MAXIMIZE YOUR
JOB SEARCH
A guide for anyone making an employment
or career transition.
• Getting Started
• Identifying Skills
• The Hidden Job Market and
Networking
• Social Networking
• Applications
• Do I Really Need a Resume?
• Captivating Cover Letters
• Gearing Up for the Interview
• The Job Offer
• What Can the Department
of Labor do for you?
What’s Inside?
labor.idaho.gov
2
First Things First
• As you begin a job search, take some time to
think through your situation.
• Are you employed but want a different job or
one more suited to your skills and education?
• Are you re-entering the workforce after an
absence such as staying at home with children
or nursing a family member?
• Are you just graduating from high school or
college and looking for your fi rst full-time,
permanent job?
• Have you recently lost your job?
Finding Work Takes E ort
Looking for work can be a lot of work,
especially if you haven’t been in the job market
for a while or you are changing careers. Today,
job searching is rarely a one-time event.
Learning the techniques of job searching is an
invaluable and evolving lifetime skill.
Being aware of emotional reactions you may
have to this change is critically important to
maintaining the kind of positive attitude you
will need to successfully move forward.
To Make the Job Search More
Productive
• Keep your skills current. Maintain an updated
list of responsibilities and training you’ve had.
• Update your resume when you have gained new
skills, abilities and accomplishments.
• Get the training or experience you will need to
move up in your fi eld or to change careers.
• Keep a list of awards, accomplishments and
recognitions.
GETTING
STARTED
Examine Your Recent
Work History
Take some time to think through the
past. Get an accurate grasp on other job
experiences to help defi ne where you are
and where you want to be.
Things I did well at my previous jobs:
1.
2.
3.
Things that I could have improved:
1.
2.
3.
Where I can fi nd help during this process:
1.
labor.idaho.gov
2.
3.
New Career Path?
Under any of these circumstances, this can be a
perfect opportunity to pursue a new career path.
Find out resources the Department of Labor can
offer on page 23.
3
Stay Focused
• There will be distractions. Many things may sound better than looking
for work, but your job search must be your primary focus. The results
you achieve will depend on the effort you invest.
• Let your family and friends know that fi nding a job is your primary
focus to help minimize distractions.
• Challenges and frustrations in the job search process can make you
lose your focus for a while so use each experience to polish your
approach and improve your “self-marketing” campaign.
Research
• Research the job market and employers in your area through personal
contacts, online resources, social media, newspapers, publications,
current and past co-workers. Make informed decisions about the
direction of your job search based on facts rather than feelings. Your
local Department of Labor offi ce is there to assist you every step of
the way. Please enquire about federally funded programs that we
administer that may be able to assist you in your job search and short-
term training needs.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
Landing that new job requires an organized and consistent
effort. To help manage your time:
Keep Track
• Use day planners, calendars and online tools
to keep records of your job search activities.
Good records will help you capitalize on all
opportunities. Your personal profi le page on
IdahoWorks ― labor.idaho.gov/idahoworks ―
provides great online tools for keeping track of
your search.
• Check your progress daily and ensure your
goals are realistic.
Take Care of Yourself
• Build personal time into your schedule to
rejuvenate.
• Eat well, sleep well and be active to maintain
your health.
• Reward yourself for accomplishing goals.
4
SKILLS ARE THE
FOUNDATION
Employers want to know who you are,
where you’ve been and what you have
to offer. Identify skills you have gained
through employment, community service,
volunteerism and life experience. A skill
isn’t always something that requires years
of formal education and experience.
Types of Skills
Job Content Skills: Skills specifi c to a job or
occupation. Some examples include:
• An administrative assistant may be skilled in
typing, fi ling, correspondence and telephone
protocol.
• A salesperson’s skills could include customer
service, order processing and record keeping.
• Accountants would be skilled in accounts
payable/receivable, calculations and tax
preparation.
• A nurse is skilled in administering medications,
taking and recording vital signs and monitoring
patient needs.
• Construction workers may have specialties
or a variety of skills such as welding, framing,
setting tile, roofi ng, carpentry, concrete work,
electrical and plumbing.
IDENTIFYING
SKILLS
Transferable Skills
These are skills that you have learned and used in activities in
jobs, classes, projects, hobbies, parenting and life. They can be
substituted or interchanged with another job. Think about the types
of things you are good at and chances are they are transferable
skills. For example:
• If you were an offi ce manager in a medical offi ce, you probably
organized patient fi les, greeted customers in person and on the phone,
ordered offi ce supplies and processed incoming mail. Those same
administrative skills are needed in many different types of offi ce settings.
• In your last job, you managed retail sales people. Your management
skills could easily transfer to managing call center customer service
agents or managing outside sales representatives.
• If you were a stay-at-home parent, you have skills in budgeting,
cooking, child development, property management, problem-solving
and effective multi-tasking to name a few. These can be useful skills in
many types of occupations from day care to offi ce management.
Maintain a Competitive Edge
Even if you have strong job content skills, it is a good idea to take a
look at what skills are being required in the jobs you are interested in
to determine whether or not your skills are up to date with industry
standards and are relevant to the job you are applying for. Are you
able to operate the latest machinery, equipment and software that
are typical to the occupation you are interested in? Do you have
the training, certifi cations or licenses that are typically required or
should you consider updating those? Now is the perfect time to
take stock of your job specifi c skills, certifi cations and licenses and
develop a plan for improvement if necessary. Today’s workplace
requires us to continue learning and upgrading skills to remain
marketable.
Have a question about upgrading your skills? Talk to one of our
specialists about programs we might have available to help with
acquiring new skills. Call your nearest local offi ce or check
labor.idaho.gov/offi cedirectory for contact information.
