For many job seekers, looking for a job can be a stressful process. There are applications to fill out, resumes and cover letters to update and interviews that may take place over the phone or via a computer device.
It can be challenging when your job search is taking longer than expected. These resources will help you create a plan of action and assist you while you look for different opportunities.
Ova Job Finder has created resources that will help you in various stages of your job search. These resources include a guide on how to apply for opportunities on Job websites, best practices for writing a cover letter, resume and how to prepare for an interview.
Also included are helpful tips on how to follow up after an interview and how to start networking.
Job Search Strategies
Best Practices for Networking – How to get started and build your Network.
Best Practices for Writing a Resume – You only have about 30 seconds to impress a recruiter or
prospective employer – these tips will help you to create a stand out resume.
Best Practices for Creating a Cover Letter ‐ A cover letter is your first opportunity to engage a
prospective employer.
Best Practices for Interviewing – From a phone interview to in‐person, these best practices will
help you make a great impression.
Applying for Jobs ‐ A step by step guide on how to apply and navigate the Jobs Employment Sites.
Job Search Strategies
Seeking new employment requires focus, dedicated attention, assertiveness and persistence. Use the
strategies below to increase your success in finding your next position.
Identify your strengths. Reflect on your career and document your most significant
accomplishments, successes and experiences. Be ready to clearly articulate why you are the
best candidate for the job, and the unique attributes you could bring to the company. Practice
your elevator speech: if you had 30 seconds in an elevator with the head of the company, how
would you convince them to hire you? It is important to be able to quickly highlight your
strengths and make them interested in hearing more about you.
Choose your next job carefully. Think about your best and worst jobs. Ask yourself what you
want in your next opportunity. Conduct your job search with your skills, interests, and values in
mind. Research companies to determine what opportunities best match your target position.
Do research. Try to determine who you can talk to at your target company so you can learn of
opportunities and become a candidate prior to a job posting.
Take action – be heard. Use your voice. Cold calling prospective employers can be scary, but it
can also be an important job search strategy. Once you have identified a position in which you
are interested, ask to speak to the hiring manager who will be making a decision on filling the
position. Ask for a few minutes on their calendar to discuss why you are a good candidate.
Network Continuously. Tell everyone (family members, friends, former colleagues, etc.) that
you are looking for employment. Ask them to think of you when they hear of any opportunities.
Join professional organizations to meet others who might be able to help you. Try to meet face‐
to‐face with at least three or four people per day. Offer to buy them a cup of coffee. Tell them
you are seeking advice and counsel for your job search. The purpose of your conversation is to
build a relationship, rather than to ask for a job. At the end of the conversation, ask them who
else would be good for you to talk to and ask if you can use their name as a reference.
Seek outside advice. Consider using an employment agency to help you. Spend time
understanding the services they will provide and the costs of such services.
Take advantage of temporary jobs. Be flexible. Consider taking a contract, temporary or
consulting position. Oftentimes, these types of opportunities can lead to full‐time employment.
Write succinctly about the position. When sending out résumés, make certain your cover letter
mirrors the position description and specific job requirements. Catch the recruiter’s/ hiring
manager’s attention by highlighting how your skills and experience match their needs.
Document your search. Write down all the jobs you applied to: include the title, company
name, contact person & phone number, interview date(s), who referred you and follow‐up
dates/ actions.
Best Practices for Writing a Resume What is a Resume?
A resume provides a brief snapshot of the skills and experiences that you possess relevant to the job for
which you are applying. The point of a resume is to demonstrate that you are likely to be a high
performer at the new job and entice the employer to invite you for an interview.
Tailoring Your Resume
It is crucial to tailor your resume to the job for which you are applying. This can be time consuming and
labor intensive. You might want to create a separate resume “type” for each industry or type of position
that you are seeking.
Time is of the Essence
Generally speaking, you only have about 30 seconds to impress a recruiter or prospective employer with
your resume, so it must be concise. One page is ideal, no more than two pages. Your resume should also
be well‐formatted and must convince the reader that you are worth interviewing.
Steps of Resume Development
Analyze the Job Description
a. Thoroughly review the job description for the position you are seeking. Highlight key
words which indicate required skills and qualifications. Use similar words on your
resume.
Generate a List of Experience and Accomplishments
a. Make a list of your experience and accomplishments. Include things that you enjoy
doing, have done well, and are proud of. You can include anything from educational
accomplishments, jobs or volunteer experience. Focus on the results of your efforts.
