Resource Guide For Job Seekers - Iowa

6 · Resource Guide for Job SeekersRésuméDevelopmentThe rules for résumé preparationcome and go. Most résumés areskill-based, meaning they focus onwhat you can do, and not whereyou did it. This is the informationrequested by many major employers.However, résumés have no officialformat. Since a resume is a salesbrochure you want to includeeverything that relays why you’re theright person for the job.Contact your local Iowa WorkforceDevelopment office for copies ofmaterials on how to construct arésumé, or come in and use oneof our resource centers. We havePCs, easy to use résumé-buildingsoftware as well as informationon websites that list job openings,career exploration tools, andemployer data.Additional TipsUse the following resume tips foradditional help when creating arésumé. Text should be broken out by usingbullets and sentences or phrasesrather than long paragraphs Format resume with: Work History,Employers, Position Titles andDates including Month And Year Detailed Work Activities-Duties andResponsibilities Specific Achievements andAccomplishments Education- Degrees, SpecialSchools, Certifications and ShortCourses Use numbers ( 's, %'s, MM, K, )and acronyms that an employer willquickly understand (CMMS, ISO, RCM,TPM, STOP ) to demonstratespecific achievements andaccomplishments.Kristina Anderson12122 Fremont DriveCedar Rapids, IA 12345555-555-5555OBJECTIVEA position as a bank teller providing my positive customer service skills.SUMMARY Motivated, efficient, accurate, and detail oriented. Over three years experience as a bank teller. Familiar with retirement accounts including Ire's, KEOGH'S, 401K's. Proficient in accounting software: Lotus 1-2-3, Excel. A high-energy, enthusiastic and dependable individual who excels in challenging andcompetitive environments. Handle crisis situations in calm and capable manner.EXPERIENCEPeoples State Bank, Cedar Rapids, IAJanuary 1997 to PresentBank Teller Maintained accountability of transactions including the control and supervision of largeamounts of cash flow. Computed figures with speed and accuracy. Maintained accuracy of customer accounts. Operated computer systems for processed data retrieval. Maintained excellent public relations with customers.Seven Falls Bank, Alton, MOAugust 1993 to January 1997Assistant to Retirement Accounts Manager Worked closely with manager to record contributions to existing and new accounts. Created in-house promotional materials to assist customers with information on Keogh'sand Ire's. Calculated year-to-date interest and tax deduction advantages.EDUCATIONUniversity of Iowa, B S Degree in Accounting, 1997References Available Upon RequestFollow these tips when you’re preparingto write your resume:– Start by really thinking about your workhistory and education.– What type of position are you applyingfor? What are your strongest skills?– Work history: Do you have a strong workhistory? If not, do you have strong skills?– Education– Skills/AchievementsWhen putting together a format, followthese:– Functional, chronological or combination– Keep it simple– Use a simple, easy to read font– Justify the text to the left– Try to keep it to one page– Do not include personal information,such as marital status, height, weightor religion.– Be consistentRemember these key points whenputting your resume together:– Make sure you have correct datesof employment and correctcompany information– Use key words that fit the desired job– Focus on responsibilities not jobduties– Keep it to a few bullet points– Even the small things can have value– List achievements– Make sure all reference info isup-to-date.One of the most important things todo after you’ve written your resumeis to: Proofread!! Don’t forget tofollow these steps:– If you say in your resume or coverletter that you are detail oriented,make sure that you are!– Do NOT rely on spell check to findspelling errors.– Print off a copy of your resume, readit and give to someone else to read.

