Elements of a Job Search

Assignment #4-1

Daniel Shalik
deshalik@student.cccs.edu
Marketing Your Image Mar-106
Instructor- Vicki Befort
A.) Important elements of a job search:

1. Recognition of your skills
2. Knowledge of job search agencies and search engine sites
3. Networking with members of the field related to the job that you are seeking
4. Educating yourself about the companies that you are applying to

To recognize your skills you should take job aptitude and personality test to narrow down the type of job that you would be better suited for. You should also make a written list of all the skills that you possess and arrange them in order relative to your job that you are applying for.
You should familiarize yourself with agencies such as the unemployment office and online search engine sites that help you locate jobs that are available. Newspapers also list advertisements for help wanted in print and online. Major news agencies such as CNN also offer listings such as hot jobs and companies that are hiring according to localities.
Networking with people, new and old acquaintances, friends and family also assist in job leads. Many jobs that are not even advertised in the help wanted section are broadcast through networking of word of mouth. Online social networking such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter broaden your resources to successfully find a job.
Educating yourself about the companies that you are applying for will also enable you in your job search to better prepare yourself before even submitting a resume. The company may not be what you are looking for and rather than waste valuable time working there, you could be researching a place where you would be more satisfied with your working life.
B.) I do not believe that the summaries of qualifications overcome the drawbacks of not stating your objective on a resume. According to Ann Hackett , founder and President of Quest Career Services she instructs resume writers to "Take the time before you start your resume to form a clear objective" she further explains that by not forming a clear objective your resume will "come across as unfocused to those who read it". (Hackett)
According to Yana Parker, her website states that leaving out a job objective is the "most common resume mistake made by job hunters". (Parker) Ms. Parker also believes that anything beyond 5 or 6 words is "probably fluff and indicates a lack of clarity and direction".
Therefore the outcome of leaving out your career objective in lieu of relying on your qualifications on your resume is riskier. Qualifications, although sometimes necessary for the position you are applying for, does not overcome the drawback of a lack of a stated objective.
C.) Three ways that you can adapt to today's changing workplace are:

1. Take courses in your professional field to keep updated
2. Subscribe to periodical journals that are related to your job
3. Alert yourself to current and changing trends in your professional field of study

Some companies offer educational training of their own as their equipment changes, or have trade seminars and conventions where you can keep yourself updated with your field of study. Many conventions and trade organizations offer courses to increase knowledge of current trends and changes that may be happening in your workplace. Take courses at your local college to keep abreast of current trends and new applications.
Subscribe to as many professional journals as possible to keep yourself up to date with other colleagues in your field. There are medical journals, photography journals, and nursing practitioner journals just to name a few.
Alerting yourself to changing trends in your professional field study simply means to be aware of new technology or methods in the workplace. Keeping yourself open to change could mean CPR training methods are changing; a new accounting protocol is in place or any changes that pertain to your field. There may be a different design of an airplane or a machine that you operate at your job that you need additional training on. Keeping yourself open to changes will allow you to learn new things. Adopting this attitude will keep you fresh and in demand for years to come at your position.
D.) Things that you can do to prepare for a successful interview are:

1. Be on time for the interview
2. Dress accordingly to the standards or above of what is required to create a good first impression
3. Practice saying answers out loud to yourself questions that you think might be asked
4. Remember to relax , be calm and smile
5. Do not fidget, play with your hair etc.
6. Turn your cell phone off
7. Deliver a firm handshake
8. Stand up when someone else enters the room
9. Sit erect, and hands placed on knees
10. Talk in a normal sounding voice, not loud
11. Refrain from telling off color jokes

