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EMPLOYMENT TIPS

Three Themes of Job Hunters' Success Stories

Before you begin your job search, research the internet and libraries for information about job searching. A great book that has been around for a very long time is Richard N. Bolles, What Color is your Parachute? The following are some tips Mr. Bolles offers job seekers:

1. Keep in mind no one owes you a job. If you really want to work, you are going to have to work towards that goal. Job hunting is not easy or simple. A job coach, career counselor, or employment specialist is there to encourage and assist, but it is you who will determine the outcome of the job search.
2. Job hunting success is related to your job hunting effort. The more hours you devote to your search the more likely you will find the job you are seeking.
3. Successful job hunting requires flexibility. In other words you may have to change your strategy. If you have been trying the same method and you are not moving forward then you need to change. If you are only using the Internet or answering job postings from newspapers or job boards, and you have not had any response, then add other methods to your search. Calling companies directly is another approach to changing a method that has not been as productive. It is not recommended you stop using the Internet, newspapers or job boards, it just means you need to do more.

Most important is to stay focused and maintain a job search schedule. Make a commitment to yourself that you will make 10 contacts a day. A contact can be, talking on the phone, submitting an application, an interview, a chance meeting with a friend or acquaintance, a scheduled meeting, emailing and staying connected with your current network. Any type of communication regarding your job search is making a connection. Keep a record of who you communicated with and when you plan to follow up.

Reference: Bolles, Richard N. What Color is Your Parachute? Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 2007.

How to Begin Exploring a Career Change

Today’s world of work, most people will change jobs 10 to 15 times until retirement. They may also have to change careers – sometimes by choice and sometimes not. What is important when exploring other options is to do research and spend time understanding what your interests and needs are. The following steps provide a guide to starting the process of change.

1. Write down 10 areas of interest. This includes career interests, what activities you enjoy or would like to participate in and what activities you do currently that excite you.
2. Evaluate carefully your interests, values and skill level. Assess your skills so you can better understand what you are good at, what you like to do and what motivates you.
3. Take time to explore career opportunities. Learn, compare and evaluate a few careers. Talking with career professionals will provide added information during the exploration time.
4. Meet with individuals in the field of interests, by requesting informational interviews or job shadowing with professionals.
5. Become a volunteer in the field of interest. Such as if you want to become a customer service representative, many organizations have customer service type positions that you may be able to offer your services and time.
6. Investigate what job training and education is required.
7. Consider other opportunities within the current industry. An example is someone working as a dog groomer, but doesn’t want to do that job any longer, but wants to continue to work with animals. Explore what other fields that would allow you to work with animals.
8. Understand your likes and dislikes are equally important.
9. If you have been working in one industry for awhile, understand what your skill level is that can be transferable and applied to a new career. Excellent communication skills (verbal and writing) are examples of what is required for many different jobs.
10. Be flexible. There is a learning curve to anything new for most of us. When a new career is beginning there can be set backs. It may take longer than you think it should to learn new tasks, but you will find it rewarding in the long run.

Reference: “Creating a Career Plan,” Career Overview, 2004

How to Address Employment Gaps

The most common reasons for gaps in employment are:  Raising a family, marriage, relocation, returning to school to complete or further educational goals, technical training, military service time, recovering from an accident or illness, caring for elderly family members or sick child, death of a family member, incarceration, company downsizing or firing, disability rehabilitation and/or a failed business.

Most adults will experience one or more of these life events.  Whether or not time away from work results, any time away from work for a year or more needs to be explained to a prospective employer.

Being up front and honest about an absence is generally the best policy.  When communicating gaps in employment history, depending on the type of absence from the work world, it can be briefly mentioned in a cover letter.  Example:   “I have recently completed computer training at Cuyahoga Community College.  My knowledge and skills are updated to industry standards.”

If it has been several years between employment, a resume should reflect a brief “Summary of Qualifications”.  Three to eight sentences overview of competitive skills and strengths would be included in the first section of the resume.

Accurate dates of work experience are very important.  A functional resume can be very effective, but employers still want to know where the candidate worked, title of job, brief description and dates of employment.

Volunteer work or technical training should be included in the resume under a heading of “Additional Experience”, which comes at the end of the resume, but before “Education.”

What is most important is to communicate with a well written cover letter, a well formatted resume that denotes current and competitive skills.  Once in the interview, an employment gap can be further explained if necessary.

Reference: Newfield, Peter. "How to address gaps in your employment history." Employment Spot 5 June 2008 <http://www.employmentspot.com/employment-articles/how-to-address-gaps-in-your-employment-history/>.

Writing Cover Letters

"When writing a cover letter, ALWAYS ... "

• Write simply and clearly. Get to the point and write a focus letter.  A letter should be one page or less. Each paragraph should contain three to four sentences. First paragraph – why you are writing. Second paragraph – what you have to offer. Third and concluding paragraph – how you will follow up. Send a cover letter with every resume.
• Spell check and carefully proofread. Ask another reader to review your correspondence before sending it.
• Review other letter samples. This will help you to develop a format and ideas on how you will construct your cover letter.
• Sign your cover letters.
• Keep copies of all your employment letters.

