Presentation Transcript

1. Allan Rodgers, MBA, MEd Associate Professor, Business Vermont Technical College arodgers@vtc.edu

   Cover Letter & Resume Workshop

   January 11, 2011
2. Topics What do employers want? How to create a resume How to write a cover letter Hints and tips
3. What Do Employers Want? In a survey of 125 Vermont leaders, essential missing skills among employees include Communication Teamwork/Team building Work Ethic Basic Computer Multi-tasking Basic reading, math, writing Conflict Management Project Management Candidates should highlight these skills wherever possible.
4. How to create a resume A resume… Should help get an interview Serves as a personal advertisement Is an introduction Can save you and an employer time Helps you and an employer plan an interview Can give you a competitive advantage if done well Should be customized to the job
5. How to create a resume Step One: Inventory your assets Don’t try to compose perfectly “on the computer” Plan to list more assets than you may need for any one specific job For each applicable job, list your Responsibilities, Skills, Accomplishments, and Knowledge.
6. How to create a resume 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4.
7. Assets Inventory For accomplishments, use action verbs… reorganized, reduced, expanded, supervised, planned, coordinated For skills, avoid generalizations…be specific…avoid pronouns – I, we, etc. In all cases, be specific, e.g., “Planned and implemented new inventory control system, saving $10,000 per year.”
8. Asset Inventory Education State each degree earned Record dates in worksheet List majors, minors, dissertations if applicable If attended, but no degree, list name of college If currently enrolled, list with expected completion date List any job-related training List any special skills No need to list high school if attended college
9. Asset Inventory Home duties –list any responsibilities, skills, accomplishments, knowledge…e.g., designed and built home addition Hobbies - list any responsibilities, skills, accomplishments, knowledge…e.g., won state bowling championship Associations/Professional affiliations Publications
10. Writing your resume: Match your assets with the job Resume Content
11. Writing your resume: Match your assets with the job Go to the job description and highlight every descriptive word: “Wanted: Energetic, people-orientedsales person for smallretail operation …” Now, go to your inventory assets and highlight matching or similar words Expect to write several drafts of your resume! Expect to write adapt or re-write your resume for every job or opportunity.
12. Resume Formats
13. 10 seconds… the time recruiters spend screening your resume for the first time.
14. What’s in a resume? Contact information Career Objective Summary of Qualifications Work Experience Education, training, professional development Licenses & certifications Associations & professional affiliations Publications Other skills
15. 1. Contact Information John Smith 99 Greenfield Drive Stowe, VT 05672 (802) 777-5555 John.smith@gmail.com Do you have a professional email address?
16. 2. Career Objective Career Objective: Management position in retail sales Be concise! It’s okay to have short and long term objectives. Avoid a career objective that simply copies the job opening
17. 3. Summary of Qualifications Energetic, motivated, quick learner who enjoys working with the public. Adept at computer and telephone sales. This can and should change for each job.
18. 4. Experience A. Chronological B. Functional Retails Skills Managed 4 employees Computer Skills Updated pricing system Inventory Skills Reduced excess inventory by 20% Job (newest date) Accomplishment Accomplishment Accomplishment Assistant Sales Manager (dates) Managed 4 employees Updated pricing system Reduced excess inventory by 20%
19. 5. Education Most recent degree Certifications
20. Other Resume Areas Licenses & certifications Microsoft Certified Associations & professional affiliations Member: Greater Boston Retail Association Publications “Selling to Minorities,” Journal of Marketing, June 2009 Other skills Developed personal website
21. Resume Do’s & Do Not’s Do Do Not Use abbreviations or acronyms Include references Mention salary expectations or wage history Use “I” Include a photograph for most resumes Use a cursive or fancy style font Check spelling, grammar, typos Use 8 ½ x 11 white paper Use generous margins Use one font – easy to read (Times or Arial, e.g.) Use 12 size font Stick to one page if possible
22. How to write a cover letter
23. Types of cover letters
24. What’s in the cover letter? Paragraph 1: Why are you writing & how you heard of the opening or company (or person referring you) Paragraphs 2 (&3): What you have to offer…demonstrate you understand the needs of the company…state how you meet those needs Paragraph 4: Say something positive about the company Paragraph 5: Thanks… how will you follow up
25. Cover letter tips Use a person’s name (may require calling) Highlight most relevant background Use key words for scannable letters & resumes Use same paper, font, format as resume Keep it to one page No typos, errors, etc. Keep a copy
26. Questions? Thank you and good luck! For additional help, contact your local Vermont Department of Labor office.