Take
Inventory
My skills are:
5
Good Interpersonal Skills — Soft
Skills — are Always in Demand
These skills are extremely important to
employers because they can directly
impact the quality of the work environment
and the success of the business. Many
employers would rather hire someone
with great soft skills and refi ne or teach
hard skills on the job. Being a successful
employee isn’t just about performing the
tasks involved with a specifi c position.
It also includes:
• Building successful relationships with co-
workers and customers.
• Working well independently and with various-
sized groups.
• Keeping a positive attitude, even when working
under pressure.
• Being professional in appearance, attitude and
behavior while at work.
• Demonstrating a strong work ethic by being
dedicated to getting the job done, managing
your time wisely and leaving your personal life
at home.
• Exhibiting positive self-management skills
such as arriving on time ready to work, treating
others with respect and focusing on your job
responsibilities while you are at work. This
includes detachment from personal electronic
devices, which is an ever-increasing issue that
employers now have to address with their
employees.
How Can You Show an Employer Your Soft Skills?
• Be on time. Be dependable.
• Accept guidance and direction.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Communicate effectively.
• Be a team player.
• Bring your best attitude.
• Give customers your best.
Evaluate your soft skills. Ask friends, family members and maybe
even previous employers about your soft skills and where you
might be able to improve.
How Strong are Your Soft Skills?
Consider your skill level in these areas and how you can
demonstrate these abilities to potential employers.
Communication
Are you able to express your thoughts clearly and professionally?
Leadership
Are you able to guide, direct and inspire others?
Initiative
Are you self-motivated? Will you identify and take ownership
of work that needs to be done?
Time Management
Are you effi cient and able to prioritize tasks and use your work
time wisely?
Flexibility
Will you adapt and adjust to changing situations?
Confl ict Resolution
Will you remain calm while handling stressful and tense
situations?
Positive Attitude
Do you remain optimistic, productive and engaged for as long
as it takes to get the job done?
Personal Appearance
Do you appear professional in clothing choice, appearance
and hygiene?
Soft skills are personal attributes
that enable someone to interact
effectively and harmoniously with
other people.
- OxfordDictionaries.com
6
THE HIDDEN JOB
MARKET/NETWORKING
WHAT IS THE HIDDEN
JOB MARKET?
The hidden job market is any job not
advertised. These jobs are fi lled by
referral, the “who do you know” method of
recruitment. So while keeping an eye on
social media, newspaper advertisements
and Internet job search sites is important,
the percentages are in your favor if you
investigate the hidden job market.
Why Should You Network?
You use your network in many ways. Have
you ever hired someone to do repairs in your
home? Care for your child? Fix your car? If
so, you understand the importance of hiring
someone who has been referred to you by
someone you know and trust — someone in
your network. The same philosophy applies to
hiring employees in a business.
• Hiring an applicant the employer has no
previous experience with poses significant risks
to any business.
• Employees can make or break a business.
• Advertising, recruiting, hiring and training are
some of the most costly and time-consuming
activities for businesses. Hiring referred
applicants can greatly reduce time and costs
The Long Term
Even when you are employed, maintaining and expanding your
network is important to your future. It can be easier to network while
you are employed. You never know when a better opportunity will
present itself or when you might need that network again should
circumstances change.
How to Network
Focus your networking efforts on as many people as possible who
work in or have some tie to the types of work you are interested in.
This will yield more suitable opportunities.
Sources of Advertised Jobs
• Idaho Department of Labor
• Online job search sites
• Social networking sites
• Newspaper classifi ed ads
• Staffi ng agencies
7
DEVELOP YOUR PERSONAL NETWORK
Start With Us
Idaho Department of Labor offi ces throughout
the state coordinate a variety of hiring events,
workshops and networking opportunities. Find
these events on our statewide calendar at
labor.
idaho.gov/calendar or contact your local offi ce.
Informational Interviews
Schedule an informal meeting with someone who
has a job you might like or works in an industry you
are interested in.
Volunteer
Join volunteer organizations, community service
centers, volunteer to serve on a board or council
or work with nonprofi t organizations that may
have some connection to the type of work you are
interested in. The benefi ts are many. Besides helping
people or groups, you are also meeting new people.
If you are unemployed, it also will keep you busy.
Why do Informational Interviews?
• You’ll gain fi rst-hand knowledge about a
business, giving you a competitive edge for
your resume and cover letter and the potential
interview.
• You establish a rapport and the prospective
employer begins to gain a basic understanding
of you as a potential employee.
• You expand your network and increase
opportunity.
How to do Informational
Interviews
• Identify companies of interest.
• Identify who you want to see — the owner, a
manager. Call or email that person explaining
you are doing personal research for a career
transition and would like to know who might
be able to meet briefl y for an informational
interview about the business or industry.
• Schedule the interview.
• Develop a list of open-ended questions that
encourage as much conversation as possible.
• Follow up with a thank you note.
Sample Informational Interview Questions
1. What are the organization’s goals?
2. Which skills are most important to the organization?
3. What type of education or experience is required?
4. What are the most important personal characteristics for success
in the fi eld?
5. What type of positions does the business offer? What do you like
most about your position?
6. What are the challenges you experience?
30-Second Speech
The 30-second speech is a tool that will help you best verbalize
your skills for those important, face-to-face connections during
networking activities as well as job interviews.
• Write it down to organize your thoughts, identify the types of work
you are seeking and the key skills you want to emphasize.
• Develop a professional, courteous, personal introduction.
• Practice out loud. You will gain confi dence the more you hear
yourself speak.
