You’re Hired Detroit Aug. 29, 2021, issue by Michigan Hired Magazine

We're Hiring! ABOUT US

Mopec provides American-made medical equipment, laboratory products, and emergency preparedness to the pathology, histology, necropsy, autopsy, and mortuary industries. Founded in 1992, Mopec solutions are among the very best as demonstrated by the vast number of installations in America’s top healthcare institutions and facilities. Our reputation, which continues to grow worldwide, is built on decades of superior customer service specializing in consultation and customization.

Seeking a Metal Finisher - Apply Now! • www.mopec.com/careers • linkedin.com/company/mopec • ziprecruiter.com/c/mopec/jobs

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Career Mobility Office Interviewing Tips & Techniques Contents      

Interviewing Tips and Techniques Dynamite Answers to Tough Questions Questions to Ask During the Interview Legal and Illegal Pre-employment Questions After-Interview Checklist Sample Thank You Letter

Being prepared for your job interview will certainly improve your chances of being selected for the job. Here are a few things you can do to get prepared:  Do your homework o Learn basic information about the organization o Find out what services the Agency or Bureau interviewing you does o Find out about the position you are interviewing for, including specific duties and requirements  Be on time o Know the time and place of the interview and the name of the interviewer o Do a trial run before the interview to get an idea how long it will take to get where you are going o Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview to give yourself time to park and get inside  Introduce yourself to the receptionist and/or secretary and tell them what you are there for o Be polite to everyone including office staff  Anticipate interview questions and develop comfortable responses Tips…  Dress as a professional in your field.  Don‟t bring a lot of baggage with you.  Turn off beepers and cell phones.  Don‟t bring in coffee or beverages.  Don‟t smoke or chew gum.  Don‟t speak badly of your current or former employer.  Keep your nervous habits in check.  SMILE. The body of the interview:  Answer questions honestly, clearly and appropriately  Ask relevant questions and learn as much as possible about the position  Keep on track and don't let the conversation wander  The interviewer's goal is to discover your skills, work ethics and attitude about your job  The interviewer has three major questions in mind: o Can you do the job? o If hired, will you do the job? o If hired, will you get along with the people already there?



As the interviewee you need to: o Convince them that you are the candidate for the job; o Show how you feel about work ethics and attitude; o Show enthusiasm on why you want the job; and o Discuss your skills and accomplishments.

Tips…  Bring extra copies of your resume.  Make sure references are in order and that they have been notified that you are using them as a reference.

Closing of the interview:  The interviewer will usually ask if there are any questions. o Ask questions about the job. o Don't ask about time off, flex hours, promotions or salary issues. Some questions you may be asked:  "Tell me a little about yourself." o Talk about your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments.  "Tell me about your education or training." o Explain your education or training and tell how it helped prepare you for this job.  "Why do you want to leave that job?" o Job stagnation, demotions due to down-sizing, career exploration, or simply having made a bad choice are all good reasons.  "Why should I hire you?" o Talk about the skills you bring with you. Write a Thank You letter:  Tell the interviewer how much you enjoyed meeting him or her.  Express your enthusiasm for the job.  Reiterate a specific selling point.  Establish your next point of contact.  Send your letter out within 24 hours of the interview.

Answers to Tough Interview Questions 1. What are your strengths as an employee? a. What do they want to hear? i. Review the description of the position for which you are interviewing. Clarify each specific job requirement in your mind. Now, match your strengths and accomplishments directly to the requirements of the job. 2. If you could change one thing about your personality just by snapping your fingers, what would it be and why? a. What do they want to hear? i. Identify a weakness and put together a brief answer that indicates awareness and motivation. (Example: I had a hard time with procrastination when I was younger. But I learned the hard way that putting things off just makes matters worst or I end up falling behind even farther. I sometimes still have the urge to procrastinate but then I think of what will happen. I fight the urge and do whatever needs to be done.) 3. Describe your management philosophy. a. What do they want to hear? i. Most agencies want someone who can demonstrate a desire and ability to delegate, teach, and distribute work – and credit – fairly. In general, you probably want to come across as neither a dictator nor a pushover. A successful candidate should convey that he or she has the ability to succeed should opportunity present itself. But they should avoid giving the impression that they are fire-breathing workaholics ready to succeed no matter what (or whom) the cost. (Example: More than anything else, I think that management is getting things done through other people. The manager‟s job is to provide the resources and environment in which people can work effectively. I try to do this by creating teams, judging people solely on the basis of their performance, distributing work fairly, and empowering workers, to the extent possible, to make their own decisions. I‟ve found that this inspires loyalty and encourages hard work.) 4. What were the most memorable accomplishments at your last job? a. What do they want to hear? i. Focus on your most recent accomplishments – in your current position or the job you had just prior to this one. But make sure they are relevant to the position for which you are interviewing. It is also wise to think about why you were able to achieve these peaks in your job. (For example: I really stopped to listen to what my customers wanted, rather than just trying to sell them.)

5. What is the biggest failure you‟ve had in your career? What steps have you taken to make sure something like that doesn‟t happen again? a. What do they want to hear? i. Before you start spilling your guts, remember that the interviewer is not a priest. In this situation, it would be foolhardy to produce a detailed log of your every shortcoming, misstep, and misdeed. But it would be equally silly to pretend you‟re perfect and have never experienced failure in the course of your career, education, or life. So compromise. The best approach is to admit to one weakness or failure, and then talk about the steps you are taking (or have taken) to make sure that you‟ll never fail in that way again. 6. Tell me about the types of people you have trouble getting along with. a. What do they want to hear? i. Be careful of how you answer this question. If you say “none,” the interviewer will assume you‟re being evasive. Stick with a short story that softens with humor the reasons someone disliked you. (Example: I was discussing this problem with my boss just the other day. He told me I‟m too impatient with slow performers. He told me that the world is filled with „C‟, rather than „A‟ or „B‟ people, and I expect them all to be great performers. So, I guess I do have trouble with mediocre and poor workers. I don‟t expect to ever accept poor work, but I am learning to be more patient.) 7. Are you an organized person? a. What do they want to hear? i. Even if you firmly believe that a neat desk is the sign of a sick mind, talk in detail about the organizational skills that you have developed – time management, project management, prioritizing, delegation – and how those skills have made you more effective. 8. Describe the top of your desk. a. What do they want to hear? i. Even if your desk appears to be cluttered you should know what is in the clutter and how to quickly find it. Is your mind cluttered as well? 9. Do you manage time well? a. What do they want to hear? i. Hopefully you can be truthful and say yes. Now is not the time to wail about your broken alarm clock, etc. (Example: I rarely miss a deadline. When circumstances beyond my control interfere, I make up the time lost as quickly as possible. OR I establish a To-Do list first thing in the morning. Then I add to it – and reprioritize tasks, if necessary – as the day goes on.)

10. How do you go about making important decisions? a. What do they want to hear? i. Think in terms of the interviewer‟s main concerns. Will you need to be analytical? Creative? Willing to call on the expertise of others? If you are bucking for a management position, you will also want to take this opportunity to convince the interviewer that your relationship skills have made you management material – or set you on the way to achieving that goal. You may be asked to about the last important decision you had to make, how you went about making it, and the results you achieved.) 11. Do you anticipate problems well or merely react to them? a. What do they want to hear? i. All managers panic from time to time. The best learn to protect themselves by anticipating problems that might lie around the bend. (Example: A manager had his staff provide reports on all positive – and negative – budget variances on a weekly basis. He is then able to share this information with his boss and with the other bureaus that he interacted with to avoid major problems.) 12. Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others? a. What do they want to hear? i. Think about the position you are interviewing for? Every job situation forces us to get along with people we might not choose to socialize with. But we must get along with them and, quite often, for long stretches of time and under difficult circumstances. Acknowledging this shows strength. Talk about how you have managed to get along with a variety of other people. 13. How do you generally handle conflict? a. What do they want to hear? i. Answer this question positively. (Example: I really don‟t get angry with other people very often. I am usually able to work things out or anticipate problems before they occur. When conflicts can‟t be avoided, I don‟t back down. But I certainly do try to be reasonable.) 14. How do you motivate people? a. What do they want to hear? i. A good answer will include the words, “it depends on the person,” then offer one or two concrete examples. A poor candidate will imply that all people are motivated by the same thing or can be motivated with the same approach, a kind of “one-size-fits-all” philosophy.

15. What does your supervisor tend to criticize most about your performance? a. What do they want to hear? i. This is another way of framing a series of questions you have probably already been asked; what is your greatest weakness? What was your greatest failure? What would your supervisor say about you? Consider discussing an evaluation from an earlier job, switching to what you did about it and claiming that your current supervisor would, therefore, not consider it a problem any longer. 16. Did you inaugurate new procedures in your previous position? Tell me about them. a. What do they want to hear? i. You do not have to be a department head to answer this question. The interviewer is seeking industriousness, creativity, caring about the organization and its success. So this is the time to describe the changes or improvements you were responsible for making and identify how they helped the department. 17. Have you ever fired anyone? Why? a. What do they want to hear? i. Even if you had a good reason, you know that firing someone is never pleasant. Let‟s say you fired someone for not meeting productivity goals. You might be thinking, “Boy, I‟m glad I got rid of that bum. He was nothing but a wimp and whiner who never did a good day‟s work in all the time he was on the job.” Go ahead and think that. But when you open your mouth, say something like this: “Yes I fired someone who continually fell short of his productivity goals. His shortcomings were documented and discussed with him over a period of months. But in that time he failed to show any real improvement. I had no choice. As a supervisor, I want everyone in my department to work out. I needed to face the fact that not everyone is equally dedicated to his or her job. 18. How do you “stay in the loop”? a. What do they want to hear? i. How do you keep yourself informed of what is going on in your bureau or department. How many meetings do you schedule or attend per week or month? Do you spend a lot of time asking your subordinates questions or do you wait for them to come to you with problems? 19. How do you deal with subordinates who are becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution? a. What do they want to hear? i. The interviewer is trying to separate the real leaders from the “managers with a title” and to ascertain whether your particular style will mesh with the organizations.

20. See that picture frame on the wall? Sell it to me. a. What do they want to hear? i. Begin by asking a series of questions about the object and about the interviewer‟s particular needs. Listen to what they are saying. Then see the object through their eyes. Highlight the characteristics of the object relevant to their needs. 21. Why are you thinking of leaving your current job? a. What do they want to hear? i. Do not appear negative or speak badly about your current employer. Refer to potential growth and how change can be positive. (Example: There is a great deal I enjoy about my current job, but my potential for growth in this area is limited.) 22. Where does your boss think you are now? a. What do they want to hear? i. Do no lie. Do not take a sick day to go on an interview. (Example: I asked for a few hours of personal time today. OR I spoke with my boss letting him know that I had a job interview for a promotion. He is okay with it.) 23. How would your co-workers describe you? a. What do they want to hear? i. Answer in the positive. Are you easy going, a good team player, responsible? 24. What do you feel an employer owes an employee? a. What do they want to hear? i. This is not an invitation to discuss the employee benefits package you would like to have. Don‟t get into legal responsibilities either. Keep your answer short and sweet. (Example: I think an employer owes its employees the opportunity to develop new skills and to be thoroughly trained in the job they are expected to perform.) 25. Your supervisor left an assignment in your in-box, then left for the week. You can‟t reach him and you don‟t fully understand the assignment. What would you do? a. What do they want to hear? i. The interviewer is attempting to gauge whether you have an appropriate respect for hierarchy and deadline demands. If there is truly no way to reach your boss or leave a message you would then need to approach your boss‟ supervisor. Of course, you would do this in a way that would not reflect badly on your boss by explaining that you and your boss simply missed the chance to discuss the assignment before he had to leave the office. You want to be sure that you understand the assignment, so you can start on it as soon as possible.

