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 Jump-start your job search By Rebecca Blaho The fourth week of winter quarter has just wrapped up, and with midterms in full swing, this may seem like a terrible time to start thinking about finding a summer internship or a job after graduation. However, as the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm -- or, in this case, a jump-start on employment. While the job search often can be daunting, the key is for applicants to make themselves stand out from other candidates. The résumé and cover letter offer the initial opportunity to do this. At first glance, the résumé and cover letter should say “professional and organized.” The résumé should provide prospective employers with an overall glimpse of the candidate’s professional life and should be tailored not only to the job in question but also to the company. Job applicants should remember that this is the company’s first impression of them. Nickie Green, staffing coordinator for SCAD Group Inc., said, “Your résumé is a snapshot of your professional career. It will either open or close doors of opportunity. When making career decisions, remember they will change the picture prospective employers see. You control the camera!” An effective résumé consists of the applicant’s contact information, employment objective, work history, education and skills. According to Green, there also is room for additional information as long as it supports the applicant’s employment objective. “It’s a good idea to have a section for special achievements, awards, or volunteer or organizational involvement,” she said. “If a job is in a specific industry, additional sections may be necessary. For example, if [the applicant is] looking for a job in a museum, a gallery section would be beneficial.” The cover letter offers the opportunity to introduce additional information that enhances the résumé. The cover letter shouldn’t simply restate the information in the résumé but should elaborate on areas of interest to the prospective employer. Details can speak loudly. Make sure that the résumé and cover letter contain complete and correct contact information. Thoroughly check for spelling errors, typos and grammatical mistakes, which may cause a prospective employer to question the applicant’s job skills. Don’t overload readers with too much information. Prospective employers often are bombarded with job seekers and have a limited number of hours per day. Present the information in the most concise form possible. Unless the applicant has an extensive work history, the résumé and cover letter should be kept to one page each. Keep them clear and organized. Use a universal typeface, especially for e-mail submissions -- remember that all computers don’t have the same capabilities for fonts. Once the résumé and cover letter have made it into the mailbox or been submitted via the Internet, the job-hunting game is far from over. After the prospective employer has had time to read the résumé and cover letter, the job applicant should place a follow-up telephone call. According to Allicia Pickett, assistant director of career planning and placement, this is one of the most important steps in the process. “Once the application materials have been sent to the employer, the candidate should wait at least a week to contact the employer to confirm that his/her application materials were received. If so, the candidate should request an interview date or ask if the employer needs any additional information.” Manners are especially important in the job interview process. Thank-you notes should be sent to the employer immediately following the interview; also include any other company representatives who were present. “A brief letter should reiterate the candidate’s qualifications, skills, work experience and interest in the position,” said Pickett. “The candidate should make it clear why he/she is the best candidate for the job.” While it is important to be proactive on the job hunt, applicants should be careful not to make themselves a nuisance. According to Pickett, applicants should initiate no more than two telephone calls or two e-mails requesting an interview. In addition, give prospective employers sufficient time, usually a week, to answer correspondence and return telephone calls. Furthermore, job applicants need to pay attention to how the process is going. “If the candidate has made contact with the prospective employer, he/she should be sensitive to the tone of voice or the language used in any written communication to determine the next phase of the hiring process,” Pickett said. Not only are the right moves important when an applicant is hoping to be hired, but they also are crucial if the job is given to another candidate. While the applicant may not have been the perfect match for the job in question, companies are always hiring and often keep résumés on file. “The candidate should send a letter to the employer expressing his/her appreciation for the interview and regret that he/she was not a good match for the position at this time,” said Pickett. “The letter also should inform the employer that the candidate would still like to be considered for any future openings with the organization.” Following up on an offer of employment is just as important as anything else in the job hunt. A thank-you letter should be sent to the employer and it also can serve as a formal acceptance of the position. According to Pickett, this is a good time to deal with any last-minute matters. “The candidate should discuss with the employer any specific details that need to be handled prior to the first day of work.” Remember that the job search can be daunting. However, proper preparation and a positive attitude can make all the difference. Students have spent countless hours perfecting their crafts -- a little of the same determination and grit is all that is required in the successful job search. Blaho is mailing list manager. |
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