COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
A resource provided to CCAC students and alumni to assist in resume building, interview preparation and finding career opportunities. JOB SEARCH MANUAL
OUR GOAL IS YOUR SUCCESS.
ccac.edu
Getting Started
Good Work Habits
Develop Resume
Our Goal is Your Success
Apply for Positions
Interview
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is a place where dreams become a reality—and careers begin. We are the region’s premier provider of workforce training. CCAC supports increased prosperity and opportunity by providing education to individuals to meet the emerging workforce needs of the community and employers. Career Services is dedicated to assisting you in your job search and providing assistance individually, in small groups and in classroom presentations. Services are available to students, alumni and community members throughout their career. This manual has been prepared to guide job seekers to successfully nav- igate the job search process and develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges to secure their place in the workforce. This cycle may be repeated throughout your career, and we are available to help you as your career needs change.
PLEASE CONTACT US Allegheny Campus Boyce Campus
North Campus 8701 Perry Highway
South Campus
808 Ridge Avenue 1750 Clairton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Monroeville, PA 15146 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 West Mifflin, PA 15122 412.237.2545 724.325.6771 412.369.3674 412.469.6214 595 Beatty Road
This manual was funded by the Carl D. Perkins Grant and created by the Employment Specialists at Community College of Allegheny County.
CCAC JOB SEARCH MANUAL
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................1 CCAC College Central Network for Students, Alumni & Community Members.........................................2
GETTING STARTED.............................................................................................3 Identify Your Skills..............................................................................................................................................3 Networking.........................................................................................................................................................4 Elevator Speech....................................................................................................................................................7 Searching for Job Opportunities..........................................................................................................................8 Employment Scams...........................................................................................................................................11 Gain Valuable Work Experience.........................................................................................................................11 DEVELOP RESUME………..................................................................................14 Headings...........................................................................................................................................................14 Recommendations for Achieving a Professional-Looking Resume...................................................................17 Action Words......................................................................................................................................................18 Resume Worksheet.............................................................................................................................................19 Sample Resumes.................................................................................................................................................21 APPLY FOR POSITIONS.....................................................................................29 Job Applications.................................................................................................................................................29 Cover Letters......................................................................................................................................................33 Sending Emails...................................................................................................................................................37 Tracking Your Applications................................................................................................................................41 Portfolios..........................................................................................................................................................42 References for Employment...............................................................................................................................43 INTERVIEW………….........................................................................................45 Types of Interviews............................................................................................................................................45 Invited to Interview............................................................................................................................................46 Interview Preparation.........................................................................................................................................47 Strategies for Successful Job Interviews..............................................................................................................49 Self-Evaluation of an Interview..........................................................................................................................52 Follow-up to an Interview...................................................................................................................................53 Example Thank You Letters...............................................................................................................................54
GOOD WORK HABITS.....................................................................................56
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................58
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INTRODUCTION
The average person will change jobs between 10 and 15 times and change careers three times. Employers integrate technology into hiring practices and require specific skill sets from their employees. In order to compete for openings, job seekers need to enhance their techniques in contacting and marketing themselves to employers. These techniques involve: • Uploading resumes • Completing online applications • Interviewing • Testing • Using social media to project a professional image The person hired is not always the most qualified, but rather the person who has convinced the employer that he/she is the best candidate. Planning Your Time Securing a position may take more time than you anticipate. Even if you are under no economic pressure to find a job quickly, starting your search early is a good idea. Delays may hurt your chances of finding the job you want. If you have just finished school, you are competing for similar positions with other new graduates in your field. A long delay between graduation or your last job and your application for work may give an employer the impression that his organization is one of your last choices. Once you start your search, you should treat it as a full-time job.
A successful job search is more than just a resume and a job application. It is a series of positive contacts with prospective employers, and it will involve some work on your part. This is some of the most important work that you will ever do, so it is important that you not only take it seriously, but that you give yourself enough time to get it right. • Plan to write, and then review, your resume and cover letter every time you apply for a job. Work with your campus Career Services team to review your resume, cover letters and reference sheet. • Adapt your resumes and cover letters to match the requirements of job descriptions (see page 34). • Be sure to do a lot of research on your target industry. Select companies that may have potential positions for you and certainly those companies with which you have scheduled interviews. • Work on your 30-second “elevator speech” (see page 7), which is vital in tight time situations, such as career fairs, and professional and social networking events. This is your opportunity to present your qualifications, your background and yourself in a positive manner. The following pages will guide you through the job search process. This manual is divided into sections that focus on specific steps to assist you to reach your objective of securing a job in your chosen career field. Many people begin or return to school with a goal of career advancement. The culmination of this time spent is not just receiving a degree or certificate but securing a new career. This process may be as simple as using new skills and credentials for advancement within the same career area and company. It may also be as complex as making a radical career change, such as going from being a school teacher to a systems analyst.