Resource Guide for Job Seekers · 7RésuméDo’s and Don’tsDon’t: Think a title speaks for itself. Jobtitles can often be misleading and canchange from one company to another.Do: Provide position titles anddescriptions.Don’t: Leave the reader guessingwhere and when you were employed.Do: Clarify dates and places.Don’t: Apply for a job you only have abrief mention of on your resume.Do: Tailor your resume so that it isappropriate for the position you areapplying for. Coordinate youreducational or career credits accordingto length or the importance to the reader.Don’t: Leave fragmented sentences orbe long-winded on your resume. Thiswill virtually assure you of a place at theback of the line.Do: Organize your thoughts in a clear,concise manner. No one ever wona Nobel Prize for literature on theirresume.GeneralGuidelinesThe following are general guidelinesto avoid having your résuméoverlooked: Note: a two page résumé isacceptable Left justify the entire document Place your name at the top of thepage on its own line Use standard address formatbelow your name Multiple addresses should beplaced one on top of the other List each phone number on itsown line Avoid vertical and horizontallines, graphics, and boxes/tables Avoid punctuation as much aspossibleScannable RésumésA scannable résumé can be viewed bya computer using the latest documentimaging technology (known as opticalcharacter recognition, or OCR).Employers use this to to store résumésin databases and search through manyapplicants electronically.A scannable résumé, similar to atraditional résumé, includes your goals,education, work experience, activities,honors, and any special skills you mighthave. You can create a scannable bymodifying your traditional one. The twomost important elements of a scannablerésumé are formatting and keywords.Human resources personnel will reviewyour résumé only after the computerretrieves it from keyword searches.Including nouns and noun phrasesthat are likely to be used in a databasesearch and using simple formatting willhelp your résumé be chosen from themultitudes of others.FormattingKeep in mind that the first reader of yourscannable résumé will be a computer,not a human. A fancy format pleasingto the human eye may confuse OCRscanners. Using simple format and font/typestyle decreases the likelihood thatscanners will misread your résumé.- Use one common font throughout theresume instead of increasing the size.Indicate section headings by simplespacing.- Avoid using bullets, tables & visuals.Instead use dashes, left-justified textand spacing to format.KeywordsKeywords are words employers searchfor when trying to fill a position. Theyare the essential characteristicsrequired to the job: education,experience, skills, knowledge andabilities. The more keyword marketingpoints you present about yourself, themore likely you are to be plucked froman electronic resume database now ora year from now. To use the Keywordconcept effectively, use the following:- Create a Keyword section just underyour name that includes disciplineunique words and phrases whichpotential employers will search forin the résumé database. Forexample, keywords for a businessprofessional might include thefollowing: Leadership skills, Ethics, Finance Teamwork, Marketing, totalquality management- Use Nouns, not verbs - action wordslike accelerated, arbitrated andlaunched are out. In scannableresumes, nouns are dominant.Computers search for descriptivewords such as accounting, manager,Price Waterhouse.- Don't overuse abbreviations.Common ones like B.A. (Bachelor ofArts) are acceptable.

