Job Seeking Tips Presented by: John Fleming, M.Ed., RT(R)(MR)(CT) St. Petersburg College Office: (727) 341-3758 E-mail: flemingj@spcollege.edu Lesson Objectives: Preparation Research Cover Letter Resume Interview The Thank You Note How to Keep a Job Be Prepared: A successful interview starts with preparation. Proper preparation prevents poor performance! 1
Be Prepared: By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. Benjamin Franklin Be Prepared: I think I packed too fast, I have seven shirts, twelve pairs of socks and no pants or underwear. Do Your Research: Ensure that you have a working knowledge of the company including its mission and services. 2
The Cover Letter Some would argue that the cover letter may be more important than the resume itself. The Cover Letter Personalize the cover letter by addressing it to the individual that will be doing the interview. Proofread! Is the Resume Dead? Not so fast 3
The Resume The resume and cover letter should work in tandem to present you as the best candidate. The Resume Should Contain: Career Objective Chronological History of Your Education Relative Job & Clinical Experience Certifications & Licensure Accomplishments & Activities Use Heavy Stock Resume Paper The Resume Connect your career accomplishments & skill set to what the employer is looking for. Employers skim a resume for 6 to 8 seconds. Keep in mind that there is a difference between a resume and the Great American Novel. Your resume should be 1 to 2 pages in length. 4
The Resume Avoid these terms as they are often overused: Extensive Experience Motivated Dynamic Team Player Social Media Social Media Have you had fun at the seminar? 5
Professional Use of Social Media Boring but safe. Casual Business Attire: Wear dark, neutral clothing. Let your personality shine through your interview and not by what you are wearing. Casual Business Attire: 6
Casual Business Attire: Casual Business Attire: Can I wear my nose ring to the interview? 7
What about my nails? What about my tattoos? Think mainstream. How about chewing gum? 8
What to Bring to Your Interview: Copy of your resume for all interviewers. Copy of your ARRT certification. Copy of your state radiographer license if applicable. The Introduction: Fist Bump The Introduction: Chest Bump 9
The Introduction: The Grease The Introduction: Butt Bump Handshake The Introduction: Dead Fish Handshake 10
The Introduction: Dead Fish Handshake The Introduction: Proper Handshake The Introduction: Proper Handshake 11
The Interview: The Interview: Practice! Get a good night s sleep and arrive at least 10 minutes early. Be engaged but don t dominate the discussions. Remember, a conversation is a dialog and not a monologue. The Interview: The subtle art of self-promotion 12
The Interview: avoid overselling yourself. The Interview: Body Language The Interview: Body Language 13
The Working Interview Closing Remarks: Closing Remarks: Ask questions about patient load and types of procedures performed. Inquire about the potential for cross-training or other ways that you can support their mission. This will give them the impression that you endeavor to be a long-term employee. What about salary, benefits and PTO? 14
The Thank You Hug : The Thank You Note: The Thank You Note: Three out of four employers consider an applicants thank you note when making hiring decisions. Only one out of three applicants thinks to send one. Say thank you. You won t be alone, but you still will stand out. Write four hand-written sentences and if possible, avoid sending an e-mail. 15
The Thank You Note: Handwritten notes feel like gifts because you took the time to find the paper and envelope, write the note, affix the stamp and mail it. Don t sell b/c you ve already done that. If you try to sell, the reader will decide that you aren t actually saying thank you. Rather, you are simply using your note as a pretense for making another pitch. The Thank You Note: The sales free thank you works for a simple reason: Few people possess the sense and courage to write one. Bottom line: Keep your selling and your thanking separate. How to distinguish yourself? By the thank you notes you write. How to remain unforgettable? Say thank you often. The Thank You Note: 16
The Thank You Note: Don t Be a Pest Be patient, the employer will contact you with their decision. You are Hired! 17
Now How to Keep Your Job: To begin with, do your job and do it well. Now How to Keep Your Job: Don t make yourself an easy target. Now How to Keep Your Job: Start work and get back from breaks on time. 18
Now How to Keep Your Job: Be on time. Now How to Keep Your Job: Find a mentor you will. Now How to Keep Your Job: Be cordial with co-workers but stay out of the drama. 19
Now How to Keep Your Job: Look for ways to contribute and grow professionally. Now How to Keep Your Job: Understand your work environment and "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, jager bomb in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" 20
21