CCAC Job Search Manual 1
CCAC College Central Network for Students, Alumni & Community Members CCAC College Central Network (www.collegecentral.com/ccac) Registering on CCAC College Central Network will enable you to view all full-time and part-time positions, co-op opportunities and internships submitted to CCAC. You must have an email account to register. Enrolled students may obtain an email address through Information Technology Services (ITS), or free email accounts are available from numerous online sources. Be sure that your email address is professional. After you register, list your College Central login information: User ID_________________________________ Password________________________________ It is recommended you keep a list of all user IDs and passwords used during your job search in a secure location. Uploading a Resume on CCAC College Central Network Uploading your resume on this network will enable you to forward it directly to employers that utilize this feature. Some employers accept resume submissions directly to their CCAC College Central Network account. It is strongly recommended that you have your resume approved by a Career Services professional prior to uploading. After your resume is approved, it will be available to employers.
The following suggestions will help you plan your time for an efficient job search: • Plan and start your search as soon as you know you will need to find a new job. • Make your job hunting a full-time project. You work a 40-hour week for an employer; you should work no less for yourself. • Tell all friends, family and professional acquaintances that you are looking for a job in your career field. • Be prepared to provide a resume that is updated and accurately reflects your job search goals, education, skills and qualifications that you have to offer an employer each time you apply for a position. • Keep track of your contacts, including who and when you had contact. • Prepare your 30-second “elevator speech” for the kind of work you are seeking. • Manage your online image by creating a LinkedIn account or similar account and review your social media presence to ensure you have a professional image. • Before approaching an employer, research the company, products, services, job openings,
financials and locations thoroughly. • Respond to leads as soon as possible. CCAC Career Services Online ccac.edu
This site will give access to resources that will assist in your job search. Enter Career Services in the search box and you will be directed to the related information.
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Job Search Realities • You will not be given a job because you need a job, no matter how much you need it. • YOU WILL GET A JOB BECAUSE AN EMPLOYER NEEDS YOU. • If you show that you can produce results to fit an employer’s needs, you will be a desirable candidate. • To show you fit the employer’s needs, you must know the strength and extent of your skills and communicate their relevance to the employer. GETTING STARTED
Identify Your Skills Finding a job can be a complex and time-
consuming process. One of the first steps is to identify skills you have to offer an employer. Along with the knowledge you received during your education, you also possess transferrable skills; these are skills you have developed in previous jobs and volunteer experiences that can also be applied to your new career opportunity. Identifying these skills may seem overwhelming at first, but use the guidelines below and list examples of when you used these skills in the past.
In the space provided, list 3 different experiences where you developed and used your skills. Examples are provided to help you get started identifying skills from your experience.
EXAMPLE: Worked in a busy restaurant 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Explained menu items and answered questions 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Ensured that the needs of all guests were met 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Operated a point of sale system/cash register 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Resolved customer complaints 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Trained new staff members 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________
People Skills—This refers to a person’s ability to interact with others.
Communication Skills—How well do you communicate? Are you able to speak in front of an audience or group? Customer Service—Are you patient and attentive to the needs of others? Are you able to remain calm under pressure?
Technical Skills—What tools, software and/or machinery are you competent in?
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills—This involves recognizing and researching a problem and finding a solution.
Leadership Ability—Have you taken the lead on a task or managed people or things?
