1. Job Search 101
Résumés, Cover Letters
& Linkedin Summaries

2. Objectives
•Understand the key elements
of a successful résumé, cover
letter and Linkedin profile
•Learn strategies for planning
and drafting these items

3. Job Search 101
Résumés

4. Résumé-writing is hard...
•Objective or no objective?
•One page or two?
•No work experience?
But we can make it easier.

5. Gold Standards forRésumés
• Uses a simple format
& standard fonts
• Flows logically
• Outlines work history
• Highlights results
• Showcases relevant
experience
• Uses appropriate
jargon & key words
• Includes correct
contact information

6. The
Transition-Action-DetailsTM
Strategy

7. Transition Action Details
1.
Put position
titles & dates in
this column
2.
Put overviews
of your duties
in this column
3.
Put evidence,
explanations &
examples
in this column
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

8. •Microsoft Certified Professional
•Johnston Scholar
•Valedictorian, East Bladen High
Evidence

9. •Certified ScrumMaster: Coach and
process owner of 8-person software
development team
•Proficient in QuickBooks, the
bookkeeping and tax preparation
software
Explanations

10. •Started recycling program that
reduced waste stream by 34%
•Recovered $850 in past-due bills
•Built database to capture sales
activity
Examples

11. How to put it all together
•Work left to right across the rows,
making each row a section
•Use a narrative style (sentences &
paragraphs) or bullet points
•Expand on the information in the
organizer as needed

12. Transition Action Details
1.
Assistant
Manager, H&M,
2012
2.
Helped with
training,
scheduling and
sales at 2nd-
highest grossing
store in NC
3.
15 employees
$200
performance
bonus
Download the packet:
http://bit.ly/JobSearch101NCCU

13. Questions?

14. Job Search 101
Cover Letters
& Linkedin Summaries

15. Cover Letters Gold Standards
• Includes name of
position applied for
(and job number if
required)
• Uses key words/
jargon from job
description
• Has an authoritative
but friendly voice
• Establishes your
credentials
• Provides a key
example, explanation
or evidence of results
you’ve achieved
• Showcases what you
bring beyond basic
requirements
• States clearly why you
want the job
• Includes correct
contact information

16. The
Content-Purpose-AudienceTM
Strategy

17. Content-Purpose-Audience StrategyTMContent-Purpose-Audience StrategyTM
Content
Content
Content
ContentMain Idea Key Details
PurposePurpose
Think Do
AudienceAudience
People Questions
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

18. Content: The Main Idea
• The most important thing you
want your prospective
employer to know.
• If you could only say one
thing, what would that be?

19. Content: Key Details
The evidence, examples and
explanations that support
your Main Idea or answer
Questions.

20. ContentContent
Main Idea Key Details
Helping other people
be effective is
important to me.
•Doing similar job now
part-time (explain)
•Upbeat personality/
natural problem-solver
(example)
•Clear communicator
•Used to performing
under pressure
•Use holistic methods
in own life (examples)
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

21. Audience
Who are you trying to
persuade or inform and what
questions or objections will
they have?

22. AudienceAudience
People Questions
•HR staff
•Hiring manager
•What direct or
analogous experience
do you have?
•Why should we hire
you over other
qualified candidates?

23. Purpose: Your Call To Action
• What do you want your
prospective employer to think
or feel about you?
• What do you want them to
do?

24. PurposePurpose
Think/Feel Do
•I have the professional
experience and personal
interest to excel in this
position.
•I am a good fit for this
job and company.
•Give me an interview
•Seriously consider me
for the position
•Recommend/refer me
to others, if
appropriate

25. How to put it all together

26. Ways to structure your cover letter
• Main Idea-Key Details-Do
• Think-Key Details-Do
• Key Detail-Main Idea-Key
Details-Think-Do
• Question-Key Details-Think-
Do

27. Questions?

28. Gold Standards for
Linkedin Summaries
• Sounds like you (not
everyone else)
• Sets the stage for
work history
• Indicates your
overarching
aspirations
• Uses key words
• Showcases what you
have to offer and how
you like to work
• Provides insights into
your personality and
values

29. Follow the same steps
to create
Linkedin Summaries

30. Content-Purpose-Audience StrategyTMContent-Purpose-Audience StrategyTM
Content
Content
Content
ContentMain Idea Key Details
PurposePurpose
Think Do
AudienceAudience
People Questions
Download a blank organizer here: http://bit.ly/LTCECareers.

31. Now you try.
Let’s write!

32. Questions?

33. Margot Carmichael Lester