3 Easy Foundational Steps That Will Successfully Help You in Your Job Search

By: Jeanna M. Zivalich

Published by Jeanna Zivalich on SmashWordsefficient Z Placement Corporation®

Copyright 2013

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Table of Contents

PageCreating your Masterpiece Resume ................................................3

Networking & Social Media……………………………………….9

Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts…………………………………..…14

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Creating Your Masterpiece Resume

So you’re looking for a job and you have no idea where to start? The best place to start is by creating a resume. Most of the positions require that a candidate submit a resume when applying for a position. Your resume is a summary of your experiences and skills relevant to the field of work you are entering. It highlights your accomplishments to show a potential employer that you are qualified for the work you want. It is not a biography of everything you have done. Its purpose is to get you an interview.

While the thought of creating a resume might bring on lots of anxiety, it doesn’t have to. Think of creating your resume as an investment. Your future career depends on how much time and effort you spend on creating that perfect resume. Think of it as your “masterpiece.” I often encourage candidates to spend a few extra dollars to have your resume professionally done. I also recommend that you have more than one resume that focuses on different aspects of your qualifications. This will allow you to submit your specific resume to various positions using the tailored resume which focuses on your versatile skills. There are three basic and widely used resume types and you must choose a resume format that is best for you; Chronological, Functional, or Combined format. Let’s look at these resume types more closely.

Chronological Resume Format:• Most common of the 3 resume types or outlines. • Lists your education and experience in REVERSE chronological order (listing the most

recent dates and work experience first). • Not difficult to create

Format Advantages: • Easy to read, it is also easy for employers to scan this type of resume outline to get a

sense of your career history. • Most accepted format - estimates vary but it is preferred by around 80-85% of surveyed

corporate Human Resources professionals. • This format is also preferred (and often enforced) by most Internet job boards (it may be

hard to enter online job application questionnaires non-chronologically). • This format is great if you have a steady employment history with no major gaps or

changes of career direction. • It is great if you have good organization names as ex-employers. • It effectively highlights recent experience, so it is good if your best achievements have

been recent. • Best for international job seeking as it is a universal format.

Format Disadvantages:

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• It may not be the best way of presenting a career history which is: • Messy • Inconsistent • Has gaps • Is very long • Not relevant (i.e. when you are looking for a career change)

Example of a Chronological Resume

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Functional Resume Format:

• Outline or format that presents your skills and experience without putting them in a sequential date order.

• Instead, you group your skills and experience by types or functions, hence the name. • The career history can be either reduced to a list of dates and company names as well as

job titles towards the end of the resume, or no detail can be given at all - supposedly since this has all been stated functionally.

Format Advantages:

• Combines skills gained in a number of areas and groups them so they appear stronger. Includes:

o Paid employment o Volunteer work o Student activities o Work experience o Classroom work o Project work o Social organization e.g. club or team activities

• Great for when the required skills are something you have, but a traditional chronological resume doesn't highlight them sufficiently.

• Good for a poor career history with good skills - as the history is minimized at the bottom of the resume.

• Emphasizes what you have done and can do, rather than where or when you did it. • This format is good for starters with little or no career history such as recent graduates. • It is also good for people who have been out of the job market and are re-entering after a

break. • It can be good for older workers who wish to de-emphasize the time span of their

experience. • This is especially suited to applicants looking for a career change - change of field, sector

or direction.

Format Disadvantages:• Unfortunately this format is not always well received by employers. • Many employers believe that this resume format/outline is designed to "hide something"!

This is an important point, so you should be careful of using this format. • Many internet application systems ask for dated information, so it can be hard or

impossible to make online applications in this format.

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Example of a Functional Resume

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Combination Resume Format:

• A resume that begins with a functional summary of: o Your most relevant qualifications o Your key skills o Your key abilities o Your relevant experience

• Then gives a chronological career history which is shorter than it would be in a chronological format resume, but which supports the summary.

• This resume outline is a great compromise if you'd like to use a functional format, but are wary of employers disliking them.

Format Advantages:

• This format, if done properly is well accepted by employers. • It is great for giving a chronological resume but highlighting your particular skills and

experience etc. for the position. • This format is also very useful where your relevant experience was gained some time ago

and therefore needs highlighting. • This format can result in well-targeted resumes, as you can tailor the functional section to

the employer's requirements shown in the job posting. • Great where your career history is not straightforward or has gaps. • Very good for justifying a career change.

Format Disadvantages:

• Some employers may not like this format - they want to see what you did in each job in detail. If you are considering a career change this format is strongly recommended, it this case your resume may exceed the typical two pages...

• It can be hard to input on some online applications.

