HOW TO GET A

JOB
BY: TAMMY TRAN
PERIOD: 0
Cover Letters
o Why you need to submit a cover letter
its your first opportunity to introduce yourself, your qualifications
shows that your are serious about the job
o 5 tips for writing a cover letter
Be clear and to the point
Clearly show what youre capable of
dont apologize for the skills you dont have
Be real
No negative information (No previous conflicts w/ employers)
Cover Letters
Cover letters should include:
Include specific job title
2-3 reasons why your experiences make you a
good fit
a brief outline of career highlights
State your qualifications and intentions
Highlight your strengths
Resumes 5 Tips for writing a resume:


Format resume wisely
Identify accomplishments not
just job descriptions
Quantify your accomplishments
Common categories that should be included on a rsum:
career summary
o Contact Info
Network
Full name, Address, phone #,Email address
o Objective
focus on the position youre applying for
o Education/Training
Include university/college/school name and location, degree, date of graduation (or expected graduation), major,
related coursework and possibly G.P.A., honors, awards, scholarships,
List licenses earned or training received, state highest degree
o Experience
Most recent employment, names and location of employers
include full-time, part-time, seasonal, internship, co-op, volunteer work
Describe your duties, responsibilities, accomplishments using short phrases beginning w/ action verbs
o References
portfolios or transcript, # of 3-5 academic or business references
o Additional Areas (Activities/Honors/Special skills)
Extracurricular act. that demonstrates skills, accomplishments and leadership, teamwork, self management,
organization
include computer skills and/or foreign languages
unique experiences (travel to a foreign country, study abroad)
Examples of Resumes
Job Applications
5 Tips for filling out a Job application:

o Arrive prepared with the info needed

o Read and follow directions correctly
o Don't leave blanks
o Always answer questions truthfully
o Provide references
Example of a Job Application
Preparing for an Interview
5 Tips that would help applicant prepare for an interview:

o Research about the job

o Plan to dress professionally
o Don't be late to the interview
o Take relevant materials
o Stay Calm
o Review most commonly asked questions
o Access your strengths and weaknesses
Interview Questions
10 Most Frequently Asked Questions During an Interview:
o What are your weaknesses?
o Why should we hire you?
o Why do you want to work here?
o What are your goals?
o Why did you leave (or why are you leaving your previous job)?
o Can you tell me about yourself?
o How did you hear about this position?
o What are your greatest professional strengths?
o What type of work environment do you prefer?
o If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Interview Answers
Employer: What are your weaknesses?

How you should answer this question:

o Minimize your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths

o Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional
traits
o Show how youve have taken steps to overcome it
o EX: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be
a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I
find very helpful."
Interview Answers
Employer: Why should we hire you?

How you should answer this questions:

o List the benefits for the employer if they were to hire you
o Common mistake if talking about yourself and your benefits (salary)
o Summarize your skills and experiences
o Get straight to the point
The Interview
10 Tips for an Effective Interview

o Conduct research on Employer, Hiring Manager

o Be prepared to answer questions
o Dress professionally
o Arrive on time and relax before entering
o Make good first impressions
o Have a nice firm handshake
o Make eye contact, but dont stare at them weirdly
o Be enthusiastic
o Remember the importance of Body Language
o Ask insightful Questions
 The Interview
Make Eye Contact

Arrive on time

Be Enthusiastic

Dress for Success

After the Interview
o Send a thank you note
send a brief, but detailed thank-you email within 24 hrs
Refer to the topics discussed in the interview and include the
email address of every interviewer, regardless of title or job level.
o Alert your references
Your references will likely be contacted, so give them a heads-up.
Let them know a bit about the role and skill set required.
advance notice will give them time to craft their best pitch for you
and stress the experience and qualities that matter most.
After the Interview

Example of a Thank you

Email after the interview Alert your references ahead of
time!
Why You Might Not Get the Job
Top 10 Reasons why you didnt get the job:

o Failure to sell yourself

o Unprepared for the interview
o Youre not qualified
o You lack enthusiasm and passion for job
o You havent researched the job or company
o Your resume does not showcase your value to the company
o Did not make a good first impression/ did not establish positive
connection
o Youre not connected in your industry
o Did not display confidence
o Youre just not that likeable
Reflection
One thing that stands out regarding getting a job that I will remember when I
apply for a job is the importance of networking. It is not about what you know,
but WHO you know. By knowing a lot of people and being able to connect with
them, you are able to reference them. Their statement about you can
ultimately push you over the edge and land you the job.