Deck 10: Conducting a Winning Job Campaign

Question 1

You are looking ahead to your graduation soon. You've decided to begin to look for jobs online. Tap into a system that you know posts jobs in your major or a corporate website that posts job openings. (See the textbook website for links to some of these sites.) Browse through the jobs until you see one that appeals to you and for which you will be qualified when you graduate. Print (or save) a copy of the ad so you will have it handy when you write your résumé and cover messages. Address the points covered in the ad and explain that you learned about the position from a particular online system. Plan to send your résumé electronically via email. Plan to send both a formatted and a scannable version of your résumé.

Answer 1

NO ANSWER

Question 2

The most popular arrangement of résumé information is the three-part grouping: education, experience, and personal details. Describe two other arrangements. When would each be used?

Answer 2

A resume must contain all the relevant information that a prospective employer would require and would find useful. The resume must be designed such that it enables quick reading of various information. In addition, it must be ensured that there is a proper logical arrangement of the information in the resume.
Arrangement of information in a resume can be done in various ways, the most conventional being the three part grouping in the form of education, experience and other personal details.
Another grouping can be of job functions and skills. Such a grouping proves useful in situations where a particular skill or specialization is to be highlighted. A similar group can be for achievements where accomplishments from education or experience can be mentioned.

Question 3

Using a tool of your choice such as LinkedIn, Weebly, or Yola, create a webpage profile complete with links that provide supporting details. Take care that your online portfolio is easy to navigate as well as pleasing to view.

Answer 3

NO ANSWER

Question 4

Distinguish between the print résumé and the electronic résumé. When would each be most appropriate?

Question 5

What is meant by parallelism of headings ?

Question 6

Describe the cover message and résumé you would write ( a ) immediately after graduation, ( b ) 10 years later, and ( c ) 25 years later. Point out similarities and differences, and defend your decisions.

Question 7

What differences would you suggest in writing cover messages for jobs in ( a ) accounting, ( b ) banking, ( c ) advertising copy writing, ( d ) management, ( e ) sales, ( f ) consulting, and ( g ) information systems?

Question 8

Discuss the appropriateness of beginning a cover message with these words: "This is to apply for..." and "I would like to.... "

Question 9

"In writing cover messages, just present the facts clearly and without analysis and interpretation. The facts alone will tell the employer whether he or she wants you." Discuss this viewpoint.

Question 10

"Building a network of contacts to find jobs seems selfish. It involves acquiring friendships just to use them for one's personal benefit." Discuss this view.

Question 11

When should the drive for action in a cover message ( a ) request the job, ( b ) request an interview, and ( c ) request a reference check?

Question 12

Criticize the following excerpts from résumés. (They are not from the same résumé.)
a. Work Experience
2009-2012 Employed as sales rep for Lloyd-Shanks Tool Company
2006-2009 Office manager, Drago Plumbing Supply, Toronto
2003-2006 Matson's Super Stores. I worked part time as sales clerk while attending college.
b. References
Mr. Carl T. Whitesides
Sunrise Insurance, Inc.
317 Forrest Lane
Dover, DE 19901-6452
Patricia Cullen
Cullen and Cullen Realtors
2001 Bowman Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19804
Rev. Troy A. Graham
Asbury Methodist Church
Hyattsville, MD 20783
D. W. Boozer
Boozer Industries
Baltimore, MD 21202
c. Education
2012 Graduated from Tippen H.S. (I was in top 10 percent of class.)
2012 BS from Bradley University with major in marketing
2012 to Enrolled part time in MBA program at present the University of Phoenix
d. Qualifications
• Know how to motivate a sales force. I have done it.
• Experienced in screening applicants and selecting salespeople.
• Know the pharmaceutical business from 11 years of experience.
• Knowledgeable about realistic quota setting and incentives.
• Proven leadership ability.

Question 13

Discuss some of the advantages that writing a thank-you note to the interviewer gives the writer.

Question 14

Do employers who offer unpaid internships take unfair advantage of students' knowledge and skills? Under what circumstances might it be a good idea to take an unpaid internship? When might it not be a good idea?

Question 15

Identify some of the benefits one gains from continuing to read professional journals for job information after one is employed.

Question 16

Criticize these sentences from cover messages:
Beginning Sentences
a. Please consider this my application for any position for which my training and experience qualify me.
b. Mr. Jerry Bono of your staff has told me about a vacancy in your loan department for which I would like to apply.
c. I am that accountant you described in your advertisement in today's Times-Record.
d. I want to work for you!
Sentences Presenting Selling Points
e. From 2009-2013 I attended Bradley University where I took courses leading to a BS degree with a major in finance.
f. I am highly skilled in trading corporate bonds as a result of three years spent in the New York office of Collins, Bragg, and Weaver.
g. For three years (2009-2012) I was in the loan department at Bank One.
h. My two strongest qualifications for this job are my personality and gift of conversation.
Sentences from Action Endings
i. I will call you on the 12th to arrange an interview.
j. If my qualifications meet your requirements, it would be greatly appreciated if you would schedule an interview for me.
k. Please call to set up an interview. Do it now-while it is on your mind.

Question 17

Maryann Brennan followed a broad program of study in college and received a degree in general management. She did her best work in English, especially in the writing courses. She also did well in history, managerial leadership, organizational behavior, and psychology. As much as she could, she avoided math and computer courses.
Her overall grade point average of 3.7 (4.0 basis) placed her in the top 10 percent of her class. What advice would you give her as she begins her search for a career job?

Question 18

Discuss the value of each of the sources for finding jobs ( a ) before an internship, ( b ) right after graduation, and ( c ) after 20 years of work in a specialty.

Question 19

Assume that, in an interview for the job you want, you are asked the questions listed in the text under the heading "Anticipating Questions and Preparing Answers." Answer these questions.