Job Search Handbook - resumebutterfly.com · A professional voicemail message is a simple greeting,...

© More job search tips- www.ResumeButterfly.com/TADA

Job Search Handbook

Compiled by Jessica Smith, ResumeButterfly.com

2


Welcome Note 3

Steps to a Successful Job Hunt 4

Now Hiring: Qualities of a Good Candidate 5

Get Ready: Resume & Cover Letter 6

Get Ready: Social Media, Email & Voicemail 7

Get Ready: Job Search Portfolio 8

Get Set: Look Everywhere 9

Go! 20+ Applications & Job Search Log 10

Go! Dedicate Time 11

Go! What do I say? 12

Go! Networking Business Cards 13

Go! Celebrate Success & Learn from Setbacks 14

Need a Resume Makeover? 15

Resume Critique Checklist 16

Positive Adjectives, Resume Tips 17

Cover Letter Template 18

Resume Template 19

What to Say… more scripts 20

Job Search Log 21

Sample Blank Application 22-23

References (Template & Sample) 24-25

Interview Preparation + Questions 26-27

Thank You Letters & Follow Up 28

Blank Space for Notes 29-30

Table of Contents

3 Howdy Texas Academy of Dental Assisting Students! I’m Jessica Smith. I am Career Services Specialist and a resume writer for ResumeButterfly.com. Looking for a job can be SCARY. It takes work and preparation. I am here to help. Sheila McDonald asked me share some job search tips with you. I have prepared this booklet of information for you to help jump start your career. These items are provided at no additional cost to you. If you decide that you would like help creating your resume or job search documents please contact me for more information. My goal is to keep in touch with you weekly and help you find a job in the dental assisting field. I need your help: Please answer or return my calls/emails so I can fully assist you. Stay committed to actively looking for a job. Remember why you went to school!! Keep a job search log of where you are applying and email it to me weekly. Let us know when you have interviews and get hired! “Like” the TADA Career Services page for daily job search tips and job lead info! www.facebook.com/TADACareer Email is the quickest way to reach me! [email protected] You can also call or text me 817-993-9553 (please include your full name and that you are from TADA!) Thanks, Jessica Smith Career Services Specialist http://resumebutterfly.com/contact/ Texas Academy of Dental Assisting will make every effort to assist you in securing a position in your education-related field upon completion. Texas Academy of Dental Assisting does not guarantee employment and obtaining a position in your career field is your responsibility. Therefore, in order to assist you most effectively, the staff must have your full participation in your career search. Failure to comply with the guidelines indicated in this agreement will negatively affect our ability to assist you and your ability to secure employment. Resume Butterfly is not employment agency and does not guarantee job placement, employment success or other result. http://resumebutterfly.com/terms/ Thank you.

Original publication - April 2013

https://www.facebook.com/TADACareer

mailto:[email protected]?subject=TADA%20Career

http://resumebutterfly.com/contact/

http://resumebutterfly.com/terms/

4

Step 1. Create an attention getting resume! (Contact ResumeButterfly.com for help!) Make a job search portfolio with a resume, matching cover letter, references page and letters of

recommendation. Keep reading for more information! Step 2. Make a job search plan. Don’t aimlessly waste time. Actively apply for jobs! Stay motivated and maintain a positive self-perception. YOU CAN DO IT. Diversify your job search – don’t just look online. Apply in person, fax, network. Step 3. Prepare for interviews, practice questions and have a professional personal appearance. See page 26.

Communicate often with the Career Services to keep us informed about your job search. Step 4. Follow up with the employers you’ve contacted – keep a job search log. Remember to send thank you letters after the interview.

Organize your Job Search Staying organized during your job search will be one of the easiest ways to ensure your success. Track each application/resume you have sent out. Therefore, if a potential employer calls you and wants to chat about the opportunity, you will be comfortable knowing what office they are from and have some quick details about the position. Many employers will wait to see if you are really interested in the job by waiting for a follow-up call. List when you would like to follow-up and have all of the office’s contact information in one place. The tracking sheet will not only enable your organizational skills, but will assist you in knowing where you are with your job search. See page 21 for an example.

