Communication: Resumes to Thank Yous

Bernadette Lopez& Krista Benson, M.A.Eastern Washington University Career Services

Resumes and Cover Letters

• Proofed, error-free documents• Professionally-appropriate email• Appropriate phone message• Cover letter written to the organization• Email signatures• Internet presence

Professional Emails

• Write a clear subject line that actually summarizes what you are looking for.

• Address the individual in the email, and remember to call that person by their full name unless you know differently.

• Punctuate. Capitalize appropriately. Use complete words and sentences; this is not texting. Check your spelling.

• Be nice and thank me for answering.

• Sign your full name and give what ever information needed to respond.

Professional Writing Correspondence

Networking Communication: Why network?

– Networking is the most effective job search method

– Requires time and effort, but reaps great rewards

– At least 60% - some report even higher statistics - of all jobs are found by networking

Networking is• An opportunity to give

and receive information• The possibility of

building key relationships

• A way to achieve mutual goals and objectives

Networking is not• A chance to

monopolize time• To “show up” others• The place to pressure

people into something• A commitment or

obligation• About free food and

drink

Networking & Job Searching

It’s all about relationships.1. Make a list of everyone you know – and people they know2. Sign up for an alumni mentoring program3. Join chapter of a professional society that relates to your career

choice4. Volunteer at a local museum, theater, homeless shelter –

anywhere that remotely relates to your field of study5. Speak to company representatives at career fairs, even if you’re

not ready to look for a job6. Attend company information sessions at your college7. Schedule informational interviews8. Be courteous in your conversations, send thank you notes9. Be aware of companies that you want to work for – check their

websites

What to say?

• Identify 2 or 3 strengths with specific situations• Have 2 or 3 talking points related to the company• Appropriate conversation

– Avoid: religion / politics / money

Two questions often asked in networking functions 1. “What sort of job are you looking for?”2. “Tell me about yourself”

– Be sure to know key points about your:• Background• Education• Accomplishments• Personality• Industry• Job

Professional Writing Correspondence

Online Social Networking Sites

• Inland Northwest Launch Pad– http://www.launchpadinw.com/

• LinkedIn– http://www.linkedin.com/

• Facebook– http://facebook.com

Seattle-Area Resources

• http://www.iloveseattle.org/• http://www.atlist.org/organizations/professional-o

rganization/washington/seattle• http://ewucareerguide.wikispaces.com/• http://www.ewu.edu/eagleaxis/

– Search for Jobs (EagleAXIS Search & NACELink)– Job Blasts– Sign up for Career Counseling Appointments (Can be

done over the phone, via Skype, or using webcams)

References

Career Center, Mount Holyoke College (2005)

Christa Stream, Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2009)

Job Choices Magazine, National Association of Colleges and Employers (2009)

http://www.about.com

http://www.entrepreneur.com

http://www.merriam-webster.com

https://www.naceweb.org

http://www.quintcareers.com/

http://scienceblogs.com/sciencewoman/2009/01/how_to_write_clear_emails_to_y.php

Career Services Contact Information

Go to www.ewu.edu/careerservices for more info

Key contacts/advisors:

Krista Benson, kbenson@ewu.edu, 509-359-6364

Bernadette Lopez, blopez@ewu.edu, 509-359-2221

Romeal Watson, rjwatson@ewu.edu, 509-359-4637

Sign up for appointments at www.ewu.edu/eagleaxis