How to Get that Job

Please come to class with all your information collected such as: Education (dates, degree, institution), certifications, employment history, work experience (dates, job title, description of job responsibilities), volunteer work, references, etc.

"Employers want to know several things about you within seconds of glancing at your résumé. Your job, then, is to be hit-them-over-the-head obvious about who you are, what job you're seeking and what you have to offer them," says Louise Kursmark, a certified professional résumé writer and author of "30-Minute Résumé Makeover."

Learn about the difference between a Good and Bad resume. Be careful. If you are a photographer, don't say you like to "shoot people." Of the many internet resources available, I suggest Career Builder's site will help you get where you want to be: resume help, skills building, job searching, etc.

To get attention in a short paragraph, no more than 3 sentences, read articles on Writing Good Resume Objective, which can be the reason your resume is on the top of the hire list, or the bottom of the trash. Here's a step by step guide on writing a sound career objective.

When it comes to computer skills, you need to be specific, such as "Proficient with Adobe Photoshop" or "Expert with various desktop publishing applications" if you're an end user. On the technical end, you need to cite any certifications you might have, such as with Java or Microsoft's .Net, or maybe networking skills.

Attach a cover letter to your resume: it's your opportunity to make the sale! Make sure that you are not hurting your job search by poor Internet information on you because of MySpace, Google, blogs, etc.

So they can contact you, make sure you include at least both an e-mail address and phone number, and probably a mailing address. We have modules to teach you how to setup an email account, compose an email message, and attach a resume.

Should you get foot in the door for an interview, even the most confident and experienced applicant should brush up on interview skills. Read articles on Preparing for a Job Interview, Job Interview Etiquette, Body Language, Stress Interviews, "Ten Rules about Interview". Know the company and be prepared with good questions to ask them so you have a conversation (instead of a monologue) of how you fit just right on their team. Learn about overcoming nerves and even how to ace that interview.

After the interview, don't let them forget you. Have some follow-up strategies such as Interview Follow-up Etiquette, Job Interview "Thank You Letters" / E-mails, Feedback, and post-interview "Thank You" letter. It simply says thank you, I’m available, interested and following up to let you know these facts. Also, learn how to handle the dreaded "Thanks, but no thanks" letter.

If your job is to get a job, you'll get one. Stay diligent. 70% of job searches last 4 weeks or longer. Consider articles on 20 Companies Hiring for the Holidays, Unconventional Ways to Expand your Network, and Job Searching in a Recession. Especially if you have the time and funds, do yourself a favor: spend some time growing and improving yourself. We all can get better at interpersonal skills and customer service, two of some of the most important things any wants in a job and in life. Get Computers Training at GCFLearnFree.org and even a Career Development Tutorial for free. Don't just pretend: BECOME that person on the catchy resume that your future-boss must hire.

(Please comment and add places you'd suggest to add to all our tutorials.)