Websites for your Job Search www.careerbuilder.com www.employmentguide.com http://careerdfw.org http://careerealism.com www.craigslist.com www.indeed.com www.monster.com www.ResumeButterfly.com www.snagajob.com


Steps to a Successful Job Hunt

www.dentalpost.net www.dentalonepartners.com www.smilebestdental.com www.pacificdentalservices.com www.facebook.com/TADACareer

http://www.careerbuilder.com

http://www.employmentguide.com

http://careerdfw.org

http://careerealism.com

http://www.craigslist.com

http://www.indeed.com

http://www.monster.com

http://www.ResumeButterfly.com

http://www.snagajob.com

http://www.dentalpost.net

http://www.dentalonepartners.com

http://www.smilebestdental.com

http://www.pacificdentalservices.com

http://www.facebook.com/TADACareer

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WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?

DO YOU HAVE WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE DEMANDING? HIGHLIGHT YOUR SKILLS!

NOW HIRINGNOW HIRINGNOW HIRING GOOD PEOPLE

GOAL ORIENTED ORGANIZED & DEPENDABLE

PROFESSIONAL ENTHUSIASTIC OPTIMISTIC

PROBLEM SOLVER LEADS BY EXAMPLE


Dental Assistant: Job Search Tips

6

GET READY

CREATE AN

ATTENTION GRABBING

RESUME &

COVER LETTER

Companies see hundreds of resumes for every position, highlight your top selling points. You're getting a 14-second glance! A resume needs to be informative, organized and show how you match the job description. Start with the basics, but personalize it to highlight YOU. What sets you apart from the competition? Include objective, skills, education, work history and awards. The goal of your resume is to get an interview. Once you are in the interview you can give more details. What are some of the most important tips when writing a cover letter?

A cover letter is your advertisement- “Pick me for an interview” Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager Grab the reader's attention- Focus on the fit between your qualifications and the job Highlight three to four key accomplishments/skills/experiences and sell yourself Avoid mistakes- DOUBLE CHECK Include your updated contact information (seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised) Short and sweet– an employer doesn’t have time to read a novel!

Helpful hint- copy and paste your customized cover letter into the body of every email that you send to an employer.



7

GET READY

PRIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA

+ PROFESSIONAL EMAIL

AND VOICEMAIL

PRIVATE PROFILES ON FACEBOOK & OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA Social networking websites like Facebook can be great tools for socializing and networking, but they can also hurt a job seeker's chances of landing a new job. What if a potential employer saw pictures from your birthday party or what you did this weekend? Would it help you get the job or make them run the other way? TIPS: "Google" your own name and check out the results. What will a prospective employer see if they perform a Google search? Set pages to "private." Remember that even if it is private it isn’t 100% confidential. Be careful about what you post online. LinkedIn can be a great way to network—keep your profile very professional and updated! PROFESSIONAL EMAIL & VOICEMAIL A first impression is lasting. What does [email protected] say about you? Set up a new professional email address such as [email protected] People sometimes forget to pay attention to the little detail of how their email or voicemail message soun ds when they start filling out job applications. Employers will definitely notice. If your voicemail message sounds unprofession al, they will just hang up without leaving a message; you'll never get a chance to interview with them. VOICEMAIL DON'TS: * Messages recorded by your kids * Call Tunes Music * Goofy messages * Sarcastic or rude comments * Mumbled greetings * No message Voicemail Do's A professional voicemail message is a simple greeting, such as "This is Jessica Smith, I'm not available to take your call r ight now. Please leave your name, number, and a detailed message and I will return your call as soon as possible."



8

GET READY

CREATE A

JOB SEARCH

PORTFOLIO

A portfolio is essential and a great tool for any job seeker. Everyone should have a professional portfolio / folder that includes at least the first 4 items. Consider having an online portfolio too! Below are some suggestions!

Cover Letter: It should answer the question - Why should I hire you? It should grab the employers attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview.