• Express yourself in a positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Research. Some sites will be
better equipped than others
to deliver the best results
for you. Learn how each site
differs and which are most
used by employers.
• Keep personal information
personal.
• Be persistent. Developing
an online presence takes
consistency over time.
• This is only one of several
methods that make up a
successful job search. There
is still no substitute for
face-to-face interaction or a
personal referral.
Online
Networking
Tips
See page 8 for more on this topic.
Keep Talking
Tell as many people as possible you are looking
for work. Discuss your interests and skills. Develop
a 30-second speech for these conversations and
remember the broad and instant reach of email,
texting and social media for getting the word out.
Have Fun
Participate in community and social activities that
interest you, and get to know people who share
common interests. If you’re short on cash, check
your local newspaper or community events social
media pages for free events.
Network Online
Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and
Facebook have become a desirable method for
professional networking and connecting applicants
and employers.
8
SOCIAL
NETWORKING
Your Brand. Everything you do on social media
creates a perception about you. Use social
media as a brand amplifi er, to promote your
skills. The fi rst 10 seconds someone meets
you (or visits your social media account)
makes a difference in how you are perceived.
Make sure the fi rst thing employers see is
professional. What people see is what they
assume you are.
Conduct a Personal Audit of Your Online
Presence. Search yourself on Google to see
who you are online. If there are negative
search results, manage them by shutting
down damaging references, managing your
results through sites like brandyourself.com or
simply increase positive posts to drive down
the negative ones. Many potential employers
will also research you online. If a potential
employer looked at any of your social media
accounts today, would they fi nd information
that doesn’t represent you in a positive or
professional manner? What you say to the
world about yourself online — and about others
— will determine what employers assume
about you professionally.
Get LinkedIn: A Commonly Used Online
Resume. LinkedIn is a must if you are looking
for a professional level job. A large percent of
recruiters are on LinkedIn. The Help section on
the LinkedIn website can get you started, but in
general:
• Use a professional photo
• Write an informative headline
• Create an engaging summary
• Add your current position with a description
• Add your previous work history
• Include education
• Add at least fi ve skills and fi elds of expertise
Be Searchable. Be Smart. Be Connected. Make sure you use your
LinkedIn profi le to connect with as many of your professional
contacts as possible. The more connections you have, the larger
your network. And as you customize your resume for specifi c jobs,
remember to include words from the job description. Why? Applicant
tracking systems allow employers to digitally search resumes for
specifi c keywords. Some systems look for keyword frequency.
Others look for keywords based on specifi c locations or industries.
See more about keywords on page 11.
Identify the Best Platform for You. After you complete your LinkedIn
profi le, consider other platforms. Each of the major social media
platforms — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs and Google+ —
serve a different purpose and are best used for specifi c goals.
Research them to decide what’s best for you.
Remember Your Family and Friends. Consider sending an initial
email to let people know you’re in the market for a new job. They are
part of a network of other friends and family who they know who
might be looking for someone like you for a job. Provide periodic
updates on interviews to keep your family and friends posted on
your progress.
Like and Follow Companies Online. Keep current on businesses and
organizations you are interested in and learn about their workplace
culture and when they are hiring. Learn their challenges. Suggest
solutions, but don’t go overboard. Do not “friend” managers or hiring
recruiters.
Let Them Serve You. Many online sites allow users to set up alerts
via email, text messages or other options such as RSS feeds to let
you know when jobs are available. Generally, you select specifi c
criteria for any alerts. Unless your situation requires you to take the
fi rst job that comes your way, choose options that ensure you are
alerted to the most relevant opportunities for your skills. This will
help you avoid being overwhelmed with unwanted alerts.
Using Social Media in
Your Job Search
9
TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE
Make the most of your time by identifying the sites that will
link you to opportunities that match your preferences. For
example, you can customize your job search preferences
and alerts online with the Idaho Department of Labor at
labor.idaho.gov/jobseeker. Focus on sites that match your:
• Targeted industries
• Targeted employers
• Skills
• Geographic preferences
• Interests
Not the Sole Source
With a focused and well-planned approach, using online
networking methods can certainly move your job search to
the next level. While this method can initially connect you
to a broad array of opportunities, it does not replace the
value of networking in person.
Prepare for the Future
Technological advances are taking the hiring process to
new places, and employers are making their own rules
when it comes to recruiting employees. You must be
ready for just about anything in this fast-paced job market
to promote yourself in any number of ways. Don’t be
surprised if an employer asks you to make a 30-second
video of yourself from your cell phone to tell him why you
would make a great salesperson or he texts you with a
message saying, “I’ve got 10 minutes to meet with you
about a job. Are you available?”
TECH CHECK
Phone Etiquette
Going into a place of business for an application or to
fi nd out if they are hiring? Leave your phone behind.
What about the interview? DOUBLE CHECK to be sure
your phone is silenced or better yet, don’t bring it with
you. NEVER answer or check your phone during an
interview.
Listen to your voice mail message. Is it professional
and appropriate? What about your ring back tone?
Anything the employer hears represents who you are.
Email Etiquette
Do you have an old email address, which might be less than
professional? (i.e. [email protected]) You may need
to create a new professional email address just for your job
search activities.
If you receive an email from an employer, make sure you treat
your response as professional communication, not as a text
message.
• Don’t use abbreviations or text shortcuts.
• Use appropriate greetings and closings.
• Use complete sentences and correct punctuation and grammar.
10
APPLICATIONS
First Impression
Most employers require an application. In
some cases, this will be your fi rst contact with
the employer. The following are some general
guidelines for completing applications.
Curbside Appeal
Fill out the application neatly with no errors
in grammar or spelling. Print clearly, avoid
abbreviations, use black ink and answer every
question. Print N/A if the question does not
apply to you.