26. Your supervisor tells you to do something in a way you know is dead wrong. What do you do? a. What do they want to hear? i. Tough question. Admit that it is okay to disagree but that you will follow your boss‟s instructions. 27. Do you have any questions? a. What do they want to hear? i. You should never answer this with a no. If you have asked questions along the way you would answer this with “I think you have answered all of my questions. I truly appreciate the time you have given me today.” ii. If you have not asked any questions, here are a few examples: 1. Please tell me a little bit about the people with whom I will be working most closely. 2. Tell me some of the particular (or preferred) skills that you want in the candidate for this position? 3. What kind of training can I be expected to receive. 4. Could you describe a typical day in this position? 5. Tell me about one thing in your life you are proudest of. b. What do they want to hear? i. Answer briefly but thoroughly. They are trying to get to know you. 28. What does success mean to you? a. What do they want to hear? i. You should offer a balanced answer to this question, citing personal as well as professional examples. 29. What types of people have trouble getting along with you? a. What do they want to hear? i. If you say “none”, the interviewer will assume you are being evasive. Identify sometime of characteristic that you do not like in a person and then turn it around. For example, if you do not like people that are lazy, you could say, “People that put very little effort into doing their job do not get along with me because I work hard at my job.” 30. If you could start your career over again, what would you do differently? a. What do they want to hear? i. This question is designed to get you to think on your feet. You can admit you may have had a few regrets but too few to mention. If you do want to mention a regret make sure you can showed that you have learned from it. 31. Tell me about the last time you failed to complete a project (or assignment) on time? a. What do they want to hear? i. Be specific in your answer. Here‟s what happened, here‟s what I did, here‟s what I learned.

32. What do you do when work requirements on the job are slow? a. What do they want to hear? i. This question is designed to figure out how you think and act in reality. Be careful that what you say does not ruin the image you are trying to present. 33. On a typical day, tell me what you do in the first and last hour at work? a. What do they want to hear? i. Checking for honesty and a good use of your time. 34. What can you tell me about yourself that will make me remember you? a. What do they want to hear? i. Tell them something unique about yourself that will make the interviewer remember you. 35. How would you rate your writing skills in comparison to your verbal skills? a. What do they want to hear? i. Discuss how both skills are important in the business world, and that while (one or the other) may be your strong suit, you are working to become strongly proficient at both speaking and writing. 36. You are a supervisor of a busy payroll office. Two of your employee just called in and will be out sick for the next two weeks. How do you deal with this unexpected event? a. What do they want to hear? i. Discuss how you must immediately reprioritize your assignments and pitch in to get the job done. 37. Why should I hire you? a. What do they want to hear? i. Summary of your skills relevant to the job‟s requirements, include accomplishments and skills that facilitated those accomplishments. Be sure of yourself and enthusiastic. 38. If we hire you for this job, how much time will you give yourself and the job before you can determine if this job is a good fit? a. What do they want to hear? i. An employer wants to hear that you‟re going to give the job a fair try; most jobs get better as you become accustomed to the new work environment. 39. Tell me about your current job. a. What do they want to hear? i. List your duties and responsibilities. Talk about your accomplishments.

40. Can you take constructive criticism without feeling upset? Give an example. a. What do they want to hear? b. When used correctly, constructive criticism is a tool which will allow you to do your job better. An employer wants to know that you are open to learning new things and that you don‟t get defensive or upset. 41. Define cooperation. a. What do they want to hear? i. Cooperation means different things to different people, so an employer could be looking for several different answers. They want to know if you can get along with others. 42. Was there ever a time where you had to deal with a difficult or argumentative person? How did you handle the situation? a. What do they want to hear? i. Employers want to hear that you are able to stay cool in a tense situation; that you don‟t inflame the situation by arguing back. And, if the situation warrants, you know when to step away and get a supervisor. 43. Give an example of a time you went above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done. a. What do they want to hear? i. That you can be counted on to pitch in and do your best when there is an important job to be done NOW. 44. What methods do you use to ensure that your work is error-free? a. What do they want to hear? i. Your work represents not only you but your boss and your agency. Taking the time to ensure that you‟re putting your best effort forward shows that you are conscientious about the work you do. 45. What do you like most about your current job? a. What do they want to hear? i. They want to get to know you and what you enjoy about your job. 46. What would you change about your current job? a. What do they want to hear? i. Don‟t bad-mouth your job, your co-workers or your supervisor; you don‟t know who the interviewer may know! Talk about changes that are positive and reflect your work ethics. 47. What motivates you to do a good job? a. What do they want to hear? i. “Money” is not a good answer. A good answer would be something like, “having responsibilities and being acknowledged when the job is done right.”

48. Who are your heroes? Why? a. What do they want to hear? i. Be careful about naming political or religious figures; you don‟t know the political or religious beliefs of the interviewer. Employers want to hear the positive traits you admire in others and how you strive to embody those traits. 49. What kind of training have you received in the last three years? a. What do they want to hear? i. That you have taken steps to expand you knowledge, especially with training directly related to your job. However, if your current employer does not allow you to attend training, say so politely, adding that if you were hired for this job, you would like to take any training that was offered to you. 50. Of the jobs you have held, which one have you enjoyed the most and why? a. What do they want to hear? i. They want to get to know you. Talk about your duties, challenges, responsibilities, accomplishments and the people you worked with. 51. Out of the jobs you have held, which one did you like the least and why? a. What do they want to hear? i. Don‟t bad-mouth the job, your co-workers or your supervisor; you don‟t know who the interviewer may know! Talk about what you disliked but add a positive note. (Example: I think the workload could have been better distributed.) 52. What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work? a. What do they want to hear? i. Talk about a process or procedure that you initiated on your own that was adopted by your employer; or when you pitched in to help a co-worker on a big project without being asked or told; or when you came up with an idea that saved your employer time or money. Toot your horn! 53. Would your rather be in charge of a project or work as part of a team? Why? a. What do they want to hear? i. Actually, an employer wants to hear that you can, and would, be capable of taking on either role. 54. Tell me about an improvement you independently made in your work process. How did this improvement help you or others? a. What do they want to hear? i. Employers are looking for creativity, organizational skills and innovative thinking. If you modified a process in the office that streamlined the workflow in the office; if you merged two computer systems to create one; if you created a process that improved customer service, etc.

55. What was the biggest change you have ever faced at a job and how did you adapt? a. What do they want to hear? i. Employers want to hear that you can deal with change and not let it disrupt the whole apple cart. How did you adapt to the change? They also want to see that you are open to new challenges or processes in your work environment. 56. Tell me about a project for which you were responsible, but needed the help of others to complete the project. What did you do? a. What do they want to hear? i. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is ask for help. Employers want to see if you are able to determine when a task is beyond your ability to do it alone; how you ask for help; and how you work with the newly formed team. They also want to see if you just let a project fail because you didn‟t ask for assistance. 57. Describe a time where you had what seemed like a million things going on at once. How did you prioritize your workload? Were you successful? a. What do they want to hear? i. You‟re never going to have only one thing to do at work, so being able to organize yourself and your priorities is essential. Give an example of how you were able to handle multiple tasks. 58. Tell me about a time where you were able to use your organizational skills to solve a problem. a. What do they want to hear? i. Perhaps your organizational skills alone did not solve a problem, but they may have helped to avoid a problem or assisted you in solving a problem. 59. Tell me about a situation where you and another person disagreed and resolved your disagreement. How did you reach that point? a. What do they want to hear? i. Employers want to hear that you are able to stay cool in a tense situation; that you don‟t inflame the situation by arguing back and that you were able to use logic and reason to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. And if you are unable to reach a mutually agreeable decision, then you would agree to consult a supervisor and abide by his/her decision. 60. Tell me about a time where you successfully dealt with handling multiple priorities. a. What do they want to hear? i. This will show an employer that you can prioritize and delegate when necessary. 61. How many employers have you worked for in the past five years? a. What do they want to hear? i. If you have worked for many (over 5) be prepared to explain why.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE INTERVIEW 1. How would I be trained to do the job? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 2. How long should it take me to get my feet on the ground and become productive? __________________________________________________________________ 3. Please describe a typical work day and the duties of my position. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ 4. How many people work in this department? _____________________________ 5. Who are the people I‟d be working with, and what do they do? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________ 6. If hired, would I report directly to you or someone else? ____________________ 7. What can I say or do to convince you to offer me this job? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 8. Is there traveling with this position? If so, what percent of the work week am I expected to travel? _________________________________________________

LEGAL AND ILLEGAL PRE-EMPLOYMENT QUESTIONS LAWFUL Race or color Religion or Creed

National Origin

Sex/Marital Status Relatives

 Do you have relatives (other than a spouse) already employed by the company?  What are their names?

Children

Disability

Can you perform the essential functions of this job?

UNLAWFUL  What race/color are you?  Are you a minority?  What is your religion?  To which parish/church do you belong?  What religious holidays do you observe? What is your (or relatives) lineage, ancestry, national origin, descent, parentage or nationality?  Are you male or female?  Are you married?  What are your living arrangements? What are the names (addresses, ages, number or other information) of your relatives NOT employed by the company?  Do you have any children or plans to have children in the future?  Do you have the capacity to reproduce?  Do you advocate any form of birth control or family planning?  What are your child care arrangements?  How old are your children? Do you have any disability or disease not related to job performance?

Citizenship

Language

Education

 Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?  Can you verify that you are authorized to work in the United States under the United States immigration laws?

 Of what country are you a citizen?  Are you a naturalized or a nativeborn citizen?  When did you acquire citizenship?  Please produce naturalization papers or green card.  NOTE: verify citizenship or the right to work after they have decided to extend the job offer. What language do you speak  What is your native language? and write fluently?  How did you learn to read, write, or speak a foreign language?  Please describe your academic, vocational or professional education and the public and private school you attended.  What are the dates of attendance? (to permit verification)

Notice in Case of Emergency

Military Experience

Organizations

 Have you served in the U. S. Armed Forces or in the National Guard?  Describe your experience.  Do you belong to any organization which you consider relevant to your ability to perform this job?  Please explain.

 What are the names and addresses of people to be notified in case of accident or emergency? NOTE: Okay to ask after hired. Do you have any military experience? (Other than in the United States.)

 Are you a member of any clubs, societies, or lodges?  Which ones?

