Strategies in the Job-Search Process

Strategies in the Job-Search Process

Chapter Objectives

Upon completing this chapter you should be able to conduct and effective job search; compose effective cover messages, résumés, and follow-ups; and prepare for interviews. To reach these goals, you should be able to:

1. Develop and use a network of contacts in your job search.
2. Assemble and evaluate information that will help you select a job.
3. Identify the sources that can lead you to an employer.
4. Compile traditional and electronic résumés that are strong, complete, and organized.
5. Write targeted cover messages that skillfully sell your abilities.
6. Explain how you can participate effectively in an interview.
7. Write application follow-up messages that are appropriate, friendly, and positive.
8. Maintain your job-search skills.

Assignment: Letter of Recommendation

1. Work with another English 93 student.
2. Ask questions, in person or by e-mail, to enable you to gather information for recommending the student for a position in a company, student government, or scholarship, etc.
3. Draw a map of the information you collected.
4. Write a letter of recommendation for the student you questioned, highlighting their special skills, background, etc.
3. E-mail your completed map and letter of recommendation to me and the class for review.

Useful Links

Dummies Daily
http://etips.dummies.com



Dummies Daily will send you a free email newsletter with tips on how to use various features of Word in small, easy-to-learn pieces.




Selected Print Sources
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/course/mflatley/BBC10/writing_sources.htm



Print sources for creating documents with good style.







Shareware.com Business
http://download.com.com/2001-2010-0.html?tag=share.dir



Shareware.com Business is maintained by C.Net . Its word processing subcategory contains downloadable programs, templates, macros and even graphics to help one create documents. There are also conversion tools for converting to PDF as well as between file formats. Additionally, utilities are available for various tasks such as cataloging fonts, creating forms, as well as specialty programs for writing screen plays and more. The listing is arranged alphabetically but sortable by ratings, CNet reviews, and number of downloads.




Stamps.com
http://www.stamps.com



Electronic postage can save you time from making numerous trips to the post office. The site gives information on how it is tightly integrated with Word.




State Abbreviations
http://www.usps.com/ncsc/lookups/abbr_state.txt



Abbreviations for use with mail sent through the United States Postal Service . This page includes links to official abbreviations for states, possessions, and military sites as well as approved abbreviations for streets and others location designators.




United States Postal Service
http://www.usps.com/send/preparemailandpackages/welcome.htm



The US Postal Service gives tips for helping businesses address their mail appropriately in order to keep costs down and speed mail delivery. The site also provides for ordering of supplies as well as preparing labels online.

E-mail -- McGraw-Hill

Email

Using email effectively helps one both personally and professionally. The following web sites include a wide range of tools writers will find extremely valuable in creating, formatting, and sending email.

Anonymizer http://www.anonymizer.com	A surfing and email remailer service that allows one to surf and send email messages anonymously.
Email Etiquette http://www.emailaddresses.com/guide_etiquette.htm	This site discusses how to make a positive impact when sending email.
Email Etiquette http://www.iwillfollow.com/email.htm	Email Etiquette—A current, easy to navigate web site covering topics such as email punctuation, abbreviations, smilies, signatures, flames, and privacy.
Free Web-based Email Services http://www.emailaddresses.com/email_web.htm	Free Web-based Email Services—An excellent listing of free web-based email account providers, describing each service along with its location and user comments. Many additional links are provided including one to an excellent source on beating spam.
Make E-mail Work for You http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=6502582	This article from Information Week gives tips for managing business e-mail.
More Than An In-box http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=6502580	This article from Information Week discusses some of the new ways e-mail is being used.
Perfect Greetings http://www.perfectgreeting.com	Perfect Greetings is still a place where free egreetings cards can be sent. It includes selections for many goodwill messages from special occasions to congratulations and sympathy to sympathy and thank yous.
Unsolicited Commercial Email http://www.cdt.org/spam	This report to the federal trade commission by an ad hoc group on unsolicited email (spam) is particularly significant since its membership represents a diverse group of well respected companies and organizations.
Everything E-Mail™ http://everythingemail.net	Everything E-Mail™—a full service web site covering topics such as tips, email services, and software as well as resources and reviews.