Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide / Edition 3

by Helene Martucci Lamarre

Overview

  Through a winning combination of career development theory and individual application, this book will help readers to be able to get their first professional position, begin a new career, change careers, or even re-enter the job market after an absence. Whatever the career circumstances, through self-reflection and personal dedication, users of this comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide will be on their way to career satisfaction.   Content focuses on self-assessment techniques, sound career development theory, and individual application. Includes extensive discussion on areas such as marketing strategies and techniques; Types and styles of resumes including electronic, scannable resumes; Paper-based and electronic professional portfolios; Electronic company research; Types of interviews including stress, group, and telephone; Effectively handling behavioral-based interview questions; Important questions for the interview candidate to ask; Interviewing etiquette; Negotiating salary and benefits; and Career success on the job including tips for new employees.   For anyone who wishes to be successful in today’s competitive employment market.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780131149724
Publisher:	Pearson
Publication date:	06/03/2005
Edition description:	3RD
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	8.35(w) x 11.05(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Helen Martucci Lamarre has successfully assisted job seekers for more than 20 years. As a senior professor, she has developed curricula and taught courses in career development and business communications to thousands of students who have attained an average placement rate of 97 percent. She is a distinguished professor, recognized for her creativity and academic contributions.

As a successful speaker, she has delivered numerous presentations to educational, civic, and private groups on career development and business communications topics. She also advises and coaches private clients in their personal job searches.

As an author, she has completed five books covering personal marketings, job search techniques, and career portfolios published in both the United States and Canada.

She is a member of the Association for Business Communication and the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers.

Table of Contents

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.

1. Introduction.

Introduction.

Marketing Yourself.

Product.

Place.

Price.

Promotion.

Presentation.

Job Search Process.

2. Self-Assessment and Promotion.

Self Assessment.

Marketing Readiness Quiz.

Self-Awareness Checklist.

Ability Assessment.

Transferable Skills Checklist.

Work Environment and Preferences.

Self- Assessment Summary Sheet.

Self Promotion.

MY Focus Marketing Tips.

Skills Most Sought After by Employers.

Finding Your Focus.

SECTION 2. MARKETING TOOLS.

3. Marketing Strategies.

Personal Marketing.

Personal Contact.

Published Job Market vs. Hidden Job Market.

Informational Interviews.

Electronic Methods of Marketing.

Web Groups or Discussion Boards.

Web Pages of Professional Associations.

Determining the Best Approach.

Proactive versus reactive.

Developing a positive attitude.

A systematic strategy to pursue companies.

The A List.

The B List.

The C List.

Finding Your Focus.

4. Marketing Techniques.

Networking.

How to Go About It.

Developing a Plan.

Sample Statements.

Basic Questions to Ask Referrals.

Basic Questions to Ask a Contact You Don’t Know.

Do’s and Don’ts of Networking.

Telemarketing.

Ways to use the Telephone in Your Job Search.

Specific Advantages of Using the Phone.

Additional Guidelines.

List Companies.

Plan Your Calls.

Write Down What You Want to Say.

Practice.

Follow Up and Follow Through.

Examples of How to Initiate Contact.

Telephone Do’s and Don’ts.

Sample Calling Script.

Meeting Objections.

How to Handle an Objection over the Phone.

Career Fairs.

Sample Career Fair Conversations.

Career Fair Attendance Tips.

Career Fair Follow Up.

Current Career Fair Trends.

Finding Your Focus.

5. Resumes and References.

Types of Resumes.

Reverse Chronological Resume.

Functional Resume.

Combination Resume.

Resumes Styles of Resume Writing.

Bells and Whistles Resume Style.

Plain Vanilla Resume Style.

Key Word or Scannable Resume Style.

Processing an Electronic Resume.

Resume Scanning Advice.

Final Advice on Using Scannable Resumes.

Resume Sections.

Heading.

Career Objective.

Personal/Professional Summary.

Education.

Representing Education Activity.

Work Experience.

Adding Impact to Your Work Experience.

Work Experience Exercise.

Military Experience.

Personal.

References.

Resume Guidelines.

How should it read?

How long should your resume be?

How should I write my resume?

Action Verbs for Education and Experience Sections.

Is correctness that important?

Resume Tips.

Personal Content.

Paper Choices.

Photos.

Resume Writing Templates.

Final Check.

Resume Checklist.

Resumes Samples.

Types of Resumes.

Sample Chronological Resume.

Sample Functional Resume.

Sample Combination Resume.

Styles of Resumes.

Bells and Whistle Resume.

Plain Vanilla Resume.

Scannable (Key World) Resumes.

Additional Sample Resumes.

References.

How Many References Should I Have?

Whom Should I Ask?

What Should They Say About Me?

What Other Advice Can You Give On Handling References?

Make a List.

