Workshop, Resume and Skills Building
- 1. WORKSHOP, RESUME- AND SKILLS-BUILDING Bjørn Jensen (Bear) Doctoral Student BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
- 2. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AGENDA • Introduction • The application process – Resume – Phone Interview – Employment Interview • Questions
- 3. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION WHO AM I? • Name: Bjørn Jens Møiniche Jensen, ”Bear” • Nationality: Denmark (Danish) • Field of study: MSc in BA & Org.Com (Copenhagen Business School) • Current ed.: Ph. D in Org. Com and Open Digital Innovation • Job experience: Project Manager, External Comm. Consultant • Relevant Teaching exp: • COM325, CS235, COM114, COM212... • jensen26@purdue.edu • Office: Beering Hall, 2nd floor, office 2165 • www.linkedin.com/in/bjoernjensenpurdue • Office Hrs: Wed 2:30-4:00, Fri: 11:30-1:00
- 4. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION THE APPLICATION PROCESS Resume, cover letter, application Phone Int. Prelim. Job Int 2nd job int. or job
- 5. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION COVER LETTER This is a persuasive letter that shows your interest in a specific job position and provides key information about you. It does the following: – Provides the first impression of you! – Identifies your desired job position – Explains why you want the position – Reveals what you know about the organization – Reveals what you do NOT know about the organization
- 6. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION COVER LETTER • Beef up descriptions “Developed & implemented a training program that resulted in a 45% increase in employee satisfaction” • Words expressing the same: Administered, Developed, Formulated, Prepared, Revised, Anticipated, Devised, Identified, Prioritized, Strategized, Commissioned, Evaluated, Observed, Researched, Studied, Determined, Forecasted, Planned, Reserved, Tailored…
- 7. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION COVER LETTER Tailor your letter to each application – Address to a specific person – Adapt your message to the specific position and organization Grab their attention! – Refer to a prior conversation – “Drop” a name – Lead with a strong success
- 8. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION COVER LETTER Be Succinct! – Paragraph 1: Why I’m writing you… • Why you are writing? • Your desired position • How you heard about the position • Why you are interested in this position/org – Paragraph 2: Why I’m qualified… • Provide evidence for your claim • Go beyond your resume – Paragraph 3: The closer • Reference your resume, request an interview, show gratitude
- 9. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION COVER LETTER Format Matters – Use special paper – Use single-spaced text – Include contact information – Sign your name – Proofread your letter Guide to writing cover letters
- 10. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION RESUME Tailor your resume to each application – Order of information – Examples and language – Types of skills listed Language matters! – “Seeking an entry level position in higher education.” – “ Seeking an assistant professor position that will utilize my strong dedication to students’ development and their educational needs” – Career Guide, 2009
- 11. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION HEADING • Name (4 pts larger than rest of text) • Contact Information – Current – Permanent, if applicable • E-mail • Web Address
- 12. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVE • Needs to be relevant to the position • States professional interest in one clear, concise phrase • Avoid self-serving statements (“…where I can…” “which will help me gain experience…”) – Recommended when handing out resumes during job fairs. – Lets the employers know what you are looking for and in what field.
- 13. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION EDUCATION • Be sure the degree and major are accurate • Include only declared minors • GPA recommended, include scale – Cumulative GPA – Major GPA • Study Abroad • Academic Honors • Put courses that are relevant to what you want to do on your resume
- 14. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE • Core 4: company, location, dates, and title • Make sure verb tenses are correct • Think about transferable skills • Quantify where possible • Remember a résumé is a highlight of accomplishments NOT a list of duties • No high school experience
- 15. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION CATEGORY HEADINGS (POTENTIALLY) • Work Experience • Related Experience • Professional Experience • Volunteer Experience • Additional Experience • Notable Projects • Leadership Experience • Research • Professional Affiliations
- 16. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES • Create additional sections as necessary – Certifications, Computer Skills – Awards and Honors • Campus Activities can be here or with Relevant Experience
- 17. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION BUILD YOUR CAREER • Purdue Center for Career Opportunities • https://www.cco.purdue.edu/students/ • https://purduecco.wordpress.com/category/lin kedin-boot-camp/
- 18. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION BUILD A POSITIVE ONLINE PERSONA •Google is your new resume! •Leverage social media when advertising your skills and experience. •18% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate. Examples include: Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit – 50 % Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications – 39 % Candidate was creative – 38 % Candidate showed solid communication skills – 35 % Candidate was well-rounded – 33 % Other people posted good references about the candidate – 19 % Candidate received awards and accolades – 15 %
- 19. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION THE APPLICATION PROCESS Resume, cover letter, application Phone Int. Prelim. Job Int 2nd job int. or job
- 20. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION 4 THINGS RECRUITERS LOOK AT… Resume – What information is impressive/noteworthy? – What information is problematic/missing? Cover Letter – Is their rationale for applying for the position/company clear? – How well does your applicant explain why he/she is a good “fit” for the position?
