Searching For A Job
January 2015
By Daniella Bernasconi

Searching for a job can often feel like an aggravating task; however, there are many sites that have outstanding resources to help you score a job. The trick is to start early, make a plan, and work on your interview skills.

Before you start, do as much research as you possibly can. Look for as many online resources to search for jobs and do not restrict your search to your hometown, an out of state job can give you the experience and learning components you might just be looking for.  You may find helpful resources in the Take Stock In Children main website. An additional resource is Career Fairs. Most universities hold annual Career Fairs at their respective schools. They are a great way to get ahead and connect with employers. You get first hand exposure to many networking and job opportunities and if you are well-prepared, Career Fairs can be a successful part of your job search.

Problem, Action, Result (PAR) statements in your resume can help employers recognize your achievements. To land an interview, make sure you are maximizing the impact of the skills you have acquired as experience.  It is also important that you develop and continuously update your LinkedIn with a professional photo, and start volunteering for a cause you are passionate about. Companies today are beginning to realize the importance of giving back through community service and volunteering and are looking for employees who are well-rounded and committed to service.

Interviewing can often be nerve-racking but good preparation will help you control the nervousness and present yourself with confidence. Make sure you do prior research on the company but do not limit your search to company-controlled information. Find out the companies mission statement, long-term goals, and skills and characteristics they value most in their employees. This will help you build confidence prior to your interview date.

Searching for a job doesn't need to be a difficult, dreadful task. All it takes is for one person to do the right research and have the right preparation. Just remember, you can never be too prepared for an interview so never stop doing research and learning about the job opportunities that are waiting for you!

Resume Writing!

Today we will talking about putting together a resume! A resume is a document that summarizes your employment, education, and community involvement history.  It can also detail any awards, honors, skills, or experiences that may be relevant to the job you are applying to.

A sample resume, this can be accessed in its original form
through the link at the end of this article

The purpose of a resume is to get you an interview or offer – whether it may be for college admissions or a job opportunity, your resume’s purpose is to persuade an employer or admissions committee that you have the experience and knowledge that is right for them. So let’s break it down!

A resume usually contains six sections:

1.      Contact
2.      The objective statement
3.      Education
4.      Experience
5.      Honors, activities, and outreach
6.      Skills

CONTACT

The contact section is an often overlooked, yet very important section because it is what enables your future employer to contact you with a job offer! Be sure it is up-to-date and accurate.  Under the contact section, be sure to include

• your full name
• your e-mail address
• your permanent address
• your local or campus address (if applicable)
• your phone number(s)
• your web address/URL

OBJECTIVE

The objective states why you are applying, typically what position you are applying for (sometimes employers have multiple job listings posted), and a short statement of why you would be the right fit.

EDUCATION

In your education section, you should list your education background chronologically with the most recent at the top.  If you graduated with honors (magna cum laude, cum laude, etc) be sure to list that! 

EMPLOYMENT

For the section on employment history/work experience, there are a few components to keep in mind:

• Title
• Position
• Dates employed
• Short summary of duties

AWARDS/HONORS

The awards/honors section is the place for you to shine!  If you have been involved with any honor societies, received scholarships (like TSIC!), or recognized for your work, this is the place to post it.  If you have extensive community service work, it is also important to include a section detailing your work.  This shows how you are well-rounded and altruistic.

SKILLS

Finally, it is important to list your skills, including any foreign languages, computer skills, and personal skills you may have. 

For more information check out https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/719/01/. 

They have a great guide that helps you outline each section. 
Good luck and get writing!