Get Permission.

Determine Appropriateness.

Be Careful Not to Overuse People.

Questions for Your References.

Reference Sheet.

Finding Your Focus.

6. Career Correspondence and Applications.

Career Correspondence.

The Cover Letter.

Characteristics of a Good Cover Letter.

Writing the Cover Letter.

Guide for Writing a Cover Letter.

Sample Basic Cover Letter.

Application Letter and Sample.

Networking Letter and Sample.

Prospecting Letter.

Sample Prospecting Letter Resume Style.

Sample Prospecting Letter with Resume.

Thank You Letter with Sample.

Acceptance Letter with Sample.

Final Tips on Letter Writing.

A Few Words on E-mail.

Job Applications.

Getting Ready.

General Advice.

Tips for Filling Completing a Job Application.

Finding Your Focus.

7. Professional Portfolios.

Portfolio Skills Assessment.

Skills and Personal Abilities for Portfolios.

Selection of and Types of Samples.

Types of Samples.

Resume/statement of Career Goals.

Work Samples.

Certifications, Diplomas, Degrees, Awards.

Community Service/Volunteer Work.

Academic Record/Transcript.

Letters of Recommendation/Commendation.

Electronic Materials.

Planning the Portfolio.

Sample Message.

Sample Goals Statement.

Primary Skills Areas.

Organizational Structure.

Organizational Techniques.

Table of Contents.

Annotated Table of Contents.

Cover Pages.

Labeling of Samples.

Formatting and Assembling the Portfolio.

Formatting the Portfolio.

Visual Perception Tips.

Typography.

Typography Guidelines.

Titles, Headings, Captions.

Graphic Images.

Placement of Elements.

Color.

White Space.

Advice for Presenting Samples.

Paper.

Cropping.

Videos and Computer Disks.

Clip Art.

Assembling the Portfolio.

Supplies.

Assembly Steps.

Tips for Increasing Your Portfolio’s Impact.

Increase Visual Content.

Create a Visual Identity.

Keep Formatting Consistent.

Remember That Less is More.

Electronic Portfolios.

Advantages.

Steps in Creating an Electronic Portfolio.

Collect.

Organize.

Create Your Website.

Test Your Site and Find a Host.

Guidelines for Electronic Portfolio Layout.

Using the Portfolio.

When to Mention It.

Structured versus Unstructured Interviews.

Read the Situation.

Leaving Samples.

Finding Your Focus.

SECTION 3. INTERVIEWING.

8. Before the Interview.

Company Research and Its Benefits.

Company Research and Interviews.

What Should Be Investigated.

Company Research Information.

Gathering Information.

Traditional Resources.

Electronic Resources.

Personal Resources.

Types and Forms of Interviews.

Interview Types.

Referral Interview.

Screening Interview.

Selection Interview.

Interview Forms.

Directed Interview Form.

Unstructured Interview Form.

Stress Interview Form.

Group Interview Form.

Telephone Interview Form.

Overview of the Stages.

Dressing for Interview Success.

Attire Guidelines.

Specifics for Men.

Specifics for Women.

Finding Your Focus.

9. During and After the Interview.

Stages of the Interview.

Pre-visit.

Greeting/Small Talk.

Presentation of Company/Position.

Resume Review.

Questions and Answers.

Closing.

Questions Asked During Interview.

Standard Questions.

Behavioral-based Questions.

Sample Behavioral-based Questions.

Proof Stories.

How to Create a Proof Story.

Sample Proof Stories.

Tips for Creating Proof Stories.

Interview Questions for You to Ask.

General.

Defining.

Controlling.

Unlawful Interview Questions.

Using Your Portfolio.

Etiquette.

Dining Etiquette.

Dining Tips.

Testing.

Types of Tests.

Aptitude Tests.

Personality Tests.

Drug Tests.

Test Taking Tips.

Some Thoughts on Drug Testing.

Negotiating.

The Issue of Money.

Determining Your Salary.

Compensation.

Considerations in Negotiating Salary.

Considerations in Negotiating Benefits.

Sample Benefits Which May Be Negotiated.

When to Negotiate.

Negotiating Tips.

Thank You’s.

Finding Your Focus.

10. After The Offer.

Work Realities.

Criteria for Evaluating a Job Offer.

The Organization and Its Personnel.

The Scope of the Job.

Salary and Benefits.

The Match Between the Job and Your Goals.

The Simple Method.

Confirmation.

Finding Your Focus.

SECTION 4. CAREER SUCCESS.

11. What to Know and Do.

Fitting In.

What’s Important.

Assessment.

Probationary Period.

Performance Review.

The Value of a Mentor.

Good Things —Bad Things.

Good Things to do in a New Job.

Tips for New Employees.

Finding Your Focus.

12. Career Success Skills.

Typical Skills.

Reading.

