Job Search Skills Instructor Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ..............................................................................................................................................5 What is Courseware? ................................................................................................................................ 5 How Do I Customize My Course? .............................................................................................................. 5 Materials Required ................................................................................................................................... 7 Maximizing Your Training Power .............................................................................................................. 7 Module One: Getting Started .............................................................................................................9 Housekeeping Items.................................................................................................................................. 9 The Parking Lot ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Workshop Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 10 Pre-Assignment Review .......................................................................................................................... 11 Action Plans and Evaluations.................................................................................................................. 11 Module Two: Ready, Set, Go! ........................................................................................................... 12 Identifying Your Values and Purpose ...................................................................................................... 12 Assessing Your Skills................................................................................................................................ 14 Setting SMART Goals .............................................................................................................................. 16 Building a Resource System .................................................................................................................... 17 A 30-Day Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 19 Module Two Review Questions............................................................................................................... 20 Module Three: Building Your Resume ............................................................................................... 22 Basic Resume Formats ............................................................................................................................ 22 Dealing with Awkward Points ................................................................................................................. 24 Checklist for Success ............................................................................................................................... 26 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 26
Module Three Review Questions ............................................................................................................ 27 Module Four: Polishing Your Resume ................................................................................................ 30 Creating an Attractive Package .............................................................................................................. 30 About Branding ....................................................................................................................................... 31 Some Extra Touches ................................................................................................................................ 32 Checklist for Success ............................................................................................................................... 33 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 34 Module Four Review Questions .............................................................................................................. 35 Module Five: Writing a Cover Letter ................................................................................................. 37 Types of Cover Letters ............................................................................................................................. 37 Creating a Template ............................................................................................................................... 38 Customizing the Template ...................................................................................................................... 38 Checklist for Success ............................................................................................................................... 40 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 40 Module Five Review Questions ............................................................................................................... 41 Module Six: Creating a Portfolio ....................................................................................................... 43 When Do I Need a Portfolio? .................................................................................................................. 43 Types of Portfolios .................................................................................................................................. 43 Essential Elements .................................................................................................................................. 44 Checklist for Success ............................................................................................................................... 44 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 45 Module Six Review Questions ................................................................................................................. 46 Module Seven: Networking Skills ...................................................................................................... 48 What is Networking? .............................................................................................................................. 48 Getting a Conversation Started .............................................................................................................. 49 But I’m So Nervous! ................................................................................................................................ 51
Wrapping Up and Moving On ................................................................................................................. 52 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 52 Module Seven Review Questions ............................................................................................................ 53 Module Eight: Skills for Success ........................................................................................................ 55 Being Organized...................................................................................................................................... 55 Becoming a Punctual Person .................................................................................................................. 56 I Can Do This! .......................................................................................................................................... 57 Important Etiquette Points ..................................................................................................................... 58 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 58 Module Eight Review Questions ............................................................................................................. 59 Module Nine: Where to Look? .......................................................................................................... 61 The Obvious Places ................................................................................................................................. 61 The Hidden Job Market ........................................................................................................................... 63 About Cold Calling .................................................................................................................................. 64 The Power of Networking ....................................................................................................................... 64 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 65 Module Nine Review Questions .............................................................................................................. 66 Module Ten: Understanding the Interview ........................................................................................ 68 Types of Interviews ................................................................................................................................. 68 What to Expect ....................................................................................................................................... 69 About Behavioral Questions ................................................................................................................... 69 About Knowledge Questions................................................................................................................... 70 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 70 Module Ten Review Questions................................................................................................................ 71 Module Eleven: Interview Skills ........................................................................................................ 73 Dressing for Success ................................................................................................................................ 73
Answering Questions .............................................................................................................................. 74 Asking Questions .................................................................................................................................... 74 Following Up ........................................................................................................................................... 75 Case Study............................................................................................................................................... 75 Module Eleven Review Questions ........................................................................................................... 76 Module Twelve: Wrapping Up .......................................................................................................... 78 Words from the Wise .............................................................................................................................. 78 Parking Lot .............................................................................................................................................. 78 Action Plans and Evaluations.................................................................................................................. 78
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Chinese Proverb Preface What is Courseware? Welcome to Courseware.com, a completely new training experience! Our courseware packages offer you top-quality training materials that are customizable, user-friendly, educational, and fun. We provide your materials, materials for the student, PowerPoint slides, and a take-home reference sheet for the student. You simply need to prepare and train! Best of all, our courseware packages are created in Microsoft Office and can be opened using any version of Word and PowerPoint. (Most other word processing and presentation programs support these formats, too.) This means that you can customize the content, add your logo, change the color scheme, and easily print and e-mail training materials.