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Networking Remember that many jobs are found through networking. To access this hidden job market, you need to network with your friends, professionals, professors/instructors and relatives. These contacts should become the beginning of your network. Your goal is to make a list of these people and use your contacts to begin and expand your career network. • Remember, you increase your chances of finding a job by increasing your contacts. • Current employees and senior managers of an organization are more likely to pass your resume along to friends in the business, thereby multiplying your leads. If your education prepared you for a specialized field, contact everyone you know in that field including your professors/instructors, who may be working in your area of interest and have contacts to share with you. For example, if your major and job interest is in accounting, develop a list of accounting firms or companies using accountants who are known to you, your family, friends or professors/instructors. Contact these people and tell them you are interested in a job in their field. If they do not have an opportunity for you, ask them if they can refer you. Always ask your contacts for permission to use their name when applying. Utilize Contacts with Alumni Consider joining and becoming active in your college’s alumni association to expand your networking contacts. After all, you can assume that most of the members are already employed and may have contacts in your field of interest. Below is an example of successful networking: One young man, a business student, mentioned to a neighbor that he was looking for a job. Two days later, the neighbor’s friend, a manager who was looking for a manager trainee, called the
Evaluating Your Employment Needs and Preferences For you to be successful in any position, it not only has to be a good fit with your skills but also a good fit with your needs. When selecting positions to apply for, you need to know what is important to you about a job. Circle your answers to the following questions: • Do you prefer a small business or a large corporation? • Do you prefer a structured environment or one that is fast-paced? • Do you need a company that is accessible to public transportation? Yes No • What is the distance you are willing to travel? 0–15 miles 16–30 miles • Are you willing to work in downtown Pittsburgh? Yes No • Do you need a flexible schedule? Yes No • What benefits are most important to you?
– Tuition assistance – Health insurance – Vacation/paid time off/sick leave – 401(k)/retirement plan • In what atmosphere do you thrive best? Professional Casual • Are you willing to work: – Nights/evenings
– Overnight – Weekends – Holidays
• Which would you prefer: Working for a start-up company or an organization that is established? • Are you interested in a set salary or a performance-based salary? • How will this position balance with your other life priorities, such as family and further education? All these questions should be considered during the job search and when you are seeking a position. As your job search progresses, your needs may change, which may result in adapting your job search to fit these changes. As you begin networking and developing contacts in your job search, keep your needs in mind.
student and asked him to come in for an interview and subsequently hired him.
Start to develop a list of people to network with in your career search. Make a list of five people you will contact to start networking. (List the person’s name, company, position, date of contact, telephone number, email address and result.)
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Networking Results • 35% of job seekers applied to their current or most recent position via referral—especially millennials • 34% of recruiters consider referrals their best source of hires • Referred applicants are 5 times more likely than average to be hired Source: Jobvite’s 2017 Job Seeker Nation Study
Your Networking Contacts
Name and contact information Action taken and results
• Spoke with John on 7/1/2018. • He said to send him my resume, and he would give it to his manager.
EXAMPLE: John Smith ABC Company—Technician 412.000.0000 jsmith@email.com
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Social Media Resources for Job Searching & Networking Almost all employers are using social media sites to identify, recruit and screen candidates for employment. Use these sites wisely to market your skills, build your network and apply for jobs. Be selective about who you connect with and regularly monitor comments made by others. Remember to be creative, communicate professionally and exchange recommendations. When preparing for a job search, it is important to review not only your credentials but also your online presence. Today’s employers will be completing online inquires of applicants prior to scheduling interviews or extending a job offer. For this reason, it is imperative that you review all social media references you have . Today there are many social media platforms that are popular. Some social media sites that you may be familiar with are Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. These are not the only sites, and you should be cautious when using any social media platform. Check off all the suggested strategies when you review your social media platforms. Positive things to “DO” to impact your career with social media platforms: DO focus on your qualifications, skills, accomplishments and education as well as volunteer work. DO block friends that may post inappropriate pictures or messages on your sites, pages or walls. DO change the settings to private of unprofessional images, posts and communications that cannot be removed or deleted. DO join professional communities that align with your career goals. DO utilize the job posting features of sites that have them. DO build an online network that pertains to your target career.
DO advise friends not to post inappropriate images or comments about you on their social media platforms. DO create a professional profile, including skills and qualifications, and upload a photo of you dressed in professional attire. DO research on companies that you may be interested in to learn about the company culture and workplace life. Negative impacts your social media platforms may have on your career: DO NOT comment on topics that may be controversial or discriminatory, such as political or religious affiliations. DO NOT update your status to notify friends and/or colleagues you are searching for a new opportunity if you do not want your current employer to know. DO NOT post criticism of current or past colleagues and employers. DO NOT communicate personal information about yourself or colleagues. DO NOT lie about qualifications, accomplishments and/or skills. DO NOT post provocative photos of yourself that are unprofessional or ones that include alcohol or drug use. DO NOT share confidential information about other employers, colleagues, peers, family members or professors. DO NOT post or update your status multiple times a day because it may give the impression you are not focused on your professional career. DO NOT act desperate about finding a job as you may appear unprofessional. Attend Job/Career Fairs Job fairs are a great opportunity to network with employers. There are many eager employers, all located in one convenient area, waiting to talk to you. There are also employers from many different industries, so if you are not sure what type of position you are seeking, a job fair will give you the opportunity to ask questions. • Avoid asking what the company does and if they have any jobs available. Employers expect you to know something about their companies and positions.