8 · Resource Guide for Job SeekersCover LetterDo’s and Don’ts Type your résumé, do not write orprint your résumé. Always send original cover letters toemployers, do not send a photocopyof your cover letter. Use 8 1/2” x 11” paper. Use same color of paper as yourrésumé. Do not use present or pastemployment business stationery. Always proofread your cover letter. Remember to sign your cover letter. Don’t be negative. Don’t mention needed salary, fringebenefits, or vacation time.Creating Stellar Cover LettersA cover letter is another important jobmarketing tool and it is as importantas your résumé because it is your firstimpression with the employer. Plus,it provides you with an opportunity toexplain the negative aspects of yourrésumé and direct the attention to therésumé parts that relate to the jobopening. Below is a breakdown of thedifferent parts of your cover letter.Contact InformationInclude electronic communication onyour cover letter. Provide a currente-mail address (that you checkregularly) along with a phone numberthat will roll to voice mail if you’reunavailable.However, make sure the voicemail youare directing the employer to has aprofessional and courteous message.FormatCover letters should be written in abusiness format. Parts of a cover letterinclude: Job Seeker’s Address andPhone Number, Date, Employer’sName and Address, Salutation, Body,Closing, and Enclosure.John Jobseeker1234 Elm StreetDes Moines, IA 50311(515) 555-1234 (H)August 15, 2005Albert MonteAl’s Prime Peanut Packing Plant9876 Main StreetDes Moines, IA 50311Dear Mr. Monte:I am writing to apply for the peanut product purchasing manager position that you listed with Iowa WorkforceDevelopment. Al’s Prime Peanut Packing Plant is well known in the peanut packing industry and I hope tohave the opportunity to work for such a highly regarded company.As my enclosed resume illustrates, I have worked for Pat’s Premiere Peanut Packing Plant since 1997. Istarted as a peanut packer and worked my way up to the position of peanut product purchasing manager, aposition I have held for the past five years. Working my way up through various positions in the field hashelped me to become knowledgeable in all aspects of the peanut packing field. In addition, I have recentlycompleted my BA degree in Business from Drake University, Des Moines, IA.Your job order also stated that experience in Microsoft Excel is desired. As a peanut product purchasingprofessional for Pat’s Premiere Peanut Plant I am required to utilize Microsoft Excel on a daily basis. AlthoughI completed many projects with Microsoft Excel, my latest accomplishment has been to develop a newspreadsheet analysis of vendor costs.As you can see, my experience as a peanut product purchasing professional, as well as my 7 years ofexperience in the peanut packing industry, would allow me to quickly become an asset to your company ifgiven the opportunity. I hope that you will allow me to discuss my qualifications in more detail with youduring an interview. You can reach me at home (515) 555-1234 if you have any questions or to schedule anappointment at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,John J. JobseekerJohn J. JobseekerEnclosure: ResumeSalutationUse the employer’s name and title ifknown. Do not use a first name only,use the entire name or last namesuch as “Dear Mr. Wilson. Otherwise,address as “Dear Sir or Madam”.First ParagraphYour first sentence should tell how youlearned of the possible opening. Usethe remainder of the paragraph toexpress interest in a specific positionor a particular kind of job and statethat you have enclosed a resume.Second and Third ParagraphsYour cover letter needs to fit the needsof the organization and job of interest.Direct attention to your qualificationsand company knowledge. Remember,the purpose of your cover letter is toconvince the employer to read yourrésumé. The letter needs to beconcise and professional.When applying for a position that is acomplete career change, explain to thereader your are making a change andwhy you are qualified for the position.Qualifications may include recenteducation or volunteer experience.If you don’t explain how you qualify fora career change position, the readermay eliminate your résumé quicklybecause you do not have the matchingwork history.Fourth ParagraphRequest an interview that takes intoconsideration the company and typeof job for which you are applying. Endthe letter by thanking the person fortheir consideration.Closing and SignatureMay use: Sincerely Yours truly Sincerely yours CordiallyEnclosureNotice of what you included with yourcover letter such as résumé or worksample.PhotosIt is not appropriate to include yourphoto on a résumé or cover letter.

Resource Guide for Job Seekers · 9Preparing for the InterviewThe most important thing to do in aninterview is to sell yourself! Many peopledon’t get the job because they fail to dojust that. Here are a few tips to help: When an interviewer asks “Tell meabout yourself,” talk about youraccomplishments, skills and abilitiesNOT your family, hobbies or interests. Explain what you mean by usingexamples or stories. Look the interviewerin the eyes. Smile. Be an activeparticipant in the conversation. Try to turn trick questions to a positive.Such as “What’s your greatestweakness?”Respond with “I’m aworkaholic. I like to get things donebefore I go home at night.” When the interview is coming to a close,finish by asking for the job. Such as“Mr. Smith, I want this job. I can offeryou (state your skills, abilities, talents).” Demonstrate you have the ability tohelp their company.leave early, refuse overtime andconstantly ask for raises You are humble and positive You work with integrity. You are honestand admit your mistakes You’re not a quitter and you won’tleave when needed You’re not arrogant, conceited, rude,pushy, antagonistic or moody You take pride in your work,appearance or behavior You don’t lie, cheat or steal You take pride in the company youwork for and will do everything youcan to help the company.Be prepared to ask the employerquestions as well. Be positive, andavoid asking questions that give thenegative impression that you are onlyinterested in what the employer cando for you. Sometimes your questionswill get answered during the interview,but here are some suggestions. BringThe best way to prepare for an interview these questions along to the jobis to role play. Grab a friend or relativeinterview:and have them play the interviewer. The What would my job duties be?more you practice, the more comfortable How would I be trained?you’ll feel in an actual interview. How would my progress be rated? Are promotions possible?During the interview, try your best to Who would I be reporting to?address the fears/concerns of most Why is this job open?employers. Convice them: May I have a tour of the work area? You won’t need a lot of time toSave the “what’s in it for me” questionsbecome productive (quick learner)until the end of the interview. If the You put in an honest day’s work You do not need constant supervision employer hasn’t volunteered this You are a hard-worker, always give 100% information, ask them about the rate ofpay, fringe benefits, and any Your attendance record. You don’tprobationary period.constantly call in sick, arrive late,Sample InterviewQuestionsA few sample interview questions. Why do you want to work as a .? What qualifications do you have? How did you feel about being laid off? Why do you want to work for us? How long have you been looking fora job? What motivates you to do a good job? Give an example of any major problemyou faced and how you solved it. Do you prefer to work alone or in agroup? Would you rather be in charge of aproject or work as part of the team? What would you do if one supervisortold you not to do something andanother supervisor told you to do itlater?Reasons People Don't Get Hired Poor personal appearance. Overly aggressive. Inability to express information clearly. Lack of interest and enthusiasm. Lack of planning for career; nopurpose or goal. Nervousness, lack of confidence andpoise. Over emphasis on money. Lack of tact and courtesy. Negative attitude about past employers. No genuine interest in company or job. No eye contact with the interviewer. Application form is incomplete or sloppy. No sense of humor. Late for interview. Failure to express appreciation forinterviewer’s time. Gives vague responses to questions. No follow up with thank you note orphone call.