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Example of a Combination Resume

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Networking

Networking is defined as a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking because they’re afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving. But networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships.

Often times you can find a job by simply building relationships. Statistics show that 40-80% of people get their jobs by networking. It is the best way to find a job, and it can be easier than you think. Networking should be an important part of your overall strategy. By networking you’re sure to also get some much needed encouragement, fellowship and moral support. Networking is a key way to find those “hidden” job openings. The statics that show how people transition into a new job show;

• 5 - 20 % responding to a job ad• 5 - 40 % headhunters• 5 - 20 % job-wanted ads (e.g., a résumé listed on a job board)• 40 - 80 % networking *

* Networking is most effective with long-time professional friends and their friends personal Rolodex.

Friends, contacts, leads are all a part of your career network. Successful networkers use a combination of in-person and online approaches to build relationships to find a job. Expand your personal network, make new contacts, and reactivate old ones. Use major social (online) networks in your job search. Remember every place you go is a chance to meet someone. Everyone you meet is a chance to grow your network. Your people in your network can help. Most jobs may not be formally posted. Your network may know of opportunities you may not know otherwise. Networking can happen anywhere and with anyone.

Think about how the people in your network can help identify opportunities for you. You want to paint a picture of yourself and the type of work you’re looking for. It’s much like a quick elevator speech that explains what you’re looking for. Think of it as a 30 minute elevator pitch. You don’t have to ask for a job outright. Ask people for advice. This is a better approach. Think about joining a job support group or club. Expand your network!

There are also informal job networks and the best way to create a social job network is to do it informally. Strike up a conversation with your neighbor. Volunteer in the community in which you live. Talk to those people all around you at the train station every day. Think about all of the different ways you interact with people. Those are your real informal job networking opportunities. Keep your network active and growing. Developing your professional network requires a significant investment of time and effort.

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Focus on building relationships. Networking is a give-and-take process that involves making connections, sharing information, and asking questions. It’s a way of relating to others, not a technique for getting a job or a favor. You don’t have to hand out your business cards on street corners, cold call everyone on your contact list, or work a room of strangers. All you have to do is reach out.

Be authentic. In any job search or networking situation, being you—the real you—should be your goal. Pursuing what you want and not what you think others will like, will always be more fulfilling and ultimately more successful.

Be considerate. If you’re reconnecting with an old friend or colleague, take the time to get through the catching-up phase before you blurt out your need. On the other hand, if this person is a busy professional you don’t know well, be respectful of his or her time and come straight out with your request.

Ask for advice, not a job. Don’t ask for a job, a request comes with a lot of pressure. You want your contacts to become allies in your job search, not make them feel ambushed, so ask for information or insight instead. If they’re able to hire you or refer you to someone who can, they will. If not, you haven’t put them in the uncomfortable position of turning you down or telling you they can’t help.

Be specific in your request. Before you go off and reconnect with everyone you’ve ever known, get your act together and do a little homework. Be prepared to articulate what you’re looking for. Is it a reference? An insider’s take on the industry? A referral? An introduction to someone in the field? Also make sure to provide an update on your qualifications and recent professional experience.

With the Internet buzzing with social media, there are similarly many ways to use social media in order to network, and eventually find a job. If you're not already on LinkedIn, you definitely need to be. It is a professional networking site that allows you to connect to people you know. It also allows you to see profiles of anyone else on LinkedIn, and gives you ways to connect to them. Let’s look more closely at the advantages of using LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook in your Job search.

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LinkedIn

There are a few ways you can use LinkedIn in a job search:

• Company Search - One of the best ways to use LinkedIn is if you have a very specific company you are interested in. You can search on that company, and find people who are connected to other people you may know. You can than ask your personal contact to connect you. The jobs are usually professional jobs.

• Email – You can also send an email to everyone in your LinkedIn network, letting them know of your job situation and asking for advice, referrals or people they could put you in touch with.

• Blog Link - LinkedIn now gives you the ability to link your blog post to your profile. So every time I post a new blog post, it updates onto your profile, so anyone looking at your profile will see what you’re writing about. It also includes the updated post in the weekly update emails that go out to your connections.

• Twitter Link - Similar to Blog Link, LinkedIn also pulls your conversations from Twitter. So, anyone who is not on Twitter can see what you are tweeting about.

www.linkedin.com

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Twitter

An information network

Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest stories, ideas, opinions and news about what you find interesting. Simply find the accounts you find most compelling and follow the conversations.

At the heart of Twitter are small bursts of information called Tweets. Each Tweet is 140 characters long, but don’t let the small size fool you—you can discover a lot in a little space. You can see photos, videos and conversations directly in Tweets to get the whole story at a glance, and all in one place.

