The end result may be the two visible artifacts tailored to a specific job posting but the assignment starts with a job hunter's understanding his/her strengths and weaknesses in the job hunting experience and a current trend in the candidate vetting methods by the employer/recruiter. The first article I directed my students to read and respond to is
7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Job Search (a two-page article)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/17/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-your-job-search/
For the ten students, these are their responses to the 13 job hunting tips and reminders:
In discussion thread DT04, students shared their job hunting and interviewing experiences with me and their classmates. For this blog post, each student will (a) choose a tip/reminder to comment on how he/she practiced or will practice that tip/reminder and (b) how he/she is doing with A3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume or how the assignment is impacting their job hunting mindset.
T02 - Identify your top accomplishments. I chose this topic because it is one of my biggest struggles in interviews. I have a hard time coming up with a response when I am put on the spot with questions about myself. Although I know that I have good work ethic, and am very capable of learning things quickly - expressing that verbally during an interview is usually my "deer in the headlights" moment.
ReplyDeleteAssignment A3 has been very helpful for me. I have only ever applied for jobs just filling out applications and never bothered with resumes or cover letters. I never sought to learn how to do things because I did not really need them for the type of jobs I applied for. However, with my career choice of becoming a paralegal, I believe it will be a very vital tool in getting a job with a firm.
I am proud to have the opportunity to help you with your first tailored cover letter and tailored resume :-) The more interviews you go on, the less you will have those "deer in the headlights" moments.
DeleteT12 Understand the power of negotiation- My thoughts at first were that it came off as greedy and ungrateful to the potential employer if I tried to negotiate my salary. Through time, I've learned that negotiating a salary doesn't reflect those qualities but rather confidence, assertiveness, and self-awareness. After discussing this topic with successful coworkers, it became clear to me how important this skill is and how it's not used often in the interview process.
ReplyDeleteThe task A3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume was eye opening in many ways. I am no seasoned interviewee, but there were still crucial tasks I learned with this exercise. I also enjoyed how we incorporated the use of our Microsoft Word skills to further improve our resumes. The two main skills I need to work on is my, "elevator pitch" and negotiating skills. Furthermore, this exercise reiterated the importance of my current skills and how this is a never-ending process. Interview skills will be needed throughout my entire life because change is always certain.
Preparation for salary negotiation = research/know what you are worth + just say it professionally and respectfully. I arrived at this conclusion and executed this on my first professional job and it worked out well in my favor ^_^
DeleteGlad you picked up how to perform crucial tasks in this assignment :-)
Yes, a never-ending process indeed!
T01-Recognize that job search is a separate skill and process. This tip stood out because I used to think that you could just send out the same resume to a small number of places. After reading the job hunting tips and some of the experiences provided by my classmates, I realize that its much more than this.
ReplyDeleteAssignment 3 is definitely a useful experience. Since I haven't worked or applied to any jobs before, I learned a lot. I will be incorporating the different tips and suggestions when looking for jobs.
Yes, job search -- and successfully landing a job -- is definitely a skillset and process all of its own :-) Glad you learned a lot. I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to your success of searching -- and landing -- your first job ^_^
DeleteT13: Remember how much you have to offer on the job – An application and resume will get you an interview, but a successful interview will land you the job. It is essential for any job seeker to remind themselves of their accomplishments and how they will be an asset to the company or organization. You must sell yourself and not just remember how much you have to offer on the job, but also how to eloquently present that information. Yes, a resume and application serve the purpose of establishing why you qualify for the job, but an interview is a much like a personality assessment where you present to the interviewee why you are the best candidate for the job and for their organization.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the ability to complete Assignment 3 (A3) and learn from this opportunity. A3 provided me the opportunity to create a resume and cover letter that was specific to the career opportunity that I intend to pursue sometime in the future, while also using technology to create a resume strictly using a table option. I have created a resume in the past; however, this assignment allowed for me to reflect and assess my respective qualifications and abilities and tailor that personal information to what the employer has established as minimum qualifications, skills, education and work experience, and job duties.