Identify Relevant Skill Areas
a. Describe and order your experiences so that they focus on skills and achievements that
are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Format your Resume
a. Include your contact information at the top of your resume. Be sure to include your
name, current address, phone number and email address. You might want to make your
name stand out by making the text larger, or bolden the font.
b. List your experience in reverse chronological order – from most recent to least recent.
i. Start with your work history and end by listing your educational background.
c. References: Include 3‐5 professional references on a separate page. The most effective
references are those of current and former employers and your supervisors. List names,
titles and contact information.
Best Practices for Writing a Resume (continued) Resume Do’s and Don’ts Do
Tailor your resume to the specific position for which you are applying.
Use readable fonts.
Be specific and quantify whenever possible.
Proofread multiple times for proper grammar, spelling, etc.
Be consistent with formatting.
Pay close attention to verb tenses in your bullet points.
Keep your resume to one page, two at the most.
Focus on specific results of your work, achievements and recognition received.
Use action verbs to describe your experience Don’t
Use resume templates from word processing programs.
Use complete sentences.
Use phrases such as “Responsibilities included.”
Include personal information such as a photo, social security number, age or nation of origin.
List unrelated, minor duties (such as opened mail, made copies, etc.)
Lie or exaggerate on your resume.
Use paragraphs.
Resume Checklist
Is your name and contact information at the top of the page?
Is your resume pleasing to the eye? Is the font readable? Can an employer learn about you with
a 30‐second glance?
Did you tailor your resume to the position for which you are applying?
Is your experience listed in reverse chronological order?
Do most phrases begin with action verbs?
Is your resume accurate and truthful?
Have you proof‐read multiple times?
If you were the employer, would you call you for an interview?
Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter What is a cover letter?
The cover letter is a supplement to the resume and affords you the opportunity to: expand on some
items in your resume, discuss your motivation for seeking employment in that industry, field,
organization or company and explain why you would be a great fit for that position. The cover letter also
serves as a de facto sample of your written communication skills. As with any piece of writing, think
carefully about your audience and what kind of evidence or argument might persuade them to contact
you. Every piece of information on your cover letter should speak directly to the position
announcement.
Write a different cover letter for each position for which you are applying.
Include specific information about why you want to work for the employer. Show that
your goals are aligned with the positon.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the position.
Proofread for typos.
Cover Letter Structure
First Paragraph: Briefly introduce yourself. This paragraph should not be more than 4 sentences. Give
the reader a quick review of your most relevant skills and abilities and why you want to work for them.
Key questions the reader will be asking here:
Why are you writing?
Who are you and what are you doing now?
Why are you specifically interested in this position and company/organization?
Second & third paragraphs: Think about your audience. How can you convince them that you would be
an asset to their team? Illustrate as much as possible by providing specific examples and relevant
details.
Key questions you should address here:
How did you develop the relevant skills that this position requires?
How have you been successful in achieving your goals?
Why should I hire you?
What makes you more valuable than other applicants?
Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in discussing the position. Thank the reader for his/her time
and consideration. Make sure to include your contact information.
Best Practices for Interviewing
Job interviews are a chance for the employer to learn more about you and for you to learn more about
the job, company, and organization. Employers use the interview to determine whether you are qualified
for their open position, and whether you would be a good fit for their organization or unit. In interviews,
it is your responsibility to show that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience for the job.
Preparation and a great interview go hand in hand!
Preparing for an Interview
Research the organization and position. This will help you to answer questions and stand out
from candidates who are less prepared.
Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirements and competencies. Outline the
skills, knowledge and abilities required.
Prepare responses. Most interviews consist of resume‐based and behavioral‐based questions.
Practice ‘telling your story’ in the best way possible. Be prepared to discuss your work experience.
Practice! What are the crucial facts about yourself that you want to be sure the interviewer
knows? How do you think your prior experiences and skills relate to this job? Don’t memorize
your answers so they come out rehearsed, but have a clear idea of what you are going to say.
Follow up. Write down any questions you may have so you can ask them at the end of the
interview. Make sure that the questions are relevant – do not ask for information that can easily
be found on the organization’s website.
Plan what to wear. What you choose to wear to an interview is crucial. Dress to impress! Whether
it is business casual or conservative, use good judgment. Make sure that your clothes are neat
and wrinkle free.
What to bring. Plan on bringing extra copies of your resume. You may be meeting with more than
one interviewer.
Types of Interviews Telephone Interviews
Employers frequently use telephone interviews to determine whether or not you should be interviewed
in person. Always be professional when you answer the phone because you never know when an
employer may call. Your voice mail should play a professional‐sounding message.
