Communication for

Employment
Communication for Employment

Job Search
Résumés
Job Application Letter
Job Interviews
Objectives

1. To prepare you for employment by

helping you
 identify your interests
 evaluate your assets
 recognize the changing nature of
jobs
2. Compare and contrast
chronological, functional and
combination résumés
………….Continued

3. Organize and format the parts of a

résumé to produce a persuasive
product

4. Write a persuasive job application

letter (cover letter) to accompany
your résumé.
Identifying Your
Interests
Introspection
 Do I enjoy working with people, data
or things?

 Howimportant are salary, benefits,

technology support and job stability?

 Would I rather work for a large or

small company?
…………..Continued
 Must I work in a specific city,
geographical area or climate?
 Am I looking for security, travel
opportunities, money, power, or
prestige?
 How would I describe the perfect
job , boss and coworkers?
Evaluating Your
Qualifications
 What technical skills can I offer?

 What other skills have I acquired in school, on

the job, or through activities?

 Do I work well with people? What proof can I

offer?

 Do I speak, write or understand another

language?

 Do I communicate well in speech and in writing?

Recognizing the Changing
Nature of Jobs
 Job Shift by William Bridges
 Flexible work arrangements
 No specific job description
 Team projects
 Migration of work away from fixed
“boxes”
 New technologies are springing up
overnight, making today’s skills
obsolete
 Employers are less willing to hire
What do these changes
mean for you?
 You should no longer think in terms
of a life long career with one
company.
 Flexible job assignments
 You will strive for career durability
rather than job security.
 For maximum durability, you should
be prepared for constant retraining
to update your skills.
Résumé Writing

If your résumé isn’t a winner, it’s a killer.

(J. L. Kennedy)
Choosing a Résumé Style

1. Chronological ------most popular with recruiters

2. Employers typically prefer this type of résumé

because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and
when you have worked at them.

3. It lists work history job by job, starting with the most

recent position

4. It reveals a candidate’s education and experience

record

5. This type of resume works well for job seekers with a

strong, solid work history.
Functional Résumé
A functional résumé focuses on your skills
and experience, rather than on your
chronological work history.

 Itis used most often by people who are

changing careers or who have gaps in their
employment history.

A functional résumé is also preferred for

applications to jobs that require a very
specific skill set.
The importance of writing a
career objective for a résumé
One of the most important aspects of the résumé is
the career objectives that are inserted by the
professional.

 Location
In many resumes, the career objectives paragraph is
in a prominent place, either at the beginning of the
resume or at the end.

 This gives the reader a quick idea as to what the

professional is seeking. With this, the employer can
make a quick decision as to whether the company
can really provide what the professional is seeking.
Expectations

 Working for a company has become

a give and take relationship.

 Professional
as well as the company
are open about what they expect
from the working relationship from
the very beginning
Job Search Target

Due to these reasons, if a career

objective is not listed, the reader
may well think that the professional
does not know what he or she wants
and is undecided, or is generally not
knowledgeable about the
professional world.
Give this paragraph the
right attention
 Style and language should comply
with the rest of the resume.

 Sometimes career objective is

written in a hurry. Therefore, the
connection between the resume and
the career objectives paragraph is
lost.
Examples of Career Objectives for
Resumes – Sample Career Objectives

Pursue a Career in Your Profession

The first aspect of the right career objective is that it

should be in line with the job that you have applied for.

 For example, if you have applied for a job in a

chemical company, you should make sure that your
career objectives reflect that you have taken academic
degrees and have always wanted to pursue a career in
this field.

“To build a long-term career in the field of

Psychology with opportunities for career
growth”
…………………………….Continu
ed
 For Entry-level
As a beginner in the field of psychology, I would like to gain
ample amount of experience in clinical psychology by treating
and diagnosing patients under the guidance of senior
psychologists with sheer devotion and hard work.

 For Internship
As an intern, I would like to build a strong foundation about
psychology as a subject and would try to learn from the basics
every little aspect of psychology so that after completing the
internship I can be absorbed in any of the healthcare
organization as a psychologist.
For Experienced
My aim and future objective as an experienced
psychologist would be to do research in the field of
psychology and learn new and different techniques
of treating patients of mental dysfunction and
disorder. I would aim for gaining more reputation
and name in the field of psychology.

Job stability

 “To enhance my professional skills in a

dynamic and stable workplace”
Senior Level

“To use my skills in the best possible way for

achieving the company’s goals”

Solving Problems In A Creative Manner

 “To
solve problems in an effective/creative
manner in a challenging position”

 “Seeking a responsible job with an opportunity

for professional challenges”
Deciding on Résumé’s
Length
 Expertsdo not agree on how long a resume
should be.

 Conventional wisdom----recruiters prefer one-

page resume.

 However, the recruiters actually chose to

interview the applicants with two-page resumes.