Follow Directions
Read the entire application before you
complete it. Pay attention to what is being
asked and how you are expected to respond.
Be Upbeat
Present a positive, honest picture of yourself.
Avoid negative information. Look for ways to
show you are the right person for the job. Think
of what you would look for in an employee if
you were an employer.
Honesty is Best
The information you provide may become
part of your permanent employment record.
False information can be cause for dismissal.
Provide only information the employer
is seeking or is necessary to sell your
qualifi cations.
Meet the Need
Applications have limited space. Use it to
showcase your most relevant skills, experience
and accomplishments to increase your
chances of landing an interview. Show you
meet their needs.
Be Position Specifi c
Identify the position you want. Responses
like “open” or “any” imply desperation or lack
of focus.
Desired Salary
The time to negotiate salary is when the job
is offered. If an application asks about salary
requirements, give a range or respond with
“negotiable.”
Reasons for Leaving
Try to make your reasons for separating from
previous employment positive or neutral. Choose
your words carefully. Using words like “quit” or
“fi red” may affect the employer’s decision. Here
are some examples you might use:
• Reorganization or merger
• Raised a family
• Returned to school
• Career change
• Contract ended
• Work was seasonal
• Lack of work
• Better opportunity
• Not enough hours
• Relocated
• Promotional opportunity
• Seeking growth
• New job
Tips for Completing a Paper Application
Whenever possible, take the application home and get more than
one copy in case you make a mistake. At home, you can fi ll it
out where you are comfortable and able to take your time. Some
companies put their printable applications online. Follow the
directions for submitting the application.
• Never leave a blank space. Print N/A or a dash.
• Use correction fl uid for fi xing minor errors or print out another
application and start over.
• Write out responses using a separate sheet of paper before completing
the application or obtain a second application for back-up.
• Double check grammar, spelling and content. When possible, have
someone proofread it.
• Prepare a personal data sheet – your cheat sheet. Use it as a reference
sheet when completing applications, writing resumes and interviewing.
Collect data that might be requested such as dates you started and
ended jobs, managers’ names, business addresses, telephone numbers
and email addresses.
Questionable Questions
Questions on applications should be relevant to your ability
to do the job. Questions about age, gender, disability, health,
marital status, children, race, arrests or convictions may be
diffi cult to answer or seem irrelevant and in some cases, may
even be illegal to ask. Use your best judgment about how
to respond. If you have concerns about a question, ask for
clarifi cation or how it relates to the job.
11
• Ethics
• Teamwork
• Marketing
• Leadership skills
• Finance
• Java
• Flash
• Forklift certifi cation
• CPR certifi cation
Tips for Online Applications
Many companies require job seekers to apply
online through their company website. The online
application process can be intimidating at fi rst
but will become easier with each application.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking
for and completing an online application.
• Gather together all of your work history,
employment dates and contact information
before you begin.
• Look for “careers” or “fi nd a job” tabs or buttons
on the company’s website.
• Some websites will navigate you to open
positions fi rst and some might bring you directly
to a job application.
• Some employers use a third party for the online
application process, and you may be routed to
another website such as Brassring to fi ll out the
application.
• You may need to set up an account to fi ll out an
application. Keep track of your username and
passwords.
• Some online applications tie into your social
media profi le. If you use this make sure your
social medial profi le is updated and appropriate.
• Read all instructions thoroughly before you
begin.
• If possible, print the application and fi ll it out
fi rst. Use it as a rough draft to follow when you
are fi lling out the actual application online.
• Proofread everything thoroughly before you
submit your application.
Scannable Resumes
What is a scannable resume?
A scannable resume can be viewed by a computer using document
imaging technology called optical character recognition. This makes
it possible for employers to scan resumes for keywords quickly
and store them in a resume database. Many employers request
scannable resumes with online applications. The two most important
elements of a scannable resume are formatting and keywords.
Formatting a scannable resume
• Use a common, plain font such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Use spacing breaks to indicate a section heading rather than using
bold fonts or bullets.
• Left justify everything and use line spacing to indicate breaks.
• Use as many nouns as possible as these become important in the
scanning process.
• Some employers will specify the type of fi le they accept, mostly likely
a PDF or Word document. Be sure to follow employer instructions.
Keywords
When employers typically scan for keywords, they are usually
looking for nouns that describe your skill and attributes as well as
any special training or education that might be required. Use words
describing skills specifi c to the industry. Some examples include:
12
DO I REALLY
NEED A
RESUME?
YES!
A resume is a self-promotional document
that presents you in the best possible light
so you will be invited to a job interview. A
well-written, compelling resume will help
give you a competitive edge. It’s your fi rst
shot at selling yourself to an employer.
It’s not just about past jobs! It’s about YOU
— your skills, knowledge, accomplishments
and experiences — that are relevant to the
work you want to do next.
13
TIPS AND
SUGGESTIONS
Start With a “Master” Resume
This is a complete inventory of your work history,
and you will build all your other resumes based
on this. List all your skills, training, education
and accomplishments during your entire career
so far. If you are new to the job market, list all of
your volunteer activities, non-job work you have
done and life experiences that provided new
skills or accomplishments.
Write Your Own Resume
It’s OK to seek assistance but be sure that
your resume is written in a way that accurately
represents you and how you normally
communicate.
Meet the Need
If you’re writing a resume for a specifi c job
listing, review the requirements and use
your “master” resume to identify your skills,
knowledge and accomplishments that
correspond with the employer’s needs. This
makes it relevant to the specifi c position,
which helps demonstrate that you are a great
candidate for the position.