Traditional Resume: A summary of your education, work experience and skills

References List: A list of three to five people (including full names, titles, addresses, and phone/email) who are willing to speak about

your strengths, abilities, and experience. Remember to ask your references before you give them to a potential employer.

Letters of Recommendations: A collection of any kudos you have received -– from customers, clients, colleagues, past employers, professors, etc. Consider including copies of favorable employer evaluations and reviews.

Samples of Your Work: A sampling of your best work, including reports, papers, studies, brochures, projects, presentations, etc.

Extras: A collection of any certificates of awards, honors, community service, military records, transcripts, certifications etc.



9

GET SET

LOOK

EVERYWHERE NOT JUST ONLINE

70% OF JOBS ARE NOT POSTED

Looking for a job is a lot like setting up your retirement portfolio. You need to diversify. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. It isn't enough to just send out online applications and compulsively check your inbox. Get out there and show that you are “hungry” to enter the workforce! Mix it up by networking, attending career fairs, making follow up calls, sending thank you notes, researching the company, applying in person, networking (again), keeping a job search log, making cold calls, revising your documents if needed, asking for advice, etc. Don’t just “click” and send your resume into space! Network. Tell at least 5 new people a day that you are job hunting. You know lots of people – relatives, neighbors, friends, and the people you bump into every day- Alumni, Postman, Barber, Tailor, Cleaners, Coworkers, Doctor, Daycare Provider, Pastor, Teacher, Banker… Talk to them. They might not be hiring, but might know of someone that is!



10

GO!

20+ APPLICATIONS

AND KEEP A

JOB SEARCH LOG

20+ APPLICATIONS The more places you apply, the more chances you have to interview and get the job. [Picture this: If [Person 1] sends out 20 resumes this week and the competition [Person 2] only applies to 5 places who is more likely to succeed? Right! [Person1] is already 4 times farther along in their job search. Schedule time in your day to focus on your job search. Quantity is important, but quality is also important. Do your research, submit quality documents and follow up. If 20 is too many, take baby steps, just realize that applying 2 places a week probably won’t be very effective!

JOB SEARCH LOG When job searching, sometimes it is easy to lose track of all the places to that you applied, who you talked to and the status of your application. Nothing worse than a potential employer calling to schedule an interview and you think “who?” A Job Search Log allows you to easily reference many aspects of your job search, such as the date you submitted your resume, the status of your application, and even notes to yourself about that particular job. Following up with contacts can be key to a successful job search. This information is a quick snapshot of your job search and can help identify roadblocks. For example, are you having a lot of interviews but no offers? Maybe interview practice would help. Analyze and adjust. Action item- get a notebook and label it “JOB SEARCH LOG” Keep it with you. Consider keeping an electronic list so you always have it with you. Check out Evernote.com (it’s free) and helps you remember everything. See page 21.



11

GO!

DEDICATE TIME TO

YOUR JOB SEARCH

8AM-5PM

8AM TO 5PM Have you ever heard that looking for a job is a full time job? Would you get fired from your job as a Job Seeker? Yikes! What fills your day? If it is your favorite tv shows, compulsively checking Facebook, grabbing a snack from the fridge, running errands, applying for a couple of jobs, taking a break, applying for another job then going to the movies. Take action! Set aside a quiet workspace with your job search log, phone, pen and paper and perhaps a computer (if you stay disciplined- no surfing!) Don’t get fired from your job of looking for a job- stay focused! Be creative– don’t just apply online. Mix it up by networking, attending career fairs, making follow up calls, sending thank you notes, researching the company, applying in person, networking (again), keeping a job search log, making cold calls, revising your documents if needed, asking for advice, etc. Use your time wisely. Make a plan! “You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.” – Alvin Toffler Is getting a job your “#1 BIG thing?” Everything you do should help your job search. Ask yourself, am I moving forward in the right direction? If not, stop, refocus and move forward. Don’t know where to start? Ask me for help!



12

GO!

WHAT DO I SAY?