 Recruiterswho are serious about candidates

often prefer a full picture with the kind of details
that can be provided in two-page resume.
Arranging the parts

 Though resumes have standard

parts, their arrangement and content
should be strategically planned.
 Persuasive resumes emphasize skills
and achievements aimed at
particular job or company.
 Try to create as few headings as
possible.
 More than six generally look
cluttered.
Main Heading

 Begin with your name, address, cell

or land phone numbers, and e-mail
address, if available.
 Avoid to show both permanent and
temporary addresses. Choose one
address to use.
 Keep the main heading as
uncluttered and simple as possible.
 Don’t include the word résumé.
Career Objective
 Ifapplying for a specific job, it should be
targeted on a specific position.

“To work in the health care industry as a

human resource trainee with exposure to
recruiting, training and benefits
administration.”

 Includea general statement if preparing all

purpose resume.”Challenging position in
urban planning.”
Education
 Name and location of your institutions, date of attendance, major
fields of study, and degrees received.

 GPA , grades or division is important for your prospective employers.

 One way to enhance your GPA is to calculate it in your major courses

only e.g 3.6/4.0 in major.

 Don’t list all courses you took.

 Refer to courses only if they are related to the position sought.

 If education is incomplete--------B.S. degree expected 06/13 or 80

units completed in 120 – unit program.

 Entitle this section Education, Academic Preparation or Professional

Training.
Work Experience or
Employment History
 Includeonly those jobs that will help you
win the targeted position.

 For each position, show the following:

 Name of the organization, city, and

state.
 Dates of employment
 Most important job title
 Significant duties, activities
 Ifpossible quantify your
achievements, such as “keyed all the
production models for a 250-page
employee procedures manual” or
“Assisted editor in layout, design,
and news writing for twelve issues
of division newsletter”.
Capabilities and Skills
 Inaddition to technical skills, employers
seek individuals with communication and
interpersonal capabilities.

 Select work experiences and achievements

that illustrate your leadership,
organizational/ management skills.

 “Headedstudent government team that

conducted most successful voter registration
in campus history. ”
…………………….
Continued
 Recruiters want to know specifically what you can
do for their companies.

 List your special skills, such as “Proficient in

preparing correspondence and reports using Word”.

 Include your ability to use computer programs and

languages etc.

 Proficiencies acquired through training and

experience, such as trained in computer
accounting etc.
…………………………
Continued
 Use expressions such as ‘trained in’,
‘skilled in’, ‘proficient with’ and
‘ability to’ etc.

 Working well under stress and

learning computer programs quickly.

 Mastered photoshop in 25 hours with

little instructions.
Awards, Honors and
Activities
 Threeor more awards--- list them under a
separate heading

 Includeawards, scholarships, fellowships,

honors, commendations and certificates.

 Recipient of Star award VS Recipient of Star

Award given by Pepperdine University to
outstanding graduates who combine
academic excellence with extracurricular
activities.
References

 Referencesmust be included even

though refrees are rarely consulted

 Whether or not you include

references in your resume, you
should have their names available.

 Instructors or previous employers

Making your resume
computer friendly
 Avoid unusual typefaces, underlining and italics

 Use 10 to 14 point type

 Use smooth white paper , black ink and quality printing

 Be sure that your name is the first line on the page

 Provide white space

 Avoid double columns

 Don’t fold your resume

 Use abbreviations carefully

Risking your Future with an
Inflated Resume
 Inflated
education, grades or honors---
cause of dismissal when discovered.

 Enhanced job title

 Puffed-upaccomplishments--- suspection of
dubious claims on resume---- specific and
embarrassing questions during interview.

 Altered employment dates.

The persuasive job
application letter

Resume--- what you have done

Job Letter--- what you can do

 To accompany your resume, you’ll need a persuasive

job application letter (cover letter).
Job letter has three purposes:

 Introducing the resume

 Highlighting your strengths in terms of benefits to the

reader

 Gaining an interview
Letter Formats

1. Full Block Format

2. Modified Block Format

3. Semi- block Format (with indented

paragraphs)
Parts of a Job Letter

 An opening that gains attention

A body that builds interest and

reduces resistance

 Closing that motivates action

Gaining attention in the opening

 Opening for Solicited jobs:

 Address your employer by name

 Refer to the name of an employee in the company e.g., “At

the suggestion of Ms. Jennifer Larson of your Human
Resources Department, I submit my qualifications for the
position of staffing coordinator. ”

 Refer to the source of your information and job title

precisely and describe how your qualifications fit the
requirements e.g.,

I am interested in applying for the position of accounting

administrator advertised in The News on June 1, 2013. With
my accounting training and computer experience, I believe I
could serve Quad Graphics well.
…..Continued

“Because of my specialized training

in counseling and analytical thinking
at XYZ university, I feel confident
that I have the qualifications you
described in your advertisement for
organizational psychologist.”
Opening for unsolicited
jobs
 Demonstrate interest in and
knowledge of the reader’s business
e.g.