AFTER INTERVIEW CHECKLIST INTERVIEW DATE: __________________________ COMPANY OR AGENCY: __________________________ INTERVIEWER: __________________________

1. Was I on time? ____________________________________________________ 2. Was I calm in the waiting room? ______________________________________ 3. Did I introduce myself? _____________________________________________ 4. Did I maintain eye contact? __________________________________________ 5. Did I ask the proper questions? _______________________________________ 6. Did I show the proper interest in the position? ____________________________ 7. Were there any areas or questions that seemed to be a problem? ______________ a. If yes, what? _____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 8. Have I sent my Thank You follow up letter? _____________________________ a. Date sent: __________________________________________________ 9. How interested did the interviewer seem to be in hiring me? _________________ 10. Miscellaneous concerns: ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER 1205 Center Street Albany, NY 12003 November 13, 2000

Mr. Tad Jones: Dept. of Civil Service State Campus Bldg. 1, Rm. 13A Albany, NY 12239 Dear Mr. Jones: I want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to interview for the position of Secretary to the Assistant Director of Finance. During the interview you asked if overtime during the month of August would be a problem. Again I wanted to let you know that I am willing to put in the time it takes to get the job done. I also have a variety of computer skills and enjoy putting them to the test. Please feel free to call me if any additional questions come to mind regarding my qualifications. I am confident I can do the job. Sincerely,

Karen Nelson (Your Title)

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Mission:

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HIRING NOW

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

MULTIPLE FULL-TIME, ENTRY LEVEL INSTALLATION POSITIONS

Overview of job duties: To attend to the installation projects of high-end radio products and systems. These products include portables, mobiles and repeaters. Reliable and strong work ethics required. Lift, push, pull up to 75 lbs. Travel as necessary to meet project needs. Please send resumes to

humanresources@comsourcemi.com

Headquarters: 734.738.0800 41271 Concept Drive Plymouth, MI 48170

Service Center: 248.853.5430 1919 Birchwood Drive Troy, MI 48083

401K

Medical Benefits

Requirements: Demonstrate basic electricity skills as it pertains to understanding AC, DC volts and amperes Demonstrate basic electricity skills as it pertains to understanding vehicle wiring, including negative and positive voltage levels Demonstrate basic mechanical skills including, but not limited to, the use of basic hand tools, basic mechanical tools, drill motors, etc. Demonstrate the use of test equipment as it pertains to vehicle 2-way radio installations, i.e. volt-ohm meter and RF wattmeter Basic troubleshooting of two-way radio, in-vehicle systems, to isolate the problem for resolution; antenna system, power issues, or the unit itself.

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The Basics of Cover Letter Writing Play to the Company According to the Washington Post, 91 percent of employers are more likely to give an applicant an interview if their cover letter reflects actual research into the company and the position being offered. One huge mistake many job applicants make with cover letters is sending something generic that could apply to any company. Instead, learn a good deal about the company and the position and integrate this information into the cover letter.

Cover Letters can help to make or break your job search. Although they can be a daunting task, we have tips and tricks to share with you on making cover letter writing easy. View this video to learn how to feel confident when writing your next cover letter!

Cover Letters

How to Write a Great Letter You will have many different forms of correspondence with employers throughout your job search— informational interview letters, cover letters, thank you notes, acceptance offers, and decline letters. These forms of communication are a crucial part of your resume “marketing” package. They communicate a great deal about your skills, abilities, and personality. Make sure you are as careful with these letters as you are with your resume. Adhering to the universal format, style, and etiquette of standard business writing eliminates the risk of alienating potential employers. Employers also appreciate the ability to communicate professionally. Before you sit down to write your cover letter, take a closer look at the employer and try to determine his/her requirements and needs. Next, plan your letter by placing the most important items first, supported by facts and examples. It is crucial to write a letter that demonstrates how your background, education, work experiences, and abilities can meet the needs of the employer. This approach will help you persuade the reader that you are a good match for the position and that they should interview you. Remember, your goal is to show your value to the employer.

Keep the following key points in mind when writing each letter: ■

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Show your interest. Whenever possible, research each employer’s organization and then personalize the letter. When you indicate that you know something about the organization, it shows that you are seriously interested in the employer. This approach is much more effective than sending out hundreds of identical form letters.

Highlight one or two of your most significant accomplishments or abilities. This draws immediate attention to your most impressive skills. It also demonstrates that you are an above average candidate, which increases your chances of being remembered.

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Be brief. This shows you understand the value of the reader’s time.

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Be persuasive. Don’t just describe your background—your resume takes care of that. Be clear about your objectives and make the employer want to take a closer look at your resume.

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Use a positive tone. The letter should be written in a very clear and positive manner. Do not add details about yourself, your past experiences, or your education that may call attention to your weaknesses or raise questions about your confidence or ability to do the job.

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Use powerful action verbs. By using the active voice, you will grab the reader’s interest and convey a sense of energy.

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

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Organize your information for the reader. Group similar items together in paragraphs and then organize the paragraphs so they relate to each other logically. Avoid writing that lumps together unrelated information without a strong topic sentence.

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Avoid jargon and cliches. It is tempting to use ready made phrases such as “self-starter,” “proven leadership skills,” “excellent interpersonal skills,” but using today’s buzzwords can suggest parroted formulas rather than original thought.

Informational interview request letters Conducting informational interviews is an excellent way to research companies and find out more about career fields and potential job leads. When you write a letter requesting an informational interview, make it clear that your purpose is to get information and advice—not to get a job. In the letter, introduce yourself and why you are writing. Indicate that you will follow up with a phone call to arrange a meeting time or a telephone interview at a time that is convenient to the employer. Do not enclose a resume—you are not asking for a job. If the contact was suggested to you by someone, make sure you include this information. If you did get the contact from an acquaintance, ask him/her for advice and comments on the best approach for asking for the interview.

When writing a letter requesting an information interview, do the following: ■ ■

■ ■ ■

Introduce yourself and your purpose for writing. Briefly describe your background and why you are interested in the contact’s industry, career field, or organization. Let the contact know up front how they can help you. Set a time frame of when you intend to follow up by telephone. Be brief and professional.

Cover Letters Never send a resume without a cover letter unless the employer specifically states “no cover letter.” The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce your resume and highlight aspects of your experience and skills that are most relevant to the position you are seeking. Your cover letter will be much more effective if written for a particular employer and position. Researching each employer and position allows you to personalize the letter and draw direct connections between your qualifications and the job requirements.

Your letter should provide the employer with the following information: ■ ■ ■ ■

Why are you writing? Why are you interested in the organization and/or job? Why would the employer be interested in you? What is your next step?

Provide the reader with the answers to these questions in three main sections: S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

Introduction

Introduce yourself and why you are writing to the employer. Answer the reader’s question: “Why am I reading this letter?” Name the position or field you are interested in, how you learned of the opening or organization, and, if appropriate, who referred you. In a sentence or two, explain what skills make you the best candidate for the position.

Body In one or two succinct paragraphs, match your background to the experience and skill requirements of the job position. It is best to summarize your qualifications and give specific examples. You shouldn’t repeat what is stated in your resume. Instead, expand on your experience that relates to the job and the employer. Also, identify any transferable skills, strengths, accomplishments, and results.

Closing This paragraph should be brief. Simply summarize the letter, and indicate that you have enclosed your resume. Make sure you state what the next step is. End the letter with an active statement, such as an offer to contact the employer within a specific period of time, usually one to two weeks. Always confirm how they may reach you, either by phone or email. Close the letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration. Don’t forget to sign your letter.

Thank You Letters You should send a thank you letter immediately after every job interview or informational interview (whether by phone or in person). This is an opportunity to express appreciation and confirm your interest in the position and the organization. You can also, if necessary, clarify any answers you gave in the interview. They should be sent to everyone that helps you in any way. If you are sending a thank you letter after an employment interview, mail it within 24 hours.

Tips on Writing Thank You Letters ■

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If you were interviewed by more than one person, send a thank you letter to the key hiring decision maker and to the person who coordinated the interview process. Personalize each letter, since the recipients are likely to discuss your candidacy together. In your letter to the coordinator of the interview, mention the names of those you met. Use plain, light-colored stationery. Although this is still a business letter, it may be more personal in tone. Mention the date you spoke with the person, and highlight a particularly useful piece of information you received or gave them. Keep your letter brief. Three short paragraphs are usually sufficient.

Acceptance and decline letters At some point in your job search, you will have to accept and/or decline job offers. First, respond to the offer by telephone, then follow S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

up with a letter. By confirming your decision in writing, you prevent any future confusion and misunderstandings.

When writing an offer acceptance letter, include details of the position including salary, other bonuses, job title, start date and location, and relocation package if one is offered. Don’t forget to include a short message about your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the opportunity. When writing a letter declining an offer, include a statement of appreciation for the offer, a brief reason for declining the offer, and a statement that leaves open the possibility of some future contact, if desired.

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

The Cover Letter Checklist

Writing Style ■ Keep your average sentence ten to twenty words. Shorten any sentence of more than twenty words or break it into two sentences. ■ Keep every paragraph under five lines, with most paragraphs shorter. ■ Make sure your sentences begin with or contain, wherever possible, powerful action verbs.

The Basics ■ Address the letter to a person whenever possible, preferably a person who is in a position to make a hiring decision. Check for spelling of the person’s name and the exact title. ■ Tailor the letter to the reader to show that you are interested in and have researched the organization. ■ Use your own words. Your letter should highlight your own individual strengths and skills. It is a good idea to look at sample letters as examples of how letters might be written, but don’t copy language from sample letters. ■ Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm. ■ Emphasize what you offer the employer, and supplement and support your resume. ■ Give concrete examples of your abilities and skills. ■ Be concise. Use direct, positive language. Avoid flowery or overly formal wording. ■ Keep a balance between professionalism and friendliness. ■ Include information relevant to the job you are seeking. ■ Clearly ask for the next step in the process without either apology or arrogance.

Contact Information ■ Your pertinent personal data (name, address, zip code, and personal telephone number) should be on every page. ■ Omit your business number unless it is absolutely necessary and safe to include it. ■ If your letter is more than one page long, each page should be numbered and all the pages should be bound together, either by staple or paper clip, so that they will not get separated.

Objectives ■ Does your letter state why you are writing—to apply for a job, follow up on an interview, etc.? ■ Is the letter tied specifically to the target organization and job (if you have details)? ■ Does it address points of relevance, such as applicable skills from the job description or issues discussed at the interview? ■ Does it include references to some of your personality or behavioral traits that are crucial to success in your field?

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

■ Is your most relevant and qualifying experience prioritized to lend strength to your letter? ■ Have you avoided wasting more space than required with employer names and addresses? ■ Have you omitted any reference to reasons for leaving a particular job? Reasons for change might be important to the employer at the interview, but they are not relevant at this point. Use this precious space to sell, not to justify. ■ Unless they have been specifically requested, have you removed all references to past, current, or desired salaries? ■ If your education is mentioned, is it relevant to the job listing? Is your highest educational attainment the one you mention? ■ Have you avoided listing irrelevant responsibilities or job titles? ■ Have you mentioned your contributions, your achievements, and the problems you have successfully solved during your career? ■ Have you avoided vagueness by eliminating all extraneous information? ■ Is the whole thing long enough to whet the reader’s appetite for more details, yet short enough not to satisfy that hunger? ■ Have you left out lists of references and only mentioned the availability of references (if, of course, there is nothing more valuable to fill up the space)? To employers this is a given. If you aren’t prepared to produce them on demand, you simply won’t get the job.

Correspondence Tips ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Use standard business style format and 8 1/2” x 11” paper. Type all letters. Employers type even personal notes, so follow suit. Never photocopy a letter—each must be an original. Make paragraphs approximately the same length. Always send a letter with a resume, never a resume alone. Check your work carefully for grammar and spelling. It is a good idea to have someone else proofread it. Be wary of suggestions to use gimmicks, or desperate-sounding phrases, and exaggerated praise of the employer.

