Elusive Job

Barbara left university armed with a good degree in advertising and a desire to fulfil her dream of working in PR. But three months after sending scores of letters in response to adverts, she was still looking for that elusive job.

Nowadays it's not just the traditionally popular professions like the media and law that are difficult to enter. To make sure you get noticed, you have to be prepared to pull out all the stops. And here's how you can do it.

You should identify your skills and what you want out of your job. The core skills employers are looking for communication, teamwork and IT skills; seek help with this from careers advisors and consultants. Send out speculative letters, but make sure your letter stands out — you want the reader to stop and take notice. Once you reach the interview stage, beware of pitfalls that can trip you up. Your performance here is crucial. Blunders can cost you the job; make sure you're well-versed in as many of the company's products and services as possible. Dress smartly but comfortably, as you will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Appear confident, relaxed and in control at all times — this is of primary importance — and remember to listen as well as talk. Communication is a two-way street — talk too much and you may miss clues concerning what the interviewer feels is important,

(from Jacky Newbrook and Judith Wilson)

PR (public relations) — зв'язок із громадськістю, інформація про діяльність

scores of letters — безліч листів

in response to — у відповідь на

elusive — невловимий

IT skills — навички інформаційних технологій

advisors — об'ява

pitfalls — пастка

crucial — вирішальний

blunder — груба помилка, промах, похибка

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A Resume

What is a resume? What information should it include? Did you ever write a resume? What kind of job were you applying for?

A resume should show an applicant's qualifications for a specific job. It should include your name, address, and telephone number; an employment objective; educational and training data; and a list of previous work experience. The list should start with your present job or with your last job that shows qualifications for the work you want now.

All of this data should be listed in an easy-to-read form. If possible, all of the information should be on one page. Type your resume on standard size (8 1/2 x 11) business stationery.

The interviewer usually sees the resume before he sees the applicant. The resume gives the first impression of the applicant to the employer. It should be neat and well organized.

It is usually a good idea to attach the resume to the letter of application. Always send it with a cover letter; never send it alone. An applicant should bring additional copies of her resume to the interview.

The job applicant should always rewrite and revise the resume to fit the specific job that he/she is applying for.

Read each sentence. If it is true, write T. If it is false, write F:

1. The same resume should be submitted for all jobs. ___

2. Always send a cover letter with your resume. ____

3. Resumes should only include information about job experience. ____

4. The way a resume looks can make an impression on the employer. ____

5. Bring a copy of your resume with you when you go to an interview. ____

RESUME

Fred Guzman

65 Baker Street

San Francisco, California

[phone]

Objective: To manage an auto repair shop.

Experience:

1980 — Present Mechanic. Forest Auto Service, 346 Mission Street, San Francisco, California. Supervise auto repairs; diagnose and make repairs; check work; submit bills; have experience with American and foreign cars.

1977 — 1980 Maintenance Mechanic. A&R Plastics, Inc.,

32 Pueblo Drive, Los Angeles, California. Repaired all production machinery; made all electrical repairs; did general maintenance.

1975 — 1977 Superintendent. Buena Vista Apartments, Cali,

Colombia. Complete charge of fifty apartments; repaired all plumbing; did carpentry work, painting and landscaping; assisted in all electrical work.

Education:

Present: Alemany Community College, San Francisco, California. Studying English.

1972 — 1973 Attended Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. Completed one year of engineering training.

1972 Graduated from high school, Cali, Colombia.

Special Skills:

Book-keeping and billing.

References available on request.

RESUME

Nguyet Minh Le

1400 Belin Drive Houston,

Texas

[phone]

Objective: Entry-level secretary in a company with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Special Skills: Fluent in Vietnamese, French, and English. Can operate a word processing machine.

Experience: Secretary/Book-keeper, five years in Vietnam.

Worked for sales manager in a manufacturing company. Typed reports and forms, filed records, did general book- keeping. 1979 — Present. — Assembly Line Worker, Markay Bags, 2240 Whitis Avenue, Austin, Texas. 1978 to 1979 Plastics Machine Operator. Team Plastics, 420 Airport Drive, Houston, Texas.

Education: Houston Community College, Houston, Texas.

Presently enrolled. Have taken courses in shorthand, accounting, and word processing. Graduated from high school, Saigon, Vietnam, June 1974.

References: Dr. Tuan Ann Nguyen, 249 Second Street,

Houston, Texas. Professor Linda Olson, Houston Community College, 22 Waugh Drive, Houston, Texas. Reverend Charles Watson, Pastor, St. J tide's Church, Houston, Texas.

Resume Worksheet

On a separate piece of paper prepare your own resume. List everything in easy-to-read form. Decide on a format you would like to use. Include the following information:

1. Personal Data (Your name, address, phone number.) ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Objective/Position Applied for (Write the kind of position you are looking for.) ____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Experience (Names of jobs, places, dates, and descriptions of exactly what you did.) ___________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

4. Education (List the schools you have attended. Include dates and subject areas you studied, starting with your most recent school.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Other (List any other information which you think might be helpful. Examples: special skills, hobbies, organizations, com­munity service, languages you speak.) ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6. References (List names and addresses of two or three references, or write "References available on request.") ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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