“Since Sigma HealthNet, Inc., is

organizing a new information
management team for its recently
established group insurance division,
could you use the services of a well-
trained information systems
Building interest in the
body
 Explain how your preparation and
experience fill the stated requirements
 Emphasize reader benefits – describe
your strong points in relation to the
needs of the employer.

Don’t say:
“I have completed courses in
communication skills, report writing and
technical writing.”
Do say:
“Courses in communication skills, report writing
and technical writing have helped me develop the
research and writing skills required of your
technical writers.”

 Choose your strongest qualification and show how

they fit the targeted job.

“ Because you seek an architect’s apprentice with

proven ability, I submit a drawing of mine that won
second place in the Sinclair College drafting
contest last year.”
 Mention relevant personality traits
 Refer the reader to the attached
resume.

“Please refer to the attached resume

for additional information regarding
my education, experience and
references.”
Motivating action in the
closing
 Askfor an interview
 Never ask for the job
 Sound sincere and appreciative

“I hope this brief description of my

qualifications and the additional
information on my resume indicate to you
my genuine desire to put my skills in web
developing to work for you. Please call me
at (405) 488-2291 before 10 a.m. or after 3
p.m. to arrange an interview.”
Psychology Student Internship Cover Letter Sample
351 Lord Andrew Street
Orem, UT 65221

October 4, 2013

Ms. Julie Andrew

Internship Coordinator
Mosaic Community Services
6521 Some New Street
Orem, UT 62331

Dear Ms. Andrew:

Subject: Applying for Internship in the Psychology Department

I am interested in the internship with the Psychology Department of Mosaic

Community Services during the Winter Quarter beginning January 5th through
March 25th, 2014. I am a student at the University of Utah, pursuing a
Master’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling. I believe in the
mission of Mosaic Community Services and would be excited to be an intern
with your prestigious organization.
My relevant education, class assignments and project experiences has fully equipped me to
perform the necessary tasks of this job efficiently. I have a great ability to work for people
who are facing psychological problems and need counseling including children, adolescents,
pre-marriage/married couples, and the like. In addition, I possess a substantial knowledge of
screening clients while following mental health laws and HIPAA privacy practices. These
capabilities would enable me to contribute effectively to the constant success of Mosaic
Community Services.

In addition to my coursework and work experiences, I also possess patience, honesty, work
ethics and great communication skills. I have attached my resume and letters of
recommendation from professors and service supervisors to support my application.
I am positive that my skills and strong interests in the goals of Mosaic Community Services
have prepared me to be a strong intern for your program. I will call your office after two
weeks to follow-up and to provide any additional information. Meanwhile, I can be reached
at (000) 300-8799.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications
with you soon.

Sincerely,
(Signature)
Marie Dew
Enc. Resume
Sample Cover by a Clinical Psychologist

33, Example Avenue

Boston, TX 66999

April 11, 2011

Mr. John Smith

HR Manager
Boston Health Services
6111, Sample Street
Boston, TX 65555

Dear Mr. Smith,

Subject: Applying for the Position of Clinical Psychologist

In response to your recent advertisement for a clinical psychologist vacancy in Boston

Health Services, I am enclosing my resume for this position because your requirements
match my skills and education.

I have five years of clinical experience at Darwin Hospital, besides my 1-year psychology
internship at California City Hospital. I also have particular know-how in test management
and explanation and grant-writing. I have the depth of obligation to provide excellent
mental health care through non-profit clinics and centers. My particular skills include
examining and assessing behavior; analyzing behavioral, emotional and cognitive
 disorders; advising clients and give therapy; helping clients
handle physical illness and disorders and counseling individuals
and groups to attain more efficient personal, social and vocational
development and alteration and offer intervention services. My
enclosed resume gives the details about my specific capacities.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to talk about details of the

Clinical Psychologist position and to give additional information
you might need. I can be reached at (999) 999-9999 or email:
[Email Address Here] so as to set a meeting time. Thank you for
your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
(Signature)
Ana Johnson
Encl: Resume
Sample Cover Letter for a Software Engineer

Dear Ms. Smith:

Are you searching for a software engineer with a proven ability to develop high-performance
applications and technical innovations? If so, please consider my enclosed resume.

Since 2002, I have served as a software engineer for Action Company, where I have been
repeatedly recognized for developing innovative solutions for multimillion-dollar, globally
deployed software and systems. I am responsible for full lifecycle development of next-
generation software, from initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing,
documentation and implementation.

Known for excellent client-facing skills, I have participated in proposals and presentations that
have landed six-figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into high-
quality, cost-effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints.

My technical expertise includes cross-platform proficiency (Windows, Unix, Linux and VxWorks);
fluency in 13 scripting/programming languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL); and
advanced knowledge of developer applications, tools, methodologies and best practices
(including OOD, client/server architecture and self-test automation).

My experience developing user-friendly solutions on time and on budget would enable me to

step into a software engineering role at XYZ Company and hit the ground running. I will follow
up with you next week, and you may reach me at (215) 555-5555. I look forward to speaking
with you.