resumes

cover letters Job Search Handbook

interviewing

networking
 Table of Contents
Ivy Tech Career Services Overview ......................................................4

The Job Search .............................................................................5

The Winning Job Search
The Job Search Cycle
Prospecting Letters

Resume Development .....................................................................8

Resume 101
What Should I Include in my Resume?
Resume Builder Information Form
Providing Effective References

Cover Letter Development .............................................................17
The Art of Writing a Cover Letter
Sample Cover Letters

Interviewing ..............................................................................20
Interviewing Like a Pro
Telephone Interviews
Dressing for Success
Interview Questions

Networking ...............................................................................26
Networking
Your Networking Card
From Mingling to Professional Dinners: How to Put Your Best Foot (or Fork) Forward
What Employers Want

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 

 Career Services
Overview
Location:
The Career Services office is located at 8000 South Education Drive in Terre Haute.

Hours:
Office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Evening and extension site
appointments are available by contacting career services staff.

Services Available:
Career Services offers a variety of services to meet your career-related needs.
Services include:
- Tools to help with choosing career and education goals
- Online job search workshops and podcasts (www.goivytech.net)
- Job Postings from the area and around the state (JobZone)
- Help with resumes and cover letters
- Interviewing skills
- Job fairs and Etiquette dinners

Mission:
The mission of Career Services is to provide assistance to students and graduates in career
development and provide a full range of services for our students and
employers, consistently emphasizing innovation, operational excellence and the highest qual-
ity in every aspect of career development. Career Services empowers individuals to develop
effective, lifelong career skills. To accomplish this we will:
- Educate students and graduates about the career development and employment
search process.
- Offer quality one-on-one career counseling.
- Design and deliver quality career development programs and services.
- Provide learning opportunities that enhance the academic experience.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships both on and off campus.

Who Qualifies for Services:

Services are available to current students, graduates and alumni (anyone who has taken a
credit or non-credit class). Anyone interested in services is encouraged to register with the
Career Services office. Some services will be limited to students and graduates.

 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

The Winning
Job Search!
The Basics
Looking for a job is like having
a job. To engage in a compre-
hensive job search is hard work,
takes dedication, and is time
consuming. Begin by registering
with Career Services and pre-
paring your resume, references,
and cover letter. You will then
be ready to begin applying for
employment and using your net-
work of friends and family.
Some people are immediately
successful in finding employ-
ment, but for most people find-
ing a job that relates to your
chosen career field could take
many months. Stick with it and
be confident that there is a job
out there that will be a good fit
for you!
Get Organized
Developing your own job search
strategy is very important. Use
the strategy that works best for
you: folders, a binder, a cal-
endar, or your computer could
all be used to effectively keep
track of where your resume
has been submitted. It will be
important to keep everything
in order. Each time you submit
a resume or application, you
should keep a record of where is
The Traditional Search
was sent, the position descrip-
Classified Ads
tion, copy of the individualized
Employment ads are a quick
resume and cover letter you
way to look at a variety of jobs.
created, your contact person,
Sunday and Wednesday are
how you found out about the
generally the best days to check
position, and any follow-up you
the classified ad section of a
have done. When you have mul-
newspaper.
tiple resumes out, this system
will be helpful when employers
The Internet
call to arrange an interview. It
Many companies use their home
will allow you to know exactly
page to search for job candi-
what position they are calling
dates. There are also many
about and you will know which
other websites that employers
resume to take with you when
use to post open jobs. Log onto
you interview. Remember to
the Career Services website at
keep your records updated.
www.goivytech.net for a list of
sites to get you started.

Job Zone is the place where jobs State and Private

are looking for you! This Ivy Tech
system is specially designed for stu-
dents and graduates. After you login
the first time, you will be able to
post your resume, search and apply
for local jobs, and jobs from around
the state and nationwide!
www.goivytech.net
Employment Agencies
State offices and personnel
services can be helpful for
full-time employment. Accept-
ing a temporary position can
provide training and on-the-job
experience in skills that are in
demand in the workplace and
could result in being hired as a
permanent employee.

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 

 The Job Search Cycle
Identify skills and
companies.

Job Offer? Contact companies

Accept/Reject for application
information

Follow Up Research
#2 Companies

Send Apply for Job

Thank You Openings

Interview Follow Up
#1

Adapted from The Job Search Handbook, Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette

 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 Success with the
Job Search Cycle
A successful job search is a
process that requires a plan,
time, and persistence. The Job
Search Cycle is a great way to
picture the process you will be
going through. The cycle begins
with research and self evalua-
tion. Begin by making a list of
skills you have to offer and ways
you have used them (see the
Resume Builder Form on pages
10-12). When you have identi-
fied your skills, you will need to
design a general resume that can
be revised to fit the positions for
which you are applying. You will
also need to identify companies
you would like to work for and
job openings within those com-
panies. This can be done online,
through the newspaper, and
through the network of people
you have established (see page
26 for details). When you have
identified companies that you
would like to work for (and are
not aware of jobs they may have
available), check out their web
sites or call to determine the ap-
plication process.
Now that you have jobs and
companies to apply to, make
sure that you have done your
research. Know what service the
company provides or what prod-
uct they produce, their mission
statement, national and interna-
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 
tional locations, read magazine rials.
and newspaper articles about You will soon be receiving calls
the company and have a good for interviews (check out the In-
understanding of their organiza- terview section of this handbook
tion. This will help you to write for details). At the end of your
your cover letter and resume interview, ask the employer how
and will also be helpful in the you can appropriately follow up
interview. (ie. phone call, e-mail). In addi-
tion, send the employer a thank
After your cover letter and you note within 24 hours of the
resume are written for the posi- interview thanking them for
tion, it is time to apply. You may their time and the opportunity
be applying online, in person, or to meet with them.
by mail. Be sure to keep a copy
of your resume and cover let- Then follow up as appropriate
ter, the position description and and await their response. Be
the way that you applied. Ap- patient with the process and
proximately one week after you continue to submit your applica-
have submitted your application, tions to other positions until you
it may be appropriate to call to accept the right position for you!
ensure they received your mate-
Prospecting Letters
Many times there are companies that you would like to
work for that are not advertising openings when you are
looking for a job. Consider writing a prospecting letter
to determine if there are current or anticipated openings
within an organization or to indicate an interest in the
organization and inquire about positions for which you
would qualify. These letters are similar to cover letters
(see page 17) in their content and form and can be sent
to all of the organizations that you are interested in pur-
suing, because many times available positions are never
posted in the paper or online. If you have a contact
within the organization, it might be helpful to mention
them as well.
RESUME 101
A
resume is a promotional piece. It is a calling card to intro-
duce you, with your unique combination of skills and expe-
rience, to a potential employer. Accompanied by a cover
letter, its purpose is to get an interview. Resume writing is
not an exact science, there is no “right way” to create a resume.
Suggestions that appear in this document are general guidelines,
not a blueprint. Since the resume is a marketing device, it should
SELL YOU.

Before you begin writing your resume you will need to spend some
time gathering your information and considering the skills you will
need to get the job you want. During this planning, we encourage
you to take some time to complete the Resume Builder Form on
pages 10-12. This form will help you put everything in one place
before you begin to design your resume.

Consider the statistic that employers only spend about 30 seconds

with your resume the first time they review it. This means that all
of the most important information about your qualifications should
be in the first half of the page to make sure you grab their atten-
A poorly designed tion. For example, if your education and internship most qualify
you for the job, list those first, or if your past work experience
resume is as effective as
most qualifies you, list it toward the top. Also keep in mind that an
sending a message in a
effective entry level resume should be one page and should high-
bottle!
light the skills that employers will find important for the job for
which you are applying. Resumes should be printed on paper that
is higher quality than regualar copy paper. You can find this paper
at any office supply store. It is called by many names including
“resume paper,” “parchment paper,” or “linen paper.” Matching
envelopes are also available at these stores. When you are select-
ing your paper, make sure that it will be easy for an empoyer to
photocopy and it will fax clearly - this means it should not have a
grain or pattern in the background or be a bright color. Also keep
in mind that you should not staple your cover letter, resume, and
references together. Many times, employers will copy your resume
and keep the origninal in Human Resources, so you want to make
their process as simple as possible.

Sample resumes are included on pages 13-15 in this booklet for

format and layout ideas.

 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 What should I include
in my resume?
Objective
Your objective is a statement
that is designed to tell the
employer the type of posi-
tion for which you are looking.
These statements should be
brief and employer focused.
Objective statements should be
short and concise and specific
to the type of job for which you
are applying. You can adjust
your objective statement with
each resume you send. Just
make sure that your objective
matches the job for which you
are applying. Your objective
should be employer centered.
Indicating your desire for part
time or full time work is appro-
priate, but do not indicate that
you are looking for a benefits
eligible position, that can come
later in the process. Instead,
focus on what you can offer to
the employer. For example, an
ineffective objective might say,
“Good paying full-time job with
benefits.” Instead, try, “To use
my proven sales and marketing
skills to help a developing com-
pany gain a competitive edge in
a global market.”
Qualifications
This section gives you the op-
portunity to highlight your tech-
nical and personal skills. You
should use this section to high-
light job specific qualifications.
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 
Education
For many jobs, your educa-
tion will be very important to
include. It may be one of the
things that most qualifies you
for the position. When you
have entered college, it will not
be as vital to include your high
school information, because
employers will assume that you
have earned your high school
diploma or GED prior to enter-
ing college. In the education
portion of your resume you can
include your degree, program,
school and its location, when
you anticipate your degree or
when it was awarded, your
GPA if it is above a 3.0 and any
academic awards (if you are not
including a separate section for
awards and honors).
Employment
The past 10 years or your most
recent jobs should be listed
on your resume. The sample
resume indicates key elements
to include. If you have gaps
in your employment history or
have unusual circumstances,
Career Services can help you
decide how to put the informa-
tion on your resume. When
describing what you did, use
action words (see the list pro-
vided) and include the skills
your future employer will find
most interesting and useful. It
is also helpful to use quantities,
amounts, dollar values where
they enhance the description of
your accomplishments.
Clinicals/Internships
This element allows you to
highlight paid and unpaid em-
ployment experience related
to your major. This section will
be especially important if your
work history is not related to
your program. In today’s job
market, it is becoming more
and more necessary to have ex-
perience related to your major.
Some programs have internships
and clinicals built in, however,
if your program does not, it
will be important to seek out
that experience. When listing
these experiences, think of the
things that you observed and
the things you learned. Include
your primary responsibilities
and projects you worked on.
This is a chance to let an em-
ployer know that you are not
limited to just your classroom
knowledge, but that you also
have real world experience in
applying what you learned in
the classroom to on the job
experiences.
Memberships
Clubs, volunteer experience,
professional organization mem-
berships, and leadership posi-
tions can be included as well.
List the ones in which you have
been most involved.
 Resume Builder Information Form
Use this form as a way to gather information to build your resume.