Knowing the location and being on time for the interview is of utmost importance especially if the job you are interviewing for is out of town. Always show up at least 15 to 20 minutes early to allow yourself time to relax and not appear rushed or in a hurry.
Dressing properly for an interview creates a good impression and could determine whether you are successful or not in obtaining the position. Dressing properly also includes proper hygiene, not too much cologne or perfume.
Anticipate questions that might be asked on an interview and practice saying the answers out loud without sounding scripted or unnatural. Also practicing relaxation techniques before the interview as in taking a few deep breaths and breathe slowly. Remembering to smile during an interview not only relaxes you but relaxes the interviewer as well and the interview will go a lot smoother. Fidgeting, playing with your hair, looking at your fingernails are distracting and shows signs of nervousness. All cell phones and any noise makers that you carry with you should be turned off. Remember to give a firm hand shake, not too hard and not to soft. Remember manners such as standing up when someone enters the room other than you and the interviewer. Sit erect and place your hands on your knees, not folded. When speaking, speak in a normal conversational friendly tone and manner. Last but not least, refrain from telling off color jokes.
E.) To distinguish yourself from other candidates and keeping your responses short and to the point practice questions ahead of time with anticipated questions that might be asked. Knowledge of the company such as how long the company has been in business, or by stating that you have heard great things about their company by a mutual person that both of you know would be a bonus. This would show that you have long term desires to be with the company and that you are interested in what you can do for the company, rather than what the company can offer you as far as pay and/or benefits. Stating that you are a team player with examples of how you have worked in teams before with your ready made answer already on your lips would stand out above other candidates. Instances of loyalties and going out of your way above and beyond your normal job description with examples ready to give is impressive to an interviewer.
Preparing for the interview as if it were an exam with memorized answers to questions without fumbling on words or blank expressions will put the interviewee a cut above the rest.

Works Cited

Hackett, Ann. 15 Tips for Writing Winning Resumes. 1 January 2000. 22 June 2009 <http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm>.

Parker, Yana. Hot Tips on Resume Writing. 1 January 2000. 22 June 2009 <http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html>.

Daniel Shalik

6874 S Ivy Way #106 Centennial, Colorado 80112

(303) 794-2617 deshalik@student.cccs.edu
June 22 2009
John Smith TSA Transportation Hiring Officer
1 Eagles Landing Drive Suite 16
Eagle, Co 80996
Dear Mr. Smith:
Your online job vacancy announcement 1802 – Transportation Security Officer (TSO) - EGE005 immediately caught my attention on the posting date of October 16^th, 2008. The job requirements match my qualifications for this position.
I have had over 23 years experience lifting and carrying objects up to 70lbs. standing for periods of over 4 hours without sitting, and have made effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations during my period of previous employment with the United States Postal Service. My educational experience in technical schools and course work qualifies me for this position. I have also worked in a stressful environment with time pressures, noise from machinery and disruptive angry customers during my tenure of previous employment.
I have additional training in identifying packages that contain explosive materials and conducting security searches for dangerous and hazardous materials in buildings and vehicles. I also have received training on what procedures to follow when a dangerous situation is identified which includes evacuations and containment of a dangerous implement. Additional safety courses that include first aid treatment and CPR training are in my background that I enrolled in as Firemen for the Cleveland Hill Fire Department in Western New York. Communication courses and computer training are in my background which I attained through attending college and special training in Washington, D.C. through the United States Postal Service. I also attended a 3 day safety seminar in New York City for ergonomic conditions and factors related to computer usage of workers specifically dealing with radiation effects of cathode ray tubes.
I would be available to answer any questions you have concerning any details of the qualifications for this open vacancy position after reviewing my resume. An interview can be arranged by calling me at (303) 794-2617. I feel I would be an asset to your organization and would be proud to work for the TSA. My background and experience would contribute to the functions necessary to comply with the qualifications for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Shalik

Daniel E. Shalik

6874 South Ivy Way Apt 106

Centennial, CO 80112

Home Phone: 303-794-2617

Mobile Phone: 303-521-4244

Email: deshalik@student.cccs.edu

OBJECTIVE

To obtain employment as a Transportation Security Officer to utilize my skills obtained from 25 years working for the United States Government including the United States Air Force.

