Technical Communication for the JobApplicant

By: Steven JohnsonAlex PhamSam Redman

Contents

Introduction Resume Building/Submitting Networking Interviewing Bibliography

Introduction

After much brainstorming, our group decided that the most valuable thing technical communications students should know is how to search for and apply for a job.

Introduction

According to a study done by Chegg, one of the biggest online college

textbook stores, students who just have graduate degrees with no work

experience don’t have the basic skills necessary to join the work

force.

Background

Employers complain that our generation of students lack soft skills. Soft skills are things like communication, teamwork, professionalism and critical thinking when it comes to the workplace.

Introduction

Fundamentals For Every Resume

Be the 3 C’s Consistent

Same font used through-out Show good punctuation

Concise Only have relevant information All information in an efficient manner

Clear Easy to read Understandable and logical

Resumes

What can be on a Resume Contact information Objective statement Summary of

qualifications Work history Education Special skills Goals References

Resumes

Objective Statements Shows employer that you are familiar with

the field Shows that you have direction and purpose Example:

“Obtain a position at XYZ Company where I can maximize my management skills, quality assurance, program development, and training experience”

Resumes

http://ucs.yalecollege.yale.edu/sites/default/files/Resume_Action_Verbs.pdf

Action Verbs Make sentences more Consistent, Concise,

and Clear Are much more persuasive and powerful An example with a non-action verb

Was the boss of a team of six service employees

An example with an action verb Supervised a team of six service employeesBelow is a website with a list of Action verbs

Resumes

Types of Resume Outlines Chronological

List of work history reverse chronological order

Education, skills, and other information listed after

Good if you have plenty of work history and easy for employers

Functional Focuses on skills on

experiences Good for youth or people

will either a short or sporadic work history

Combination First list Skills and

Experiences Second show work

history Targeted

Specifically gear your resume to one job

Show skills, experiences that match job

You can have targeted functional or Combination resumes

Resumes

Networking in a Nutshell In a literal sense:

-to connect and operate in a network

Regarding career building: -broadening the possibility of an

occupation by means of social communication

Networking

Use personal relationships for references Contact references to affirm that they agree

to be your reference Describe your goals and why you seek their

assistance Keep them informed on your job search

progress Prepare them for calls with potential

employers Be sure to thank them for whatever outcome

Networking

Evaluate your network Are the people within your network

helpful and trustworthy? Could they come to you with their own

occupational requests? Are you constantly expanding your

personal network?

Networking

Applying it to Yourself Anyone who has day to day social

interactions is susceptible to networking. Friends Family Past/Present coworkers Elders Social media

Networking

Communication is Key Be conscious of connections

Could be anyone who will give you the necessary connection to acquire the career you want.

Networking

Interviewing

After an employer reads your resume, they will contact you for an interview. This is an important step in the process of becoming employed because this is when you will make the first impression to your potential employer. Employers will read many resumes that are very similar. They interview people to see how they really are.

Preparation

Review Common Interview Questions Mock Interviews Professional Dress Company Research

Interviewing

During the Interview Arrive Early Shake Employers Hand Greet and Introduce Stay Calm

Interviewing

Technical Communication Advancements Phone Interviews: Many companies are implementing

this type of interview to see if you do well with talking to people on the phone, they are not looking to see if you can dress nice. If you pass this interview, a follow up interview will be in order.

Webcam Interviews: Many companies that are long distances will do their interviews like this. You will have to dress nice and be able to use basic technology.

Behavioral Interview Questions: These are becoming more common in interviews. These are questions where they give you a customer service situation and ask what you would do.

Interviewing

THE END

This is the end our presentation. Now that you have been enlightened with our greatness, you can get a job and experience Nirvana in the work field.

Bibliography http://www.helpguide.org/life/job_networking_how_to_find_job.htm

Networking

http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/networking/ More Networking

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/03/22/the-six-best-ways-to-find-your-next-job/Job searching

http://www.education.com/reference/article/sample-resume-27/ Sample Resume

http://jobsearch.about.com Resume Writing

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/543/01/ More Resume

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/31/more-than-a-college-degree/3324303/ students not prepared for workforce.

http://wymancenter.org/soft-skills-are-critical-for-professionals/ soft skills

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/aceinterview.htm Interviewing