The Job Search, Part 3: Preparing describes the steps needed to prepare a resume and cover letter. Also included are preparing for an interview, types of interviews, behavioral interviewing, interview flow and follow up activities.

1. The Job Search, Part 3Preparing Nancy Range Anderson Blackbird Learning Associates, LLC Blackbirdlearningassociates.com Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

2. Part 1: Plan Part 2: Network Part 3: Prepare Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates There are Three Major Steps in the Job Search Process

3. The Resume Preparing to Write the Resume Types of Resumes Cover Letters Interviewing Types Questions Flow Resources and Samples Topics Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

4. Include Job Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities) Include Accomplishments Use Selective Information Use Action Verbs Use a Recognized Resume Template Include a Summery/Branding Statement All Resumes… Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

5. Focus on You Focus on the Job Where Do You Start?(From Job Search, Planning: Part 1) Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

6. Identify your Strengths and Development Needs, Values, Interests List your Skill Sets and Transferable Job Skills Gather your Job Accomplishments. What impact did these have on your former job? Gather your transferable job skills**. List your recent certifications, trainings, awards, professional associations. **The life and work skills that can transfer to another job. Prepare – Focus on You Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

7. Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates Focus on You – ChartingFrom Job Search, Part 1: Planning

8. Capture It!– Specific Job Skills Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

9. What are the three top words to describe this job? What industry phrases are in job description? What job competencies are generally in this position? (examples can include negotiation, teamwork, project management, customer service…) Prepare – Focus on the Job Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

11. Functional

13. Focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological work history Used by those changing careers Used by those who are returning to workplace after absence Used by those with little work experience Functional Resume Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

14. Customized to fit the job in which you are applying Highlights the experience and skills relevant to a particular job Time consuming All resumes should be Targeted Targeted Resume Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

15. Types Respond to advertisement/job board Develop for networking contacts Transmit to agencies or search firms Inform targeted managers of your availability Cover Letter Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

16. Well-written Free of typos Specific and personalized to the job/situation Brief Purpose for writing Match your skills/experience with employer needs Next steps or actions you expect (use bullets) or the “T” format General Guidelines for Effective Cover Letters Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

17. Sample Cover Letter: T-Form Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

18. Networking Screening Decision-Making Types of Interviews Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

19. Obtaining Advice, Information and referrals from personal contacts you know or have developed. Approximately 75 – 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Networking Interview – A Critical Job Search Skill Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

21. What is a normal day on the job like?

22. My background is _____. Is there a way that I can use my former skills in this new position?

23. What is the job market like for this position?

24. Are there any particular classes that you suggest I take?

25. Are there any particular industry-related journals, magazines or web sites that you suggest I read?

26. Are there any professional organizations that I should join?

27. Do you have any contacts that you suggest I contact to gather additional information?** From Job Search for Moms, Nancy Range Anderson Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates Sample Networking Interviewing Questions**

28. Screening Interview A pre-qualifying interview, typically conducted over the telephone by a human resources representative. Determines an invitation for an on-site interview. Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

30. Have a short list of your accomplishments strengths and weaknesses available to review.

31. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.

32. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.

33. If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

34. Go to a quiet room

35. If possible, use your landline phonePreparing for the Screening Interview Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

36. Decision-Making Interview An interview to access your qualifications for a specific position that is or will be available. This can be via telephone of face-to-face. Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

37. Research the company Research the position Identify the competencies needed for this job (Skills, Knowledge, Behaviors) Identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, background Come up with STAR Stories about yourself Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Prepare list of personal and professional references Preparing for the Interview Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

38. Review skills listed in job requisition. Do your skills match? What competencies or soft skills are needed in this position? (teamwork, supervision, customer service, etc.) Write it Out! Provide measurable examples Include money saved, service levels increased, # of staff supervised Prepare: Skills and Job Competencies Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

39. Through an interview, a company will find out three critical factors about you: 1. Can you do the job? 2. Do you fit into the company culture? 3. Do you want this job? Your responses to questions, your questions, your attire, your communication are critical! Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates Three Very Important Factors

40. Behavioral Examples: Past behavior is an indicator of future performance. Questioning techniques that are focused on the specific tasks and requirements described in the open position. Specific Task Actions Taken Results STAR Stories: Behavioral Interviewing STAR Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

42. R- Result: Describe the end result of the actions you took. Explain what was accomplished.Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates STAR Stories

44. REMEMBER: Review the job, what types of STAR questions would the interviewer ask based upon the job?STAR Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

46. Tell me about a situation when you had to “stand up” for a decision you made even though it made you unpopular. What were the results? What was the impact?

47. Describe a time when you had to persuade a boss, superior or other authority figure. Take me through the steps you followed.

48. Describe an unpopular decision you had to make. Why was it unpopular? What did you base your decisions on? What was the resultCopyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates Sample STAR Questions

49. Tell Me About Yourself. What Are Your Strengths? What Are Your Weaknesses? What Are Your Long-Term Goals? Why are You Leaving Your Present Position? Typical Interview Questions Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

50. Questions/Suggested Responses Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

51. Questions/Suggested Answers Continued… Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

52. What can you ask the interviewer? a. What are the short and long term goals of the company?b. What is the vision of the department?c. What is the company environment like?d. What concerns need to be addressed immediately? e. What do you see happening with this position for the next 3 to 6 months?f. What are the particular attributes needed to succeed in this job?g. What are the challenges a person coming to this job will face? Questions for the Interviewer Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

53. Introduction/build rapport Early career/education Professional life (companies, positions, career patterns) Probing for skills, experiences, accomplishments Information about position, company, answer your questions Next steps Interview Flow Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

54. Send a thank you note (electronic, hand-written or typed) Assess Yourself What went right? What did I learn from the experience? How were my questions? How was my knowledge of the company/position? How were my STAR answers? Follow-Up Activities Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

55. References Job Search for Moms, Nancy Range Anderson, 2010. Susan Britton Whitcomb, Interview Magic. JIST Works, Indianapolis, IN. 2005 Max Messmer, Job Hunting For Dummies. IDG Books, Foster City, CA. 1995 About.Com Monster.com Job Hunting for Dummies. Max Messemer IDG Books Worldwide 1995. Workforce NJ www.wnjpin.net NJ Department of labor: www.state.nj.us/labor www.indeed.com www.quintcareeers.com Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates

56. Copyright 2011 Blackbird Learning Associates Who is Nancy Anderson? Nancy Range Anderson is the President of Blackbird Learning Associates, LLC a company that specializes in job search training. Nancy is a training & development leader with over 25 years experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development in the pharmaceutical, finance and insurance industries. Known for her excellent facilitation skills, Nancy teaches resume preparation, interviewing, networking, and career change tactics to individuals and groups. In 2010, Nancy released the book, Job Search for Moms. http://blackbirdlearningassociates.com/ http://blackbirdlearningassociates.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/Blackbirdlearningassociates Twitter: @Nancy_1