Personal Information
Name: ___________________________________Social Security #: ________________
Address: ________________________________ Home Phone: ____________________
City: __________________________ State: ______________ Zip: _________________
E-mail: __________________________________________________________________

Skills
Technical Skills ____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Personal Skills _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Computer Skills _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Action Words
achieved composed drafted improved originated resolved
acquired condensed edited informed oversaw reviewed
adapted conducted eliminated insured performed selected
addressed constructed enforced interpreted planned separated
administered contracted established interviewed prevented set up
analyzed converted evaluated launched produced simplified
anticipated coordinated expanded maintained programmed solved
assembled created explained managed promoted surveyed
assisted cultivated forecasted marketed provided staffed
audited demonstrated formed minimized publicized supervise
budgeted designed founded motivated published taught
calculated developed generated negotiated recruited tested
centralized devised guided obtained reorganized trained
changed discovered hired operated reported used
collaborated doubled implemented organized researched

10 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

Education
College : ___________________________ College:_____________________________
City: ___________________State: ______ City: __________________State: ________
Graduation Date: ___________________ Graduation Date: ____________________
Major: _____________________________ Major: ______________________________

Internship Use the Action Words list to help describe your responsibilities.
Title of Position: _______________________ Company Name: ___________________
City: ___________________ State: ________ Start Date:________ End Date: ______
Responsibilities: 1._______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________

Employment (list most recent first) Use the Action Words list to help describe your
responsibilities.
Title of Position: _______________________ Company Name: ___________________
City: ___________________ State: ________ Start Date:________ End Date: ______
Responsibilities: 1._______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

Title of Position: _______________________ Company Name: ___________________
City: ___________________ State: ________ Start Date:________ End Date: ______
Responsibilities: 1._______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

Title of Position: _______________________ Company Name: ___________________
City: ___________________ State: ________ Start Date:________ End Date: ______
Responsibilities: 1._______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

Title of Position: _______________________ Company Name: ___________________

City: ___________________ State: ________ Start Date:________ End Date: ______
Responsibilities: 1._______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 11

Licensure and Certification
Title: ________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Title: ________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Title: ________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Title: ________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Memberships and Leadership Positions

Organization_________________________________ Dates Involved:_____________
Leadership Positions: ____________________________________________________
Organization_________________________________ Dates Involved:_____________
Leadership Positions: _____________________________________________________
Organization_________________________________ Dates Involved:_____________
Leadership Positions: _____________________________________________________

Awards and Honors

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

References
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________ Position: ___________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________

Name: _________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________ Position: ___________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________

Name: _________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________ Position: ___________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________

Name: _________________________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________ Position: ___________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________

12 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 SAMPLE RESUME

SUSAN O. SMITHSON Font size for your

name should be
110 Resume Avenue
between 18 & 22 pt.
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803
and for the body text
812-555-1212
sosmithson@email.edu should be 11 or 12

SUMMARY OF SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

ƒ Experience in financial services and bookkeeping
ƒ Proficient in accounting software including Peachtree and Quickbooks
ƒ Strong verbal and written communication skills
ƒ Excellent attention to detail and proven accuracy
ƒ Proficient in computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
and professional e-mail correspondence

EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
Ivy Tech Community College – Terre Haute, Indiana
Anticipated Graduation: 2007

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Bookkeeper – Tech Talk Trio, Inc. 2000 to Present
Terre Haute, Indiana
ƒ Process payroll in excess of one million dollars annually
ƒ Responsible for accounts receivable in excess of 3 million dollars annually
ƒ Reconcile accounts payable
ƒ Maintain general ledger

Bookkeeper – Ivy Meadows Supply Company 1993 to 1999

Terre Haute, Indiana
ƒ Processed payroll
ƒ Responsible for accounts payable and receivable
ƒ Maintained general ledger
ƒ Compiled job costing

Head Teller/Loan Processor – Dough on the Go 1991 to 1993

Terre Haute, Indiana
ƒ Processed account transactions, reconciled and deposited daily funds
ƒ Processed loans
ƒ Responsible for the vault as a vault teller
ƒ Provided outstanding customer service

Server – Road Kill Café 1989 to 1991

Pitstop, Indiana
ƒ Assisted customers
ƒ Accurately handled cash and credit transactions
ƒ Trained new employees
ƒ Maintained restaurant cleanliness

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Pitstop Senior Citizen Center – Volunteer Tax Preparer (VITA) 2003 to Present
Helping Hands International – Event Team Leader 1999 to Present
Holiday House for Kidz – Shopping Helper 2001 to 2005

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 13

 SAMPLE RESUME

KRIS KRISTOFERSON
707 JobSearch Boulevard
Resume, Indiana 90210
555-867-5309
Kristoferson2@jobs.edu

OBJECTIVE To obtain a Practical Nursing position in which I can use my skills, experience, and
education to provide excellent patient care in a team oriented facility.