10 ·Resource Guide for Job SeekersTips forStarting OverIt can be very intimidating tostart over. The first few weekson the job are a chance for youto start over. A key part of this issettling-in and learning the ropes.1.Be Friendly2.Be Flexible3.Show Initiative4.Be Dependable5.Don’t be Fake6.Obey the Rules7.Admit your mistakes8.Hold your ideas9.Solve your own problems10.Find a role modelThank YouNotesThank you letters and notes should bestandard tools in your job search. The thank you letter should be astandard business letter format, whilethe note may be a simple, handwrittennote or card. You may consider sending your thankyou note by email. Write a thank you letter or note nolater than 24 hours after theinterview, even if things didn’t go well. Be brief and to the point. Note the job you interviewed for andalso list the date of your interview. Use the name and title of person whointerviewed you. When thanking a potential employer,restate your interest in the positionand the company. Offer to come toanother interview or to provide moreinformation if needed.Follow-Up CallsAfter the interview is over, and you’vesent a thank-you note expressing yourappreciation for consideration, wait acouple of days and make a follow-upcall to see if the employer has made adecision. If you got the job –congratulations! You’ll probably findout when you’ll start, etc. If you didn’tget the job, don’t be afraid to ask whynot in a non-threatening manner. If themanager hasn’t made a decision yet,find out if there is anything else you cando, but don’t be pushy and don’t beg.

Resource Guide for Job Seekers · 11Necessary Job Search SkillsIn today’s world, job searching isnot usually a one time event in mostpeople’s work life. Studies show thatthe average person will change jobsmore frequently today than in the past.The change is due, in part, to thefluctuating economy and fast pacedtechnological and scientific advances.That is why it is so important to learnthe techniques of job search andconsider it an invaluable and evolvinglife-time skill for present and futureuse.Therefore, job search skills need to beconstantly maintained and updatedthroughout your work life. Once youhave acquired job seeking skills: Your confidence increases and yourfears about looking for a new job arereduced. Your ability to interview and presentyourself and your skills improves. You have more knowledge and arebetter prepared to move up thecareer ladder. You are more employable to potentialemployers when you are employed.Job SearchResourcesPublicationsMore information is available at yourlocal Iowa Workforce Developmentoffice. Call or stop by for some oneon-one help with your questions,or ask for copies of these helpfulpublications: Iowa Advantage Creating Résumés A Veterans Guide for Successful JobInterviewing Job Search Tips for Older Job Seekers Billfold Résumé for Job Interviews Successfully Interviewing JobApplicants Merchandising Your Job Talents You know more about the needs andtrends of the labor market You are more aware of your value andworth to your employer and the labormarket You know how to highlight your skillsand abilities to stay ahead of thecompetition, achieve upwardmobility, and negotiate successfully It is recommended that you makethe most of the valuable skills andassets acquired through your jobsearch. Keep your skills current. Maintain alist of new software, respo

pretty good odds. 4 · Resource Guide for Job Seekers. IWD Job Seeker Tools. Iowa Workforce Development provides. job seekers with the necessary tools for developing a career path. Skill assessments and . development tools Certified tests in typing, 10-key, spelling, and data entry