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A newsletter for the students, faculty and staff of the Collin County Community College District. Published monthly. For information or submissions, call 972.599.3142. Cougar News welcomes student and faculty submissions. Next deadline: January 10. All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on the due date. Photos cannot be returned. Text should be emailed to mrobinson@ccccd.edu or sent on disk. Please submit copy that is proofed, edited and saved in Word format. Cougar News staff: Lisa Vasquez, director; Mark Robinson, editor; Marcy Cadena-Smith, contributor; Stephanie Hall, student correspondent; Adriana Rodriguez, student correspondent; special contributors: Heather Darrow, Sonya Flaming, John Glass; Nick Young, photography and layout.
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How to get your resume seen
Special Contributor: Sonya Flaming, Co-op Coordinator
On November 30, 2001, Sterling Testing Systems introduced the Online Employment Application, changing drastically the way companies received, reviewed and organized job applications. Now, six years into the 21st century, more companies are “buying” into the concept of online employment applications.
Employers prefer online applications and resume submission because this allows applicants to apply at their leisure, provides a quicker response time and reduces advertising expenses. In addition, the online method provides a better tracking system, reduces the amount of paperwork and streamlines the applicant selection process.
Tools currently being used are electronic employment applications (a required legal and binding document), attachments of cover letters and resumes to the application, scannable resumes, e-mailed cover letters and resumes and assessment instruments designed to collect information regarding a candidate’s abilities, interests and skills.
Clearly, the world of online recruitment and selection is widely varying and continually evolving, and with this comes the need for applicants to be “technically savvy” regarding the application/resume process. When looking for career opportunities, remember it’s no longer just whom you know. You need to know “where” to go online to let employers know about you and your skills. You need to know how to effectively market those skills. By preparing a “conventional” paper resume/ cover letter you will be better equipped to fire up the computer, search a large network of potential job leads, and find the “right” employer in less time.
THE 3 R’S OF APPLICATION/RESUME PROCESS:
RESEARCH The Company:
1. Before you spend time sending a conventional paper cover letter and resume, review the job posting for application instructions. Check with the company web site to see how the application process is structured.
2. Investigate the company’s Internet site and annual reports.
3. Talk with recruiters representing the company at career fairs.
4. Speak with human resource specialists regarding specific job application policies.
5. Network with company executives at college-sponsored events and corporate functions.
RESEARCH the Position:
1. “Google” a specific job title to see how other companies are describing the employment positions you are interested in.
2. Explore websites for salary information, career opportunities, mission statements, philosophies and company goals and missions statements.
RESEARCH Yourself:
1. Make a thorough analysis of your skills, education and experience.
2. Determine how your skills, education and experience will benefit the employer so that you can effectively use the limited space available and represent your qualifications for the position.
HINT #1: Keep copies of your completed applications, your cover letter and the resume you send so that you can address your skills and qualifications in an interview. During the interview you will need to market those qualifications you mentioned on the application. It’s not quite as easy to remember when it’s all done online!
HINT # 2: Suggested reading: Electronic Resumes & Online Networking by Rebecca Smith, an established online educator, who has also produced an award-winning Website, Rebecca Smith's E-resumes and Resources (www.eresumes.com).
For more information and job search coaching contact a Collin College Career Center located at Spring Creek Campus (G103), Preston Ridge Campus (F109) or Central Park Campus (A108) or call 972-881-5781.
Career Bytes:
From an OfficeTeam news release 9/16/06: in a survey of 150 top executives from 1000 of the largest companies in the U.S, 84% said that just one or two typographical errors in a resume will eliminate a candidate from consideration for a job.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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