Here are some useful resources shared by our PSG community. Please use the links to access the full descriptions and the file samples.
Resume
A resume is a written overview of your relevant job experience background and education to sell your skills when applying to a position.
LinkedIn is a professional networking service that provides a great way for you to create contacts and, through them, connect with other contacts – some of these may be the very hiring managers or staff you are looking to make a connection with. The service provides high visibility to your skills, background, education, positions you are seeking and other aspects you may be interested in sharing with potential employers or other business relationships. Recruiting teams and hiring managers use LinkedIn extensively to find people with backgrounds of interest and to make contact with potential employees or consultants.
To start with, you need to set up a LinkedIn profile. This is easy to do and helps you organize how you want to be perceived by potential employers. The LinkedIn website helps to set up your profile and has some nice examples of existing profiles. To get an understanding of the various features of a profile, you can click on LinkedIn Profile (interactive) in our ‘Sample Documents Link’ window.
Click here to see a sample LinkedIn Profile
Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is a tool that highlights the profile you want to share with your network. It provides your network with a direction on how they can help you find that next opportunity.
Positioning Statement
A positioning statement describes your professional identity, strengths, industries you’ve served and how you can contribute to an employer.
Cover Letter and/or T-format
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and introduces you and your qualifications to a potential employer. A good cover letter makes the hiring manager want to learn more about you, read your resume and possibly invite you for an interview.
Thank You Letter
Writing a “thank you” letter after an interview is a must. Following an interview, promptly write each interviewer a letter expressing appreciation for the interview.
Click here to get more information and Thank You Letter samples
List of Your Potential Best References
As part of your Job Search Tool Kit, keep a list of potential references names and phone numbers. Consider using a spreadsheet like the one here for easy access when speaking with hiring managers and recruiters.
Click here to access and download a sample Best References Spreadsheet
Tracking Spreadsheets
This spreadsheet helps you keep track of the positions for which you applied, and the status of your activity for each. Record key dates, who you have contacted, and document the stages of each correspondence. In addition, track all of your job search expenses, which may be tax deductible for you.
Click here to access and download a sample Tracking Spreadsheet
Business Cards
Essential in your job search for multiple reasons. They are an easy way to make an impression and they make it easy for someone to remember (and find) you.
With the majority of positions obtained are through someone in your network, make it easy to ensure you stay top of mind, identify qualified leads, and referral sources.
Click here for more information about Business Cards
Interview Preparation
Now you have the job interview in your schedule. That’s great! But things still have to be done to maximize your chance to get the job. You have to prepare for the interview.
Actually, the job interviews can be very intimidating, all the more when you are under pressure to get the job. Keep in mind your own goals and try to figure out the employer’s ones. The preparation is the only way to reduce your stress.
The employer will try to measure how you fit with the requirements of the job, with the company culture and any kind of other criteria for the job.
On the other side, the interview is a great opportunity for you to:
To achieve this you need to be prepared to tell your message and to answer any unusual but related questions that they may have. Besides, you also have the opportunity while interviewing to better understand the job definition and responsibilities. This is your chance to evaluate the job with respect to your own personal requirements.
Actually, the job interviews can be very intimidating, all the more when you are under pressure to get the job. Keep in mind your own goals and try to figure out the employer’s ones. The preparation is the only way to reduce your stress.
The employer will try to measure how you fit with the requirements of the job, with the company culture and any kind of other criteria for the job.
On the other side, the interview is a great opportunity for you to:
- Demonstrate and explain what you’ve done in the past that fits with the job
- Share your interest for the company,
- Deploy your great communication skills and
- Reveal part of your personality to any member you will have to interact with in this job.
To achieve this you need to be prepared to tell your message and to answer any unusual but related questions that they may have. Besides, you also have the opportunity while interviewing to better understand the job definition and responsibilities. This is your chance to evaluate the job with respect to your own personal requirements.