"When writing a cover letter, DON'T ... "

• Use a form letter and send it to every potential employer.
• Have any grammatical or spelling errors.
• Use a sample letter – you must personalize your letter and tailor it to the job and company.
• Automatically send your letter to the human resource department. Address it to the person who can hire you. Be sure the name and title are correct.

Telephone Etiquette

"When making calls to prospective employers, DO ..."

• Be courteous to everyone you speak to.
• Identify yourself. State your first and last name and speak clearly. Be clear about the purpose of your call. Example of purpose of the call is to reference any previous contact, conversation, or meeting. You want to remind the person why you are calling. Even if the person does not remember you, a brief introduction of yourself is a business or social courtesy.
• Pay attention to the timing of the call. In other words ask if this is a convenient time to talk. If the person says they have a few minutes only, do not go on for very long. If the conversation cannot be completed in a few minutes, ask if there is another time to talk. If you are seeking an informational interview, be concise and schedule a time for the meeting. Stay within the timeframe set for your conversation.
• Leave phone messages stating your first and last name and phone number. Speak slowly and clearly.

Telephone Interviews

• Pay attention to the tone of your voice. Your voice will make an impression with the employer.
• Smile when you speak. Of course the employer cannot see you, but you will project a positive impression.
• Practice how you speak.
• Ask friends and/or family how you sound. Do you sound cordial, do you articulate, do you project a favorable tone of voice?

"When employers do not return calls ... "

• Don’t assume the employer will call you back, particularly if you are initiating the call. You may need to leave a phone message and call back a week later.
• When you leave a message be very clear.
• If your calls are never returned, try another means of contact, a letter or email. You can try to connect with someone else in the company. If you get no responses from the attempts you have made over an extended period, this is not a reflection on you, but it is telling you something about the company.

Should you list your cell phone number in a job search?

• Yes – if your cell phone is reliable in receiving calls. Do not answer the cell phone if you are not in an area or environment appropriate to receive a business call.
• Never interrupt a conversation with an employer if you are receiving another call. That will be the last conversation you have with that employer should you break that etiquette rule.

Do's and Don'ts in Job Searching

Do ...

• NETWORK – Most jobs are found through word of mouth. Talk to people you know; relatives, friends, teachers, neighbors and former co-workers. Let the world know you are seeking opportunities and ask for advice, conduct informational interviews and seek out introductions to people in your field.
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME – Be sure it highlights your skills, and that it reflects the qualifications a prospective employer is asking for. You may need to have several resumes prepared.
• ORGANIZE AND PRIORTIZE – Prepare a list of prospective employers that you would like to learn more about and keep track of all job search encounters. Don’t rely on your memory, but have detail notes of people you have talked on the phone with and have met.
• HOMEWORK – Keep current with the industry you are pursuing. Reading newspapers and trade journals will update you on industry changes. When an interview has been arranged, research that company thoroughly and learn as much as you can – mission of the organization, history, services provided, how large the company is, products sold, etc….
• PRACTICE – When interviewing or talking with others, know your script well. What impression do you want to leave with any potential employer or contact? Be prepared to discuss your skills.

Don't ...

• Use only one source of information - in other words don’t rely on newspaper advertisements exclusively – use all methods.
• Assume others will do the work for you – it is your job search, so you need to be an active participant and take the lead.
• Expect employers will be knocking on your door even if you have many years of experience. You will need to follow all the steps listed above.
• Believe first impressions do not count. You only have one time to make a good first impression.
• Wait for something to happen. It never will unless you take the initiative.

Disclosing a Disability - When, How and Why to Disclose

• WHEN disclosing a disability it can be done in an interview, or should a disability occur while working or a disability worsens while employed, it is best to be well prepared on what the employer needs to know. If accommodations are required, disclosing becomes critical. Depending on individual circumstances, it is a personal choice to disclose.
• HOW to disclose a disability is not easy, but preparation and practice will allow the conversation with the employer to go well. Do not expect the employer to understand the disability, so if accommodations are needed, be specific on what is required.
• WHY to disclose becomes very important if accommodations are needed. By sharing the information, the job seeker and employee are protected legally under ADA (American with Disabilities Act).
• One more tip - the more one practices, the easier the disclosing a disability will be. Keep in mind employers want staff to be well matched for the positions. Having employees who are reliable, honest, and flexible and get along with others is most important to the organization.

Do's and Don't when Interviewing

Do ...

• Do speak clearly when answering questions
• Do demonstrate good body language – sit up straight and make eye contact
• Do stay on the subject
• Do project an air of self-confidence and positive image
• Do your homework – know what the position is, what the company does and background information on the organization

Don't ...

• Don’t provide vague answers to questions
• Don’t be inappropriately dressed
• Don’t slouch
• Don’t be too casual
• Don’t chew gum or candy

For more information about Cleveland Sight Center's Williams Career Development Department, contact Deb Fox at 216-791-8118, ext. 7344. Email Williams Career Development Center

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