How Do I Customize My Course? Customizing your course is easy. To edit text, just click and type as you would with any document. This is particularly convenient if you want to add customized statistics for your region, special examples for your participants’ industry, or additional information. You can, of course, also use all of your word processor’s other features, including text formatting and editing tools (such as cutting and pasting). To remove modules, simply select the text and press Delete on your keyboard. Then, navigate to the Table of Contents, right-click, and click Update Field. You may see a dialog box; if so, click “Update entire table” and press OK.
(You will also want to perform this step if you add modules or move them around.)
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If you want to change the way text looks, you can format any piece of text any way you want. However, to make it easy, we have used styles so that you can update all the text at once. If you are using Word 97 to 2003, start by clicking the Format menu followed by Styles and Formatting. In Word 2007 and 2010 under the Home tab, right-click on your chosen style and click Modify. That will then produce the Modify Style options window where you can set your preferred style options. For example, if we wanted to change our Heading 1 style, used for Module Titles, this is what we would do:
Now, we can change our formatting and it will apply to all the headings in the document. For more information on making Word work for you, please refer to Word 2007 or 2010 Essentials by Courseware.com.
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Materials Required All of our courses use flip chart paper and markers extensively. (If you prefer, you can use a whiteboard or chalkboard instead.) We recommend that each participant have a copy of the Training Manual, and that you review each module before training to ensure you have any special materials required. Worksheets and handouts are included within a separate activities folder and can be reproduced and used where indicated. If you would like to save paper, these worksheets are easily transferrable to a flip chart paper format, instead of having individual worksheets. We recommend these additional materials for all workshops:
Laptop with projector, for PowerPoint slides
Quick Reference Sheets for students to take home
Timer or watch (separate from your laptop)
Masking tape
Blank paper
Maximizing Your Training Power We have just one more thing for you before you get started. Our company is built for trainers, by trainers, so we thought we would share some of our tips with you, to help you create an engaging, unforgettable experience for your participants.
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Make it customized. By tailoring each course to your participants, you will find that your results will increase a thousand-fold. o
Use examples, case studies, and stories that are relevant to the group.
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Identify whether your participants are strangers or whether they work together. Tailor your approach appropriately.
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Different people learn in different ways, so use different types of activities to balance it all out. (For example, some people learn by reading, while others learn by talking about it, while still others need a hands-on approach. For more information, we suggest Experiential Learning by David Kolb.)
Make it fun and interactive. Most people do not enjoy sitting and listening to someone else talk for hours at a time. Make use of the tips in this book and your own experience to keep your
participants engaged. Mix up the activities to include individual work, small group work, large group discussions, and mini-lectures. 
Make it relevant. Participants are much more receptive to learning if they understand why they are learning it and how they can apply it in their daily lives. Most importantly, they want to know how it will benefit them and make their lives easier. Take every opportunity to tie what you are teaching back to real life.
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Keep an open mind. Many trainers find that they learn something each time they teach a workshop. If you go into a training session with that attitude, you will find that there can be an amazing two-way flow of information between the trainer and trainees. Enjoy it, learn from it, and make the most of it in your workshops.
And now, time for the training!
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The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from the shore. Dale Carnegie Module One: Getting Started Welcome to the Job Search Skills workshop. Searching for a job can be intimidating. How do you know what job you’re best suited for? How do you build a winning résumé and cover letter? Where can you find job leads? How do you network without feeling nervous? What happens when you land an interview? And most importantly, where do you find help when you need it? This course will give you the answers to all these questions, plus a plan to get you to a new job within a month. After completing this program, you’ll be more than ready to start your search for your perfect job.
Housekeeping Items Take a few moments to cover basic housekeeping items.