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• Research to find out which companies will be in attendance. Make a list of the employers that interest you and visit their websites. Employers are impressed with applicants who demonstrate a familiarity with the organization, have prepared intelligent questions to ask and have thought about the way they might fit into the organization. • Take copies of your resume to leave with employers. • Do not shove your resume at the employer; ask if they would accept a copy. If the employer declines your resume, there are reasons why. They may instruct you to apply online; make sure you follow their instructions. • Avoid taking candy and promotional items unless invited to do so. • Unlike a regular job interview, you may only have a short amount of time to speak with a recruiter. The more prepared you are, the better the first impression you will make. • Develop a 30-second “elevator speech” about yourself. Highlight the benefits that you would bring to the company. Remember, this face-to- face interaction is important to getting an interview. (See the Elevator Speech heading for guidelines.) • A job fair gives you the opportunity to present yourself in a way you might not be able to on your resume. Interpersonal skills, communication skills and business social skills are critical.
• Remember that employers take into account your smile, handshake and attire when forming their impression. Look professional by dressing in business attire. • Do not be overzealous and say that you will take any job they have. Show your enthusiasm but have a specific target career in mind. • Ask for their business card and after the job fair, send an email or thank you letter to those individuals with whom you established personal contact. It is very important to follow up with employers that have positions you are interested in . Elevator Speech In every job search, introductions will be required, so an applicant will need to develop an “elevator speech.” This speech is used when introducing yourself to potential employers, reaching out to new networking contacts and in interview situations. In this brief (30–60 seconds) speech, the applicant communicates the who, what and where of their job search. When drafting an “elevator speech,” the applicant should follow this outline: • Who—Who are you? Include information about your education and credentials, employment history, internships, clinical experiences and professional affiliations. • What—What skills and experience do you have to offer an employer? • Where—Type of position or opportunity you are seeking.
Elevator Speech Example Outline
• Jordan Brown • Graduate of CCAC with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice • Internship with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Zone 1
Who are you?
• Gathered evidence from crime scenes, completed reports, assisted with crowd control and traffic accidents • Work as a security guard with ABC Security at ZYX apartment complex • Worked as a laborer/landscaper for a home remodeling
What skills and experience?
• Full-time position with a local police department within Pennnsylvania
Type of position/ opportunity you are seeking
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Elevator Speech Example Hello, my name is Jordan Brown. I am a recent graduate of Community College of Allegheny County with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. As part of my education, I completed an internship with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and was assigned to Zone 1, where I shadowed and worked closely with officers primarily during the 3:00–11:00 PM shift. My experience includes gathering evidence from crime scenes, completing reports, and assisting with crowd control and traffic accidents. Currently, I am working as a security guard for ABC Security at the ZYX apartment complex. In this position, I interact with the residents and guests and ensure all individuals and grounds are safe and secure. My employment history also includes working as a landscaper and laborer. I am now searching for an opportunity with a local police department as a full-time officer. Develop Your own Elevator Speech After you have developed an “elevator speech” you are comfortable with, practice delivering it. Practice in a mirror or video yourself giving the speech. Also, time yourself giving the speech. The maximum time should be 75 seconds. Do you sound natural and relaxed? This is your introduction to a potential employer, so you need to sound confident and professional. When using this speech at a job/career fair or at the beginning of an interview, you want the potential employer to want to learn about you and have a positive response. Remember, this speech is the first impression you are giving to a potential employer, so you want to convey your experience and skills as they relate to the position you are seeking. Most importantly, you want to sound positive and confident and not like a robot who is repeating a memorized speech.
Outline of Your Elevator Speech
Who are you?
What skills and experience?
Type of position/ opportunity you are seeking
Searching for Job Opportunities There are many other places where you should search for positions. The more widespread your search is,
the more opportunities you will find. Look for Jobs in Government
Federal, state and municipal governments recruit graduates. Jobs range from forest rangers to FBI agents, from technical specialists to general administrators. Salaries are usually excellent, and benefits compare favorably with those in private industry. For websites, go to page 9.