15 SECOND SALES PITCH &

HIRING MANAGER VISITS

15 SECOND SALES PITCH Practice what to say! You are a salesperson. The product you are selling is YOU. You are marketing yourself to get hired! A student or new graduate might say: Hi, my name is ___________. I’ve just started a job search. I’ll be looking for a dental assisting position. Can I ask you a question? I’d love to talk to anyone you know that works in the dental industry. Who would you suggest that I talk to? OR Do you have any advice or know anyone that might be able to point me in the right direction? ASK FOR ADVICE FROM HIRING MANAGERS It can be intimidating to ask for a job, so don’t. Instead consider asking for advice. “How did you get started in this industry?” or “What advice do you have for me to help me get started?” People like to talk about themselves :) Try this approach! Hand Deliver your Resume “I plan to be near your office tomorrow. I’d like to drop off my resume. When I arrive, I’ll ask for you [office manager.] I f you’re available, I will introduce myself and personally give you my resume. If you’re not available, I will just leave it at the front desk. Would that be OK?” This is a non-threatening approach that might get your foot in the door. It can’t hurt to ask, all they can do is say no. You won’t know until you ask!! Go prepared for an interview, just in case!



13

GO!

DESIGN & DISTRIBUTE

NETWORKING

BUSINESS CARDS (MINI RESUMES)

Networking Business Cards (Mini Resumes)

Design your own business card! A networking card has your contact information like a tradition business card, but also includes your job

search objective and “top selling points” from your resume. Networking opportunities are EVERYWHERE, so bring your mini-resumes with

you everywhere too -- job fairs, shopping, parties, weddings, appointments, out to eat… everywhere. Networking cards can easily be kept in

your purse or wallet. Also, keep at least 20 copies of your full resume in a safe, clean spot in your car.

Don’t ever miss an opportunity for a connection!



14

GO!

CELEBRATE SUCCESS

& LEARN FROM

SETBACKS

Develop a job search plan. Start now. Don’t wait to take charge of your future. Build a support system and begin to envision success and start working towards it. According to Bureau of Labor and Statistics (January 2013) the average length of unemployment is 35 weeks. Don’t get discouraged. Move forward and start early!! Celebrate your success and help you learn from any setbacks.



15

GO!

NEED A RESUME

MAKEOVER?

Ready to save your resume from the trash? Visit www.ResumeButterfly.com

You have less than 14 seconds to keep your resume out of the trash! Need a resume makeover? We can start from scratch too.

A job change is a major life event whether you are a student entering the career workforce, a mom getting back into the world of work or a

seasoned professional changing paths.

Ready to save your resume from the trash? Visit www.ResumeButterfly.com



http://resumebutterfly.com/

http://resumebutterfly.com/

16

Resumes normally get less than a 14-second glance at the first screening.

Ensure it gets read -- be sure you can answer yes to the following questions:

First Impression Does the resume look original and not based on a template? Is the resume inviting to read, with clear sections and ample white space? Does the design look professional rather than like a simple typing job? Is a qualifications summary included so the reader immediately knows the applicant's value? Is the length and overall appearance of the resume appropriate given the career level and objective?

Appearance Does the resume provide a visually pleasing, polished presentation? Is the font appropriate for the career level and industry? Are there design elements such as bullets, bolding and lines to guide reader and highlight content? Is there a good balance between text and white space? Are margins even on all sides? Are design elements like spacing and font size used consistently throughout the document? If the resume is longer than a page, does the second page contain a heading?

Resume Sections Are all resume sections clearly labeled? Are sections placed in the best order to highlight the applicant's strongest credentials? Is the work history listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first)?

Career Goal Is the career objective included at the top in a headline, objective or qualifications summary? Is the resume targeted to a specific career goal and not trying to be a one-size-fits-all document?

Accomplishments Does the resume include a solid listing of skills, education and career accomplishments? Are accomplishments quantified by using numbers, %, $ or other concrete measures of success? Do accomplishment statements begin with strong, varied action verbs?

Relevance Is the information relevant to hiring managers' needs? Does the resume's content support the career goal? Is the resume keyword-rich, packed with appropriate buzzwords and industry acronyms? Is applicable additional information, such as awards and affiliations, included, while personal information like

marital status, age, nationality and hobbies unrelated to the job target omitted?

