Jennifer FisherFull Time Program ManagerPart Time Wanna be Rock Star

Bachelor of Social Work degree

Master of Business Administration

Human Resources

Manager of a Music Retail Store

SalespersonHigher Education Nanny

Social Worker

Business Manager

By day I am the Program Manager for the Graduate Retention Program at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce

By night….

I am the Lead Singer, Business Manager,

and “wanna be country music rock star”

in the band

Sugar Shot

FINDING A JOB OR INTERNSHIP

“The Quick and dirty, Get down to it, All you ever wanted to know about getting noticed

by employers” speech

Be a SUPER candidate

Don’t Be Like Kevin!

FIRED!!!

Resumes - The BasicsShould highlight your skills and qualifications

Looks are just as important as content

DO NOT USE A PRE-EXISTING TEMPLATE

Know your audience

Always include a cover letter

Spelling and grammar mistakes will kill your chances of getting noticed so check it, have someone else check it, and then check it again!

1-2 pages (one for now)

Customize your resume every time you send it out!

Rather than a generic objective statement, put together an action oriented opening

You’ve Sent Your Resume…Now What?First, Why Follow Up??? 1. It demonstrates initiative and interest in a position 2. You can verify that your resume was received and not lost in a spam filter somewhere 3. It can help you stand out in the crowd of qualified candidates

When Should I Follow UP? Generally within 2 weeks of sending your resume

How Do I Follow Up? Email the hiring manager (Quick way to remind them to look for

your resume) Send a typed letter (Great for reiterating why you’re a good fit) Send a hand written note (only if you have good handwriting) Call (make sure you rehearse what you’ll say)

"Hi, my name is ______ and I submitted my resume for your ______ opening. I'm extremely interested in this opportunity, and I just wanted to touch base with you on how I can benefit your operation..."

INTERVIEWS

Making an impression

RESEARCH THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING WITH

Check out their website

The more that you know, the more they will listen

Know how your skills can help their company

Be prepared with questions for them based on your research

SWOT Analysis

• What do you have to offer an organization?

• What sets you apart from other candidates?

• Keep it professional!

• What are areas that you feel you need to improve on?

• What steps are you taking to ensure that these weaknesses do not affect your work?

• What are barriers you have identified based on what you know about the organization?

• Based on what you know about the organization, what opportunities do you see for yourself there?

• What do you see for your future? (1 year plan, 5 year plan, etc.)

Strengths Weaknesses

ThreatsOpportunities

If you Remember Nothing Else …Remember This!

Be Prepared

Smile

Firm handshake

Be Courteous

Answer this question before you go in… “What is one thing you want them to remember

about you during your interview?”

Get there early, take time to relax

After the Interview…Your Chance to Stand Out SEND A THANK YOU LETTER

Within 24 hours of you interview• Typed letter• Hand written card• Email• Send a thank you letter to everyone you interview with

It’s likely that many other candidates will also send a letter, so be sure to utilize other follow up strategies

Haven’t Heard Anything a Few Weeks Later (or by the date they gave you)?

Send another hand written note indicating your interest Call the person you interviewed with (after the timeframe they

gave you)

Tip Get business cards printed up and provide one when you

follow up. It’s a great way to get noticed and keep your information fresh and interesting.

Always be professional and don’t follow up more than once a week!

Keep looking, a rejection is not the end of the world so don’t take it personally.

Now What?

Send a follow up letter thanking them for letting you know about your status. Let them know you’re still interested in their company

Consider asking the person who interviewed you for advice on how to make yourself a stronger candidate

Look for ways to make yourself a stronger candidate…take a class, join a professional organization, practice your interview skills, clean up your online profile

According to a recent survey by the Department of Labor, networking accounts for at least 69% of all

annual hires.

Networking is one of the BEST ways to find a job or internship.

You can’t win the lottery, if you don’t buy a ticket!

Jennifer Fisher, Program Managerjfisher@fwchamber.org

www.twitter.com/jenfisherfw

Graduate Retention Program

www.fwchamber.org/gradwww.indianaintern.net

Thank You!!!