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Look to Public and Private Employment Agencies
Try These Other Suggestions Be alert to the following to uncover hidden job leads: • New construction/company expansions • Staff promotions and retirements • Formation of new departments • Transfer of personnel announcements • Community-based human service organizations Internet Resources for Your Job Search In today’s job market, the internet has become a valuable tool. Websites for companies and organizations can provide information not only on their products and services but also on current job openings. In addition, job posting sites list not only available openings, but many offer information on salary ranges, company reviews, interview questions and suggestions for securing employment.
Most states have employment services, which can be of help to you. Many of these services give special attention to recent graduates. There is usually no charge for their services. These organizations often maintain job boards, provide employment assistance and hold employment networking events. A listing of current local employment agencies can be found through an internet search. Contact Your Local Chamber of Commerce If your primary interest is a specific city or town, try the local chamber of commerce. Some chambers of commerce conduct programs designed to keep local talent from leaving the area or to attract new talent to the area.
Job and Internship Search Sites
All Retail Jobs Broadcast Jobs Career Builder
http://www.allretailjobs.com/
Hourly and salary retail jobs
www.tvjobs.com
Internships in broadcast journalism Job postings, employer profiles and career resources Jobs/internships available from employers who have requested posting through CCAC Full-time and part-time positions at CCAC
www.careerbuilder.com
CCAC College Central Network
www.collegecentral.com/ccac
CCAC Jobs
https://www.ccacjobs.com
City of Pittsburgh
https://www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/pittsburgh
City of Pittsburgh positions
Dice
https://www.dice.com/ https://www.hcareers.com/ www.higheredjobs.com
Technology sector Hospitality jobs
Hcareers
Higher Education Imagine Pittsburgh
Post-secondary education positions
www.imaginepittsburgh.com/work Pittsburgh-area employment
Indeed
www.indeed.com
Job postings, company reviews and salary comparisons
Internship Programs
www.internshipprograms.com http://www.jobmonkey.com/
Internships
JobMonkey
Seasonal and summer jobs Professional networking site
LinkedIn Monster
www.linkedin.com www.monster.com
Employer profiles, job listings and job search articles
NonProfit Talent
www.jobs.nonprofittalent.com Social services and nonprofit organizations
PA CareerLink
www.jobgateway.pa.gov
Job postings, career videos, veterans services and interview training
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Job and Internship Search Sites (continued)
PA Civil Service Jobs
www.scsc.state.pa.us
State jobs, summaries of civil service examinations, testing dates and application requirements Technology-related companies in the Pittsburgh area
Pittsburgh Technology Council
www.pghcareerconnector.com
Regional Help Wanted
https://regionalhelpwanted.com/ http://www.retirementjobs.com/ https://www.snagajob.com/
Positions in the local area Jobs for people over 50
Retirement Jobs
Snagajob
Hourly positions
Federal Government’s Official Job Site www.usajobs.gov
Federal government jobs Jobs in the Pittsburgh area
Vibrant Pittsburgh
http://vibrantpittsburgh.org/
EXAMPLE: UPMC
Make a list of 3 places where you would like to work . Visit the website of these organizations and search for job postings that match your skills, education and experience.
McKeesport Nurse Med/ Surgical
Cancer Center Nurse Oncology
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Employment Scams Although technology is a major component of the job search process, the job seeker needs to be aware that there is fraudulent information about job opportunities and companies on the internet. Every job seeker needs to be vigilant when searching for opportunities to avoid a potential scam. How to Recognize Fraudulent Business Opportunities (Employment Scams) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that fraudulent business opportunities rank high in its database of consumer fraud complaints. Most scam artists are really sophisticated, and they know exactly how to keep consumers from guessing the true nature of their business by providing phony references or creating misleading documents. How to Spot Signs of Fraud • Many fraudulent promoters send spam email or post internet ads involving selling or promoting merchandise or opportunities to buy into home- based businesses, be a personal assistant or other activities related to the internet. • Often there are claims of high pay in weeks or months for little effort (“Work only a few hours a week!”) or claims about working conditions like the ability to “set your own hours,” “be your own boss” or “work from home.” Often there is a charge for these opportunities, which may be from a hundred to several thousand dollars. • The above scams, which may be advertised through the classifieds, via spam emails or other job postings, have little chance of success—for example, a business with little or no demand in the market; cheap, low-quality or outdated merchandise; poor customer service; and few, if any, physical locations. • Payment for work, in the form of cash or check, may be offered prior to actually starting the job. Preventive Measures to Avoid Fraud • If the opportunity involves selling or promoting products from a well-known company, contact the company’s legal department to verify if this is a legitimate opportunity. • If the promoter requires a deposit, consult an attorney, accountant or other business advisor before you sign any papers.