If you need an opening or a way to introduce the participants to each other, utilize the Icebreakers folder to begin or between breaks during the day.
Let participants know where they can find washrooms, break facilities, and fire exits.
Ask participants to turn off their cell phones or at least turn them to vibrate. If they must take a call, request that they do it outside.
Take this time to encourage the group to ask questions and make this an interactive workshop.
Write the words Respect, Confidentiality, and Practice on a piece of flip chart paper and tape it to the wall. Explain to participants that in order to get the most out of this workshop, we must all work together, listen to each other, explore new ideas, and make mistakes. After all, that’s how we learn!
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The Parking Lot Explain the concept of The Parking Lot to participants.
The Parking Lot is a visible place where you will “park” ideas that arise which are not on the agenda, may be off topic, or are better addressed outside of the program.
At the end of the session, we will review parked ideas and follow up, or make suggestions for your own investigation when you are back at work.
Suggestions for the trainer: 1. If you are working with a large group of participants, you may wish to nominate a recorder to park items as you are facilitating. 2. It’s a good idea to note the name of the contributor along with the parked item. 3. Items noted on the parking lot can be useful to you later as you plan future training sessions.
Workshop Objectives Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning, it occurs more easily and rapidly. This workshop is designed to help you in the following ways:
Define your objectives and purpose in your search for employment.
Help you establish SMART goals in the job-hunting process.
Assist you in developing a first month plan of action for your job search.
Craft an effective resume.
Form an attractive cover letter.
Develop and present a portfolio of your prior work.
Learn networking skills in finding leads for jobs.
Efficiently get interviews and thrive in the interview process.
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Pre-Assignment Review The purpose of the Pre-Assignment is to get you thinking about the Job Search Skills strategies you are already using and where you need to improve. Getting a job, any job involves sales. Your commodity or product is your set of skills and experience. Those that can “sell themselves� are the ones who will not only get the job but be able to pick and choose among the best positions offered in the field of their choice. You may have more ability, skill, knowledge, and experience than another candidate for the same position but without the ability to sell yourself, the job will go to someone else. This course is designed to help you become highly effective in communicating your skills, strengths, and experience to potential employers giving you an edge in a competitive job market.
Action Plans and Evaluations Pass out the participant action plans and course evaluation forms. They are located in the activities folder. Ask participants to fill these out throughout the day as they learn new things and have ideas on how to incorporate the things we discuss into their lives. The action plan uses the SMART system. This means that your goals must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
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If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. Milton Berle Module Two: Ready, Set, Go! The success of one’s career depends greatly on the ability to recognize the job-related values that are important to the individual as well as the hiring company. Identifying the purpose for working and the assessment of skills can help determine the types of jobs to apply for. The creation of clearly defined SMART goals can give potential employees a concrete plan for the direction in which they would like to steer their career. A robust resource system and 30-Day Plan can keep the job seeker on track with finding and obtaining the right job.
Identifying Your Values and Purpose In order to be able to sell yourself well and present your skill set and experience as an attractive option to potential employers, you must first identify your own values and your purpose for working. Here are some common purposes for job seekers.
Gain an income source that provides for my basic survival needs and some of my wants.
Find an outlet for my creativity, skills, abilities, and energies that will not only benefit myself but will help others also.
Make a valuable and lasting contribution to my community and to society.
Use my college degree for something worthwhile.
Do something constructive with my time to avoid boredom.
Be in a place where I can meet new people, travel, and gain new experiences.
Get out of debt.
Save money for the future.
Try a new skill and gain new experiences.
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Fulfill my dreams and my mission in life.
Estimated Time
10 minutes To peruse a list of ‘values’ and select the level of importance that accurately describes each
Topic Objective To peruse a list of ‘purposes’ of seeking employment and select the level of importance that accurately describes each Work Place Values and Purposes of Obtaining Employment Topic Summary
These exercises allow participants to get a better picture of what values they bring to a company as well as what they hope to achieve as a result of being employed by the company. Worksheet One: Workplace Values
Materials Required Worksheet Two: Purposes of Obtaining Employment Planning Checklist
None Initially, participants should work individually.