SUMMARY OF
QUALIFICATIONS Over 300 hours of clinical experience in medical surgical, geriatric, and pediatric nursing
Proven excellent customer service and patient care skills
Proficient in Microsoft computer software applications and data entry
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team

EDUCATION Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing Anticipated: August 2007

Ivy Tech Community College - Terre Haute, Indiana
GPA: 3.6/4.0
x Anticipate Licensure in September 2007

Nursing Assistant Certification Awarded: January 2006

Happy Sunset Retirement Home – Terre Haute, Indiana

EXPERIENCE Certified Nursing Assistant January 2006 to Present

Happy Sunset Retirement Home - Terre Haute, Indiana
x Assist residents with activities of daily living
x Record patient activities accurately in charts
x Transport patients to activities and meals
x Assisted in maintaining resident room cleanliness

Lead Cashier March 2000 to March 2004

The Wholesale Connection - Terre Haute, Indiana
x Oversaw the daily activities of up to 12 cashiers
x Assisted customers at the service desk and resolved complaints
x Accurately handled cash and credit transactions
x Processed daily financial and shift paperwork

Owner February 1995 to March 1998

Kris’ Kleaning Service – Terre Haute, Indiana
x Cleaned homes for 35 clients
x Hired, supervised, and trained two staff members
x Completed all bookkeeping and payroll tasks
x Developed marketing materials and fliers for the business

Employment gap from March 1998 to March 2000 was due to caring for ill family member.

MEMBERSHIP Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society April 2006 to Present

REFERENCES Available upon request

14 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 SAMPLE RESUME

DARRELL FICKSET
7478 Fabrication Lane
Industrial, Indiana 47885
812-555-2020
maintenancetech2007@yahoo.com

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on continuous quality improvement.

Ability to troubleshoot and repair hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Experience in TIG, MIG, and ARC welding. Your summary of skills can be
Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints. tailored to fit each type of
Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills. position you are applying for
Reliable with a strong work ethic. and can include both technical
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. skills and personal skills.

EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology
Ivy Tech Community College - Terre Haute, Indiana

WORK EXPERIENCE

Machine Operator March 2002 to Present

Manufacturing Mania, Inc. – Someplace, Indiana
x Operate production press.
x Ensure quality of all parts manufactured.
x Train, supervise, and mentor three line members.
x Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment.
x Complete daily documentation on production levels.
x Prepare product for shipping.
x Perform machine setup for each new job to meet customer specifications.
x Member of the safety and emergency response teams.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Rural Volunteer Fire Department 2004 to Present

x Firefighter and First Responder

Scouting Society Summer Camp 1999 to 2005

x Performed general maintenance on campground buildings including:
plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 15

 SAMPLE REFERENCES

FRED M. SMITHSON
110 Resume Avenue
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803
812-555-1212
fmsmithson@email.edu

REFERENCES

Bob Frapples
Owner
Frapples Orchard
Terre Haute, Indiana 47805
812-555-6789

S. Martie Pantz
Volunteer Supervisor
Vigo County Tutoring Program
Terre Haute, Indiana
812-555-5432

Violet Krayon
Graphic Design Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
Terre Haute, Indiana 89604
812-555-1472

Providing Effective References

Reference pages are often included with an application packet or during an interview. Refer-
ences will be a separate page from your resume. You should generally be prepared to provide
3 or 4 references who can talk about the kind of employee you have been and will be.

Effective references include past employers or supervisors, internship or clinical supervisors,

instructors, volunteer coordinators, or past customers/clients. Do not use close friends and
family as references.

16 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

The Art of Writing
A Cover Letter
A cover letter, or letter of ap-
plication, introduces you and
gives you the opportunity to
expand the information you are
providing to the employer. It
gives you a chance to let the
employer know why you are
applying for a position in their
organization and lets you give
them examples of how you have
used your skills and experience.
Use the following steps to write
your cover letter.
Step 1: Find a job opening. This
may be a newspaper posting, an
online listing or a position that
you hear about from someone
in your network. Some postings
will be clear and very descrip-
tive, some postings will be very
brief, and sometimes you may
not have access to the posting
at all. So if the ad is brief or
if you do not have access to a
posting, look for similar position
descriptions to determine the
skills employers may be looking
for.
Step 2: Brainstorm the skills
and abilities you have that are
related to the position. For
each skill, think of an example
of a time you demonstrated
that skill either in work, school,
volunteer settings or your in-
ternship. Write these examples
down in brief paragraph format.
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 17
Don’t explain every detail,
just the situation in which you
used the skill. Keep in mind
that you will use some of these
examples later to help you
write your cover letter and if
you don’t use them in the cover
letter, you may have an oppor-
tunity to use the examples in an
interview.
Step 3: Research the company.
With the internet, this is usu-
ally very simple to do. Surf their
website paying special attention
to what they do, their mission
and recent news articles about
the company. Again this will
help you to write your cover
letter and will be a great tool
in the interview. Take notes
or print off pages to save for
reference. If you cannot find
the company online, check
library resources or visit career
services for assistance. If you
do not know the company name
because the job posting doesn’t
give you that information,
that’s ok, you will just write
about your qualifications.
Step 4: Draft a cover letter.
Look at both your brainstorm
list (step 2) and your company
research (step 3) and determine
which things are most impor-
tant from each list. On your
brainstorm list, which examples
are most helpful in showing
the employer what you can do
for them? On your company
research list, what are the few
things you find most interesting
about the company.
In your first paragraph, you will
let them know what position
you are applying for, how you
found out about this position
and express your interest in
working for their organization.
Remember that they read many
letters for each position, so
yours should be action packed
and professional.
In the middle of the letter
(sometimes the second or
second and third paragraphs),
explain your qualifications.
This is a good place to add your
examples. Don’t repeat your
resume, but add some extras
from your brainstorm list.
In your final paragraph, close
by expressing your interest in
an interview and let them know
how they can contact you.
Then type “Sincerely,” leave a
space to sign your name, and
when the letter is printed, sign
your name in the blank space.
Make sure to have one or two
other people proofread your
cover letter.
 S A M P L E C O V E R L E TT E R
C LIFFORD S ANCHEZ
10101 Binary Way
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803
(812)555-5555
sanchez@cliffordsanchez.net