Writing Style Is the resume written in an implied first-person? Avoid using I, me and my. Is the content flow logical and easy to understand? Is the resume as perfect as possible, with no careless typos or spelling, grammar or syntax errors? Adapted by Resume Butterfly from Monster Resume Expert Kim Isaacs

Resume Critique Checklist

http://resume.monster.com/articles/profilesummary/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/length/

http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/resources/archive/jobhunt/visually/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/tip_fonts/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/graphics/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/tip_strongheadlines/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/noobjective/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/customize/

http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/resources/archive/jobhunt/onesize/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/accomplishments/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/results/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/quantifying/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/phrases_verbs/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/keywords/

http://resume.monster.com/articles/findingkeywords

http://resume.monster.com/articles/addinfo/

http://adminsupport.monster.com/articles/grammar/

17


Common Resume Mistakes to Double Check:

Contact Info Email Address- Is it professional? If not, create another address for your job search. Phone Number – What does the voicemail say?

Formatting

TX versus Texas - Pick one and stick with it! Are all of the bullets the same shape and size? Are the bullets a single line? More than 1 line can be confusing.

Delete extra info or split into 2 bullets

Are dates consistent? 03/08 vs March 2008 vs March 08 Check the hyphens - or – pick one or the other! Did you use the same font? Do not bold the city and state. Only bold important details for maximum effect

Job Descriptions

Is the objective clear? Does it have the target job title listed? Do past job descriptions paint a clear picture of transferable skills? Are the job duties written in

words you (the applicant) would use? Is the word “PRESENT” listed on the resume? It is always best to either have a job or be in school!

Spacing Is spacing consistent between headings? Is there a space between each job and each school? Is the spacing at the top and bottom of the resume even? If not, readjust.

Other

Is the resume unique? Use your own font, formatting on the template. Double check and triple check! Have someone else review for errors!

Visit www.ResumeButterfly.com & http://online.onetcenter.org/

Circle the mistakes above. Hint: I purposely made at least one of the common resume mistakes in each section.

Positive Personality Adjectives

A - C adaptable ambitious

calm capable cheerful

client focused comfortable

confident cooperative courageous

creative credible

D - E decisive

detail oriented dependable determined

diligent dynamic

eager efficient

encouraging energetic

enthusiastic excellent

F - P friendly gentle

harmonious helpful

kind knowledgeable

loyal mature

patient focused pleasant

productive punctual

Q - Z receptive

responsible sensitive sincere skilled

successful talented

thoughtful trustworthy

upbeat willing to learn

Resume Tips and Checklist

Need some help describing your selling points? Ask a friend or co-worker to describe you.


http://online.onetcenter.org/

18


Please use this template as a GUIDE- add your own formatting, skills and information. A short and sweet cover letter that highlights your top selling points is often most effective!

A hiring manager does not have time to read a novel!

Your Name 1234 Resume Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109

[email protected] 817-993-9553

(use the same heading as your resume)

Hello, I am interested in joining your office team. I am a Registered Dental Assistant with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The highlights of my qualifications include:

Texas Academy of Dental Assisting graduate Hands-on externship Experience assisting the dentist, charting and scheduling

CPR Certified with updated Hepatitis B Vaccines Customer service and money handling experience

Add or customize according to your experience I look forward to talking to you more about my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, First and Last Name Phone Number

Dental Assistant: Cover Letter Sample

19


Please use this resume template as a GUIDE- add your own formatting, skills and information. Visit www.ResumeButterfly.com for job search tips.

Your Name 1234 Resume Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109

[email protected] 817-993-9553

OBJECTIVE: To secure a full time Dental Assistant position.

SUMMARY: Patient Focused. Hard worker. Dependable. Strong computer skills (type ?? wpm).

Outgoing. Comfortable with front and/or back duties. Multi-tasker. Customer Service

focused. Detail Oriented. Punctual.