Recommended Activity
Instruct participants to read through the lists of values and purposes and select the level of importance for each in a work environment. They should also label each as a) very important b) somewhat important c) not so important d) unimportant to your sense of job satisfaction. Once all participants have had the opportunity to complete the assignment, ask two or three volunteers to share their results and why they feel the way they do.
Stories to Share
The meeting facilitator can share their personal thoughts of what values and purposes they deem as important and how this has changed over time.
Delivery Tips
The selection of ‘important’ values and purposes can be done as a large group and then discussed in smaller groups of three or four.
Review Questions
Why is it necessary for individuals to understand the values and purposes they possess and how they relate to a particular job? Remind participants to consider adding an item to their action plan.
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Assessing Your Skills There are many professional instruments designed to help you assess your skills. These instruments help you identify what talents and abilities you may have to offer a potential employer. Here is a list of common skills that employers find valuable.
Organization
Rhythm and bodily movement
Analytical ability
Creativity
Speaking
Initiative
Listening
Vision
Reading
Interpersonal relationships
Writing
Intrapersonal knowledge
Special relationships
Cooking
Typing
Collaboration
Physical coordination
Strategic planning
Hand-eye coordination
Painting
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Estimated Time
10 minutes
Topic Objective
To uncover and understand the top 3 skills an individual can possess that may be valuable to the hiring company Assessing Your Skills
Topic Summary
Read through the skills listed on Worksheet Three: Assessing Your Skills. From that list, choose the top 3 skills that accurately describe what you consider important in a work environment.
Materials Required
Worksheet Three: Assessing Your Skills
Planning Checklist
None Instructions:
Recommended Activity
Each participant should read through the skills listed on Worksheet Three and then circle the top three that describe them.
Participants should write down notes beside each circled skill to explain why the participant feels it is important.
Divide the group into smaller groups of three or four and allow each participant to share his / her results.
When trying to figure out which of your skills are going to be most beneficial to the company you are seeking employment from, remember this quote by John C. Maxwell (author of The 17th Irrefutable Laws of Teamwork): Stories to Share
‘The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders, and continually develops them.’
Delivery Tips
Instead dividing the group into several small groups to discuss results, this can be done corporately.
Review Questions
Why is it important for you to understand your strongest skills?
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Setting SMART Goals Now that you have a clearer picture of your skills and abilities along with your purpose and values, you can go about the task of setting SMART goals. SMART goals are goals that fulfill each word described in the acrostic formed by the word SMART.
Specific: First of all the goal must be specific. You may indicate in your goal you wish to become a sales representative for a cosmetic company or a police officer for the State of California. These are specific goals.
Measurable: The next characteristic that a smart goal has is that it is measurable. You may indicate that you desire full time employment of at least 40 hours per week. Your salary expectations can also be measurable stating that you wish to earn a minimum of $40,000 per year or more.
Achievable: These specific and measurable goals must also be achievable. The first thing to consider is whether or not the job exists. If your town does not have a professional football team it is not an achievable goal to be the play-by-play announcer for a team that does not exist. Other non-achievable limitations may be age requirements or other considerations. Just because a person of your gender or ethnic group has not been hired in that role before does not make it unachievable. Just ask President Obama.
Relevant: A relevant goal is for some a realistic one given your priorities and personal circumstances. Does this goal fit in with the rest of your life? Are you able to fulfill your nonprofessional duties to your spouse, children and community with this additional responsibility of employment? Many mothers battle with this issue when considering their responsibility to their children balanced with their desire to be “productive” and work outside of the home.
Timed: When do you expect to fulfill your goal? Are there any training periods or probationary periods to fulfill before you are actually hired? How many interviews and how many companies do you plan to talk to before settling on the right one? Set a realistic goal as to when you wish to begin your new profession or job.
Estimated Time
10 minutes
Topic Objective
To use the SMART method to develop employment goals. Get SMART
Topic Summary
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This exercise asks participants to use their knowledge of the SMART method to write an employment goal and give detailed information about how they will go about achieving that goal.
Materials Required
Worksheet Four: Get SMART
Planning Checklist
None Give participants the worksheet and allow them to work individually.
Per the instructions on the worksheet, instruct participants to utilize the SMART method and write an employment goal.