Cover letters should be addressed to the individual

responsible for hiring or the human resources re-
May 22, 2007 cruiter. If you are responding to an advertisement
with a phone number, call the company and ask
Human Resources them to whom the letter should be addressed and
ABC Marketing be sure to get the correct spelling of his/her name.
101 Prettyasapicture Way If the number is not available and you cannot get a
Terre Haute, Indiana 86753 name, you can address it to the Human Resources
Director, hiring manager or search committee.
Dear Search Committee:

My experience and training in marketing, media relations, and communication make me an excellent candidate for
the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications position. My experience and solid interpersonal
communication skills provide a versatile background with proven results. Here are a few examples:

i As Project Manager for the Ivy Tech Community College Visual Communications Student Media Team I
was responsible for facilitating and contributing to the design and implementation of a multimedia
presentation used by the Terre Haute campus for student recruitment from 2000 to 2003. In addition to
media development, the team also represented Ivy Tech at local college fairs and presentations related to
the Capital Campaign fundraising effort.

i As Promotions Director and Graphic Designer of the Metro college radio station my responsibility was to
ensure the station’s new identity and marketing plan were implemented across all media outlets utilized for
promotional purposes including print, radio, video, and the web. This initiative created a buzz in the
community and renewed interest in the station’s activities.

i As a Desktop Publishing Specialist and Supervisor of Copies R Us, Terre Haute, Indiana, I gained
invaluable experience in the pay-for-print industry allowing me to work on a variety of design projects.
This position required constant contact with multiple outside vendors responsible for providing a variety of
outsourced products and services to our customers. As supervisor my objective was to ultimately increase
revenues. Improved customer relations combined with staff training and marketing campaigns contributed
to a significant gross sales increase in 2001, up nearly 200% over the previous year.

My resume is enclosed and further details my qualifications. I look forward to meeting with you and
discussing how my drive, enthusiasm and positive attitude can contribute to the success of ABC
Marketing.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Cliff Sanchez
Cliff Sanchez

18 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 S A M P L E C O V E R L E TT E R

Hope A. Quitall
411 Bar Boulevard y Terre Haute, Indiana 47805 y 812-555-1259 y hope_quitall@gmail.com

October 11, 2006

Mr. Lawrence Jobs

Human Resources
City of Terre Haute
1357 Sycamore Way
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803

Dear Mr. Jobs,

Please accept the enclosed resume as my formal application for the position of Victim’s Assistance
Records Clerk listed on your website. After completing my internship with the Victim’s Assistance
office, and being mentored by excellent staff members, I am confident that I will be asset to this team. As
I look forward to completing my degree in December, I am excited about the challenge of beginning my
career in the criminal justice profession.

In addition to my internship, in which I was able to observe all aspects of the office, I have a background
in office administration and record management. My accuracy and attention to detail have consistently
been shown in both the classroom and the workplace. Interpersonal skills, creative problem solving and
conflict resolution are all strengths I can bring to the department. Confidentiality is a priority and I
proven my ability to conduct myself professionally in a variety of situations. I am confident that my
enthusiasm and willingness to learn will make me an excellent candidate for this position.

I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you and can be reached at the number listed above.

