Resume Assistance

1. Ask yourself before contacting an employer…Do I have interest in the organization – its products, services, and goals, etc.?
2. Is the work in line with my interests, education, and experience?
3. Is the place of employment within the boundaries of where I want to live?
4. Am I willing to invest the time necessary to do a successful and thorough job search with this organization?

Suggestions: Things you should keep in mind while writing to a prospective employer.

1. Present your reason for writing.
2. Create a desire for your services and skills.

DO:

1. Follow rules of layout and format of a standard business letter – block format.
2. When submitting documents electronically – be sure to submit as a .PDF.
3. Address, whenever possible, to an individual along with their correct job title. Avoid using “To whom it may concern” if possible. A web search or telephone call to the organization may help you obtain the correct information.
4. Spell, punctuate, and paragraph correctly. It should be perfect!
5. Tailor your letter to the employer/position as much as possible regarding geographic location, your personal accomplishments, or colleagues you have in common.
6. Be sure to address all required qualifications from the job ad in your letter! Use exact language and key words from the position description.
7. Take advantage of any link to the employer that can put your foot in the door or give you an edge over the competition (i.e. mention names).
8. Slant letter toward what you can offer the employer, not what you think the employer should be offering you.
9. Refer to your résumé but do not rehash. You should be giving more information as it relates to the position.
10. Be brief, concise, and to the point.
11. Follow-up after 1-2 weeks to inquire on the status of your application.

DON’T:

1. Develop one letter to send to all employers. One size does not fit all.
2. Use stiff language or phrasing – avoid vagueness.
3. Be gimmicky in an attempt to be original or clever.
4. Overload with constant use of the word “I”.
5. Avoid using contractions.

Your Street Address
City, State Zip code
Today’s Date (spell out)

(Four spaces)

Name Addressee
Job Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip code

(Two spaces)

Dear (Mr. Ms. Mrs. Dr.) Addressee:

(One space)

Your opening paragraph should state the reason for the letter, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying and how you learned of the job opportunity. You may want to state briefly why you are interested in the position.

(One space)

Your middle paragraph(s) should sell your skills and explain how your academic and/or experiential background qualifies you for the position. Point out specific achievements or unique qualifications. Include any special skills that may be useful in the position, i.e., abilities with computers, administration. Don't just repeat information in your résumé, single out a few especially salient factors: expand on an item or two of special relevance. Be concise and to the point. Address all required qualifications from the job ad!

(One space)

In your closing paragraph, refer the reader to your enclosed résumé and focus on the action to follow. Indicate your desire for a personal interview – but don’t be pushy. State that your references can be sent at their request. Also include your phone number where the employer can contact you with any questions.

(Two spaces)

Sincerely,

(Four spaces)

Your Signature (Scan and insert when sending electronically)

Typed Name

(Two spaces)

Enclosure: (This is a formal way to indicate there are attachments to this letter)

1. Your interview begins before you say “hello” - an interviewer begins to evaluate you the minute you are identified. Make eye contact. Shake the interviewer’s hand. Do not be scared to extend your hand first; be CONFIDENT. Now that it’s time to speak, be sure to use appropriate language and grammar.
2. ANTICIPATE QUESTIONS that an employer is likely to ask during the interview. i.e.: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Why are you interested in working for this organization? What is your major strength/weakness?
   Practice these kinds of questions so that during your interview, you can respond naturally to them. Study the job ad; many interview questions are based off this.
3. RESEARCH the organization you would like to work for. Be sure to look at the organization’s website. What is their mission? Where have they been in the news? You must demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the organization!
4. After you have been interviewed, it’s your turn to ASK QUESTIONS. It is important to have a few ready. Questions should show the employer you are serious about the organization and the position you are applying for.
   How would you describe an average day on the job? How would you describe the ideal candidate? Is there room for personal growth and upward mobility?
5. The interview is not over until you walk out of the door. The last five minutes are very important. REMAIN ENTHUSIASTIC and courteous. Shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for considering you for the position.
6. FOLLOW UP - Always send a thank you letter to your interviewer(s) conveying your interest in the position. Good option: send a handwritten thank you. Better option: send a professional thank you via email. Best option: Mail a professional thank you letter on Résumé paper. (see page 10)

Remember: Interviewing is a two-way street! You are interviewing the organization as much as they are interviewing you!

During an interview there are several questions asked by an employer to get an understanding of who you are. These questions fall under several categories and are referred to as behavioral interview questions. These Categories include Personal, Education, Experience, and Career Goals.

Personal

• Tell me about yourself
• What are your hobbies?
• What can you offer us?
• Define success. Define failure.
• What motivates you most in a job?
• Where do you want to be in five to ten years?
• Why should we hire you instead of another candidate?
• What do you know about our organization (products or services)?
• If you could choose to be an animal, what animal would you be and why?

Experience

• What job-related skills have you developed?
• What have you learned from your work experiences?
• What did you enjoy most about your most recent employment? Least?
• Have you ever quit a job? Why?
• Give an example of a time when you worked under dead-line pressure?

Education

• Why did you choose your major?
• In which campus activities did you participate?
• Which classes in your major did you like the least? Best? Why?
• Do your grades accurately reflect your abilities? Why or Why not?
• Why did you choose to attend your college or university?

Career Goals

• Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
• Would you be successful working with a team? Why or why not?
• What other types of positions are you considering?
• Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
• How do you feel about travel?
• How do you feel about working overtime?
• How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
• Please describe a time when you worked with a difficult co-worker.
• Describe a professional failure and how you handled it.

Before interviewing think about these questions and possible responses. The key is to be prepared; having the ability to communicate your answers clearly in an interview may give you an advantage over other candidates applying for the position.

Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code 
Today's Date (spell out)

Name
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Full Name:

Thank you for interviewing me yesterday, January 6, 2019. It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the                  position at              (Agency/Company/Organization). The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match with my skills and interests. The creative approach to account management 1hat you described confirmed my desire to work with you.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to 1he position strong writing skills, assertiveness and1he ability to encourage o1hers to work cooperatively wi1h 1he department. My artistic background will help me to work wi1h artists on staff and provide me wi1h an understanding of 1he visual aspects of our work.

I understand your need for administrative support. My attention to detail and organizational skills will help free you to focus on larger issues. I neglected to mention during my interview 1hat I had worked for two summers as a temporary office worker. This experience helped me to develop my secretarial and clerical skills.

I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you about 1his position. Should you have further questions, I may be reached at (607) 111-4321.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (Scan and insert when sending electronically)

Your Typed Name