• Contact the attorney general’s office, state or county consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau to find out if the company has any record of unresolved complaints. Remember that an unscrupulous company will change names and locations to hide a history of complaints. • Legitimate employers do not require payment from you to secure a job—so you should never have to pay anyone to find or obtain employment. • Never accept or deposit cash or checks as payment for a job not started. How to Report Possible Fraud • File a complaint with the FTC online (https:// www.ftc.gov/) or call toll free 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357). • Notify the state attorney general's office for the state where you live and also the state where the business promoter is based. • Contact your county and/or state consumer protection agency and register a complaint. • Alert the Better Business Bureau in your community and also where the promoter is based. Gain Valuable Work Experience Today, employers expect college graduates to have previous work experience. This work experience may include seasonal positions in retail or other service-based businesses and part-time positions that may or may not be related to their career goal. Employers want to see applicants that have transferrable skills in customer service, communication and time management. In addition, you can also gain relevant experience by completing an internship or co-operative education course, volunteering or through work-study. Internships and co-operative education experiences are related to your major course of study and may be substituted for work experience when applying to positions. Part-Time Jobs Part-time jobs provide real-life experiences that are valuable to future employers. Your experiences at fast food or retail jobs are worth putting on a resume because they show an employer that you have the ability to keep a job while going to school. Working parttime demonstrates your ability to multi-task and manage your responsibilities.
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Co-operative Education Program Co-operative education (co-op) is a unique plan of education that integrates classroom study with planned and supervised career-related work experience. Students are employed on or off campus as paid or nonpaid co-op students and receive academic credit for their work experience. Co-op opportunities are not available for all majors. The purpose of the program is to develop and strengthen students’ academic, personal and career preparation. Co-op placements enable employers to provide feedback that assists the college in preparing students for work. To Apply for a Co-op at CCAC, a Student Must Have: • Completed at least 30 college credits with at least 12 credits in his/her major prior to the co-op semester • Maintained a quality point average of 2.5 or above • Met the appropriate department’s criteria How to Apply for a Co-op at CCAC • CO-OP INTERVIEW : Schedule an appointment with Career Services. At this interview, possible types of positions will be discussed, your questions will be answered about the program and your resume will be reviewed. • APPLICATION : Complete all sections of the application. • FACULTY RECOMMENDATION FORM : Fill out only the top portion of the form as it will be submitted to the co-op faculty representative for further completion. • RESUME : Prepare a professional resume using Microsoft Office Word. For assistance with your resume and to have it approved, contact Career Services to make an appointment or refer to the Develop Resume section of this manual. • CO-OP LISTINGS : Research potential co-op locations on company websites and on page 9. • TRANSCRIPT : Obtain an unofficial up-to-date transcript at www.ccac.edu. • REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT : You must register and pay for the credits earned in a co-op just as you would for any other course.
You can learn a great deal about how successful businesses operate and apply these practices to future positions. In addition, you learn to show up for work regularly, be on time, dress appropriately and perform assigned tasks. Obtaining a part-time position in your field of study will be an advantage to you. It can increase your understanding of classroom material by providing real-life situations. For example, working as a physical therapist aide will increase your knowledge and understanding of a physical therapist assistant job and provide a better understanding of classroom information. Your development of transferable skills—including manners, appropriate behavior, conflict resolution, customer service, communication, leadership and administrative abilities—can all be practiced and improved with your part-time job. Work-Study Work-study is a program sponsored by the Department of Labor that encourages students to work part time on or off campus. For eligibility and more information, check with your campus Financial Aid office. Internships Internships provide opportunities for students to work for employers to gain career-related experience. This opportunity seeks to relate classroom learning with application in a professional work environment. Academic credit is not received for internships; however, valuable work experience can be gained. It is recommended that the internship be a minimum of 150 hours of work for the employer. Students should check company and job posting websites for internship opportunities several months prior to anticipated start dates. Organizations are increasingly using internships as a main source of recruitment. It is a cost effective way for a company to assess your skills and compatibility while considering whether to extend a job offer. Remember to have a Career Services professional review your resume before you apply.