Once everyone has completed the task, allow two or three students to share their goals with the entire group.
Recommended Activity
Stories to Share
Not only is the concept of SMART goals used in employment situations, but also in youth leadership trainings. The National Youth Leadership Training is a course offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Using SMART goals is one of the key models taught to the youth. Instead of allowing two or three students to share their goals with the large group, you can divide the class in groups of three or four and allow each student to go around the circle within their groups and share their goals.
Delivery Tips
Using this method, you can also allow each person within the group who is not sharing their goals at the time, to give feedback to the participant who is. This feedback is to inform the participants of whether or not they have included each element of the SMART goals method.
Review Questions
What does S-M-A-R-T stand for? What is the benefit of using this method to establish your goals?
Building a Resource System Your job hunt will require a basic toolbox full of resources that you can use in finding employment. In your resource kit you should include the following items.
Reference books on job search tips.
What Color is Your Parachute? 2008 Edition is a highly recommended book.
Cover Letters for Dummies can also come in handy.
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
A Briefcase. This is essential to carry with you on your job of selling yourself and your skill set to potential employers. It is great for carrying your business cards, cover letters, and portfolio of your best work.
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Leather portfolio and notepad holder. Take notes and present your work like a professional even before you get the job.
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Business attire appropriate for the jobs you are seeking. This may be a dress shirt and tie with a pair of dress slacks. It may include a sports jacket or business suit for males or females. The industry and the climate will dictate the appropriate fashion for the interview.
A 30-Day Plan You have to accept the reality that finding a job that is going to meet your needs and fulfill your objectives will take some time. It will require effort. If it is a job worth your time there will be other people competing for the same job. You must be the best-prepared candidate there. Having a plan for the first 30 days is realistic, intelligent and a habit that successful job seekers gladly form. On a calendar, list all the interviews you schedule for the month. On days you do not have interviews scheduled, you must dedicate your time to acquiring interviews. This will include taking your resume to prospective employers and filling out applications at their work site. They may schedule you for an interview immediately or take your resume and application and promise to call you for an interview in the near future. Days and times for other activities may include creating a list of potential employers to call and visit, revising your resume if it is not working as you would expect, and polishing your interviewing skills by role playing and reading books on the topic. The first 30 days give you time to form a daily routine of prospecting future employers, applying for jobs, fine tuning your resume, and asking for interviews. Each time you complete an interview, write down the strengths and weaknesses in your performance.
Estimated Time
15 minutes
Topic Objective
To have a written schedule of the activities that must be accomplished to promote an effective job-hunting experience.
Topic Summary
Create a 30-Day Job Hunting Plan The group will fill in the days on a monthly calendar with the necessary
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activities to successfully advance the job-hunting process. Materials Required
Worksheet Five: Create a 30-Day Job Hunting Plan
Planning Checklist
Remind the class that although this is a hypothetical exercise, they should include activities that could truly benefit the process. Instruct participants to work individually.
Recommended Activity
Per the instructions of the worksheet, create a 30-day job-hunting calendar that includes the activities they will accomplish to assist with the job-hunting process. These activities can include writing dates and times of interviews, days to practice interviewing, days to seek employment opportunities, etc.
Stories to Share
Bob Adams, the author of Adams Streetwise Small Business Start-Up has successfully established several businesses with little to no capital. These businesses usually took less than a week to get up and running. In 1980, Adams started a media company in his basement with only $2,000. Today, this company is worth more than $10 million.
Delivery Tips
None
Review Questions
List two reasons why creating a 30-Day Plan is important.
Case Study Todd had aimed for a bright future with his college degree on one shoulder and his excitement on the other. Todd was a ball of energy as he could see all the stars aligned ahead of him due to his winning attitude and core values. He was headed toward great places and his friend Simon was inspired to search for his own mission and his own keys to success in the work place. Todd showed Simon the ropes and taught Simon to look past the obvious and uncover the deeper meanings and values of being more than a puppet and showed him how to spread his wings with hard work and dedication as a ladder to bigger and brighter ideas.