Sincerely,
Hope A. Quitall
Hope A. Quitall

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 19

 Interviewing Like A Pro
You did it! Your resume was a
success and now you have the
opportunity to interview for
the job! Spend time prepar-
ing for each interview. Review
your qualifications, prepare for
questions, research the com-
pany, and write down questions
of your own. This article will
guide you though the basics.
When sending resumes and
preparing for interviews, make
sure your answering machine
has a “normal” message that
will make a good first impres-
sion for the employer. Also
think about the song you have
selected for your ringback tone.
Your selection will say some-
thing about you to a potential
employer.
20
Setting up an interview over
the telephone may be one of
the first times you speak di-
rectly with someone from the
company for which you are
applying. Be professional and
polite when arranging an in-
terview. Have a pen and paper
ready to take down information
and repeat back to the per-
son the time and approximate
length of the interview (you
may be asked to take employ-
ment tests), date, and location
of your interview. Ask for di-
rections if necessary and thank
them for the opportunity.
When an interview has been
scheduled, you will need to
prepare all of the items you
will take with you and select
your interview clothing (see
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook
page 23 for details). You will
want to have a nice folder or
portfolio with a couple of cop-
ies of your resume and refer-
ences. If available, bring a
copy of the job advertisement.
This will help you to remember
all of the qualifications they are
looking for.
You should also have a written
list of questions for the per-
son interviewing you to show
that you are prepared and
interested in finding out more
about the job and the company.
Note: These questions should
not focus on salary and ben-
efits, but the specifics of the
job and the kind of person they
will be hiring.
On the day of the interview
arrive early and allow yourself
extra time for delays. This is
especially important if you are
unsure of the location of your
interview.
When you arrive, let the person
in the reception area know who
you are and that you have an
appointment for an interview.
Smile, have good eye contact,
and be polite! As the inter-
viewer greets you, stand and
firmly shake their hand. Smile,
have good eye contact, and be
polite!
You may be interviewing with
one individual or an entire
committee. Be sure to natu-
rally make eye contact with
each person in the room as you
answer questions. Upon enter-
ing the room, they may ask if
you would like a glass of water
or indicate that there is one in
front of you. It is acceptable
to accept this water for the
interview (it may be helpful if
your mouth gets dry when you
are nervous). Do not chew gum
or have a mint in your mouth
during an interview. It is also
important not to smoke im-
mediately before an interview.
After you have been introduced
to the person interviewing
you, it will be time to answer
questions. For more details on
answering questions, see pages
24-25.
As the interview is coming to
a close, be sure to ask what
the next steps in the process
will be. They will give you an
idea of the time line for their
decision and many times will
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 21
indicate the appropriate way to impress the employer with your
follow up to determine if you skills and ability to communi-
have been selected. When the cate that job seekers some-
interview is completed, again, times forget that they are also
professionally shake their hand, interviewing the employer. Be
thank them for their time, sure to pay attention to the
smile, have good eye contact, workplace atmosphere and
and be polite! ask yourself the following: Are
future co-workers smiling and
Within 24 hours of leaving an friendly? Does the organization
interview you should send a seem to be a good fit for you?
handwritten or typed thank Does the workplace seem to be
you note to the person/people safe and clean? Does the com-
interviewing you. This note pany have the same values that
should thank them for their you do? If, for any reason, you
time and the opportunity to in- do not feel comfortable, you
terview. It should also include may send a thank you letter
why you are excited at the following your interview thank-
prospect of working for their ing them for their time and ask-
company and it should restate a ing that they remove your name
summary of why you are quali- from the list of candidates for
fied for the position. the position. Be sure to be
positive and never “burn any
One final note: So much time bridges” with employers. You
is spent on making sure you may meet them again someday!
Telephone Interviews
Somtimes interviews are conducted over the telephone instead
of in person. The most common reasons employers choose
a telephone interview are: to do an intial screening of apli-
cants, to inteview an applicant from another area, to be sure
the applicant has a good understanding of the position before
the face-to-face interview, and to save time in the interview
process.
These telephone interviews may be scheduled or unscheduled.
Unscheduled interviews let the employer know how well you
can think on your feet. For this reason, it is important to con-
sider every telephone contact (scheduled or unscheduled) with
an employer part of the interview process. Be sure to go to a
quiet place in your home, that is free of distractions, have a
pen and paper, and copies of your resume and the job posting
to which you responded easily accesable. Sit like you would
for a face-to-face interview and smile (a smile can be heard in
your voice). Be sure to know why you are qualified for the job
so you can express that to an employer. Be professional. The
bottom line: treat a telephone interview like any other inter-
view and impress the employer!
 business professional attire

22 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 Important Tips on
Dressing for Success
The way you dress is the single
most important nonverbal
communication statement you
make about yourself! Start
choosing your professional
attire early in your job search
process. Professional clothing
doesn’t have to be expensive-
shop during sales and at
discount stores and select mix-
and-match pieces to stretch
your clothing dollars. Not only
will professional clothing be
important for interviews, but
you will also want to dress up
when you pick-up or drop-off
applications to employers.
Not all interviews require a suit
and tie. The general rule is
that you should wear “one step”
above what you would wear if
you were hired for the position.
For example, if you would wear
nice pants and a shirt to work,
you would wear a suit to the
interview. If you would wear
jeans and a t-shirt or uniform
to your job, then wear a nice
shirt and pants (business casual)
to the interview.
No matter what outfit you
choose, make sure that it fits
well and that you have tried
on the clothing both standing
up and sitting down. You will
almost always be seated during
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 23
an interview and you want to comfort zone. Ask friends or
make sure that your blouse or family members to go shopping
jacket is comfortable and still with you and to serve as
fits well when you are sitting your “fashion advisors.” It
down. is sometimes helpful to have
another person’s opinion
Pay close attention to (especially when you would
details including: shining rather not dress up anyway!)
your shoes, cleaning your
fingernails, wearing socks to Dressing for success does not
match your outfit and for the end at the interview. The way
ladies -ensuring there are you present yourself during
no runs in your nylons. For your first year of employment
some interviews it may be (and beyond) will be very im-
appropriate to cover piercings portant to your future success.
and tattoos. Be aware of the It doesn’t matter if your job
industry you are going into requires a uniform or a suit and
and how acceptable piercings, tie, looking your best is impor-
tattoos and unusual hair tant.
coloring will be to employers.
The way you smell is also very
important. Of course you
should not have body odor!
However it is also important to
be aware of how strong your
cologne or perfume may be.
Many people are allergic to
scents, and you do not want to
cause an allergic reaction for
your interviewer. It is best to
be fragrance free when going to
an interview to avoid concerns.
If you are used to wearing
jeans and a t-shirt every day,
professional attire may be business casual attire
something that is out of your
 Interview
When answering interview questions, personalize your responses to fit your background and experi-
ence. Practice how you would respond to these questions, but don’t memorize the answers. This list
is just a sample of some of the questions you might be asked. The Career Services office has books
with interview questions and many lists can be found online.

Get Acquainted Questions

Tell me about yourself. You are trying to paint a picture of yourself-your strengths and personal
qualities. The interviewer is interested in what motivates you; how you will work with others; and
your enthusiasm, drive, competitiveness, and other job-related traits.

What is it about this position that interests you? You must prove your interest in the position to
reassure the interviewer that you will be satisfied in the position and company. Your past research
will help with this question.

Tell me about an achievement that you are most proud? Try to think of something you did on the
last job, where you received notable recognition.

Describe any leadership positions you have held either in school, at work, or in the community.
Provide examples from different settings. Describe an internship or any volunteer work.

