Post on 23-Dec-2015
Resume Building
and Job Searching
@ the Milton Public Library
Today’
s To
pic
s
• Thinking like a recruiter• Resumes and coverletters• Social media and your
job search• Interview skills
What
job r
ecr
uit
ers
want:
Min
d y
our
resu
me a
nd
cove
rlett
er
You need a flawless
resume and coverletter
Make
it p
ers
onal
Write a coverletter for
each job. Review your
resume for each job.
Act
like
you w
ant
the jo
b Share your enthusiasm
when interviewing or
applying. Show that you
can do the job, will enjoy
the job and you will bring something positive
to the job environment.
Hig
hlig
ht
your
skill
set
No recruiter wants to
read a four page resume, so try to keep it
succinct. Highlight the
skills that make you the
perfect match for the job
rather than detail every
minor thing you have
ever worked on.
Resumes and Coverletters
Books: 650.14 in the non fiction section of the Milton Public Library
Online: search for resume examples, resume templates, or in Microsoft Word search for resume templates.
Know the purpose of your resume
The objective of a resume is to land an interview!!!!
Back up your qualities and strengths
Back up your qualities with real life and work experiences (don’t forget your outside organizations…volunteering = excellent way to get experience and to meet people in the field)
Make sure to use the right keywords by analyzing the job ad
Check the job description, use a thesaurus, look for clues as to what the employer might be looking for.
Use effective titles
Grab the employers attention and be descriptive to give a better idea of past work experience.
Example:
Accounting
Better:
Management of accounts received, accounts paid and financial Recordkeeping
One resume and coverletter for each employer
Tailor your resume and coverletter for each employer and job ad.
No scattered information
Your resume must have a clear focus.
Use action verbs
Action verbs are basically verbs that will get noticed more easily, and that will clearly communicate what your experience or achievement were.
Examples: managed, coached, enforced and planned.
List of many examples to use can be found at http://www.quintcareers.com/action_skills.html
Don’t forget the basics
Make sure that your contact details are clearly listed.
Have someone else read it!!!
Social media, the job search, and interview skills Email addresses Answering machines/ phone messages Ringtones Answering the phone in person Facebook and other social media Job sites The interview
Email addresses Make a new one. Make it professional. Your name. Great way to keep track of the resumes you have sent and
the responses.
Answering machines / phone messages / ringtones
No cutsey ringtones, definitely no cursing, or your favorite music. Professional…you are trying to get a job, not make friends.
Answering machines/phone messages should be polite, refrain from “Leave a message”…try “You have reached _____ please leave a message and I will return your call. Thank you.”
Answering the phone in person Be polite. You never know.
Facebook and other social media (twitter, blogs, websites, etc.) Be careful what you post and what you make public. Employers will most likely Google you or Facebook you even
if they do not do a background check.
If you do not want your boss to see it…do not post it or post it anonymously.
Job searching Try going directly to the company website rather than a job
database. Figure out the industry you want to work in, do some
homework. Consider job searching, resume writing as your full time job.
The interview Dress for success. Be positive. Do not LIE!!! Do not lie on your resume or it could show in the
interview. The interview is your time to shine. Tie everything into a couple of themes that you have chosen
from the job ad. Example: collaboration, team playing, building partnerships with other organizations, etc. Listen to the interviewer, jot down notes and take your time answering each question.
Represent yourself…no one else will.