Treat phone interviews as in‐person interviews. Be articulate, polished and poised. If you treat
the situation casually just because the interviewer cannot see you, that will come across in the
conversation, even if you do not realize it.
Take the time to prepare as if you were interviewing in person. Have cue cards with your
accomplishments ready, as well as your resume. Make sure that you are in a quiet place, and that
there are no distractions. Interviewers are able to hear background noise and no employer wants
to hear shuffling papers.
If possible, do not use a cell phone. This will ensure the quality of the conversation and that there
are no dropped calls.
Best Practices for Interviewing (continued) In Person Interviews
In person interviews can range from short interviews to elaborate events with multiple interviewers. You
need to be prepared for anything and everything. When you interact with the organization’s employees,
be polite to everyone from the receptionist to upper‐level managers. You will be watched and evaluated
throughout your visit. Allow enough time to arrive a few minutes early. It is ok to be 10‐15 minutes early,
but no more than that. Have the interviewer’s contact information in case you get lost or are running late.
Interviews via Video
Many employers are now using video technology for interviews. This may happen in lieu of an initial phone
interview, or in place of an in‐person interview. Download the program (often SKYPE) a few days prior to
your interview and create a profession username. Start using it to understand how the program works
and what the different features do. Some important tips are:
Make sure your microphone and webcam are in working order.
Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
Look around the room where you will be interviewing. You will want to make sure that there
aren’t any distracting objects behind you.
Turn off ringers on cell phones or home phone. You may want to close any open windows so that
there is no background noise.
As is the case with all interviews, make sure that you are dressed professionally. This should be
treated the same as an in‐person interview.
Keep good posture and avoid fidgeting or looking around the room – act as you would if you were
in the person’s office. Make sure to look at the camera during the interview and not at the
interviewer’s face, which would cause you to look down.
Following Up
You have made it through the interview process, and are now waiting to know the outcome. Shortly
after the interview, compose a concise email or note to let the interviewing committee know you value
their time and are still interested in the position. Start with a quick thank you, then mention a specific
moment from the interview – this is a great way to highlight a high point from the interview. Ensure that
you take the time to double check your grammar and spelling. If you have been given a timeline for the
second round of interviews, it is acceptable to follow up to politely ask for an update. If you were not
given a timeline, you can also send a follow up email after two weeks to reiterate your interest in the
position, and to ask if there is any information available in regards to timelines.
Always remember – do not be impatient or demanding if you have not heard anything back after the
employer’s own timeline has passed. You may be frustrated, but do not let it show in your
communication. If you have sent a thank‐you email or note and followed up a second time – now is the
time to wait. Do not send multiple emails or make phone calls. This method may not be looked upon as
favorable by the hiring team.
Best Practices for Applying for a Job online
Applying for a job these days have being made easy due to internet today.
The system is very user‐friendly and allows you to create/edit your employment profile, apply for
specific jobs, attach resumes, and track the status of jobs for which you have applied. Applications can
be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from wherever you have Internet access. All data
submitted via job sites is secure protects information as it crosses the Internet.
How to Apply:
Go Online. View the your preferred Jobs employment site and check/click on Job offers and opportunities.
Create a Profile. Create a profile that can be used to apply for both regular employment
(benefits eligible and non‐benefits eligible) and temporary employment. Enter a unique
username and password of your choosing. You will use this same profile to apply for future
employment opportunities, so be sure to make note of the username and password.
Search for Jobs. Search all current openings for regular employment. Be sure to thoroughly
review the job description, including the education and experience requirements.
Apply. Apply for any job for which you meet the minimum qualifications. You will have the
option to add a resume, cover letter and other supporting documents. You may also be asked
several questions as part of the application process. Please ensure that you confirm that you
are uploading the correct materials. Once you have submitted your application you cannot
make any additional changes. When you apply, your application and documents will go directly
to the Hiring Manager for that position. Once you have completed the application process in
full, you will receive a confirmation email.
Manage Jobs. Check the status of all jobs for which you have applied using the ‘Manage
Jobs’ option. Please understand that reviewing applications takes time, anywhere from
three weeks to three months. If the status is listed as ‘In Process’, it means that you are
still being considered and no other applicant has been selected. The status will change
to ‘Not Selected’ when the department has decided to pursue other candidates.
Log In/Log Out. Log in using your username and password. Log out every time you leave the
site; if there is no activity after sixty minutes, the system will automatically log you out.
