3.11 Discussion and Activities

Using the bulleted list in Chapter 3.1, assess your skill set. This is a great first step in matching skills you have with those an employer requires.

Imagine you are getting ready to start your next job search. How would you organize your search materials? Provide a summary of how you would organize your search. In addition, create an Excel file with appropriate columns and rows to serve as a template for organizing job search details.

Go to Handshake and find a job you would be interested in applying for after graduation. Save a PDF copy of the job call to your computer.

Develop a draft résumé for the job you chose using the following criteria:

• A maximum of one to two full pages
• Original Word document (no templates allowed) without text boxes to make review and editing easy
• Omit high school information
• Use the correct name of the degree you are seeking
• Spell out your school name (e.g. Fort Hays State University instead of FHSU)
• Do not include a picture of yourself or other demographic information (e.g. age, race, religion, marital status, etc.)
• Do not include references on the resume.

Before including a reference on your résumé, always ask and confirm your references will provide a strong, positive endorsement if contacted by an employer. Draft an email to a potential reference requesting they serve as a reference. Your email should include a subject line, appropriate greeting, and signature line.

When developing your email, follow the structure and strategy for the message:

• Open by clearly stating why you are requesting a recommendation. If you have not been in contact with this person in some time, remind them of who you are and how they know you. Including dates or events may be helpful to the reader.
• Use the body of the message to describe the position you are seeking, the action you are requesting, and the date you need a response. If you are asking the reader to write a letter or submit a recommendation, provide all contact information and submission details.
• Be sincere in the conclusion of the message by thanking the reader for their consideration (Bovee & Thill, 2019).

Write an unsolicited cover letter for your dream job. Be convincing in how you present your pitch.

Using Handshake, find a position currently posted within your field of study. Write a solicited cover letter for this position.