DENTAL SKILLS: Oral anatomy, primary and permanent tooth numbering, new patient work up and history, charting of dental restorations and periodontal pocket charting, X-Ray techniques for taking periapical films and bitewings, full mouth series and panoramic films, radiation safety precautions, Intra Oral Camera operation, cos-metic dentistry, tooth whitening, crown and bridge, making temporaries, cement removal, sterilization proce-dures, autoclaving of instruments and disinfection of operatories and treatment areas, oral surgery, endodontics, impressions and model trimming, OSHA requirements, CPR Certified. HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of working in a dental office; customer service oriented

Perform clinical duties such as taking new patient history and explain treatment procedures

Prepare patients, arrange examining area and equipment and provide assistance during dental procedures

Confidentiality used pertaining to clients and patients

WORK EXPERIENCE: Company Name – City, Texas mm/yy – mm/yy

Job Title

Assist dentist with exams, regular office visits and surgeries; provide excellent patient care

Responsibilities include prepping patients, obtaining dental records, processing x-ray film

Work in front office scheduling and confirming appointments and greeting patients

Process invoices and complete final paperwork for patients

Company Name – City, Texas mm/yy – mm/yy Job Title

Start with an action verb and give a brief description

Managed, provided, sold, assisted – examples of action verbs

Need help with the job description? Visit http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/

EDUCATION:

Texas Academy of Dental Assisting – Fort Worth, Texas 04/13 – Present

Dental Assistant Certification

Cumulative GPA of 3.79 (do not include if below 3.0)


http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/

20


Scripts to use… (practice first!) see page 12 for more examples Cold Calling a Potential Employer Explore the hidden job market! Find businesses in your area and call to see if they have any job openings! Take the initiative to seek information. Hello, my name is ... Suzy Smile I got your name from ... {Career Services at Texas Academy of Dental Assisting or where ever you got it!} I'm interested in ... working as a Dental Assistant for your practice. Do you have any current job openings or will you in the future? What is your job posting and application process? Another Option Hello, my name is Suzy Smile. I am a Registered Dental Assistant. I'd like to know how you got where you are today, and what advice you'd have for a student just coming into the job market today. When would be convenient to spend 10 minutes visiting with you? Another Option Hello, what is your fax number? 817-XXX-XXXX Thank you. (at this point you can end the conversation or let them know to look for your resume and cover letter) Externship Option Hello, I am a student at Texas Academy of Dental Assisting. I am looking for an opportunity to job shadow for 16 hours of externship. It is a great opportunity for you to test my hands-on training. It’s free for you, an opportunity for a working interview. When is a convenient time for my instructor to visit with you more about the process? CALL to follow up after you send your resume so it doesn’t get lost in the stack. CALL THE HIRING MANAGER!!!!!!!! If you don’t have the number, you can usually find the main number for the office in the phonebook or online. Just call and ask to speak the office manager or Hiring Manager (HR managers are used to applicants following up- this sets you apart from the crowd!) For example: Good Morning, my name is Suzy Smile, I am a Registered Dental Assistant. I submitted my resume via (Monster.com, by email in response to a Star Telegram ad, etc.) I am very interested in the ______ position. Will you please check on the status of my application? Thank you. Please contact me if you need more information or to schedule an interview at 817-XXX-XXXX.

Thank you. Suzy Smile

Leaving a Message Hello this is Suzy Smile, Registered Dental Assistant applicant, my number is 817-XXX-XXXX. I look forward to speaking with you regarding…. If you need help, just ask! Practice in the mirror and then with someone. It can be scary at first. YOU CAN DO IT! All they can say is no, but not calling won’t get you any closer to the job.

Dental Assistant: Job Search Scripts

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Dental Assistant: Job Search Log

22 Dental Assistant: Sample Application

Instructions: Print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer all questions. DO NOT WRITE “SEE RESUME” Sign and date the form.

Fill this sample application out completely and take it with you to all interviews so you can just transfer the information.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

First Name _____________________________ Middle Name __________________ Last Name ________________________

Street Address _________________________________ City, State, Zip Code _______________________________________

Phone Number (___)___________________________________ Email _____________________________________________

Are you eligible to work in the United States? Yes _______ No_______

Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years?

