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Copyright 2007 Imaginings

Jumpstarting Your Career
by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson

 (You are welcome to use this information, citing our copyright and
noting http://www.ImaginingsAZ.com as your source.)

Your education and training may be superb, your work record without flaw and your recommendations may be the finest.  But where you will  find an optimal position is anything but assured in today's complex and erratic marketplace. Whatever your particular field or unique expertise, flexibility, persistence, trainability, connectivity and even one's luck can play pivotal roles in the job game.  A key question in any career shaping exercise is, "Do my skills and experience match my industry’s standards?"  You must consider how you compare to your competitors?  Consider individual study or focused schooling to overcome any gaps and the stepped sequencing of jobs to work toward your ultimate career goals.
 

SUBMITTING RÉSUMÉS

Research both advertised and discernibly probable needs and goals of each employer you plan to contact.  While you may not gain the position you currently seek, consider each contact as an opportunity to gain knowledge about your industry and the people who may become colleagues and employers.

~  Create summaries of skills, work history, education, awards, and volunteerism.

~  Learn each employer’s job application procedures.  Customize a one or two-page
     reverse chronology résumé for each potential employer.  Use sentence fragments;
     avoid acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon; offer references upon request.

~  Create a plain text (ASCII) electronic Résumé (simple formatting, basic fonts, and
     space highlight topical sections).
 

PROOFREAD

Prepare for the first level of corporate job gatekeepers!  To satisfy human resource specialists, ensure you follow all procedural requirements for submitting a résumé and/or job application.  Have colleagues as well as non-specialists review and
proofread your résumés and letters.

~  Write clear cover letters (for both hardcopy and electronic résumé submissions). 
     Express knowledgeable interest in each firm and state you will call to verify receipt
     of materials and to learn if they desire further information.

~  Print all materials on quality printer or copier.  Use plain linen paper without
    distracting art or screened backgrounds.  
 

INTERVIEWS

Despite an employer’s stated needs or corporate style, present yourself professionally.  While you can always dress down for a casual work environment, you have only one chance to make a first, best impression.

~  Eat a nourishing, light meal before interviews and drink water to assure alertness. 
     Have fresh breath and clean hands.

~  Be focused, confident and respectful!  Use  good posture and shake hands firmly
    but not hard.  Smile and make easy eye contact.  Listen.  Speak with care in a
    well- modulated voice.  Rephrase any difficult questions and carefully follow
    directions.  Display knowledge of the firm and its place within its industry. 

~  Show an active interest in the firm by asking questions—but NOT regarding salary
    or benefits.  

~  Being polite is more than good manners.  Making significant contacts is always
    useful.  Sending post-interview thank-you letters to each interviewer confirms your
    interest in the firm to which you have applied and can move you ahead in future
    rounds of hiring.  

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