
- dossier: credentials-  college transcripts, recommendation letters, other items.
- portfolio: apply skills and stand out

Employment Interviews
 confirm employer's impression; for this be prepared! research the company.
-THE FOLLOW UP LETTER: short thank you letter, reassert connection.
-Letters of Acceptance or Refusal: ask for a written copy of the terms you are accepting. courteously accept/ refuse the position with a written letter.