Yes_______ No_______ If yes, please explain: _________________________________________________________________

POSITION/AVAILABILITY:

Position Applied For ____________________________________

What date are you available to start work? __________________

EDUCATION:

Name of School Address & Phone Of School Program Name Graduation Date




Day of Week Hours Available

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

23


PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Please list beginning from most recent

Exact Dates Employed Company Name Complete Address & Phone Role/Title

Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving:


Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving:


Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving: Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Awards

List volunteer work or additional information you would like to include. CERTIFICATION: I certify that the statements made by me on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and are made in good faith. I understand that if I knowingly make any misstatement of fact, I am subject to disqualification and dismissal and to such other penalties as may be prescribed by law or personnel regulations. All statements made on this application, including employment information, are subject to verification as a condition of employment. SIGNED: _________________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ Please attach a list of 3 professional references and a copy of your resume.

Dental Assistant: Sample Application

24

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Remember to select individuals who can attest to your work ethic, academic performance, skills and abilities. Unless you have worked for them as an employee, do not ask friends or family members to be references for you. Always ask individuals prior to listing on your reference page. Include the following information for each of your references:

Name Title Organization/Company Street Address Phone Number E-mail (optional) Relationship to You Years Known

Name

Organization/Company

Title

Phone Number

Street Address

Email

Relationship to You

Years Known

Name


Title

Phone Number

Street Address

Email

Relationship to You

Years Known

Name


Title

Phone Number

Street Address

Email (optional)

Relationship to You

Years Known

Template: Reference Page

25


Suzy Smile

123 Career Street City, Texas 76248 817-993-9553 [email protected]

REFERENCES

Amy Instructor Texas Academy Dental Assisting

Dental Instructor 855-898-3384

4255 Bryant Irvin Road Suite #111 Fort Worth, Texas 76109

Instructor for 1 year

Joe Manager Current Job Inc.

Supervisor 817-555-1234 1234 Job Blvd

Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Supervisor for 5 years

Sarah Extern Extern Office

Office Manager 817-993-9553

1524 Learning Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76134

Extern Supervisor

Important: Always bring your references to an interview!

Also, many applications ask for this information. BE PREPARED! Remember to ask before you list someone as a reference!

Sample: Reference Page

mailto:[email protected]

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Research the Company Do some research on the practice. Prepare yourself so that you know details for the interview.

What you should know: Name of the person who does the hiring The salary range for the position Does the office have a specialty?

Be Prepared

Review the cover letter and resume that you sent to the office. You want to become very familiar with the strengths that you’ve highlighted.

Rehearse the sample interview questions. You may want to write out your answers and study them. Don’t memorize it, but become familiar with it.

Prepare yourself for tough questions. Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Asking good questions at the end of your

interview shows your interest in working for the office. When would you like to have this position filled? What is the average length your staff has been with the office? How long has the dentist been in practice? What are your expectations for someone in this position? What do you like about working for this practice?

The Physical Bring the following with you to the interview:

Pens, several clean copies of your resume List of references (on a separate page) Letters of Recommendation License & Social Security card

Be on time. Allow for delays. Be at least 15 minutes early to your interview. It helps to drive to the interview site the day before to minimize the chances of getting lost.

Dressing for the Interview Your professional appearance matters! Dress for your success. Be neat, clean, conservative, and put together. No scrubs. During an interview you want to be doing the talking… not your clothes. You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but it is important to dress professionally. Here are some helpful hints for dressing for your interview:

Black pants and a conservative shirt are great options if you don’t have a suit Wear clean and polished dress shoes, heels should be a conservative height Well-groomed hairstyle, cleaned and trimmed fingernails, minimal cologne or perfume Also, don’t smoke right before the interview All clothing should be well pressed; minimal use of make-up; minimal jewelry No visible piercings (beyond conservative ear piercing) No gum or candy