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Module Two Review Questions 1. Which of these is a common skill that employers find valuable?
a) b) c) d)
Drawing Cleaning Humor Initiative
2. What does SMART stand for?
a) b) c) d)
Scientific Mature Attainable Risky Timed Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timed Standard Maintenance Accurate Relative Trustworthy Statistic Maintain Associate Reliable Team
3. On days you do not have interviews scheduled, you must dedicate your time to _______________.
a) b) c) d)
Acquiring interviews Relaxing Calling potential employers Research
4. On a _______, list all the interviews you schedule for the month.
a) b) c) d)
Sticky note Calendar Notebook Napkin
5. Having a plan for the first ___ days is realistic, intelligent and a habit that successful job seekers gladly form.
a) b) c) d)
30 10 100 90
6. There are many professional instruments designed to help you assess your ______.
a) b) c) d)
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Values Goals Prospects Skills
7. A _______ goal is for some a realistic one given your priorities and personal circumstances.
a) Career b) Relevant
c) Professional d) Measurable 8. Each time you complete a/an ________, write down the strengths and weaknesses in your performance.
a) b) c) d)
Interview Goal Task Skill
9. In your _________ you should include the following items: Reference books, notepad holder, and business attire.
a) b) c) d)
Briefcase Resource kit Portfolio Car
10. In order to be able to sell yourself well and present your skill set and experience as an attractive option to potential employers you must first identify your own _______.
a) b) c) d)
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Skills Potential Goals Values
With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. Dalai Lama
Module Three: Building Your Resume Your resume is one of the most important parts of the job seeking process. Whether you are chosen for an interview or not depends a great deal on the professionalism demonstrated in your resume and the language you use to communicate your skills, abilities, and experience. In your resume you must put forth the strong impression that you are the best option for the companies’ employment needs.
Basic Resume Formats There are a few basic formats worthy of consideration for writing a professional resume. 
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Essential Information to Include o
Full name and contact information. Telephone numbers, e-mail, and street address and fax numbers if necessary. If you have a professional website, this would also be important to list. Avoid putting social networking sites that are for personal use.
o
Work experience related to the position you are seeking.
o
Work experience not directly related to the position you are seeking. This shows other skills and experiences you have and your larger picture of work history.
o
Education and schooling relevant to the position.
o
A summary of qualifications or skills and abilities you bring to the job.
o
Awards and recognition.
o
References - You may choose to say references available upon request or list them on the resume itself.
Chronological Style Resume o
One traditional resume format is a Chronological presentation of your work experience and qualifications. The following is true about this format:
o
Lists the specifics of your work experience in reverse chronological order.
o
Includes work history and education.
o
Many organizations and human resource departments prefer this method.
Combination Style Resume o
Focus on the target position / job. Present your capabilities that are required of that position.
o
Relate your ability to do the job regardless of when the skills were last used.
o
Show research about the position sought.
o
Include job titles and dates of employment.
o
There are different formats for students entering the workforce for the first time. Some formats help people moving from one level of responsibility to higher levels in the same career. Still other formats are helpful for professionals changing from one career to another.
Estimated Time
20 minutes
Topic Objective
To make sure your resume fits one of the resume formats discussed (Chronological or Combination). To confirm the use of essential information needed for all resume types. Handout One: Chronological vs. Combination Style Resume
Topic Summary
Materials Required
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This exercise allows participants to practice writing a polished resume that commands the attention of the hiring company.
Handout One: Chronological vs. Combination Style Resume
1 sheet of 8.5 x 11 in. paper
Planning Checklist
None Allow participants to work independently.
Recommended Activity
Instruct group to thoroughly read the handout to review the differences between the Chronological and Combination Resume Formats. They should also study the essential components of a resume listed at the end of the handout. Each can choose the resume style they’d like to emulate, and then develop a resume. No matter what, keep your resume truthful.
Stories to Share
George O’Leary was granted with the position of football coach for Notre Dame. Five days after being hired, he was forced to resign because it was uncovered that he was untruthful about his academic and athletic experience. Marilee Jones was the dean of MIT and quit because her secret of embellishing her credentials was learned.
Delivery Tips
This exercise can also be completed as a large group. The meeting facilitator can use a flip chart or dry erase board to write the information called out by the participants. Facilitator can create one Chronological Resume and one Combination Resume.