Speak Their Language
Pay close attention to the wording in the job
description and use the same words when they
refl ect your skills and abilities. For example,
if the employer is asking for someone with
customer service and problem solving skills,
your response could be something like “10 years
excellent customer service experience while
providing satisfactory solutions for both clients
and employer.”
Be Results Oriented
Describe each accomplishment in simple, powerful action
statements, emphasizing how it benefi tted the employer. Use
active voice. Results speak louder than a list of responsibilities.
Instead of writing “worked as a salesperson” write “increased
company sales by 12 percent in one year.”
Formatting
• Be thorough, but concise. Keep it to one page if at all possible.
If you have to include a second page be sure it is at least a third
of a page. If it is less, consider adding more content or rethink the
fi rst page content.
• Make your resume easy to read. Use conservative and easy-to-
read fonts like Arial, Times, Calibri or Cambria.
• Use 11 or 12 point font size.
• Make your margins 1 inch.
• Avoid paragraphs. Use bulleted statements.
• White space is important. White space is the “open space”
between sections. White space enhances readability.
• Emphasize category headings using boldface type, larger font,
all caps or a combination.
• There are a variety of resume styles. Check out other resources
for examples.
Proofreading
This may be the most important part of writing a resume.
Ask someone else to proofread it as well. It may take only
one spelling, grammar or punctuation error for an employer
to set your resume aside. Put your best foot forward and
create a perfect resume.
14
RESUMES - CONTENT THAT MATTERS
An effective resume generally contains fi ve distinct components – heading, objective,
highlights of qualifi cations, relevant experience and work history. Additional information
that may be helpful includes education, training and volunteer or community activities.
Heading
Keep it simple but informative. Include your name, address,
phone number and a professional email address if you have
one. This is usually centered on the page.
Objective (Optional)
If you know the job title, be specifi c and concise. Let the
resume support your objective.
• EXAMPLE: Customer Service Representative for ABC Company
If you do not know the job title or a job has not yet been
posted, write the objective to refl ect the employer’s
perspective, not your own.
• EXAMPLE: To manage people, interface with customers and
work with highly technical software or hardware applications.
Another option would be to give a more detailed explanation
of your qualifi cations for the job.
• EXAMPLE: Acquire an entry level position in the hospitality
industry where I can apply my experience in advertising and
public relations.
Highlights of Qualifi cations
Grab their attention. This may be the most important section
in the resume so it should be strong and convincing. Most
employers will spend 15 to 20 seconds scanning your
resume. If they do not see a connection to the job description,
they might not read any further.
Emphasize in a few brief statements the skills and experience
you have that match what the employer has asked for in the
job description. Use a strong, active voice.
Ask yourself the question, “Is every item in the highlights
section relevant to my target job?”
• EXAMPLE: More than 10 years experience as an organizational
training consultant. Energetic self-starter with excellent
analytical, organizational and creative skills.
Relevant Experience
The rest of the story. This is where you elaborate
on the information you provided in the “Highlights
of Qualifi cations” section.
Let the employer know what you have produced,
what happened as a result of your efforts or what
you are especially gifted or experienced at doing.
Use past tense action verbs when describing your
accomplishments.
When possible use quantifi ers to make your
accomplishments stand out.
• EXAMPLE: Increased annual sales in 2015 by 20
percent for a total profi t of $85,000 more than in
2014.
How far back should you go? Far enough and not
too far! About 10 or 15 years is usually enough
unless you have a specifi c work history relevant
to the work for which you are applying.
Work History
• Who, what, when and where.
• List jobs in reverse chronological order. Include
dates, job titles, company name and location.
EXAMPLE:
December 2010- Present | Data Entry Clerk
XYZ Company | Boise, Idaho
References
Create a reference sheet and have it available
at an interview. Some employers will ask for
references when applying and some will ask for
them later.
Always ask references if you can use their names
and contact information and tell them what you
are applying for so they will be prepared if they
are called.
15
RESUME
CHECKLIST
Tailor your resume to each job
Address all requirements in the job description
Highlight accomplishments, not functions
Use action words
Demonstrate how you solved problems
Identify results/accomplishments of your work
Quantify results where possible
Use industry terminology when appropriate
Include volunteer experience
Put education at the bottom of the page
Ask someone else to proofread for errors
Leave salary range and references off
unless requested
BUT AVOID....
Using a generic resume
Including personal interests unless they are relevant
Creating an untargeted work history
Describing your jobs using general terms
Including irrelevant volunteer experience
Sending out your resume without a second opinion
Resume Writing FAQs
If I don’t have any work experience how can
I make a resume?
• A basic resume highlights the skills you’ve
acquired through non-work activities.
• Include things such as working a concession
stand for a club or group.
• List volunteer activities.
• Include other life experiences which have given
you job-ready skills.
What if I have gaps in my work history?
• As a general rule, explain what you were doing,
as gracefully as possible rather than leave a gap.
• If you were doing anything valuable, you can use
that in the gap periods. For example: “2012-2014
- Full-time parent” or “2015-2018 - Maternity leave
and family management.”
How can you avoid age discrimination?
• Avoid using dates such as your high school or
college graduation date. Also remember that you
don’t have to use your entire work history. Pick the
relevant parts and label it “Recent Work History” or
“Relevant Work History.”
• Even if you have an entire career’s worth of
experience avoid using terms such as
“35+ years of experience.”
What about hobbies and interests or
religious beliefs?
• Don’t include them on your resume. Unless they
clearly support your career objective, they don’t
belong on a resume.
Some Idaho Department of Labor local offi ces offer resume workshops. Check
the calendar to fi nd out if there’s one in your area at labor.idaho.gov/calendar.