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Cover letters are a great way to get an employer interested in your resume and you. There are certain commonly made mistakes that will diminish all the hard work you put into writing your cover letter and resume. You can avoid this by carefully reading your cover letter and checking for some of the following mistakes. Forgetting to enclose your resume. You must always enclose all the materials you mention in the cover letter. This includes resumes and anything else you promised, such as writing samples, school transcripts, or published materials. Typographical errors. Be very careful and edit your letters closely to avoid making any mistakes. It is extremely easy to make mistakes when you are sending out resumes and cover letters, especially when you are writing many in succession. Most employers are immediately turned away by spelling and typo mistakes. The most common mistakes include: ■ Misspelling the hiring contact’s name or title in the address, in the greeting, or on the envelope. ■ Forgetting to change the name of the organization you’re applying to each time it appears in your application, especially in the body of the letter. ■ Applying for one position and mentioning a different position in the body of the letter. Inaccurate information about the organization. Make sure you verify any information about the organization if you are going to use it in your cover letter. Be specific and tie it into your skills and experiences. It is also important to not bluff your way through information. Do not state that you are familiar with the organization unless you have specific information to back that up. Tone. Choosing the tone for your cover letter is often difficult. Always write your sentences in a positive manner. To avoid using the wrong tone, read your letter out loud. Always make sure that each sentence enhances your candidacy. It also helps to have someone else read your cover letter. Unrelated career goals. Tailor each cover letter to the employer who will receive it. An employer is interested in what you can do for him/her. Your letter should demonstrate a genuine interest in the position and a commitment to fulfilling its duties. You should not include what you hope to accomplish for yourself. Since cover letters are generally only four paragraphs long, every word of every sentence should be directly related to your purpose for writing. In other words, if you are applying for a position as a chemist, include only those skills and experience most applicable to that field. Any other information weakens your application. Emphasizing a lack of experience. Do not call attention to your weaknesses or lack of experience in your cover letter. This only emphasizes your shortcomings instead of your strengths. Center on your skills, organizational and industry knowledge. S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

Misrepresentation. You should never misrepresent your experiences and skills in either your cover letter or resume. When the organization discovers the misrepresentation—as they will—they have grounds for immediate dismissal. If you have achieved something, say so and explain the situation it in the best possible manner. However, don’t exaggerate anything to the point of misrepresentation.

Using anecdotes. Your cover letter should be written in a serious, professional tone. If you use anecdotes, you run the risk of not being seriously considered. You should always keep a polite and respectful tone in your letter. Don’t sound desperate. Your cover letter should make you sound determined to successfully enter into the industry—not desperate to do so. Enthusiasm is very different than desperation. Make sure you don’t beg for a position. Demanding statements. You should never demand something from the employer in your cover letter. It is a common mistake to state “I am looking for a unique opportunity in which I will be adequately challenged and compensated.” This insinuates that you expect the employer to place you in a position that satisfies your needs— not theirs. It is more effective to indicate where you feel you could make a contribution to the organization. Wrong pronouns. In your cover letter, you must present your experiences and qualifications in an interesting manner. Do not use the third person (he/she) to discuss these qualifications. This is disconcerting to most employers. In general, using the first person (I) voice is preferable. Avoid gimmicks. While sending a gimmicky type product instead of a cover letter may seem creative, the majority of employers will not be impressed. In fact, most employers prefer a simple, well-written letter. Messy corrections. Your cover letter should contain all pertinent information. If you forget to mention something in your letter, retype the letter. Including a supplementary note, either typed or handwritten, is unprofessional and appears lazy. Form letters. Mass mailings to employers are not always the best way to find a job. Most importantly, by taking this approach you cannot personalize each resume and cover letter. Every cover letter that you send should be tailored to the position you seek and should demonstrate both your interest in a specific industry and familiarity with the employer. Personal photos. Photos are completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Unless you want to enter into acting, modeling, or broadcast journalism, do not send a photograph. Personal information. Not only is personal information inappropriate on the resume, it should also be taken out of your cover letter. Do not include data such as your age, marital status, race, religion, or any other personal information unless you feel it directly pertains to the position you are seeking. Inappropriate stationery. The only universally accepted stationery colors are white and ivory. Using different colors is not the best way to get an employer’s attention—especially when applying to conservative industries.

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

Forgetting to sign your letter. Don’t forget to sign your name at the close of your cover letter. An employer might interpret a typed name with no signature as an oversight or carelessness. Also, your signature personalizes your letter. Don’t use a script font or a draw program on your computer. Always sign your name neatly in blue or black ink.

S E R I O U S N e t W O R K I N G TM

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Resume Writing – A Basic Guide

for the person with little or no resume writing experience. CONTENTS When do you use a resume?

Resumes and application forms are two ways to

Tips for good resumes

provide employers with written evidence of your

Selecting information for your resume page 2

qualifications and skills. Generally, the same

A standard resume should include ... page 3

information appears on both a resume and an application form. The way it is presented differs.

Resume 1: Outline and example page 4-5 Resume 2: Outline and example page 6-7

Some employers prefer a resume and others require an application form. This booklet presents

Cover letter: Outline and example page 8-9

the basic information to include in your resume.

Application letter: Outline and example page 10-11

You want to apply for a job. Do you need a resume? That depends on the kind of job you’re applying for.

Resume checklist page 12

RESUME REQUIRED • Professional, technical, administrative and managerial jobs. • Sales positions. • Secretarial, clerical, and other office jobs.

Resume worksheet page 13-14 10 tips for effective resumes, and and using electronic resumes page 15

RESUME SOMETIMES REQUIRED • Skilled jobs (Examples: Baker, Hotel Clerk, Electrician, Drafter, Welder) RESUME NOT REQUIRED • Unskilled, quick turnover jobs (Examples: Fast Food Server, Laborers, Machine Loader, Cannery Worker, etc.) There are many ways of organizing a good resume. Depending on the job, you should choose the format that best highlights your skills, training, and experience. 1

A resume must be very easy to read so that an employer can see at a glance who you are, where you can be reached, what kind of work you can do, and why you’re qualified for that kind of work. A resume should be short, preferable one page typewritten. It must be error free. It includes honest, positive information that is related to your job goal. A good resume will open the door for an interview.

When do you use a resume? • • • • •

To respond to a want ad To give an employer more information about you than the job application gives To send to a company you’d like to work for To give to an interviewer so he or she will ask you about the positive things on your resume you want to talk about To leave with an employer after an interview as a reminder of your skills and abilities

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2. Job information. Gather specific information on the job you’re applying for. Here’s what you need:

Tips for good resumes

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You need two types of information to prepare your resume: 1. Self information. Completing a background and experience list will give you the self information required to prepare your resume. •

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it takes to do that item. Write them all down. Look at the abilities (talents) identified on your background and experience list. You have talents that you use everyday. Now, find out what JOBS can use your talents. Don’t limit yourself. The important thing is not the job title, but the skills and abilities of the job.

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If you’ve worked before, list your jobs. Next, write down the work duties for the jobs you’ve listed. Now, think about the skills or talents it took to do each work duty. Write them down. List your hobbies, clubs you belong to, sports you’ve been involved in, church and school activities, and things that interest you. Look at the first item on your list. Think about the skills or talents

• •

Job duties (to match your skills to the skills needed to do the job). Get your job duties from the job announcement. If the job announcement or ad is vague, call the employer and ask for a description of job duties. Education and experience required (again, so you can match your education and experience with that required for the job). Hours and shifts usually worked. Pay range (make their top offer the minimum acceptable!).

Selecting information for your resume The best way to select information that belongs on your resume is to think like an employer. Ask 2

yourself, “If I were hiring a person for this position, what training and experience would be related?” Give brief, specific, positive information that would be of interest to your next employer. Do not give unrelated or negative information.

If you have been working for over five years, you don’t need to give as much information about your education. Name the school, city, state, degree or certificate, or course work and dates (dates are optional).

A standard resume should include...

Include your high school unless you have a higher degree. Never include your grade school or middle school.

Contact information Tell the employer your full name, street address, apartment number, city, state, zip code and telephone number (including area code).

Military Experience Tell the employer the branch of service, your highest rank, type of discharge, and date of separation. List any special assignments, duties, clearances, collateral duties, and decorations that relate to the job that you are seeking. Technical military training can be listed under the Education heading on your resume. (A Military heading is only listed if you have military experience.)

Employment goal or job objective Tell the employer the specific job you are interested in. Good examples are, “An entry-level clerical position”, “A customer-service position in the retail industry”, or, “A manufacturing position utilizing my five years of quality control experience.” Avoid vague statements like, “A position with growth potential”, or, “A challenging position with a stable company.” Remember, keep it simple and to the point.

Special Skills and Abilities Tell the employer any other information you feel might help you. (This section is optional.) You might want to include information about knowledge of foreign languages, volunteer or leisure activities, memberships in professional organizations, special skills such as typing, computers, machines you can operate, licenses or certificates you possess. Do not provide personal information such as your age, sex, marital status, or handicaps.

Summary of Qualifications Tell the employer your major selling points in 3-5 lines. Be brief, summarize, give facts — not opinions. (This section is optional) Work Experience or Work History Tell the employer about your work experience in one of two ways — either by job titles and dates, or by functions and skills. Later in the publication you will see outlines and sample resumes which will help you decide which way would work best for you.

References Tell the employer simply that, “References are available upon request,” or, “References gladly furnished upon request.” Do not list references on your resume. Instead, have them typed on a separate sheet of paper and have them available if the employer asks for them. You should have three to five references listed. They should be people who know you and your work — not your relatives. Be sure to get each person’s permission to use him or her as a reference.

Education Tell the employer about any job-related training or education. List your most recent training first. If you are a recent graduate with little work experience, you might want to list the following information before your work history: the name of the school, the degree or certificate received, dates, course titles related to your job goal, scholarships, honors, grades, and extracurricular activities. 3

Resume Outlines and Examples The following pages have outlines and examples of two of the most commonly used basic resumes. Example 1 lists each job separately, starting with your most recent job and working backward. Specific information is given about each job.

Example 1 Outline First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Street Address, Apt. No. City, State, Zip Code Area Code/Telephone Number Employment Objective Tell the employer the specific position you are interested in. Summary of Qualifications A brief summary of your best selling points Work History City, State

Company Name Your Job Title

Dates of employment

Describe your duties, skills, responsibilities: • State your major accomplishments, achievements, skill area. • Start each with an action verb; try to keep each to 1-2 lines. • Use an asterisk (*), dash (-), or bullet (•) to draw attention to each statement. • Give specific results to show your qualifications. • List your most important accomplishments first. (Use the above format for additional employers. Start with your most recent job and work backward. Give the most space to more recent and more relevant work.)

School

Branch, rank

City, State

Education Degree

Military (Optional) Type of discharge (optional) Special Skills and Abilities Interests, hobbies, foreign languages, clubs, etc. References Available upon request. 4

Dates attended (optional)

Dates served (optional)

Example 1 Resume Tammy P. Farrell 1234 Major Street Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481 715/555-4444 Employment Objective Seeking a position as a retail sales clerk. Summary of Qualifications Five years successful experience in direct retail sales. Excellent communication skills; sincere commitment to providing quality customer service.