EDUCATION

• Arapahoe Community College –Littleton, Colorado GPA 3.84
• Associates Degree expected 6/2010
• Erie Community College, North Campus, Williamsville NY, 1994
• 18 credits earned.
• Community College of the Air Force Tech School, Denver Colorado, 1978
• Degree: Inventory Management Specialist certificate

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• . Communicates with public, gives directions, and responds to inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
• .Remained standing and worked for long hours without sitting.
• . Self motivated
  with the ability to work with little or no supervision for long periods of time. .
• . Assembled and delegated meeting for the National Association of Letter Carriers Union for over 8 years. Gained valuable experience in public speaking, problem solving, and organization.
• . Participated in training for CPR and first aid response techniques with an acute knowledge of the public's safety and well being.
• Demonstrated the ability to lift objects weighing up to 70 lbs for over 23 and half years with the United States Postal Service.
• Remained flexible with duty hours, willingness to work overtime, and days off, weekends and was promptly on time and reliable.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

• Colorado Foothills Review LLC
• Centennial, Co January 2008 to Present
• .started my own Limited Liability Company to sell quality home products at a low price on EBay and Amazon
• . I am the owner of the company and manage all aspects of customer service and delivery selling worldwide.
• . Communicate with the buying public on a daily basis, including wholesalers, distributors and delivery personnel.
• . Adhere to rules and regulations when shipping domestically and overseas.
• United States Postal Service, Letter Carrier
• Buffalo NY, Denver CO, 01/84-05/07
• .Physically and mentally demanding job which required paying attention to detail remaining highly motivated and alert for long periods of time.
• Daniel E. Shalik
• 6874 South Ivy Way Apt 106
• Centennial, CO 80112
• Home Phone: 303-794-2617
• Mobile Phone: 303-521-4244
• Email: deshalik@student.cccs.edu

 

CAPABILITIES AND SKILLS

• . Responsible for over 400 customers on a daily basis.
• . Ability to problem solve and multi task many situations at once.
• . Maintained a perfect safety record at work and driving during my whole career.
• . Ability to determine safe and unsafe packages adhering to government guidelines, regulations.

 

AWARDS, HONORS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• . Sick Leave Recognition Pin, 05/04
• Recognized for having a sick leave balance of over 1153 hours.
• . Training Course Certificate, 05/92
• Completed training for accredited Union Counselor.
• . Letter of Commendation, 11/89
• Letter of appreciation for not using and sick leave over a one year period.
  
• . Postal Service Training and Development, 04/89
• Completed correspondence study course for "Introduction to Postal Supervisor".
• . Certificate of Award, 04/89
• Official commendation and appreciation for contributing a beneficial safety suggestion.
• . Fire Training Certificate, 01/90
• Standardized Fire Training Program totaling 39 hours.
• . First Aid Responder Certificate
• . attended a course to properly administer first aid and CPR

ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

• . National Association of Letter Carriers, 03/89-03/07
• Contributed as a union steward and attended weekly meetings, national conferences
  
• . American Postal Workers Union, 01/84-03/89
• . Denver Rescue Mission, 12/07
• Volunteered to aid in preparing are serving nutritious meals to those in need.
• . NALC/ Postal Food Drive, 05/90-05/06
• Participated in the annual food drive which collects donations from residential homes.
• . Volunteer Fireman, Cleveland Hill Fire Department, Cheektowaga NY 01/88-01/92
• Elected as a trustee for the department
• Trained in First aid techniques and CPR

PUBLICATIONS

• . Colorado Foothills Review LLC active web site NOW
• . maintains an online publication which promotes my business
• .Branch Three Buzz, Informational article, 1989
  References

Daniel E. Shalik

6874 S Ivy Way #106

Centennial, Co 80112

Home: (303) 794-2617            Cell: (303) 521-4244        Email: deshalik@student.cccs.edu

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Professional References

Angelo Ceja , Supervisor U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Postal Service
Sunnyside Station
Phone: 303-433-6216


Larry Trujillo , Supervisor
U.S. Postal Service
Sunnyside Station
Phone: 303-433-6216


Mike Williams , President Branch 47
Branch 47 NALC
Phone: 303-937-8552
Email: 47president@comcast.net


Robert J Mclennan , President of Branch 3 Buffalo
Branch 3 Buffalo NALC
Phone: 1-716-631-3940

Personal References

David Jefferlone , Financial Loan Officer         
Former U.S. Postal Service
Phone: 703-402-2935
Email: david12086@yahoo.com


Kent Hankin , Treasurer for Branch 3 Buffalo
Phone: 1-716-685-4648
Email: sectreas3@aol.com


Robert Mesa , Letter Carrier
Branch 47 Denver
Denver, Co
Phone: 303-478-6568
Email: rjmesasr@yahoo.com