Review Questions
What are the most essential elements of all resumes?
Dealing with Awkward Points There may be gaps in your employment history that create tension or awkwardness. If you have such gaps you may decide that the Combination Style Resume works better to draw less attention to these hiatuses of employment. Careful and creative wording can help present special circumstances in the best possible light. Honesty is the best policy if you are asked to explain times of unemployment for any reason such as extended illness, disability, incarceration or just times when you could not find a job.
Estimated Time
10 minutes
Topic Objective
To practice answering awkward questions posed by an interviewer in a
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graceful manner. Interview Questions Topic Summary
There are times when interviewers knowingly or unknowingly ask awkward and maybe even illegal questions during an interview. It is never a good idea to avoid the question, but it is possible to answer the question in a graceful manner.
Materials Required
Worksheet Six: Interview Questions
Planning Checklist
None Distribute the worksheet to everyone. Divide the group into pairs. Instructions:
Each member of the pairs should take turns asking and answering the questions on the worksheets. The key is to answer these questions so that you don’t lie, but do answer them with poise.
Once everyone has the opportunity to ask and answer the questions in their groups, the large group should re-convene.
The facilitator can ask for two volunteers to stand in front of the group and take turns asking and answering some of the questions from the worksheet.
Recommended Activity
You may face an interviewer who asks a question that does not sit well with you. The key to having a successful interview is to carefully and honestly respond to the questions without losing dignity. Stories to Share
During an interview with Supermodel Naomi Campbell, the interviewer asks Campbell if she received a blood diamond, and got the following response: ‘I didn’t receive a blood diamond and I’m not going to speak about that’. Campbell made this statement right before angrily punching the camera and leaving the set.
Delivery Tips
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This exercise is an important part of the real life interview process. The facilitator may want to ask the members of each group to give each other feedback (within the smaller groups) about the way each person answers the questions.
Review Questions
Remind participants to consider adding an item to their action plan.
Checklist for Success Does your resume do the following?
Clearly present your full, formal name?
Contain your contact information?
Present your work history in an easy to understand manner?
Give a summary of your educational experience with the institutions and degrees earned?
List other experiences you may have that can contribute to success on the job?
List your skills, abilities, and qualifications in a clear and organized way?
Provide the names of personal references if needed?
Case Study Jordan's pen felt too heavy to lift after spending what felt like years on his resume. He was applying for a recently posted senior management position. Unable to lift another finger, Jordan put his head down on his desk and threw in the towel. Cheyenne noticed Jordan and wanted to help refill his creativity engine. Together they worked on some bright and inspiring phrases. Jordan perked up as ideas spilled out of his brain and breathed life back into his resume. Cheyenne recognized some additional skills that Jordan had not seen in himself and they added them to his resume. Jordan and Cheyenne had the resume up and ready for action and it gave Jordan a great boost of confidence.
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Module Three Review Questions 1. Your ________ is one of the most important parts of the job seeking process.
a) b) c) d)
Resume Briefcase History Potential
2. If you have gaps in your employment history you may find that the ______ style resume draws less attention to these hiatuses in employment.
a) b) c) d)
Chronological Conventional Combination Circumstantial
3. Many organizations and human resource departments prefer this type of resume?
a) b) c) d)
Combination Conversational Essential Chronological
4. Whether you are chosen for an interview or not depends a great deal on the ___________demonstrated in your resume. a) b) c) d) 5.
Professionalism Sarcasm Prism Symbolism
In your resume you must put forth a strong _________. a) b) c) d)
Impression Suppression Obsession Succession
6. There are a few basic ________ worthy of consideration for writing a professional resume. a) b) c) d)
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Kinds Types Formats Answers
7. __________ putting social networking sites that are for personal use. a) b) c) d)
Always Avoid Add Actively
8. One traditional resume format is a ___________ presentation of your work. a) b) c) d)
Ecological Chronological Psychological Biological
9. Which is not true about formats? a) b) c) d)
Lists the specifics Includes work history Is color coded Human resources prefers it
10. Present your _________ that are required of that position. a) b) c) d)
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Capabilities Ideas Resume Levels
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