ShopWell Sales Associate

Work History Stevens Point, Wisconsin

2001-present

Assisted customers with item selection, operated computerized cash register, balanced cash register daily, monitored inventory and stocked shelves. • Set new monthly sales record, surpassing all sales associates for any given month in company history. • Accurately balanced cash register daily. Never was short. • Maintained detailed paperwork for inventory control. Operated automated inventory equipment. • Handled customer problems with patience and sensitivity. • Promoted to sales associate lead worker after one year. Trained new associates. PickRite Sales Clerk

Rosholt, Wisconsin

1999-2001

Operated computerized cash register and automated scanning equipment for the local branch of a large department store chain. • Worked cash register and scanning equipment in all departments. • Conducted inventories. Reconciled counts against inventory control systems. • Entered data into computer for special orders. • Received customer service and inventory control training. • Trained two new sales clerks.

Rosholt Senior High School

US Army

Education Rosholt, Wisconsin Diploma Military (Optional) Honorable Discharge Special Skills and Abilities Able to speak, read and write Spanish References Available upon request. 5

1996 graduate

1996-1999

Resume Outlines and Examples Example 2 lists the 3-5 skill areas or functions you performed that are related to your present job goal, briefly describing the work you’ve done within each area. Very little attention is given to when and where.

Example 2 Outline First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Street Address, Apt. No. City, State, Zip Code Area Code/Telephone Number

Employment Objective Tell the employer the specific position you are interested in. Prior Experience

Major skill areas or functions (list 3-5) • bulleted skills, successes or accomplishments • short phrases that start with verbs • result-oriented statements

(Use the above format for additional skill areas or functions.) Work History City, State

Company Name Job Title

Dates of employment

(Use the above format for additional skill areas or functions.)

Degree

Branch, rank

Education City, State

Dates attended (optional)

Military (Optional) Type of discharge (optional)

Dates served (optional)

School

Special Skills and Abilities Interests, hobbies, foreign languages, clubs, etc. References Available upon request. 6

Example 2 Resume Tammy P. Farrell 1234 Major Street Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481 715/555-4444 Employment Objective Retail salesperson Prior Experience

Sales • Set new monthly sales record, surpassing all sales associates for any given month in company history. • Worked cash register and scanning equipment in all departments. • Set-up advertising signs and displays to increase sales. Customer Service • Handled customer problems with patience and sensitivity. • Greeted customers and assisted them with item selection. • Answered customers’ telephone and in-person inquiries. Record Keeping • Conducted inventories. Reconciled counts against inventory control systems. • Entered data into computer for special orders. • Kept layaway records current.

ShopWell Sales Associate PickRite Sales Clerk

Diploma

US Army

Work History Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rosholt, Wisconsin

Rosholt HS

Education Rosholt, Wisconsin

Military (Optional) Honorable Discharge Special Skills and Abilities Able to speak, read and write Spanish References Available upon request.

2001-present 1999-2001

1996 graduate

1996-1999

Cover Letter Most employers prefer that a resume be mailed with a letter of introduction. This letter is called a cover letter. A cover letter should tell the employer which position you are interested in and why you are qualified for the position. It should cover 1/3 to 2/3 of an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet of paper and should be on the same size, grade, and color of paper as your resume. It is best to use a personal computer, word processor or typewriter to write your cover letter. Some information in your cover letter may also be on your resume; it is all right to have some overlapping information. Be sure your letter does not have spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors. Have another person proofread it before you mail it.

Cover Letter Outline Your Current Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number Today’s Date Name of Individual Official Title Name of Company Mailing Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms.:

TWO LINES OF SPACE

ONE LINE OF SPACE

ONE LINE OF SPACE Paragraph 1 - The Opening/Your Introduction 1. Give your reason for writing the letter. 2. Tell the employer the position in which you are interested. 3. Tell where you found out about the job opening. ONE LINE OF SPACE Paragraph 2 - The Body/Your Hook 1. This is 1-2 paragraphs that tell the employer why you are qualified to do the job. 2. Include information about your education, work experience, job-related skills, accomplishments, personality, availability, etc., that relates to the employer’s needs and the position for which you are applying. 3. Keep this section brief; give only the highlights of qualifications. ONE LINE OF SPACE Paragraph 3 - The Closing 1. Tell the employer you are interested in interviewing for the available position. 2. Thank the employer for considering you for the position. ONE LINE OF SPACE Sincerely, THREE LINES OF SPACE Your signature in ink Your name typed 8

Cover Letter Example

1234 Major Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715/555-4444 January 5, 2002 Ms. Judy David Store Manager Michael’s on the Mall 5678 Minor Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 Dear Ms. David: The position you listed on JobNet at your store in Stevens Point for an experienced Retail Salesperson is one I am very interested in and for which I am very well qualified. For the past three years I have worked as a salesperson in retail stores in the area. I have operated computerized cash registers and automated inventory control systems. I bring experience in stocking shelves, reconciling inventory levels, marking merchandise, balancing cash registers and handling customer comments and requests. I enjoy providing friendly service to customers. My store manager once told me that my desire to help customers kept them coming back. During one month, my sales totals set a company record. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I am very interested in the position you have available and look forward to meeting with you to further discuss my set of qualifications. Sincerely,

Tammy Farrell

Enclosure

Application Letter: An Alternative to a Resume In some situations, a traditional resume might not be the best way to contact an employer. Depending on the employer’s preference, the field of work and your qualifications, you may want to use a Letter of Application. This is a personal letter you write to an employer that tells which position you are interested in and why you are qualified for that position. It should fill 1/2 to 2/3 of an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet of white or light-colored bond paper. It must be error free. Have another person look it over to make sure it is perfect before you mail it. An outline and a sample for a Letter of Application follow.

Application Letter Outline Your Current Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number Today’s Date Name of Individual Official Title Name of Company Mailing Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms.:

TWO LINES OF SPACE

ONE LINE OF SPACE

ONE LINE OF SPACE Introduction: Tell the employer what position you are applying for and how you learned of the opening. ONE LINE OF SPACE Body: Tell the employer why you are qualified for the job. Include information about your education, work experience, job-related skills, accomplishments, personality, availability, etc., that relate to the employer’s needs and the position for which you are applying. ONE LINE OF SPACE Closing: Ask for an interview. ONE LINE OF SPACE Sincerely, THREE LINES OF SPACE Your signature in ink Your name typed

Application Letter Example

1234 Major Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715/555-4444 January 5, 2002 Ms. Judy David Store Manager Michael’s on the Mall 5678 Minor Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 Dear Ms. David: Please consider this letter my application for the Retail Salesperson position listed on JobNet in Stevens Point. I believe I am qualified for this position. With over three years experience as a retail sales clerk, I have demonstrated my abilities to operate computerized cash registers, accurately monitor inventory levels, and provide quality, friendly service to customers. In my most recent position, I set a new monthly sales record, surpassing all sales associates for any given month in company history. After one year, I was promoted to head sales associate. I really enjoy retail sales. I would appreciate an interview with you to further discuss my qualifications. Sincerely,

Tammy Farrell

Resume Checklist 

Use 8-1/2" x 11" paper, 1-2 pages

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Choose ivory, white, cream, buff or light gray paper

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Use personal computer, word processor, typewriter or typesetting

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Keep margins 1" wide at sides and bottom

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Check for and correct any spelling, punctuation, typing or grammatical errors

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Write short and to-the-point statements

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Keep it brief; write a summary, not a life history!

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Use short phrases beginning with action words to demonstrate accomplishments and results

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Provide positive and honest information

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Use a simple, professional, easy-to-read style

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Have others look it over to make sure it’s perfect

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Leave off personal information such as height, weight, age, sex, marital status

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Emphasize important information by underlining or using capital letters when appropriate, but don’t overdo it

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Don’t list wages, company street addresses, references, salary requirements, personal problems

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Provide examples of your qualifications

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Look at your resume through the eyes of an employer and ask yourself, “If I were an employer, would I want to interview this person?”

Application forms Resumes are required for some jobs, and are sometimes required for other jobs. An employer may have you complete an application form instead of submitting a resume. On some occasions, an employer may ask you to complete an application in addition to your resume. When you fill out an application form, make sure you fill it out completely and follow all instructions. Do not omit any requested information and make sure that the information you provide is correct.

Resume Worksheet

Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4:

Read this brochure. Review the samples provided in this brochure. Tear out and complete this worksheet Write your resume using the information from your worksheet. Step 5: Check it for errors. Have others check it, too. Step 6: Have your resume word processed, typed, or typeset. Step 7: You’re ready! Now USE YOUR RESUME!

Name______________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code___________________________________________________________________ Telephone (with Area Code)____________________________________________________________

EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVE (optional)___________________________________________________ SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS_______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ WORK EXPERIENCE: List most recent jobs first. 1. Job Title: ________________________________________________________________________ Job Duties/Accomplishments:________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name:__________________________________________________________________ City, State:_______________________________________________________________________ Dates of Employment (year to year):___________________________________________________ 2. Job Title: ________________________________________________________________________ Job Duties/Accomplishments:________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name:__________________________________________________________________ City, State:_______________________________________________________________________ Dates of Employment (year to year):___________________________________________________ 13

3. Job Title: ________________________________________________________________________ Job Duties/Accomplishments:________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name:__________________________________________________________________ City, State:_______________________________________________________________________ Dates of Employment (year to year):___________________________________________________

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION: Technical School and/or College:________________________________________________________ City, State:________________________________________

Dates Attended:____________________

Degree/Certificate or courses taken:______________________________________________________ High School:________________________________________________________________________ City, State:________________________________________

Dates Attended:____________________

Diploma or courses taken:______________________________________________________________

MILTARY EXPERIENCE: (optional and if not used elsewhere on this resume) Branch of Service:____________________________________________________________________ Highest Rank:_______________________________________________________________________ Type of Discharge:__________________________________

Year of Separation:_________________

Duties:_____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: List job titles/positions you want to show but do not want to go into detail about, i.e. short-term jobs, part-time jobs, volunteer work, etc. __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

10 Tips for an Effective Resume 1. If possible, use a computer to prepare your resume. There are computer programs that make it easy to produce a professional looking resume. Your Wisconsin Job Center, school, library, or quick print shop can help.

6. Use action verbs. For more information, read the publication, “The Right Words to Use in Your Job Search” (DETJ9463-P). 7. Be specific. Use concise sentences, Keep it short (one page is best).

2. Do not include irrelevant personal information (age, weight, height, marital status, etc.).

8. Make sure your resume “looks good” (neat and readable).

3. Do not include salary and wages.

9. Proofread the master copy carefully. Have someone else proofread it carefully.

4. Center or justify resume headings. Avoid the use of abbreviations.

10. Inspect photocopies for clarity, smudges and marks.

5. Be positive. Identify your accomplishments.

Using Electronic Resumes in Wisconsin and nationwide The information for your resume can be fed into databases as an electronic resume. Electronic resumes are searchable by potential employers who aim to select resumes for further scrutiny.

When posting a searchable resumes, it is important to accurately represent your work experience, education and training, skills, and availability. Be sure to use keywords and phrases specific to your education, skills and work experience.

In Wisconsin, you may post your resume on Job Center of Wisconsin, an internet-based service.

Job Center of Wisconsin permits searches on the following fields for your matching keywords: • Employment Profile • Work Experience • Education

Visit http://JobCenterOfWisconsin.com From the “Job Seeker Tools” menu on the toolbar, you will first need to establish an account. Once you have your password-protected account, return to the “Job Seeker Tools” menu and choose, “Create/Update Résumé”. Complete instructions, and help text is available on the web site.