Writing.

Speaking.

Listening.

Teamwork.

Problem-solving/Creativity.

Specific Skill Sets.

Top Ten Traits Employers Seek.

Skills Mentioned Most Frequently.

Personal Values Employers Seek.

Finding Your Focus.

Preface

Welcome to the Third Edition of Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide. In this book, you will be introduced to the world of personal assessment, personal marketing, and job search know-how. By using this comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide, you will gain a better understanding of who you are and the skills you offer employers, how to launch you own personal marketing campaign, and how to develop the all-important tools necessary for a successful job search in this competitive and often complex world. In addition, you will understand what it takes to be successful after you get the job. You will learn about skills and traits that are essential for a successful career path in any company or field of endeavor.

Through using this personal marketing and job search guide, you will have a clearer focus on your own abilities, your career desires and your goals for the future. Through a winning combination of career development theory and individual application, you will be able to get your first professional position, begin a new career, change careers, or even re-enter the job market after an absence. Whatever your career circumstances, through self-reflection and personal dedication, you can be on your way to career satisfaction.

Who Should Use This Book?

Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide, 3rd Edition, is a useful source for everyone interested in employment. It is used as a textbook for college and professional career development courses. It is a valuable resource to individuals who are reassessing their careers and the effectiveness of their current job search strategies. It has been a welcome companion to recent college or technical school graduates who need career assistance as they make sense of the job market into which they are about to enter. Anyone who wishes to be successful in today’s competitive employment market needs to understand and apply the ideas and techniques found in this guide.

How to Use This Book

Use it actively. Don’t just read the words; think about them. React to ideas, challenge your current ways of thinking, and energize yourself while you spend time with this book. As you think about how to use this guide most effectively for your individual situation, you may want focus on particular areas such as résumé writing or researching companies or particular sections like the one on interviewing. Or, you may want to study the information and suggestions chapter by chapter to provide a comprehensive guide to personal marketing, successful job searching and career planning. No matter what the approach, you’ll benefit from the experience.

From the chapters on marketing tools to the suggestion on using the Internet in your job search to the information on developing paper-based and electronic professional portfolios, you will find this book a valuable tool that you can use today and for many tomorrows to come.

What Does This New Edition Have to Offer?

This exciting new edition keeps most of the basic information that has been used so successfully by many job seekers, but it is enhanced with a new approach, new information, and new features.

* New approach: A new focus for the third edition is self-marketing. Marketing yourself successfully is the focus all the information found in the first two sections: Introduction and Personal Assessment and Marketing Tools. Experience has told us that job seekers of today are the most successful when they understand basic marketing concepts and use dynamic marketing strategies and techniques for themselves.

A second enhanced focus for this edition is the organization of text, particularly the material on interviewing. For easy access to interview information, interviewing material is divided into three chapters: Before the Interview, During and After the Interview, and After the Offer. Each chapter is a comprehensive guide to the knowledge and techniques needed in each step of the interviewing process.

*New and Enhanced Information: Not only has the information in this book been updated with the most timely career advice and strategies, new and expanded topics to this edition include:

• Marketing strategies and techniques
• Types and styles of resumes including electronic, scannable resumes
• Paper-based and electronic professional portfolios
• Electronic company research
• Types of interviews including stress, group, and telephone
• Effectively handling behavioral-based interview questions
• Important questions for the interview candidate to ask
• Interviewing etiquette
• Negotiating salary and benefits
• Career success on the job including tips for new employees

*New Features: Several exciting new features are in this third edition.

MY Focus and Finding Your Focus

First, because self-marketing is such a central theme in this edition of the book and to a successful job search and career, marketing tips and other helpful information are highlighted with a special feature called 'Marketing Yourself Focus,' or MY Focus. MY Focus information is found in most chapters and relates to the practical application of the ideas and suggestions in that chapter.

In addition to the MY Focus feature, each chapter has unique chapter questions, called Finding Your Focus. These questions encourage the reader to not only recall key concepts from the chapter, but to reflect and apply these ideas on a personal level. Both MY Focus and Finding Your Focus help move the owner of this book from mere reader to active user of these critical concepts and job search strategies.

Layout and Design

The design of this new edition highlights important information and allows the reader to see key points and ideas in the chapters at a glance. Improved graphics and use of color also enhance the look of this new and improved guide.

Companion Web Page

A final and very important new feature of this third edition is the Companion Web Page. This interactive tool provides a new online dimension of interactivity and self-exploration. The Companion Web Page features chapter objectives and highlights, test questions, useful Internet links, and special worksheets, further support information for many chapters in the book.

Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide remains an essential guide for anyone who is currently searching for a job or is about to begin a job search. Its no-nonsense approach and easy-to-read style make it a must for the busy individual who needs sound job search advice in a resource that is quick and easy to use.