Career Prep Workshop - aaa-institute.com

Career Prep Workshop

AAA Institute

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 www.aaa-institute.com | 818-386-2109 1

Table of Contents

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 www.aaa-institute.com | 818-386-2109

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Resume

Cover Letters

Job Search

Social Media

Interview Tips/Questions

Thank You Letter

AAA Institute Contacts

Key Takeaways

Resume Purpose


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The resume’s main purpose is to get you an interview!

It is usually the first time a potential employer sees about

you and therefore is very important

It is an account of work experience, education,

qualifications, objectives, personal qualities and special

skills.

Standard Resume Formats


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Chronological

Functional

Combination

Chronological Resume


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Focuses on your work experience

List most current job first and then go back in time

chronologically.

Highlights steady employment and progression in job

responsibility.

Chronological Resumes


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Functional Resume


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Concentrates on general and specialized skills and

abilities, rather than lengthy descriptions of each

individual job.

Can hide gaps between jobs (dates can often be deleted)

Job candidates who are entering new fields or have

experience unrelated to their career goals can benefit

from this format.

Functional Resumes


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Combination Resume


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The combination resume incorporates the best of the

chronological and functional formats.

Generally, it leads with a description of functional skills

and related qualifications, followed by a reverse-

chronological employment history.

It allows you to state your most relevant qualifications up

front, while providing the employment timeline that many

hiring managers like to see.

Combination Resumes


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Plain Text Resumes


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Some employers will request that résumé be sent in plain text ASCII format.

When you copy your Word document and paste it on the employers site, all formatting will be lost.

You can convert an existing résumé to a text only format by using Notepad.

Open your Word document. Go to file, select all, copy. Then open programs, accessories, Notepad. Select edit, paste. (You can use previously mentioned shortcut keys).

Remove special formatting features from your document including bullets, underlining, boldface, italics and word wrap.

Resume Format


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No Longer than two pages

10-12 font size

Be consistent with tabs, dates and other formatting features

No errors- proof read!

For hard copies- use quality paper

Neutral colors; avoid graphics

If mailing, use large envelope and type addresses

Use BOLD to emphasize only the most important features of your resume.

Resume Content


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Articulate results-oriented/proven experience

Indicate accomplishments

QUANTIFY: Show statistics and numbers

Category headings

List volunteer experience, language skills, awards and

internships

Research the company

Write your own resume

Do not include salary information

Do not include references; use a separate reference sheet

Resume Sections


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Personal Information

Objective- specific to the job being applied for

Education- can be placed at the bottom if less relevant

Work Experience

Special Skills

Memberships/ Honors/Awards

Volunteer Experience

Objective


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Short phrase or sentence.

Example: “Seeking position as elementary school teacher

at Wildwood Elementary School”

The objective should be specific when apply for jobs

Objectives for career fairs should be general or

eliminated.

Education


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Most recent degree or current study first

List expected date of graduation/completion

List options, minors, and certificates

Spell out college name

AA or AS drops off when you get a bachelor’s degree

No High School

List graduation with honors or high GPA

Work Experience/History


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List job title first

Include employer’s name and city

Use bullets or paragraphs to detail job duties, make sure

they are specific and quantified if possible

Each descriptive phrase should begin with an action verb.

Example: “Increased web traffic by 120% each year”

No more than 5 bullet items per job

Remember to list internships if they are related to your

field.

Action Words


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Special Skills


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Skills are in a separate section that hightlights special

areas such as:

Language skills

Computer skills

Specific software skills

Be Truthful


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Never include false information on your resume.

With the technology that is available to day, employers

can easily check on your background.

Cover Letter


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THE COVER LETTER GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO

JUSTIFY, CLARIFY, AND IDENTIFY

HOW YOUR QUALIFICATIONS MEET THE EMPLOYER’S

REQUIREMENTS

Cover Letter Details


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Must be tailored to the employer and the job opening for

which you are applying.

The employer may view this letter as a writing sample, so your

grammar, spelling, punctuation and style must be perfect.

Typically 3 paragraphs long:

1st paragraph: indicate the job title in question and how you found

out about the job

2nd paragraph: tell how you would be the right fit for the job in

question and how you would add value to the company. Be

enthusiastic and sell yourself.

3rd paragraph: Sum yourself up, thank the reader and let them know

you will contact them directly if you don’t hear anything within a

prescribed time period.

Sample Cover Letter


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Profiles on Job Sites


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www.CareerBuilder.com

www.Indeed.com

www.Monster.com

www.Bright.com

www.pmi.org

www.LinkedIn.com

www.Dice.com

Use Social Media


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Interview Tips


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Relax, be yourself

Bring copies of your resume, references,

letter(s) of recommendation.

Research the company before the interview.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Listen, and be forthright in our answers- don’t

be evasive, and don’t bluff.

If you want the job, make sure you let the

interviewer know that.

Common Interview Questions


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Tell me about yourself

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Why should we hire you?

What did you like least about your last job?

What do you know about our company?

Do you have any questions for me?

Tell me about a time where you had to deal

with conflict on the job.

Phone Interview Tips


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Be Prepared:

Have a copy of your resume, and the job description in front of you during the

interview

Keep a log of companies and jobs applied for, in case you are called unexpectedly

Practice, practice, practice.

Be Professional:

Record a professional message for your answering machine or voicemail

Turn off music or the TV during the interview

Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum during the interview

Don’t type on your computer during the interview.

Don’t put an interviewer on hold to take call waiting.

Be Personable:

Be enthusiastic – smile and let the excitement come through your voice

Thank you interviewer for his or her time.

Don’t Forget the

THANK YOU EMAIL


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Questions/Comments


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AAA Institute

[email protected]

www.aaa-institute.com

818-386-2109

Key Takeaways


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Keep your resume succinct, detailed and mistake free.

Use keywords and bolding to draw attention to

important parts of your resume.

Your cover letter should justify, clarify and identify how

your qualifications meet the employer’s requirements.

Use social media and career sites to find jobs.

Network, network, network.

Send a thank you letter after your interview.

Use AAA Institute to help you!

Thank You!


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Career Prep Workshop - aaa-institute.com

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