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Once a student has secured a co-op credit work assignment, he/she will register for academic credit earning three or six credits. For three credits, the student must work a minimum of 150 hours and for six credits a minimum of 300 hours. The faculty representative will award the student’s academic credit based on completion of the required hours, the employer’s evaluation and any work reports assigned by the faculty. Some companies use co-op experiences to identify talent at an early stage, then develop and possibly retain the student in a full-time position. Volunteering Employers often find value in students who volunteer. Volunteering can give students a significant edge, especially if they volunteer in a related field. For example, if you plan to be a registered nurse, volunteer at a local hospital or medical facility. Having volunteer experience is important because more and more companies are looking for socially conscious individuals. Volunteering is performing or offering services without pay. Volunteer opportunities are endless and exist in communities, schools, student organizations, companies and local agencies. In order to include a volunteer experience on a resume, the experience should be reoccurring or for an extended period of time. Reasons to Volunteer • To gain experience, acquire new skills, meet people or develop a network of contacts as a way to get a new job or start a career • To give back to the community, help friends or promote an event • To gain experience that can be used on a resume to enhance job opportunities Individuals with Disabilities Seeking Employment If you are a person with disabilities, you may benefit from additional assistance in finding employment. You may have concerns about transportation, accessibility, accommodations and co-worker understanding. Career Services
professionals can assist in identifying opportunities and resources key to a successful job search. Many employers have programs designed to accommodate those with disabilities. In addition, CCAC maintains a Supportive Services office for students with disabilities on each campus. Persons with disabilities needing job search assistance are encouraged to meet with a CCAC support staff member to review their individual needs. Military and Veterans Seeking Employment Military personnel returning to the civilian job market may encounter unique situations. CCAC staff can assist you with identifying transferable skills, related opportunities and resources key to a successful job search. Many employers have special programs aimed at hiring veterans. In addition, each CCAC campus maintains a Military & Veterans Services Center specifically to assist military personnel and veterans needing job search assistance. They are encouraged to meet with a Career Services professional to review their employment needs. Finding Employment with a Criminal Record Finding employment with a criminal record can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The first step is to know the specifics of your criminal history, including what information is available to perspective employers. Performing your own background check is one way to verify your employability. A successful job search for a person with a criminal record would include an understanding of the employers’ perspectives, formulating a disclosure statement when completing the application and answering related questions in an interview. Due to the individualized nature of each person’s experience, it is recommended that those needing assistance meet with a Career Services professional.
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A resume is an advertisement for a very special product—you! This is your first opportunity to present your skills to an employer, and hopefully, it will lead to an interview. It is one of the keys you will use in trying to open the door to that all-important interview. THERE IS NO SINGLE CORRECT FORMAT FOR A RESUME . While it is true there is no single correct format for a resume, it is important that every resume follow three rules. The best resumes always follow the “Golden Rules of C—Clear, Consistent and Concise.” CLEAR — The resume must be precise and easy to read and understand. The reader should not be asking, “What does that statement mean?” This means avoiding abbreviations and jargon related to a specific job or career field. Also avoid acronyms as they are not always clear and may be misinterpreted. CONSISTENT — Do not mix formats, categories and dates. For example, if you are listing your dates as month and year for your education and employment history, they must be listed in the same format throughout the entire resume. CONCISE — Summarize and highlight your skills, education, experience and accomplishments. Recruiters spend very little time (usually less than 30 seconds) during an initial resume review. If your resume contains lengthy explanations in paragraph form, it may be eliminated from further consideration. Bullet points are a great way to give targeted and specific information in short phrases and are easy to read. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE PURPOSE OF A RESUME IS TO GET YOU AN INTERVIEW . There are many resume formats, but the two most commonly used are the CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME and the FUNCTIONAL RESUME . Both chronological and functional resumes serve the same purpose—only the layout and style differ. Examine the chronological and the functional resumes in layout and style as they appear in this manual. DEVELOP RESUME
The chronological resume is the most widely used and accepted format and the one most familiar to employers. It is also the easiest to write. Jobs and education are listed in REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER , starting with the most recent to the least recent. Dates, job titles
and names of the organizations, cities and states are included.