16
BASIC RESUME
Lindsey Lucas
329 Edgewood Avenue
Boise, Idaho
208) 555-8989
Skills
• Profi cient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (2019)
• Work well with others
• Excellent leadership
Work Experience
Child Caretaker
• CPR and First Aid certifi ed
• Played games, read stories, put puzzles together with children to keep them entertained
• Monitored children’s behavior and reported to parents
• Fed and cooked meals for children
Landscaper
• Mowed lawns
• Used a weed eater along fence lines and curbing
• Weeded fl ower beds and gave them proper nourishment
• Raked and shoveled dirt and debris
• Collected payments
Education
Timberline High School – Boise, Idaho
Expected to graduate June 2021
• General Studies
• Spanish 1 and 2
• Web Design
• Basic Photography
• Yearbook Club
• Marching Band
17
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Ben Turner
2345 Brook Avenue, Englewood, Idaho 12345
(208) 555-5555 | [email protected]
Objective
Security Guard for Pinkerton Services
Summary of Qualifi cations
• Active U.S. government security clearance
• Bilingual — fl uent in both English and Spanish, both written and spoken
• Superior performance award for past four years in security management
Employment History
Security Specialist, U.S. Marine Corps, May 2014 to present
• Supervised $100 million worth of highly sensitive equipment — security efforts led to zero loss in
a three-year period
• Implemented new security system plan that led to increased lockdown protection for personnel
• Provided leadership, instruction and supervision of 25 personnel — efforts resulted in 30 percent
decrease in staff turnover and a 10 percent increase in promotions
• Expertly managed investigative reports — recognized as Non-Commissioned Offi cer of the Quarter
for effi ciency and accuracy of written instructions and documents
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments — effi ciently managed a diverse
workforce and inmate population resulting in a 10 percent decrease in inmate violence
Warehouse Supervisor, Micro Chemical, Inc., Denver, Colo., February 2008 to May 2014
• Supervised crew of 15 in daily operations and evacuation — efforts led to company-record promotion
rate for staff and a 10 percent decrease in staff turnover
• Monitored complex cataloging and ordering systems; implemented a fast track procurement system
for offi ce supplies resulting in a 20 percent decrease in supply ordering turn-around
• Helped develop and implement an effective security system — efforts led to $85k savings annually
by reducing pilferage and damage
• Profi cient at using Windows 10, Microsoft Offi ce and PeopleSoft databases
Security Guard, Mayfi eld Malls, Denver, Colo., August 2003 to January 2008
• Coordinated work assignments, evaluated performance and managed a four-member security
team — recognized as “Security Supervisor of the Quarter” for boosting morale and encouraging an
innovative and safe working environment
• Investigated security and safety violations and wrote detailed incident reports — led to Mayfi eld Mall
being recognized as the “Safest Shopping Facility in the Mountain States” in 2006 and 2007
• Helped diffuse confl icts in a public environment with regard to everyone’s safety — consistently
recognized through customer feedback for excellent customer relations
Education
U.S. Marine Corps, Specialized Training: Explosives, Firearms, Leadership, Diversity, Communication
Metro State College, 42 Semester Units in Administration of Justice, Denver, Colo.
18
CAPTIVATING
COVER LETTERS
DO I REALLY NEED
A COVER LETTER?
While not all employers request a cover
letter, it is a good idea to include one
with your resume for several reasons. A
cover letter is an additional opportunity
to market your skills and abilities to the
employer. It is an opportunity to present
a complete picture of yourself and your
attention to detail. It also allows you the
opportunity to address unique situations
that are diffi cult to include in your resume
such as relocation, gaps in work history,
criminal records and career changes.
• Make it compelling, personal and brief.
Use active voice, not passive. EXAMPLE -
Passive: Was the supervisor of a six-person
team; Active: Supervised six-person team.
• Keep it specifi cally related to the position.
• Be positive! Be positive! Be positive!
• Avoid references to salary or benefi ts.
• If it is not an online letter, use 8 1/2” x 11” paper
identical in color and font style to your resume
paper.
• Include contact information as shown on your
resume.
• Proofread it and ask another person to
proofread it, too.
• Remember to sign it!
Cover Letter Basics
Cover letters are typically two to four paragraphs in length.
Date
Name of Contact (if known)
Title
Name of Company
Mailing Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.,
PARAGRAPH 1: The Opening/Your Introduction
1. Give your reason for writing the letter.
2. Tell the employer the position you are interested in.
3. Tell the employer where you found out about the job opening.
4. Tell the employer why you are interested in the company.
PARAGRAPH 2: The Body/ Your Hook
1. This is one or two paragraphs that tell the employer
why you are qualifi ed.
2. Identify specifi c qualifi cations from job posting to address
(usually the fi rst three qualifi cations).
3. Match what you have accomplished to three key qualifi cations/
requirements listed in the job posting.
PARAGRAPH 3: The Closing
1. Tell the employer you are interested in interviewing for
the available position.
2. Thank the employer for considering you for the position.
Sincerely,
Signature
Name
19
COVER LETTER SAMPLE
Mike Brown
113 Oak St., Lakeview, ID 55555
(208) 555-xxxx
Sept. 1, 2016
Mr. Phillip Moore
Production Manager
XYZ Corporation
21 Industry Lane
Lakeview, ID 55555
Dear Mr. Moore,
I am applying for the position of Production Assistant that was listed with
the Idaho Department of Labor. With a high-tech background in Fortune 100
companies, I am well qualifi ed to represent your company in this position. I am
accustomed to a fast-paced environment where deadlines are a priority and
handling multiple jobs simultaneously is the norm.