You are in control of the information you provide. No personally identifiable information will be displayed to the employer. If the employer decides to contact you, it will be by email.

Where talent & opportunity meet web: http://jobcenterofwisconsin.com

(888) 258-9966

Your Wisconsin Job Center features additional publications to guide you with your resumes and applications Personal Data Record (DETJ-4937-P) Thoughts on Resumes (DETJ-4658-P) The Right Words to Use in Your Job Search (DETJ-9463-P)

email: JobCenterofWI@dwd.wi.gov Job Readiness publications: • • • • •

Personal Data Record Resume Writing – A Basic Guide The Right Words to Use in Your Job Search Transferable Skills Employment Skills

Publications available in these topic areas: • • •

Job Readiness Interviewing Job Search

Publications are also available through Wisconsin Job Centers on these topics related to job search success INTERVIEWING Keys to Successful Interviewing (DETJ-6951-P) Hidden Elements of Interviewing (DETJ-9484-P) Informational Interviewing (DETJ-9407-P) JOB SEARCH Qualities an Employer Looks for When Hiring (DETJ-8459-P) Networking (DETJ-9455-P) Where to Look for Job Opportunities (DETJ-9467-P) To obtain single copies of this publication, visit your nearest Wisconsin Job Center. For multiple copies of this or other Wisconsin Job Center publications, contact Document Sales at 1-800-DOC-SALE (Visa/MasterCard accepted). We invite your comments. Send an e-mail message to: jobcenterofwisconsin@dwd.wisconsin.gov The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

DWD does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of services or employment. If you need this printed material interpreted, translated, in a different form, or if you need assistance in using this service, please contact us at 888-258-9966. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers may reach us through (866-275-1165) or contact us through the Wisconsin Relay Service, number 711.

DETJ-9433-P (R. 11/2016)

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. DWD does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of services or employment. If you need this printed material interpreted, translated, in a different form, or if you need assistance in using this service, please contact us at 888-258-9966. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers may reach us through (866-275-1165) or contact us through the Wisconsin Relay Service number, 711.

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Benefits available to full and part time employees! View open jobs and apply today at gfs.com/careers or scan the QR code Gordon Food Service is an Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Kitchen Staff: We are an experienced culinary team; we frequently change our menus based upon seasonality and product availability. We are committed to our craft and see the importance of the continued development of our culinary team. Are you excited and passionate about food and your craft? We would love to meet you. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, with the ambition to grow within the culinary world. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with experienced and certified culinarians and cultivate their culinary skills. Applicants must have open availability, including Sundays. Please email your resume to jnixon@redrungolfclub.com Golf Course Maintenance Staff: Do you enjoy being outside? We are looking for energetic team players to join the grounds staff. Part time and full time positions available. Previous grounds maintenance experience is valued but not necessary. Please email your resume to rsteger@redrungolfclub.com

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MAKING EVERY DAY

BETTER BEGINS WITH YOU ATTEND A HIRING PARTY!

You’re invited to a Hiring Party to explore Career Opportunities with the YMCA OF METROPOLITIAN DETROIT JOIN A TEAM COMMITTED TO MAKING EVERY DAY BETTER FOR EVERYONE! The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has full-time and part-time positions available, with a hiring range of $10 to $16 per hour! Working at the Y has benefits for you, your family and the community! Learn more about career opportunities with the YMCA. Attend a hiring party to meet our staff and learn about their incredible experiences! Then attend an on-the-spot job interview. Opportunities are available for those ages 16 and older! EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • Free YMCA Membership for all staff • Discounts on YMCA Programs for all staff • Generous retirement plan

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YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT ymcadetroit.org/careers

Preparing a Portfolio Angela Simmons Jill Lumsden

Objectives 1. Recognize the importance of preparing and using portfolios in the career development process. 2. Identify the parts of an effective portfolio. 3. Know how to compile and present your portfolio in a professional manner.

Activities These activities can help you achieve the stated objectives. Do any or al of them. The more you do, the closer you will come to meeting the objectives. •

Read through this guide to understand the basic dynamics of portfolio preparation.

•

Refer to the portfolio preparation related resources that are listed in this guide.

•

Ask a career advisor about portfolio preparation and related activities that are most appropriate for your career planning needs.

What’s Inside

In today’s competitive job market, effectively showcasing your knowledge and skills to an employer is critical in seeking and sustaining employment. Along with a tailored resume, a portfolio can help provide further evidence of professional qualifications and abilities. This guide can assist you in organizing a professional portfolio and using it as a tool in your career development.

Why create a portfolio?..................................2

What is a portfolio?

Using an interview portfolio.........................3

A portfolio is a personalized collection of materials. Portfolios are often identified with people in the arts (photography, design, etc.) and conjure up images of large black cases or binders with samples of work. They are now widely used in many other fields. A portfolio is:

• A reflection of you as a professional • A record of your professional development • Proof of performance on the job or in class • What you have accomplished (i.e., tangible artifacts/evidence) • Evidence of your learning new skills • Paper-, computer-, or web-based

What’s included in a portfolio?.....................2 Example portfolio additions..........................2 Benefits of interview portfolios.....................2 Making an interview portfolio......................3 Adopting a presentation format...................3 Creating electronic portfolios........................3 Use the FSU Career Portfolio........................4 Internet resources............................................4 Additional resources......................................4 References........................................................4

Why create a portfolio? Portfolios can be used for a variety of purposes. This guide focuses on creating portfolios that are used to: • Market your capabilities in job interviews • Negotiate promotions and raises • Apply for bonuses, scholarships, or grants • Document the quality and quantity of your professional development • Demonstrate prior work or learning experiences for educational credit Regardless of purpose, portfolios document skills and accomplishments through examples of work.

What’s included in a portfolio? Items found in most portfolios include: • Resume or CV (ask a career advisor for information on CV preparation) • Transcripts • Evidence of professional affiliations • Licenses or certifications • Letters of reference • Evidence of specific skills (e.g., public speaking, leadership, writing) • Work samples (e.g., class projects, items produced during internship or co-op experiences) Depending upon your profession, specific items can be added to provide an accurate representation of your knowledge and abilities (see example at right). As you can imagine, your portfolio can become quite a large collection of items. During an interview it would be impossible and unwise to go through every item with an employer. A better strategy is to select items from your portfolio to be included in a smaller interview portfolio. This portfolio can be presented during an interview to add evidence of important knowledge or skills you possess that are relevant to the position or promotion at hand. Take your cues from the interviewer in regards to an appropriate time to share items from your portfolio.

Benefits of interview portfolios Interview portfolios should include the best examples of your skills and abilities from your professional portfolio that are particularly relevant to the position you are seeking. When you customize your interview

Example portfolio additions Education • Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages) • Teaching honors/awards • Evaluations (e.g., supervisor, student) • Video of your teaching • Evidence of student learning (e.g., graded exams, assignments [1 good/1 bad]) • Classroom innovations (e.g., new technology) • Sample lesson plans • Relevant photographs The Arts • Performance or Design • Actual work samples or photos of them • Video/audio recording of work • Course descriptions for classes/workshops • List of competencies mastered

portfolio to the requirements of the specific job, it demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and understand the characteristics the employer is seeking (Kimeldorf, 1997). Developing a portfolio helps you prepare for interviews by allowing you to think critically about your life experiences and accomplishments. When preparing for an interview, this process will enable you to highlight specific experiences that led to the development of valuable workplace skills. In addition, preparing a portfolio allows you to see how well your qualifications match those of the position for which you are applying. When developing a portfolio, it is important to identify skills and work samples that best highlight the skills needed for the specific job you are seeking. You may consider having targeted portfolios for different types of jobs. When reflecting on your skills related to a specific job, you may find skills that need improvement. By clearly defining the skills you need to improve, you are better able to discuss your goals and their match with the goals of the organization with whom you are interviewing (JIST, 2003). Having your portfolio in the interview offers many benefits. The contents of your portfolio demonstrate your experience, skills, and abilities in a visual way. In addition, it can help your application stand out to employers. Preparing a Portfolio

Making an interview portfolio To make an interview portfolio: • Put items in loose-leaf binder • Use sheet protectors • Use copies (keep a master copy of all items) • Use index tabs and/or title pages to divide sections • Maintain a manageable size, ideally 5-10 pages • Omit page numbers to make it easier to add and move items around • Use consistent headings and placement of items • Put sections together according to what the employer is looking for (job description) • Proofread to make sure it is error free Ensure that your interview portfolio: • Looks professional

to job description only (e.g., computer skills). This organizational scheme works when an individual has varied experiences that need to be pulled together to demonstrate ability in specified areas. Work/Evidence Samples For each sample, provide a reflection statement, either in paragraph or bulleted format that contains: • A brief description of the sample item and the context in which the item was created (e.g., “A marketing plan for a nonprofit agency created for Marketing 425”) • A detailed list of the competencies developed or revealed by the sample. (It is this second part of the reflection statement that makes the portfolio element especially useful in the interview process)

Using an interview portfolio

Adopting a presentation format

Before attending an interview, it may be beneficial for you to role-play using your interview portfolio with a friend. This exercise will help you feel more at ease in handling your portfolio during an interview (Steigerwald, 1997). Once in the interview, relax and look for opportune moments to use your portfolio to address employer questions. Remember, when your interview portfolio includes reflection statements as discussed earlier, it will be easier for you to feel confident in showcasing your abilities to an employer. Additionally, your interview portfolio can remind you of information you wish to share with an employer in the instance you forget key points.

It is important to choose a presentation format and stick with it throughout the portfolio. For example.

Creating electronic portfolios

• Reflects your actual skills • Is occupationally focused • Is easy to update • Is easy for the employer to quickly review • Can stand alone without explanation • Supports information presented in your resume Adapted from: Ademan, B., & Choi, J. (1997). “Job portfolio: It’s the door opener.” Adult Learning, March/April, pp. 26-31.

Introductory Title Page Table of Contents The table of contents can be organized in two ways (Kimeldorf, 1997): 1. Chronologically: Sections are packaged according to job description and dates the portfolio samples represent (e.g., General Work Performance 19961998). This organizational scheme helps demonstrate increasing improvement and accomplishment over time in a particular field. 2. Functionally: Sections are packaged according

Preparing a Portfolio

Electronic portfolios use interactive multimedia to increase the range and type of materials that can be included as evidence of learning. They take full advantage of the advanced capacity of desktop computers to include text, graphics, animation, sound and video (Pack, 1998). One day, employers may require applicants to submit electronic portfolios. In his book Portfolio Power, Kimeldorf explains the intricacies of this process and provides a few tips on creating these types of portfolios (1997). When developing electronic portfolios, remember to: • Update your electronic portfolio frequently

• Include only relevant work samples arranged to highlight your best skills • Keep your portfolio concise, neat, and honest Do not: • Put your picture in your portfolio (reduces employment law issues) • Use flashy text, icons, or sound (unless needed) • Include work samples that are difficult to load (Dixon, 1998; JIST, 2003) You can develop an electronic portfolio on your own by designing a website. The advantage to developing your own is that you have the greatest amount of creativity. A possible disadvantage is the need for web design skills. FSU students and alumni can use the FSU Career Portfolio to avoid building a website (see example at right).