The C.A.R. Model

The C.A.R. model of interview preparation provides you with a systematic way to practice
and become familiar with behavioral-based interviewing. The C.A.R. system allows you to tell
the interviewer a “story” (with a beginning, middle, and end) about how you achieved your
goal. Use work experience, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, school projects, family life -
anything that would show examples of your past behavior.
C – Circumstance/Characteristic: The letter C in the C.A.R. acronym refers to circumstance.
Describe a situation so that the employer can place himself/herself in your shoes and under-
stand the importance of the event you are relating.
A - Actions: The letter A in the C.A.R. acronym refers to actions. After setting the stage by
describing the circumstance, tell the interviewer the specific actions you took to resolve the
problem.
R - Results: The letter R in the C.A.R. acronym refers to results. PLEASE understand that your
interview goal is to demonstrate a results-oriented background. Connect your accomplish-
ments to the position you are seeking. Even if the results didn’t turn out as you planned, tell
the interviewer what you learned from the experience and what you would do differently
next time.
Source: ISU Behavioral Interviewing Brochure

24 Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook

 Questions
Provide an example of any major problems you faced either on the job or in your personal life
and how you dealt with it. Try to give a work-related example. Example: Since the company had
an outdated filing system, and I had just graduated from City College, I was able to use my newly
developed skills immediately to re-design the filing system.

What are your strengths/weaknesses? Strengths: Stress your skills- technical/interpersonal com-
munication, etc. Give examples of times that you have used these skills effectively. Weaknesses:
Turn a weakness into a positive. Although I fully understand basic computer operations, I realize
that this will be a continual learning process that I am committed to make.

Previous Work Experience Questions

Do you have any experience? Have you done this type of work before? Refer to your resume how-
ever; if you have little or no work experience, but have the educational credentials, you might say,
while I have never worked in an office, I feel the intensive training I received at City College was
the equivalent of actual on-the-job training. We had numerous office related projects in which we
had a limited amount of time to finish.

What were the circumstances concerning leaving your present job? Don’t ever say anything nega-
tive about a former employer. Try to give positive responses. The job wasn’t challenging enough.

Education Questions
What courses did you like best/least? Obviously, if you have applied for a data entry position and
answer that you liked entering data the least, you would definitely be out of the running for the
position.

Interest Questions
What gets you excited about work? Be sure to pick a positive example such as a challenge or a new
project where I really show my talents.

Personality Questions
Describe yourself in one or two words. Be positive, confident, and friendly when you answer. For ex-
ample: I think that I am professional, hardworking, outgoing, dependable, and enthusiastic toward
my work.

Salary Questions
For what type of money are you looking? What is your salary range for someone with my educa-
tion and experience?

Human Relations Questions

Discuss how you would handle working for two supervisors who had priorities at the same time?
Discuss how you would ask each supervisor just how important the immediate job is at the moment,
and explain the situation.

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 25


Even though job search network-
ing is one of the most successful
ways to find a new job, it can
sound intimidating and some-
times seems a little bit scary. It
doesn’t have to be. My father
ended up in a conversation on
an airplane with someone who
was looking for an aeronautical
engineering job. My dad hap-
pened to be in the same field
and ended up assisting the per-
son in getting a new job. Some-
times, that’s all it takes. I’ve
been offered jobs on more than
one occasion simply because a
friend or acquaintance knew my
background and skills.
Try job search networking, it re-
ally does work. At at least 60%
- some report even higher sta-
26
Netwo
tistics - of all jobs are found by
networking. Develop contacts
- friends, family, neighbors, col-
lege alumni, people in associa-
tions - anyone who might help
generate information and job
leads. You can take a direct ap-
proach and ask for job leads or
try a less formal approach and
ask for information and advice.
Contact everyone you know. You
may be surprised by the people
they know. Make yourself pick
up the phone and call. It helps
to assign yourself a quota of
calls to be made each day. The
more phone calls you make the
easier it will become.
Email is a perfectly acceptable
way to network as well. Keep
your message brief and to the
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook
rking
point and check your spelling,
grammar, and punctuation.
If you are attending a holiday
gathering or any other type of
party, it is appropriate to men-
tion in casual conversation that
you are seeking employment.
Accept all the invitations you
receive - you never know where
or when you might meet some-
one who can provide job search
assistance! My stepson was not
only offered a co-op position by
one of my friends that he met
at a birthday party at our house,
he was also remembered a year
later when the company was
hiring.
Excerpt from “Successful Job
Search Networking” by Alison
Doyle on jobsearch.about.com
Your Networking Card
Networking is a big part of your job search. All of the people you meet can be a link to
future employment. Networking business cards, which have the look and feel of a traditional
business card, give you the opportunity to provide critical career and contact information with
people you meet in social and professional situations.

Keep your networking cards clean and crisp and take them EVERYWHERE you go -- to network-
ing events, career and job fairs, professional meetings, social gatherings, parties, weddings, and
anywhere else you may run into potential contacts… everywhere. You should keep copies of your
resume handy as well, but there are numerous times where a resume would simply be too awk-
ward to handle. Be sure to include all your pertinent contact information, including your name,
phone number, e-mail address, mailing address, your academic program and a brief objective
stating the type of position for which you are looking, and Web site address, cell phone or fax
numbers (if you have them).

You can purchase perforated business card paper from any office supply store and use a template
to make them on your computer or any copy store will be able to print them on card stock paper.
Make sure if you are cutting them that they are cut evenly and are the same size as standard
business cards.