With fi ve years experience in production, I supervised up to 35 personnel, often
making decisions quickly and effectively. Constant negotiations with all levels
of management and employees have strengthened my interpersonal skills.
Please consider my qualifi cations for this position. I look forward to hearing
from you to discuss how I could provide value to your organization. I can be
reached during the day at (208) 555-5555 or in the evening at (208) 555-xxxx.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mike Brown
20
THE INTERVIEW
BEFORE THE
INTERVIEW
Research the Company. If it has a website,
study it. Read company literature, talk to
people familiar with the company and observe
workplace dress, attitudes and company
culture.
Navigate. Find out where the company is
located and how to get there. Use Google
Maps or MapQuest and print out the
directions. Allow extra traveling time in case
you are delayed beyond your control. Whenever
possible, take time for a trial run that will give
you an idea of what kind of traffi c and parking
to expect.
Write Down Important Information. Write
down the date of your appointment as well as
the name, address and phone number of the
company. If you know the name of the person
you will be interviewing with, write that down
as well. Keep the information with you.
Take Your Portfolio. Your portfolio includes
copies of your resume, certifi cates, letters
of recommendation, references, samples of
your work. A portfolio can be as simple as a
new dark-colored plain folder. Bring a pen and
notebook, too.
Dress for Success. Double check your
appearance. Your clothes should be clean,
pressed and appropriate for the interview.
Make sure your hands, nails and hair are
clean and your perfume or aftershave isn’t too
strong. The rule is to wear “one step above”
what others in the company are wearing.
Neutral colors such as black, brown, grey
or navy are best. Appropriate shoes are
important.
Be Punctual. It’s your interview — go alone.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Cordially let the
receptionist know who you are and who you
wish to see.
Final Notes. It’s a good idea to leave your
personal electronic devices in your vehicle and
remember — your interview starts when you
pull up in the parking lot.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
• Be yourself. You got the interview because of your skills.
• Present yourself in a friendly, straightforward and confi dent manner.
• When introduced to the interviewer, greet them, smile and remain
standing until you are asked to be seated.
• Make yourself comfortable and retain your poise.
• Place your purse or other personal items on the fl oor next to your chair.
• Be diplomatic. Don’t argue or tell the employer your troubles.
• Refrain from jokes or gossip, use proper grammar and avoid slang
such as “OK” and “yeah.”
• Maintain eye contact and be aware of body language.
• Be a good listener. Be enthusiastic.
• Don’t say anything negative about your former employer. Even if the
circumstances of your separation from your last employer were not
good, fi nd a way to discuss it as positively as possible in the interview.
21
THE FOLLOW-UP
What have you been doing between jobs?
Tell them about the constructive things you have been doing
such as schooling, volunteer work or temporary work.
Why should we hire you instead of someone else?
Explain the qualities you have that would make you an asset
to the company.
Do you have any questions?
This is only diffi cult if you haven’t prepared! Do your homework
and learn something about the company before the interview.
Sample questions include:
1. What are the key tasks for this position?
2. Why do people like working here?
3. Is there anything I can do or study to get a head start
on learning this job?
4. When do you expect to make a decision?
Make sure you get the information you need to decide if you want
the job. Even in a buyers’ market, the employer is selling the job to
you as well.
Who Really Sends a Thank You Note?
Those who are serious about fi nding a job. Thank you notes
are seldom used but are a great way to get a competitive edge.
Thank you notes reveal your sincerity, attention to details,
manners, thoughtfulness towards the company and your desire
to work for them.
Tips on Emailed Thank You Notes
• Be sure to send an email to everyone on the interview panel.
• Make each email different so that the interviewers don’t feel like they
are getting a template.
• Be professional and don’t email like you’re sending a text message.
• If you choose to respond electronically use email rather than text or
follow the employer’s lead. For example, if that person texts you it’s
appropriate to text back.
Sell Yourself
Almost every interview begins with “So, tell me
about yourself.” What they want to know is what
kind of person you are, will you fi t in and are you
dependable, motivated and eager to learn. Keep
any personal information about yourself to a
minimum if you discuss it at all.
Demonstrate Your Ability
Show that you can help their business by using
examples from past experiences, stating results
and quantifying when you can. For example; did
you increase sales, cut costs, improve quality,
reduce production time or save money? Tell the
story.
Be Positive
You got the interview because you possess the
skills necessary to do the job. However, the No.
1 reason people are hired is because of their
attitude. Your attitude is revealed by the way you
dress, your eye contact, body language, voice and
choice of words.
Close the Deal
When the interview is coming to a close, let
the employer know that you want the job. For
example: “Mr. Smith, after speaking with you, I am
very interested in this position and I am confi dent
that I would be an asset to your company. What is
the next step in the process?”
DON’T ALLOW TOUGH
QUESTIONS TO BECOME
ROAD BLOCKS
Finish Strong!
• Thank you notes can be either emailed or
handwritten.
• Send a thank you letter or note no later than 24
hours after the interview.
• Be brief and to the point.
• Address the note to the name and title of person
who interviewed you.
• List the date of your interview.
• Include the job title.
• Thank the interviewer for his or her time.
• Restate your interest in the position and the
company.
22
THE JOB OFFER
EVERYTHING IS
NEGOTIABLE
. . . and that includes salary. Here are a few
tips to keep in mind when considering a
job offer. The local economic conditions
will play a big role in how you choose to
negotiate.
Take Some Time
It is acceptable to ask for time to consider an
offer but don’t take more than a day or two and
be specifi c about the length of time you would
like to have to consider the offer.