Use Twitter to follow industry professionals

It’s not difficult to sign up for Twitter. All you need to enter is your name, email address and password. That’s it. You can use Twitter as a social media tool to engage with industry professionals including recruiters. You can learn Twitter ID’s of recruiters you’ve connected with on LinkedIn. Often times this information is on their profile page. If it’s not, simply ask the recruiter if they have a Twitter handle. You can also do Google and research on “Employment Recruiters/Agencies.” I welcome you to connect with me via my twitter handle, @efficientZ Feel free to follow my contacts if you’d like! In turn, they will follow you. This is how you build. Engage in tweets you receive by replying and posting interesting content. Tweet that you are seeking employment. Leverage Twitter as best you can. Be creative. Build your network any way that you can and Twitter is another way of doing so.

www.twitter.com

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Facebook

Using Facebook when you’re looking for a job

• Create a Facebook profile to convey a professional tone and manner since your profile will be viewed by business professionals and other important contacts.

• Indicate professional interests and hobbies on your profile instead of personal interests.• Search for business contacts by email address or name, and then send each contact a

Facebook friend request so you can establish a connection.• Join Facebook groups of businesses and employers you want to work for. You can join

discussions and conversations related to those businesses. Network with professional contacts. Connecting with professional users and business can help get your Facebook profile noticed by a number of potential employers or referring users.

• Visit the Facebook page of the company or business that interests you then select “Like” button to become involved with that particular Facebook group

• Develop a Facebook page that displays your professional background including your knowledge, skills and abilities and job search.

• Post status updates that state you are looking for a new job. Your updated will show up in the newsfeeds of other Facebook users you’re connected to.

www.facebook.com

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Interviews Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Remember that 7% of your impact comes from the words you say; 38% from how you say it (your tonal quality); and 55% from what your body is doing while you’re speaking. (UCLA study)

• Know that “you” is the most persuasive word in the English language, so the more you can say, “As I’m sure you know,” or “As I’m sure you’ve heard,” (Yale Univ. Study) the more easily others will respond to you.

• Sound happy when you say, “I’m happy to meet you.” (Not to mention, look your interviewer in the eye and shake their hand firmly.)

• Keep your hands where we can see them—out of pockets when standing, on the table when sitting. We trust you when we can see your hands; we don’t trust you when we can’t.

• Research the company/interviewer exhaustively. What’s their bestselling product/mission statement/biggest competitor? Why specifically do you want to work for them? How exactly are you going to contribute to their success?

• Have the answers to ‘softball questions/inquiries’ (questions so big you don’t know what to swing at) such as, “What was your favorite thing about your last job?” or “Tell me about yourself.” These should be grounded in a story such as, “My favorite thing about my last job was the opportunities I had to work with my team. For example, we once had 24 hours to put together a presentation….”

• Have the answer to, “What’s your greatest strength/weakness?” (FYI: Your greatest weakness is just a strength taken to an extreme, “I’m so interested in my subject, and I tend to inundate people with detail about it. But I’m learning to pick and choose what information will be most effective,” etc.)

• Record a professional voice mail greeting, as this is the first contact many potential employers will have with you. Stand while you record it, smile, and inhale, hit record, and speak on an exhalation.

• Clean up your Facebook/MySpace/Twitter page. Any posts or photos that don’t say, “I can be trusted with $100,000” have to go.

• Get a thank you note in the mail—either email, snail mail, or both—within 24 hours. In addition to acknowledging the time they gave you, this should reference a story you, or they, told. Give yourself bonus points if you can include a link to an article you mentioned, or hard copy of the same.

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Dont’s

• Don’t make negative comments about previous employers.• Don’t falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.• Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the

interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization• Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its

geographical location.• Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary; don’t ask about salary and

benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.• Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.• Don’t make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the

interviewer’s job to act as a career advisor to you.• Don’t be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in

every interview, but being unprepared will not help you.• A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don’t exhibit frustrations or a

negative attitude in an interview• Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of

your chair.• Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Ms." unless

told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use "Dr. [lastname]" just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview.

• Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.• Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly

and ignore it.) Don't take a cell phone call. Don't look at a text message. • Don't take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance),

spouse, fiancé, friends or enemies to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you're insufficiently grown up and

Website Citations

Authors Kobara, John and Smith, Melinda, M.A. “Job Networking Tips”, HelpGuide.org, a Trusted Non-Profit Resource, April 27, 2013.

“Resume Writing Tips” http://www.resume-writing-tips.com/

Tietz, Dietmar “The Career Transformation Guide for Professionals and Executives”Jones, Frances Cole; “Success Circuit”

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“Virginia Tech Invent the Future” http://www.vt.edu/about/privacy.html, January 19, 2012

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