Adapted from: http://www.quintcareers.com

Susan O. Smithson
110 Resume Avenue
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803
812-555-1212
sosmithson@ivytech.edu

Accounting Major
Ivy Tech Community College
Anticipated Graduation : 2007
Front
Objective
To obtain an accounting position in which I
can use my skills and experience to benefit a
Wabash Valley employer.
Summary of Skills
Over 15 years accounting experience
Proficient in Peachtree, Word, and Excel
Accounts payable/receivable experience
Tax preparation experience

Back

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 27

 From Mingling to Formal Dinners
How to Put Your Best Foot (or Fork) Forward
Etiquette is defined as “the forms,
manners, and ceremonies estab-
lished by convention as acceptable
or required in social relations, in
a profession, or in official life.”
Times change and this affects the
guidelines of etiquette. Common
sense will typically be your best
guide, but it is helpful to have
some general ideas regarding din-
ing and business etiquette.
It is important to know how to
conduct oneself properly at the
table. The rules of dining etiquette
are fairly straightforward and
mostly require common sense. This
handout will provide some basic
information for your day-to-day ex-
periences. There are many things
to keep in mind when dining, but
as always common sense should
be your guide. When dining with a
prospective employer remember
it may look like lunch/dinner but
its still business. The way you act
during a meal will have impact on
an interviewer’s hiring decision and
your future.
When meeting someone, rise if
you are seated, smile, extend your
hand and repeat the other person’s
name in your greeting. A good
handshake is important—it should
be firm and held for three-four
seconds. Today, in the business
world it is not necessary to wait for
a female to initiate the handshake.
Females/males should both be
ready to initiate the handshake. In-
troducing people is one of the most
important acts in business life,
yet few people know how to do it.
Introduce a younger person to an
older person; introduce a non-of-
28
ficial person to an official person;
and in business introduce the
junior to the senior. Be sure to ex-
plain who people are and use their
full names. Also do not assume that
everyone wants to be called by his
or her first name—wait until you
are told to use a first name.
In many situations you will be
wearing a nametag to identify
yourself and your affiliation. Nam-
etags serve an important purpose
and should be worn on the right
hand side of your front shoulder
area. Do not clip nametags to the
bottom edge of your jacket. Wear-
ing the nametag on the right hand
side of your shoulder immediately
enables a person to see your name,
particularly as you are shaking
hands. If the nametag is one worn
on a cord around the neck, be sure
to adjust the length so it can be
easily seen without the other per-
son having to look down. If writing
your own nametag, write in large
clear letters that can be easily
read by others.
Most receptions or social hours are
for the purpose of mingling and
making contacts whether for job
leads, as part of an interview or
an employee entertaining clients.
When you enter the reception
observe the layout of the room:
is everyone standing or are there
tables for seating. Seeing the room
layout gives you a clue on how to
proceed at the reception.
If no tables are available, you
should only have a drink or your
food in your hand—never both.
You should be prepared to greet
Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook
and shake hands with individuals.
If having a drink hold it in your
left hand to keep your right hand
dry and ready to shake hands. If
eating hold your plate on the right
hand and eat with the left hand.
When someone approaches, you
are able to switch the plate to your
left hand and your right hand is
clean and ready to shake. If tables
are available you may have your
drink and food together. However,
always be ready to stand and greet
people.
Networking and/or mingling are an
important aspect of attending a
business function even if the event
is described as a social time. Be
sure to greet or introduce yourself
to the host/hostess. Spend a few
minutes conversing with them on
topics that relate to the event or
to their business. To move on you
can politely say I know you need to
talk with your other guests. Con-
nect with as many of the attendees
as is possible. Do not interrupt
people but wait until they include
you or there is a break in the
conversation and you can introduce
yourself. To start conversations ask
the person something about them-
selves or their job. You will find
most people enjoy talking about
themselves and this is a good way
to begin a conversation. Focus eye
contact on that individual and af-
ter a time politely excuse yourself
to move on to someone else.
For experience and more informa-
tion, attend an Ivy Tech Career
Services Etiquette Lunch or Dinner!
Excerpt from the University of Tennessee
Career Services Website.
 Communication Skills

Honesty & Integrity

Interpersonal Skills

Motivation & Initiative

Strong Work Ethic

Teamwork Skills

What Employers Want

What does it take to be the “ideal” job candidate? Employers have a tall order, but communication
skills are at the top of their list in what they look for in potential employees, according to a report
from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Employers responding to NACE’s Job
Outlook 2007 survey named communication skills and honesty/integrity as a job seeker’s most impor-
tant skills and qualities. “Communication skills have topped the list for eight years, and honesty and
integrity have tied for the top spot for the last three years,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive
director.But the ideal candidate needs to be more than an articulate straight arrow, according to the
survey results. Employers also cited strong interpersonal skills, motivation and initiative, the ability
to work well with others, and a strong work ethic as key attributes. (Each earned a rating of 4.5 or
better on a 5-point scale, where 1 is not important and 5 is extremely important.)“Certainly, having
the requisite skill set to perform the duties of the job is critical, but much of what employers prize
can’t be taught in the classroom,” says Mackes. “As a result, they look for evidence beyond grades
that the candidate has these ‘soft skills’ and attributes. This is one reason why employers look for
new college graduates who have gained some kind of relevant work experience, typically performed
through an internship or cooperative education program.” fact, nearly three-quarters of employers
responding to the Job Outlook 2007 survey indicated they prefer to hire new college graduates who
have gained relevant work experience.
Excerpt from National Association of Colleges and Employers Press Reslease , March 2007

Ivy Tech Wabash Valley - Job Search Handbook 29

 Career Services
Ivy Tech Community College
8000 South Education Drive
Terre Haute, Indiana 47802
812-298-2301
www.goivytech.edu