Know the Numbers
Research the salary range for the position you
are applying for to determine if the offer is
reasonable. One place to look for comparable
salaries in different cities in Idaho is the wage
information on the Idaho Department of
Labor’s labor market information website at
lmi.idaho.gov.
Discuss Value
Talk about money in terms of the value of your
particular skill set in the marketplace and what
you have to offer in terms of expertise and
experience.
Be Positive
If a job offer is unacceptable to you, remain
positive and state clearly why the offer is
unacceptable and what you would need to
have modifi ed in order to accept the offer.
NEGOTIATING THE TERMS
The process of hiring someone is expensive. The employer
may be prepared to negotiate so you should be, too. Consider
the following points when choosing to negotiate.
Ask For the O er in Writing
If you choose to negotiate, ask for the start date, salary, job details
and benefi ts in writing.
Back It Up
Be prepared to remind the employer of your skills and expertise and
the added value you will bring to their organization.
Be Open-Minded
Remain open during the negotiation process. If salary negotiation
is limited, perhaps there is room to negotiate a benefi t package that
would better suit your needs.
23
WHAT ELSE CAN
WE DO FOR YOU?
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
We can help with career and life transitions,
apprenticeships and job training, online profi les and
resume building, job listings, mock interviews, hiring
events and networking opportunities.
IdahoWorks.gov
Set up an account on IdahoWorks.gov and you can create
multiple resumes and make them searchable by employers.
Search through our job database for all sorts of occupations.
Veterans Services
Find out what Priority of Service means and the employment
benefi ts that are available to veterans and their families.
Meet with one of the several veteran representatives located
throughout the state.
Adult & Youth Education & Training Programs
Having trouble looking for and fi nding work? We can help.
Adults and youth who meet certain criteria may be eligible
for support with earning a GED such as accessing training,
education or tutoring resources, and fi nding employment.
Farmworker Services
Idaho is committed to ensuring farmworkers know what laws
protect their rights to fair wages and working conditions.
Ex-O ender Services
In the ex-offender re-entry services program, we assist ex-
offenders re-enter the state’s workforce.
Resource Center
Our local offi ces and mobile locations offer personal
computers for our customers, resume templates, internet
access and career planning along with fax, phones, copiers
and information about community services.
JOBSCAPE BRINGS
IT ALL TOGETHER
JobScape is an easy-to-use tool to help
job seekers and students make informed
career and educational decisions through
access to education, career and labor
market information.
You don’t need an account, there‘s no log-in,
just go to
labor.idaho.gov/jobscape and get
started. Type in the name of a job/occupation
and click the Search button or search all
occupations at once.
Information you will fi nd on
occupations:
• Related job titles
• Demand (high, average, low)
• Entry level education required
• Typical hourly/annual wage
• Annual job openings statewide
• Current number of people employed
in the occupation
• Programs of study in Idaho
• Link to current job openings listed
with the Idaho Department of Labor
The Idaho Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Dial 711 for Idaho Relay Service.
The Idaho Department of Labor’s employment services programs are 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of Wagner-Peyser Act grants totaling $12,102,970.
labor.idaho.gov
Idaho Department of Labor
A proud partner of the
network
CALDWELL
POST FALLS
Soda
Springs
Grangeville
TWIN
FALLS
POCATELLO
Kellogg
Northern -
(208) 457-8789
North Central -
(208) 799-5000
Southwestern - (
208) 364-7781
South Central -
(208) 735-2500
Southeastern -
(208) 236-6710
Eastern -
(208) 557-2500
Regions
Blackfoot
Rexburg
Moscow
SANDPOINT
Bonners Ferry
St. Maries
LEWISTON
Culdesac
Riggins
Kamiah
Cottonwood
Star
Emmett
Payette
McCall
Weiser
Horseshoe
Bend
Midvale
Driggs
Ashton
St. Anthony
Mountain
Home
Salmon
IDAHO
FALLS
Glenns
Ferry
Grand View
BURLEY
American Job Center
Mobile Office Hours
Moyie
Springs
Naples
Plummer
Juliatta
Cascade
New
Meadows
Council
Aberdeen
American
Falls
Malad City
Preston
Montpelier
090922
Meridian
Kuna
Garden City
BOISE
Garden
Valley
Lake Hazel Road
Middleton
Priest River
V
ictory Road
(Boise)
Eagle
Wieppe
Challis
Orofino
Hailey
Gooding
Jerome
Shoshone
I-81-747 Rev. 11/2022
LABOR OFFICE DIRECTORY
The Idaho Department of Labor provides many locations to serve the citizens of Idaho.
Besides the nine one-stop offi ces listed on the right, there are more than 50 mobile
offi ces open on a rotating schedule. Mobile locations are shown on the map. To fi nd out
days and hours of operation, see the local offi ce directory at
labor.idaho.gov/offi cedirectory.
ONE-STOP OFFICES
Sandpoint
Phone: (208) 263-7544
Sandpointmail@labor.idaho.gov
Post Falls
Phone: (208) 457-8789
kcmail@labor.idaho.gov
Lewiston
Phone: (208) 799-5000
lewistonmail@labor.idaho.gov
Caldwell
Phone: (208) 364-7781
canyoncountymail@labor.idaho.gov
Boise
Phone: (208) 332-3575
boisemail@labor.idaho.gov
Twin Falls
Phone: (208) 735-2500
magicvalleymail@labor.idaho.gov
Burley
Phone: (208) 678-5518
mini-cassiamail@labor.idaho.gov
Pocatello
Phone: (208) 236-6710
pocatellomail@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho Falls
Phone: (208) 557-2500
idahofallsmail@labor.idaho.gov
Central Administrative Offi ce
317 W. Main St.
Boise, ID 83735
Phone: (208) 332-3570