The functional resume is organized to highlight the qualifications of applicants separate from their employment history. Applicants who have had multiple positions in the same career area, applicants who are re-entering the job market after a period of unemployment, or applicants who are changing career direction without getting new training may consider using a functional format. Before you begin to write your resume, you need to answer the following question: “What position am I seeking?” Broad, general resumes with a wide variety of jobs, skills and fields can be confusing. Employers want to know that you can meet the requirements of their position. For example, if you are seeking an accounting position, elaborating on your prior welding experience does not help you to get called for an interview in the accounting field. Before you sit down to write your resume, it will be necessary for you to do a bit of self- evaluation. Examine your accomplishments, skills, experiences and education/training. (Refer to the Identify Your Skills worksheet on page 3 of this manual to help you get started.) Headings The first step to developing a resume is to decide which headings you will be using. Again, there are some variables when it comes to headings; some must be included, but others are optional. Which headings you include in your resume will depend on your targeted job/company and previous experience and education. Listed on the next page are some common headings found in resumes. REMEMBER—ALL information, regardless of resume format, is listed in REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER , which means the most recent information is listed first and then goes back in time.
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These headings should be included in all resumes:
• This is the information at the very top of your resume and includes your name and contact information. • For a resume you are using to apply to specific job postings, it is suggested you include your full mailing address on the resume. This information is always listed at the top of the resume underneath
your name. EXAMPLE: John Doe 123 Short Street Anytown, PA 12345 412.555.5555 j.doe@email.com
Applicant Identifying Information
• If you are posting your resume to a job site (e.g., LinkedIn, Monster), you may want to include only your name, telephone number, email address and metropolitan area. EXAMPLE: John Doe Greater Pittsburgh Area 412.555.5555 j.doe@email.com • Name of the post-secondary school you attended along with the credential you earned. This must match what is on your transcript, diploma or degree. It is not necessary to include information about your high school. • Participation in student clubs, organizations, awards, GPA (above a 3.0), Dean’s List and any other activities or recognitions received during your college education. As you progress in your career, this information may be deleted from your resume as you should have professional accomplishments to add. • Job title, company name, city and state where the employer is located. (Street address is not needed on a resume unless specified in a job posting.) • Brief highlights of skills, accomplishments, awards and recognitions should be included. • Education, training, awards (commendations, medals), rank, clearances and honorable discharge. • This may be included under work history or under a separate heading. • If your education included any of these experiences, they should be included on your resume, especially if you are searching for your first professional job after completing your education. • As you progress in your career, these may be excluded from your resume as work/professional experience will be more relevant.
Education/Professional Development
Work History/Professional Experience
Military Experience
Clinical/Lab/Externship/Internship/ Practicum and/or Co-op Experience
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Optional headings that you may include in your resume:
• If you are using the resume to apply to a specific job posting, you may list that position along with the job ID number at the top of your resume. • Generalized objective statements are not recommended as they are often focused on the applicant’s personal goal and not on what an employer’s needs are. • The main goal is to make your most relevant skills and experience stand out and emphasize that you are able to produce results that fit an employer’s needs. • This should highlight what you have to offer an employer and not an individual goal for yourself. • Seasoned job seekers may want to include a professional summary. • If you are including a professional summary on your resume, do not include an objective. • List the key achievements, skills, experience and qualifications that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. • Using bullet points that start with an action word enable you to keep the skills summary clear and concise. • Transferable skills that relate to the desired position should also be included. • List all current clearances and specialized certificates that relate to your target career. • In this section, you may include experience you have gained from volunteering in unpaid positions. • Any volunteer experience listed should be either reoccurring or of an extended time period. • Classes/courses where you have completed a portfolio, project or other measureable material that could be shared with a perspective employer may be listed. • If the job posting is requiring experience in a certain area, you may want to include courses taken in that subject area to indicate you have those skills and knowledge. • List any professional organizations you belong to or are active in that relate to your career area.
Objective
Professional Summary
Skills Summary
Clearances/Certificates
Volunteer Experience
Related Coursework
Professional Associations
Now that you have an idea of what to include in your resume, look at the items that should not be included.
of this document) should be created for this information. • DO NOT use an unprofessional email address. Creating an email account that will be used for job search purposes is advised. An example of a professional email address would be: Tim.Jones@emailserver.com. Once you have decided on the headings you will be using in your resume, it is time to start developing a rough draft . Plan to review your draft resume many times—it will take several reviews to correct all of the mistakes and get everything right. A good tip is to read it over
Do not include the following information on your resume:
• DO NOT include weight, height, a photo, birth date, religion, political affiliation, marital status or national origin. • DO NOT include a supervisor’s name, complete company address or employer contact information. • DO NOT include references on your resume. A separate document (see page 44 for an example
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