Internet resources By typing in phrases like “professional portfolio,” “interview portfolio,” and “career portfolio” to any Internet search engine, you will find several sites to review. These sites may provide you with ideas for the creation of your own portfolio. teachnet.com This link focuses on teaching portfolios and provides concrete suggestions for how to use the portfolio to sell yourself to potential employers.

References Dixon, P. (1998). Job searching online for dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. JIST. (2003). Your career and life plan portfolio (2nd Ed.). Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, Inc. Kimeldorf, M. (1997). Portfolio power: The new way to showcase all your job skills and experiences. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s. Pack, D. (1998). Wings: The Winona State University Electronic Portfolio Project. About Campus, May-June, pp. 24-26. Steigerwald, F. (November, 1997). Portfolio development: Documenting the adventure. Counseling

Use the FSU Career Portfolio FSU has developed an online portfolio system for students and alumni. The “Career Portfolio” can be accessed at portfolio.fsu.edu. The FSU Career Portfolio allows you to present your: 1. Profile (background, goals, and/or objectives) 2. Resume or CV 3. References 4. Unofficial transcripts (service and/or academic)

www.amby.com/kimeldorf/p_mk-toc.html

5. Artifacts/examples of work

This is Martin Kimeldorf’s Portfolio Library, which contains helpful tips on how to use your portfolio in your job search, among other topics.

6. Skills

Additional resources Career Library resources and call numbers: Job Hunter’s Sourcebook: Where to find employment leads and other job search resources....................VD F5 How to Put Your Book Together and Get a Job in Advertising....................IIB 11-2011 P3 Your Career and Life Plan Portfolio.........................IA J5 Creating Your Digital Portfolio.............................VD C8

To illustrate your skills, the Career Portfolio presents a matrix of skills that may be gained from experiences, such as courses, jobs/internships, services/volunteer work, memberships/activities, and interests/life experiences. These skills include communication, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, life management, research/project development, social responsibility, teamwork, technical/scientific, and a place to add unlimited skills of your choice. You may share your portfolio by giving employers or other referred users a personalized access key (password) that lets you track who is viewing your profile.

Alternative Format Available. Revised 3/16.

850.644.6431 • career.fsu.edu

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Interviewing Before the Interview: A Checklist Review your resume. Be prepared to discuss every bullet point, from internships and employment to coursework and activities. Assess yourself. Identify strengths and weaknesses, interests, attributes, and skills. Employers are looking for oral and written communication abilities, interpersonal strengths, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, and experiences that demonstrate both your teamwork and your independence. Develop career objectives. Employers seek candidates who have carefully considered goals and can connect these goals to their position and organization. Research the employer. Learn its history as well as its current position and future prospects. Begin with the employer’s website and proceed to trade journals, professional organizations, and media coverage. Speak with alumni who work at the organization or in the same industry. (This is called Informational Interviewing.) You can identify these individuals through the Tufts Career Networking Group on LinkedIn. Practice. Practice. Practice. Prepare responses to common interview questions and rehearse to ensure a professional, articulate performance. Likewise, consider questions that you would like to ask the employer to convey your research, interest, and enthusiasm. Choose your interview outfit. Model it for a friend at least two days ahead. (What if you find a stain or a missing button?) Business attire is appropriate for all interviews, unless you’ve been instructed differently. Do a trial run. If the interview is off campus, you may want to take a test drive. Consider unexpected factors: traffic, parking, and money for meters. Check the weather.

THE THREE Rs I. RESEARCH

Do your homework. Use all your resources to learn more about the employer and the position for which you’re interviewing. Go to the organization’s website, but don’t stop there. Get a 360-degree perspective on the employer by researching a variety of resources, from the Vault Online Library (available through the Web Resources page on careers.tufts.edu) to media sources and professional organizations. Develop an understanding of the organization’s mission, culture, and challenges. Learn as much as you can in advance about the nature and format of the interview. Will you meet with a single individual from Human Resources, the hiring manager, and/or potential co-workers? Will there be case questions involved (typical of consulting or technical interviews)? The better your preparation, the better your performance.

II. REFLECT

What happens before your interview will help determine its outcome. Now that your research has given you more information about an employer, you’ll have a better understanding of where you might fit and, most importantly, how you can contribute to the organization’s goals. Reflection is the phase where you develop answers to the following questions that are certain to be asked at some point in an interview: Why are you interested in this organization? This field? This specific position? And, the query that candidates most often find challenging: “Why YOU?” If you’ve done your homework – and you’re sincere about your interest in the position – you’ll be prepared to answer these questions and differentiate yourself from your competition. As you do your research, consider the fundamental goals of interviewing (below). Reflect on these goals and consider how your research will support you in achieving them.

Your Goals: 1. Market yourself by describing skills and experience that match the job 2. Get information about the position and organization 3. Determine whether the position is right for you

Employer’s Goals: 1. Determine whether the candidate can do the job 2. Assess the candidate’s ‘fit’ with a team/organization 3. Sell the organization and position

III. REHEARSE

Develop a script to answer the questions commonly asked by employers. Somewhere between your brain and your mouth, the most articulate responses can become garbled. Don’t wait until your interview, when the stakes are high, to discover this! Practice, practice, and practice! Develop scripts to respond to typical interview questions and practice OUT LOUD. Do it alone, with a trusted friend, or a Career Advisor. Sign up for a mock interview with video so you can observe yourself on tape. And finally, don’t postpone this practice until you’ve been notified about an interview; you may not be able to get an appointment and even if you do, you may not have the time to improve, based on an advisor’s feedback.

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

The Real Thing: Day of the Interview Get off to a good start    

 

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Check your appearance and grooming. Bring extra copies of your resume in a portfolio. Arrive 10-15 minutes early so you don’t appear rushed or hassled. The interview begins at the moment you cross an employer’s threshold, sometimes earlier. (Candidates tell stories of meeting VIPs – unknowingly – in the parking lot!) Behave respectfully with everyone you meet, from administrative assistants to managers. The first 60 seconds create lasting impressions. Offer a firm handshake, greet the interviewer by name, and don’t be lulled by ‘small talk.’ You’re being evaluated from many angles, including informal conversation. Be aware of your non-verbal communication, especially your eye contact and physical posture. Display energy and enthusiasm in a way that fits your personal style. Be YOU.

Keep up the momentum 

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  

Conclude with confidence 



When the recruiter begins discussing the organization or position, ask questions if you need clarification or want to know more. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the job, the requirements, and the challenges. Your questions should highlight your interest and knowledge of the organization and industry.

The interviewer will ask about your qualifications as well as areas where they may have concerns. Be prepared to deal with aspects of your background that could be construed as negative (e.g., low GPA, few outside activities, no related work experience). A low GPA or minimal extracurricular involvement could have resulted from working for financial support through college. Or, you may not have directly related experience, but can point to an employment history that demonstrates positive qualities. Never criticize a former employer. Watch your grammar and enunciation. Employers want articulate employees. Never bring up salary or benefits in the first interview.



Final impressions count. As you conclude, the recruiter is assessing your overall performance. Remain enthusiastic and courteous. If you’re unclear about next steps in the hiring process, ask for clarification. Example: “When do you expect to be making a decision?” Shake the recruiter’s hand, offer thanks for the opportunity to interview, and request a business card (so you have contact information for your thank you letter).

AFTER THE INTERVIEW… Jot down the pertinent facts you want to remember about the interview and make note of questions as preparation for future interviews. Within 1 - 2 days, send a ‘thank you’ email or type written note to those who interviewed you. Emphasize your interest in working for the organization and how you can contribute. Use this as an opportunity to clarify or to mention something you might have overlooked in the interview. If you choose to correspond through email, ensure that your message is as formal as one you would send via snail mail.

Did You Know? The Career Center offers hour-long mock interviews to help you strengthen your interviewing skills. You also have the option of a mock interview with video so that you’ll be able to see how you look on camera. Schedule an appointment (617.627.3299) before you have an interview so that you’ll have extra time to prepare! Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

B E H AV I O R A L I N T E R V I E W I N G Behavioral interviewing is a popular framework for conducting interviews because employers believe it will illustrate how you – as an employee – will function in a new organization. Proponents of behavioral interviewing theorize that “the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations.” Thus, employers will pose a problem or describe a scenario and ask how you would handle it. Likewise, they will ask you (or you are expected to volunteer) similar situations from your own background. This more probing style of interviewing is expected to demonstrate how you manage challenges, awkward situations, and stress (see sample questions listed under Behavioral Interviewing on page 5). Many employers have come to view behavioral interviewing as a more reliable predictor of your performance than more traditional inquiries, such as “Tell me about yourself.” In the more traditional approach, you might be asked “How would you handle a _______ situation?” You might offer the “perfect response,” but an employer has no idea if it’s a reliable indication of what you would actually do in that set of circumstances. Thus, most interviews today will involve a combination of the two styles. To prepare for behavioral interviewing, you should develop a repertoire of examples from all your experiences: employment, internships, and extracurricular activities. Think of it as storytelling. In your repertoire, you’ll have stories that exemplify your strengths, achievements, work style, teamwork, initiative. When asked to describe a situation, you simply choose the most appropriate example and adapt to fit the question. The more stories you develop, the better equipped you are for behavioral interviewing.

As you tell your stories, be prepared for more questions. An employer may want to know the “How” and “Why” of what happened. “What prompted you to choose that course of action?” “How did you handle that obstacle?” or “Tell me more about _____.” This probing gives depth and detail to an employer’s knowledge of you. It’s difficult to ‘fake it’ when you’re providing real life examples. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, honesty is the best policy. Remember: an employer has access to your references who may be asked to verify the stories you’ve told. If you’ve done your research on the position, the organization, and the industry, you’ll have a good grasp of what is needed in an entry level candidate. Knowing this, you can create a list of stories illustrating skills, knowledge, and abilities that position you as someone who meets the job -related needs of a specific employer. For example, if you know the employer requires individuals to work in teams, be ready with stories of your team work. Likewise, if presentation skills are a requisite, polish your description of a class, internship, or service projects where you played a lead role in reporting to a group. The more you can quantify or provide specific details, the more credible your responses. DON’T FORGET: Employers are interested in how you handle negative or awkward situations (akin to the “What are your weaknesses?” question) so make sure you have a few stories that acknowledge how you made the best of a bad situation or managed to produce a positive outcome.

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

Mastering Behavioral Interviewing with the S -T- A - R M o d e l The S-T-A-R model offers a useful framework for storytelling and will keep you on track. It will help you organize your stories to give the “big picture”, get quickly to the point, and make a positive impression. Keep your story to 3 – 5 minutes and when you conclude, you may want to invite questions from your interviewer to ensure that you accurately interpreted the question and provided helpful information. Example: “Would you like to hear more about ____? Or “Is this information what you were looking for?”

Briefly describe the background to give context to your example. Be specific in identifying a problem or challenge and provide enough detail for an interviewer to ‘get it.’

Identify the task that you set out to accomplish. This step might reflect your strategy or thinking in coming up with a plan.

S-T-A-R A

Describe your actions. What did you do specifically? Which skills did you use? If you were part of a team, focus on you and the role you played.

What happened? How did the situation, project, or event unfold? What did you achieve or learn? How might you do things differently to improve an outcome?

B e h av i ora l I n t erv i ew i n g C h ec k l i st 

Identify six to eight examples from your past experiences that demonstrate behaviors and skills that employers typically seek.