Dental Assistant: Interview Preparation

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Tell me about yourself. Use the sections of your resume as a guide. Skills, Education, Experience, Volunteer, Awards. NOTHING personal!! What motivates you to do a good job? Money is not a good answer. Instead, try this: “Having responsibilities and getting a pat on the back when the job is done right.” Tell me about a time… you worked on a team, had to multi-task, had to meet a deadline. Give brief examples and explain what your role was in the success of the projects. Tell me about your education or training. Describe your computer skills. Explain your education or training. Then, tell how it helped prepare you for the job you want. Have you ever had a disagreement with your boss or a customer? Answer “yes” and you’re a troublemaker, answer “no” and you’re unsure. Find the middle ground: “Sure we disagreed. But we worked well together. For example…” Who did you ask to serve as a reference and why did you choose them? “I chose a good mix – a former boss who can tell you about skills and job performance – a coworker who can tell you about the hard work we put in as a team – and someone I volunteered with” Tell me about your current (or last) job. List your duties and responsibilities. Explain your accomplishments. What are your strengths? Pick a positive trait and example. What do you think are the most important abilities that lead to success on the job? 3 things – a desire to learn the job – to do good work – and to be friendly and cooperative. What is one of your weaknesses? 1. Pick a SMALL skill 2. Tell how you are working on learning it. 3. I can do it if needed! What was your favorite class? Most challenging? Why? The manager wants to know what kind of training you received. Give an example of your hands on dental assistant training. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? It’s not illegal to ask this question. If you have a conviction, admit it. Explain what happened- BRIEFLY. Admit that you made a huge mistake. Tell what you’ve done to make amends. Ask for a chance to prove yourself. Are you at your best when working alone or in a group? “Both. I enjoy working as part of a team and I can work independently to get my share of the work done.” Give an example. Would you rather be in charge or work as part of the team? “Either. I’m not afraid to take responsibility and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and pitch in.” Where do you see yourself in 5 years? They are really asking, how long are you going to be with this office? “I see myself growing with a office and continuing to learn more about the industry.” Program Specific: Describe the importance of HIPAA. Describe what you would do during your first appointment with a patient. Describe [XYZ] Dental Procedure. Elaborate and give specific examples of hands on training and experience. Why should I hire you? Convince me that you’re the best candidate for this job in 1 minute. Begin. Recap your resume sections- Skills. Education. Experience. Volunteer. Awards. This is your commercial to sell yourself. Do you have any questions for me (the interviewer)? Show that you are interested in the position. What is a typical day like? What makes someone successful in this position? Do NOT ask about money, benefits or vacation. Things to Practice:


Interview Questions & Answer Tips

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A follow up letter thanks the interviewer for the opportunity, as well as reminds the interviewer of your interest in the position and thanks them for their valuable time. When do you send a thank you note: The SAME DAY as the interview (even if you think you don’t want the job- they took time out of their day to visit with you) Why: A decision will already be made if you wait longer than 24 hours to send it! How: Email is appropriate if your email address is VERY professional and this is the preferred form of communication of that employer. Your email must be perfect- no slang or poor grammar. Postal mail is also an option, remember to send it immediately so it is delivered quickly. Who do I send it to: Send a thank you note to anyone that took time to interview you- always ask for a business card so you can check the spelling of their name and have the exact address. If you interviewed with a team you can choose to send one note addressed to everyone or individual thank you notes. What do I say: Intro, thank them for their time, briefly mention something interesting from your conversation and how you are qualified, closing. Include your phone number after your name. MUSTS: Always print your name (legibly) and include your phone number so they can call you back! Dear (person who interviewed you), Thank you for taking the time to interview me today for the job title. I know that I am one of many who are interested in working with your organization; I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you. I have been searching for just such a position and am enthusiastic about the possibility of working with you. I am confident that I have the education, experience, and skills to be an immediate asset to your practice. As we discussed, my “hands-on” training at the Texas Academy of Dental Assisting has developed my ability to learn quickly and work productively in a team environment. Thank you again for the interview. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, (Signature) Your Name PHONE NUMBER Remember to let us know when you have interviews and get hired! We want to celebrate your success!

Interview: Thank You Letter

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Job Search Notes:

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Job Search Notes:

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