"...but also how to eloquently present that information", indeed :-) Sometimes it is the delivery more than the content that makes the larger impact! I am glad you enjoyed completing A3. Good job on using a table to align the content of your tailored resume ^_^
DeleteT06: Inventory your network. If I had not run into my friend Ilanit at Target and told her about how I was going back to school and looking to work in a law firm, I may have never been hired at my current job. I tend to be extremely stubborn and I hate to reach out for help so on my job search I was doing it all alone. I never realized how networking with former coworkers and friends could be so beneficial in helping to find a job. As I move forward in my career I am definitely going to take advantage of the connections I make at work and hopefully I will make a good impression on my paralegal professors so that perhaps when school is done they can recommend me to some good law firms in town.
ReplyDeleteThe A3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume assignment was beneficial to me because I have never had such a polished resume created before. Usually, I just use a templates I find on Microsoft Word. Now I have the skills to create an outstanding resume and cover letter and I don't have to rely on a template. With these skills I am sure to stand out among other candidates in my field.
Long ago, I equated 'network connections' as landing your job because of who you know/knew instead of what you can do and why you are the best candidate. That may be true sometimes but I have since discovered a new meaning: when people know you, they are more likely to share information and opportunities with you and even broadcast their observations of you, your work ethics, and quality of your work. I am glad your friend was able to point you to your current employer :-)
DeleteUsing a template is an easy start -- for other candidates as well! The best way to stand out is to be original ^_^
T09: Put in time- I chose this because I learned over the years to search for a certain position I am looking for in many companies. After I search for the position and apply, I needed to always follow up with the hiring manager to show how interested I am. I also put in time by constantly looking for openings that I can qualify for.
ReplyDeleteThe A3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume assignment has taught me how to be more professional when it comes to job hunting. Before, I thought I could just write and follow templates Microsoft Word gave, but there's more to it. Specific grammar has to be used, format has to be in a certain way for the cover letter in an email, and different file extensions for all types of users/devices.
Yes, unless the stars align, you are a qualified candidate, and you have the attention of the hiring decision maker(s), searching and landing a job -- especially when starting in a career -- may be more involved and difficult than actually doing the job you are applying for. I am glad A3 offers you the opportunity to practice ^_^
DeleteT04 Polish your resume- Polishing a resume for each specific position is brand new to me. I previously had one resume that I submitted for every position, possibly one single resume is a resume of the past or truly did not ever exist. Polishing a resume for specific positions and job criteria will help me master writing resumes, which will benefit me and others who might need some guidance in job hunting.
ReplyDeleteA3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume assignment is the most relevant class assignment at this time in my life. My purpose for re-entering college is to change my career path, and the skills I received from this assignment will help in my occupational journey, now and after I receive my degree.
One size does not fit all and it shows! Definitely tailor your cover letter and resume to each job posting :-) I am glad A3 is a relevant assignment at this time in your life ^_^
DeleteT10 Come to the interview prepared. I chose this title because at interviews I feel like I was unprepared. I'm continuously learning what questions will be ask and the ideal answers, I also work on what questions to ask about the company to show my interest.
ReplyDeleteA3 Tailored Cover Letter and Resume assignment has taught me to do your research, take the time to go on the internet and find out about the perspective employer, what are there core values and what is there market.
Preparation is only professional but showing respect as you are conveying you value the interviewer or interview panel's time :-) Definitely a smart to anticipate what questions might be asked during an interview -- smarter to practice answering them!
DeleteYes, doing research is part of the preparation. I am glad A3 taught you key actions to take for preparation ^_^
Preparation is not only professional...
DeleteT08 Use three different approaches to job seeking. This tip pretty much suggests that you don't just use a resume and application to look for jobs but that you use other resources like your friends and family. I chose this because I often focus on finding jobs online but end up getting hired through postings my friends know about. Its important to be open to different avenues of opportunity.
ReplyDeleteA3 will help me refine my resume to the job I'm currently seeking. I feel like I need to really prepare for this job search because its the first time I really look for a job in the field I want to focus on.
More approaches = more avenues of opportunities :-) I am excited to hear that for the first time, you are job hunting in the field of your interest ^_^
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