Develop stories to describe these examples, emphasizing your achievements and attitude, yet remembering to include some evidence of struggles or turnarounds.



Diversify your stories. Choose from internships, classes and school projects, volunteering and campus activities, hobbies, part-time jobs, and other areas that give a 360-degree view of you.



Organize your stories using the STAR model. Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

Interviewing Basics: STAR Worksheet

PART 1: BRAINSTORM! List any and all experiences that you can draw from and talk about during an interview. This includes jobs, classes, internships, groups and clubs, teams, and time spent volunteering. In the right column jot down a few key skills you gained from each experience

EXPERIENCE

o o o o o o o o o

SKILLS

PART 2: USE THE STAR METHOD S What was the situation T What was the task? A What action did you take R What was the result? Pre-Interview Exercise: Develop a story around each of these skills. Try to develop stories from different experiences. Completing this exercise thoughtfully will help you be ready to answer tough “example” questions!

Teamwork S T A R Personal Initiative/ Leadership S T A R Interpersonal/ Communication Skills S T A R Conflict Resolution/ Problem Solving Skills S T A R One of your Strengths and/or Weaknesses S T A R Failure Experience S T A R

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall 740

SAMPL E QUEST IONS ASKED BY EMPLOYERS Getting to know you

Your Career Goals

 Tell me about yourself.  Why/how are you qualified for this position?  What do you know about our organization? Our

products? Services? Competition? Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What can you offer us? Why should we hire you over another candidate? Define success. Failure. Of which three achievements are you most proud? Who are your role models? Why? What motivates you? Have you had difficulty getting along with a professor (supervisor, co-worker)? Explain.  Do you prefer to work independently or with supervision?         

     

How did you choose your college? Why did you choose your major? Which classes do you like best? Least? Why? Would you change anything about your education? In which campus activities did you participate? Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?  Did you pay for any portion of your education?  Describe the skills you’ve gained through your coursework and projects.

   

 

   

Your Experience  What did you most/least enjoy about your last job or

internship? Which skills do you enjoy using? Have you ever spoken before a group of people? Have you ever quit a job? Withdrawn from a course? Have you ever done any volunteer work? How would a former supervisor describe you and your work?

Describe your ideal job. What other types of positions are you considering? Describe your ideal work environment. Where do you want to be in five years? Do you plan to go to graduate school? Would you be willing to relocate?

behavioral interviewing questions



Your Education

    

     

   

Tell about a time when you persuaded someone or successfully pitched an idea. Describe a time when you worked under stress and demonstrated your coping skills. Tell about a time when you provided a solution or improved something for an employer. Give me an example of a time when you set and then achieved a specific goal. Describe a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. Tell me about a time when you had too much to do and how you prioritized your tasks. Share an experience that demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done. Describe the most significant written report that you’ve completed. Have you ever had to make an unpopular decision? Give an example. What’s the best example of how you think logically and use sound judgment? Tell me about a difficult decision you’ve made in the past year. How have you dealt with a co-worker or subordinate who was incompetent? How have you handled an emotional reaction or personality conflict with someone? Describe a time when you had to think on your feet. Give an example of an occasion when you used factfinding skills and analysis.

Some recruiters have favorite questions. These inquiries are designed to observe your processing: the way you Who’s our CEO? think, behave, and respond. Besides doing the research Tell me a joke. we’ve recommended (which would give you the CEO’s What’s the last book you read? name), you cannot predict all these questions. Stop and Describe your most creative Halloween costume. think. Respond carefully. Use humor, if it comes naturally. Tell me about your most awkward moment.. Don’t just give the answer– give the reason for the answer.

Expect the Unexpected     

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

Tec h n i c a l I n t erv i ew s In many career fields, especially engineering and other technical fields, be prepared to answer questions about coursework, projects and labs. You may be asked to describe a significant project in detail including the objective and results. Note that hiring managers will assume you have a general grasp of technical terminology in your field. Your depth of knowledge may be explored with questions such as: What assumptions did you make? Why do you think that was a valid assumption? Did your results make sense? Did the experiments match your analysis? If you were to start the project over, what would you do differently? Explain what others in your group did – to prove you were interested in the full project. For each type of position there will be truly technical questions related to the actual job:  For programming jobs you will need to answer algorithm questions and write code;  For structural engineering positions you may be asked strength of material questions;  For electrical engineering jobs you may be asked circuit design questions. Prepare by reviewing the building block concepts in your field and reviewing past projects and reminding yourself of important equations and relationships. You should also be ready for brainteasers and other questions designed to assess your logic and problem solving skills. Be Prepared to:  “Whiteboard” your answers to questions to show how you think  Understand that you may not know the right answer, but you should show how you would get to it  Admit you do not know an answer; don’t make something up.

Yo u r t u r n : Q u est i o n s Yo u C an A s k E m p loy e rs 

What is the most significant challenge facing this organization? This department?



Does this position require more teamwork or more independent work?



What kinds of assignments might I expect initially?



What are the department’s goals for this year?



How is training provided for new employees?

What do you like best about working for this company?



How much opportunity is there for _________?  Fill in the blank with a skill that you want to use  (e.g., writing, research)



Which skills and qualities are you looking for in a candidate?



How often are performance reviews given? How would you describe this organization compared to its competitors? Which characteristics do achievers in this company share?

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

Co n s u lt i n g C a s e I n t e rv i e w s Adapted with permission from Case In Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation by Marc Cosentino

A case interview is a role playing exercise in which an employer can assess how logically and persuasively you – a potential consultant - can present a case. The objective is not to see if you get the correct answer but rather to evaluate the process by which you think and arrive at a solution. The purpose of a case interview is to test you in the following areas: 

Analytical and logical ability



Structure and thought process



Tolerance for ambiguity and data overload



Poise and communication skills under pressure and in front of a client

Common Case Scenarios Strategy Scenario: Assisting a client who is entering a new market, developing a new product, investigating pricing strategies, developing growth strategies, starting a new business.

steps to take with every question: 1. Summarize and re-state the question 2. Verify the objectives

Operations Scenario: Helping clients to increase sales, reduce costs, improve bottom line.

3. Identify the type of case and layout your structure

Sample Case Question: How do you price a light bulb that never burns out?

4. Ask clarifying questions 5. Organize your answer 6. Deliver summary or recommendations

Guidelines for Responding to Case Questions 

Listen to the problem and take notes



Verify objective and ask clarifying questions



Listen to the interviewer’s feedback



Think big picture first; think top down



Think out loud (but think first)



Structure the problem



Bring closure and summarize



Organize your answer and manage your time



Demonstrate enthusiasm & a positive attitude

Be creative and brainstorm

Case Interviewing Resources for Tufts Students Check out the Consulting link in Careers A - Z (on the Career Center Web Resources page) for many helpful tools including advice from Tufts alumni in the consulting field. Visit the Consulting Section of “Spotlight on Careers”. Casequestions.com: Marc Cosentino’s book, “Case in Point,” has been a useful tool for many students preparing for case interviews. Read about the process at Cosentino’s website. Yes, he’s promoting his book, but there’s also a lot of good free content here. Go straight to the source: Visit the sites of consulting firms that interest you. Most large firms dedicate sections of their website to tell you what they look for in candidates. In addition, they offer great advice about preparing for the interview and, specifically, a case interview. Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

D r es s i n g fo r t h e J o b I n t erv i ew Before you open your mouth, your appearance speaks for you! Appearance is of utmost importance in an interview. Your interviewer will develop a visual impression of you within the first 10 seconds of the interaction. Be aware of your physical appearance. Dress conservatively, and be neat, clean, and tidy. Remember, image is as important as content and that your nonverbal gestures as well as body language add to an interviewer's impression of you.

MEN 

Wear a suit or sport jacket with color coordinated trousers.



The color should be neutral or dark—blue, black, gray is best. Stripes, herringbones and small plaids are fine, but avoid bold prints.



A light-colored shirt such as white, ivory, or shades of pale blue, yellow or pink is more conservative than a dark color. Cotton or cotton blends look more tailored than silky fabrics.



Wear a tie—one accessory that can be creative.



WOMEN 

Wear a classic suit or a simple dress with a jacket. The best choices in suits or jackets are solid colors or conservative prints. Bold patterns are distracting. Some appropriate colors are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red, burgundy, or gray.



Silky blouses and rayon look dressier than cottons. Choose a conservative neckline and hem.



Avoid wearing clothes that are revealing or trendy. It may be the latest fashion but it will not impress the interviewer.

Shoes should be leather—clean and polished. Wear with coordinating colored socks.



Choose sheer stockings in a soft neutral color.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. A watch and possibly a ring are all you should wear.



Closed toe and moderate height heels are best. Avoid sandals.



Keep jewelry to a minimum.



Fingernails should be trimmed to a reasonable length. The polish color should be neutral.



Minimize perfume as many people are allergic.



Avoid big bags or backpacks. Carry a portfolio and a small handbag.



Be sure all cell phones are off!

Make sure your nails are trimmed and clean.



Minimize cologne as many people are allergic.



Avoid backpacks; carry a portfolio instead.



Be sure all cell phones are off!

Additional Resources for Interview Attire http://www.quintcareers.com http://www.monster.com

Tufts Career Center | careers.tufts.edu | 617.627.3299 | Dowling Hall

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Quintessential Careers: When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. It's probably one of the most overused phrases in job-hunting, but also one of the most underutilized by jobseekers: dress for success. In job-hunting, first impressions are critical. Remember, you are marketing a product -yourself -- to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking. Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression. Should you be judged by what you wear? Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, that you are judged. Throughout the entire job-seeking process employers use short-cuts -- heuristics or rules of thumb -- to save time. With cover letters, it's the opening paragraph and a quick scan of your qualifications. With resumes, it is a quick scan of your accomplishments. With the job interview, it's how you're dressed that sets the tone of the interview. How should you dress? Dressing conservatively is always the safest route, but you should also try and do a little investigating of your prospective employer so that what you wear to the interview makes you look as though you fit in with the organization. If you overdress (which is rare but can happen) or underdress (the more likely scenario), the potential employer may feel that you don't care enough about the job. How do you find out what is the proper dress for a given job/company/industry? You can call the Human Resources office where you are interviewing and simply ask. Or, you could visit the company's office to retrieve an application or other company information and observe the attire current employees are wearing -- though make sure you are not there on a "casual day" and misinterpret the dress code. Finally, do you need to run out and spend a lot of money on clothes for interviewing? No, but you should make sure you have at least two professional sets of attire. You'll need more than that, but depending on your current financial condition, two is enough to get started and you can buy more once you have the job or have more financial resources. Hints for Dress for Success for Men and Women Attention to detail is crucial, so here are some tips for both men and women. Make sure you have:         

clean and polished conservative dress shoes well-groomed hairstyle cleaned and trimmed fingernails minimal cologne or perfume no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercings for women well-brushed teeth and fresh breath no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth minimal jewelry no body odor

Finally, check your attire in the rest room just before your interview for a final check of your appearance -- to make sure your tie is straight, your hair is combed, etc. Go to Dress for Success for Women (http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_women.html) for specific tips for women. Go to Dress for Success for Men (http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_men.html) for specific tips for men. Career & Professional Development Center, California University of PA, 138 Natali Student Center Phone: 724-938-4413 - Fax: 724-938-5770 Email: careers@calu.edu - Web site: http://www.calu.edu/careers

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