- 21. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION WHAT CAN’T THEY ASK? National Origin/Race – Cannot discriminate against nationality – No harassing behaviors allowed – Language fluency only if required for effective job position Pregnancy Religion Sex/Sexual Harassment Retaliation – Against individuals who file complaints
- 22. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION WHAT CAN THEY ASK? Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications • Work experiences • Training • Education • Skills • Conviction records • Physical attributes and personality traits that have a direct bearing on one’s ability to perform a job effectively
- 23. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION PHONE INTERVIEWS Why do companies do them? • Save money! • Cover letters and resumes are important to get you the phone interview, but phone interviews are used to narrow the pool of applicants even more. • You will be asked primary and behavior-based (STAR) questions to: – ensure you're sane and reasonably intelligent – check on basic logistics for continuing the process (like availability) – find out your salary expectations, – check your understanding of the job – clear up any questions about your resume – establish basic qualifications – most importantly: see if you'll say or do anything obvious that takes you out of the running.
- 24. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW • Employer decides what skills are needed, and asks questions to determine if the applicant has the skills. • Based on two principles: (1) Past behavior in specific job-related situations is the best predictor of future behavior (2) Past performance is the best predictor of future performance • Instead of asking how you would behave or perform, they will ask how you did behave/perform. • The interviewer will want to know how you handled a situation, instead of what you might do in the future.
- 25. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS • Behavioral-based interview questions generally start with the following phrases: – Tell me about a time when you… – Describe a circumstance when you were faced with a problem related to… – Think about an instance in which you… – Tell me how you approached a situation where…
- 26. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW - ATTRIBUTES • Common behavioral questions evaluate attributes such as: – Integrity – Leadership – Initiative – Communication Skills – Problem Solving Skills – Interpersonal Skills – Adaptability • Have 4 to 6 stories in your “back pocket” for all interviews!
- 27. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION EASY TO REMEMBER METHOD! • Situation • Task/Problem • Action • Result Q: "Tell me about a time you went the extra mile to satisfy a customer."
- 28. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION STAR EXAMPLE Situation Last summer I worked at Kohl's as a sales associate. Task A customer returned a shirt with the seams splitting. Action I verified the shirt had manufacturing problems and refunded the customer's money. I thanked the customer for coming forward with the problem. I also offered the customer a coupon for 10% off their next purchase. I notified our buyer that we had had several of those shirts returned for defects. Result The customer was happy with the results. She even wrote a note to the store saying she was pleased with our customer service.
- 29. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES • Your persuasive goals: – You are a great “match.” – You are their ideal candidate. – The company will benefit if they hire you! • Tie together the company’s needs with what you have to offer. Make this connection specific. Think STAR/SPAR.
- 30. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION EXERCISE: CREATING A STAR TOOLBOX • This exercise will help you develop answers specific to your own accomplishments.
- 31. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES • Recruiters are interested in how you go about answering a question. Demonstrate that you are: – Organized – Positive and amiable – Able to support your claims with examples – Able to use appropriate grammar and avoid slang/fillers
- 32. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES “I see you don’t have much experience in our field. Why should I hire you over others who do? “ Cite transferable skills/knowledge you’ve learned in classes or unrelated jobs: • – Teamwork • – Leadership • – Time management skills/meeting deadlines • – Communication skills • – Special coursework
- 33. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES • Why did you choose (school/major)? Promote your university/department: • Low teacher to student ratio • Access to unique resources/labs/equipment • Ranking in the country • Key faculty, internship/programs • ake the opportunity to sell the program to the R who may not be as informed as he/she should be about Purdue. Avoid • Geographical location, cost • Parental influence, family tradition, sig others
- 34. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES “I see you have only average grades…” Take ownership • Challenging start…but show progress in recent semesters • Worked many hours • Very active in organizations • Emphasize GPA in your major or a specific area • Contextualize the GPA in comparison to other students in your major
- 35. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION GENERAL TIPS FOR RESPONSES “What are your weaknesses?” • Select an actual weakness that can be improved and… – Put it back in the distant past. – Explain how you have overcome it. – Confirm that it is no longer a problem. – Or discuss a weakness which is not related to the current position.
- 36. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION THE APPLICATION PROCESS Resume, cover letter, application Phone Int. Prelim. Job Int 2nd job int. or job
- 37. BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS?
- 38. PHONE: 765-494-3429 WEB: www.cla.purdue.edu/communication FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Purdueblsc TWITTER: www.twitter.com/lambschool LI: www.linkedin.com/in/bjoernjensenpurdue BRIAN LAMB SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
Editor's Notes
- #5: Walking through all of these – usually between 2 and 4 weeks
- #7: Really good for beefing up sentences and providing “front-weight” to the sentences – plus it’s refreshing for an HR employee or recruiter not to hear the same tiring words all the time, like “I was responsible for” – also heard that in the phone interviews
- #15: ACTION+PURPOSE+SKILLS+RESULT “I work at the dining court but I do not see how I can relate that to my objective of getting a job within the software development field” Such experiences can be used to highlight your transferable skills such as customer service, communication skills and leadership skills. These skills apart from the technical skills are very important to highlight. Also, it tells that other than your academics, you are also balancing work leading to good time management skills setting you apart. Use of action verbs!!!!
- #22: EEO: Equal Employment opportunity
- #23: is a quality or an attribute that employers are allowed to consider when making decisions on the hiring and retention of employees—qualities that when considered in other contexts would constitute discrimination and thus in violation of civil rights employment law. Such qualifications must be listed in the employment offering.
- #24: Situation Task/Problem Action Result
- #33: #1 Behavioral based interviews—”past behaviors are good predictors of future behavior” You want to “make a match” between the position you have open and the best candidate.
- #37: Then what?