2. Reasons We Look For Jobs
Recently
First time job
unemployed Underemployed
seekers
or laid off
Returning
to work after Seeking a
an extended different job
period of or occupation
time
3. Time to Take Stock
Ask Yourself:
1. What did I do well at my
previous job/s?
2. What training or skills do I need
to move forward?
3. Where can I find help during my
job search?
4. Three Typesof Skills
Three Types of Skills
Soft
Skills
Transferrable
Skills
Job Content
Skills
5. Job ContentSkills
Job Content Skills
• Welding
• Taking a Pulse
• Record Keeping
• Operating a Skill Saw
Job content skills are specific
to a job or occupation.
6. Transferrable Skills
Transferrable Skills
• Organization
• Management
• Budgeting
• Analytical
Transferrable skills can be applied
to a variety of activities.
7. Soft Skills
Soft Skills
Communication
Leadership
Initiative
Time Management
Flexibility
Conflict Resolution / Problem Solving
Positive Attitude
9. Resumes
A well-written, tailored
resume allows you to:
Showcase your skills;
Target the employer’s needs;
Gives you a competitive edge; and
Gets you an interview!
10. Resume Tips and Suggestions
Write your own resume
Be thorough
Meet the need
Speak their language
Make it relevant
Be results oriented
11. Scanned or
electronic
Primary Résumé
Types
Targeted Chronological
12. Your chance to land Your opportunity to
an interview market your skills
Cover Letters
A cover letter is
critical!
Allows you to address Allows you to create
unique situations a complete picture
13. Introduce Yourself with Style
Cover Letter Format
Salutation • Use the employer’s name and title.
• Tell them how you learned about the position.
First Paragraph • Express your interest in the job and the company.
• Tell them a resume is enclosed.
• Outline your qualifications.
Second and Third
• Show your knowledge of the company.
Paragraph
• Be concise and professional
• Express your interest in the job.
Fourth Paragraph • Request an interview.
• Thank them for their time.
Closing and
• Close with Sincerely, Cordially or Respectfully.
Signature
14. Thank you to our partners who supported
the production of this workshop!
Idaho Commission for Libraries Idaho Public Television
libraries.idaho.gov idahoptv.gov
labor.idaho.gov/JobSearch
Notes de l'éditeur
Welcome and Introduction of presentersBriefly cover the contents of the workshop. Provide an copies of workbooks, handouts or other resources that you might be using. If time allows, conduct a warm-up activity to facilitate group introductions.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:You are not alone! There are a number of reasons people look for work.Although the reasons we need or choose to look for work are varied,the basic principle of conducting an effective job search is the same for everyone.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Before you dive into your job search, take stock of yourself and your situation.Consider the things you do well.Consider the things you could do better.Identify barriers to finding a new job like health restrictions, lack of education or training, or the location where you live.Take the time to find out about all of the potential resources for surviving and finding work in your area.You may need to consider things like:TransportationDaycareBudgeting assistanceCreating a resume and cover letterAffordable interview clothing
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Now is the time to think about whatskills you have to offer a perspective employer.Write them down and identify jobs where you used each skill. Be specific!Quantify your skills whenever possible—how many? How much? How often?Skills can be organized in three different ways:Job Content SkillsTransferrable Skills Soft Skills
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Job content skills are specific to a job or occupation.Some of these skills can be verified by licensure and/or certification.Job content skills include:WeldingOperating a latheProficiency with Accounting SoftwareTaking a pulse or administering CPROperating a backhoe or front-end loader(Share or ask for examples from the group)
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Transferrable skills can be applied to a variety of activities and tasks. If you are artistic in one area, chances are you will be artistic in another. If you can budget your checkbook at home, you can might be able to balance the accounts payable at work.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Soft skills and behaviors:-Are basic common sense skills that allow you to perform well in almost every situation. -Allow you work with people and situations in a calm mature and thoughtful manner.-Are sometimes referred to as emotional intelligence.Soft skills include:-Good communication skills-Leadership skills-Taking initiative with tasks and projects-Good time management habits-Flexibility -Good conflict resolution and problem solving skills-Conveying a positive attitudeEmployers often say they can train employees how to perform job specific tasks, but they can’t or won’t train them to have good, consistent soft skills.
See next slide for Possible dialogueue or Points to Discuss:For additional video resources, refer to the “Good Resume” and “Target Your Resume” sections of the Job Search Workbook Videos.
YES! You need a resume!Resumes: Showcase your skills Give you a competitive edge Represent you, as a worker, on paper!Tips: Try to keep your resume to one or two pages. Target the skills the employer is asking for. Pay close attention to the organization, spelling and grammar.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Everyone wants a resume that is appealing to the eye. Your resume should be appealing to the eye, but it should also appeal to the employer’s expressed needs. Using a generic resume for the jobs you apply for is a big mistake! Use this opportunity to match your skills and experience with the job description.
Possible dialogue or Points to Discuss:Presenter Notes:Resumes are very personal. The types of resumes used and preferred vary across the state and across the country. Tailor this section of your workshop to meet the needs of your participants. Have various resume samples available to share with the group. There are a number of different types of resumes. Scannable Resumes:A scannable resume can be viewed by a computer using document imaging technology called optical character recognition.The technology allows employers to scan resumes for specific words quickly and store them in a database. The most important elements of a scannable resume are formatting and key words.Tips:Use a plain font like Times New Roman or Arial.Use spacing breaks to indicate a section heading instead of using bold, italics or bullets.Left justify everything.Use as many nouns as possible.Chronological Resumes:A chronological resume works well when most of your employment has been in the same industry without breaks in employment and typically feature relevant qualifications or skills, certifications, education and a work history.Targeted Resumes:A targeted resume focuses on showing the skills and relevant work experience related to the requirements of the job you seek. It downplays work history.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:Cover letters:Tell the company what position you are applying for and how you found out about it.Scream “look at me” or “ignore me” because I am really not interested in this specific position.Should be targeted toward the position you are applying for in the same way you should target a resume.A cover letter gives you the opportunity to:Encourage the employer to give you an interview;Market your skills, including writing;Address unique situations like a pending relocation to the area, a period of unemployment, a career change; andCreate a complete picture of who you are and why you are a good fit for the position.
Possible Dialogue - Points to Discuss:The anatomy of a cover letter is pretty standard.The parts of a cover letter typically include:SalutationFirst paragraphSecond and third paragraphFourth paragraphClosing and signature(You may want to share several examples of cover letters for different occupations or have the group do a ranking activity of good and bad cover letters.)For additional video clips on cover letters refer to the “Cover Letters” section of the Job Search Workbook Videos.
This PPT is part of a collaboration between:Idaho Commission for LibrariesIdaho Public TelevisionIdaho Department of LaborIdaho CIS