job search101.key
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Job Search 101Résumés, Cover Letters & Linkedin Summaries
Objectives•Understand the key elements
of a successful résumé, cover letter and Linkedin profile
• Learn strategies for planning and drafting these items
Job Search 101Résumés
Résumé-writing is hard...•Objective or no objective?
•One page or two?
•No work experience?
But we can make it easier.
Gold Standards forRésumés• Uses a simple format
& standard fonts
• Flows logically
• Outlines work history
• Highlights results
• Showcases relevant experience
• Uses appropriate jargon & key words
• Includes correct contact information
The Transition-Action-DetailsTM
Strategy
Transition Action Details
1. Put position
titles & dates in this column
2. Put overviews of your duties in this column
3. Put evidence,explanations &
examplesin this column
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.
•Microsoft Certified Professional
•Johnston Scholar
•Valedictorian, East Bladen High
Evidence
•Certified ScrumMaster: Coach and process owner of 8-person software development team
•Proficient in QuickBooks, the bookkeeping and tax preparation software
Explanations
•Started recycling program that reduced waste stream by 34%
•Recovered $850 in past-due bills
•Built database to capture sales activity
Examples
How to put it all together•Work left to right across the rows,
making each row a section
•Use a narrative style (sentences & paragraphs) or bullet points
• Expand on the information in the organizer as needed
Transition Action Details1.
Assistant Manager, H&M,
2012
2. Helped with
training, scheduling and sales at 2nd-
highest grossing store in NC
3. 15 employees
$200 performance
bonus
Download the packet: http://bit.ly/JobSearch101NCCU
Questions?
Job Search 101Cover Letters
& Linkedin Summaries
Cover Letters Gold Standards • Includes name of
position applied for (and job number if required)
• Uses key words/jargon from job description
• Has an authoritative but friendly voice
• Establishes your credentials
• Provides a key example, explanation or evidence of results you’ve achieved
• Showcases what you bring beyond basic requirements
• States clearly why you want the job
• Includes correct contact information
The Content-Purpose-AudienceTM
Strategy
Content-Purpose-Audience Strategy TMContent-Purpose-Audience Strategy TM
ContentContentContentContentMain Idea Key Details
PurposePurposeThink Do
AudienceAudiencePeople Questions
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.
Content: The Main Idea• The most important thing you
want your prospective employer to know.
• If you could only say one thing, what would that be?
Content: Key Details
The evidence, examples and explanations that support your Main Idea or answer Questions.
ContentContentMain Idea Key Details
Helping other people be effective is important to me.
•Doing similar job now part-time (explain)•Upbeat personality/natural problem-solver (example)•Clear communicator•Used to performing under pressure •Use holistic methods in own life (examples)
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.
Audience
Who are you trying to persuade or inform and what questions or objections will they have?
AudienceAudiencePeople Questions
•HR staff•Hiring manager
•What direct or analogous experience do you have?•Why should we hire you over other qualified candidates?
Purpose: Your Call To Action• What do you want your
prospective employer to think or feel about you?
• What do you want them to do?
PurposePurposeThink/Feel Do
•I have the professional experience and personal interest to excel in this position.•I am a good fit for this job and company.
•Give me an interview•Seriously consider me for the position•Recommend/refer me to others, if appropriate
How to put it all together
Ways to structure your cover letter• Main Idea-Key Details-Do• Think-Key Details-Do• Key Detail-Main Idea-Key
Details-Think-Do• Question-Key Details-Think-
Do
Questions?
Gold Standards for Linkedin Summaries
• Sounds like you (not everyone else)
• Sets the stage for work history
• Indicates your overarching aspirations
• Uses key words
• Showcases what you have to offer and how you like to work
• Provides insights into your personality and values
Follow the same steps to create
Linkedin Summaries
Content-Purpose-Audience Strategy TMContent-Purpose-Audience Strategy TM
ContentContentContentContentMain Idea Key Details
PurposePurposeThink Do
AudienceAudiencePeople Questions
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.
Now you try. Let’s write!
Questions?
Margot Carmichael Lester