How to get the job YOU want!

1. How to get the job YOU want! Oklahoma Career Tech Conference Cathy Curtis Senior Employment Advisor Chesapeake Energy Corp. Tuesday, August 5, 2008

2. The first step….Writing a Resume….what to remember • Think of your resume as a sales brochure – selling YOU! • Focus on your strengths – list achievements and demonstrate your qualifications for the position. • Be clear – Be concise. • Produce in a standard, easy-to-read font. Avoid the use of multiple fonts. Use BOLDING and Underlining to your advantage, but do not make the page “busy” and distracting to read. • Use short paragraphs (or bulleted points). Avoid the use of “I”.

3. Do not use acronyms or abbreviations in a title. If you include an objective – keep it to the point and target the correct company. List details of your education, including GPA and honors and awards. DO NOT “overstate” or embellish your academic record, job history or statements. PROOFREAD!!! AND…..

4. “You never get a second chance to make a great first impression” aka “ACE THE INTERVIEW!” • BE PREPARED! • Practice your introduction. Smile and introduce yourself with a firm and confident handshake. Practice with a friend. • DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Research the company and be prepared to state what you know. • Know your resume and be comfortable describing your academic and work experiences. Be prepared to answer questions about specific projects, etc. • Be prepared to ask questions when given the opportunity.

5. Interview MUST-HAVES • ARRIVE ON TIME! Five to ten minutes early is “on time”. If you find that you will be late – call and explain. Offer to reschedule. • DRESS APPROPRIATELY! A conservative approach is always correct. No matter how strong your abilities – you must win the opportunity to demonstrate your skills! • REFERENCES: Be prepared to provide a list of professional references (on a separate page from your resume). • ALWAYS FOLLOW UP WITH A THANK YOU NOTE!! Ask for a business card from all you interview with, and send a note thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. Don’t forget to mention that you would love to work for this company!

6. Absolutely – Do NOT: • Arrive late (without a phone call). • Smoke or chew gum. • Be critical of previous employers or co-workers. • Wear excessive jewelry, make-up or perfume. • Discuss personal or financial problems. • Bring children or friends to the interview. • Ask about salary or benefits until the END of the interview (if then). Instead – ask if your qualifications meet the requirements of the job – will you be considered for the position.

7. Perception is reality! Think about how others see you and perceive you in the workplace. Are you presenting your best image? What is the company dress code – and what is the culture of the company? Remember: “dress for the job you want – not necessarily the one you have now”. Be responsible for your actions. The “3 P’s” – Prompt – Productive – Professional. Be “socially acceptable”. Your Professional Image…..more than good looks!

8. Image includes….. • Communication • Social Decisions • Work Ethic • Etiquette

9. Professional Communication • Consider taking a Business Communication course if you have not done so as part of your education. • If you are required to make presentations to management or senior company officials (or, if you would like to promote into this type position) look into public speaking courses or a local Toastmasters group. • In all forms of communication – be diligent about correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and pronunciation.

10. Consider these Communications • Telephone and cell phone answering messages. How professional do you sound to a recruiter or hiring manager who reaches your voicemail? • How do you leave messages? If you are returning a call from a recruiter or hiring manager – a potential employer – what does your message communicate to them? • Email Usernames – will a potential employer get the wrong “message” when seeing your email username? • DO NOT use slang, or “texting abbreviations” in your business emails. They should be as polished and professional as a formal written business document. Although all companies have different email “styles” – err on the side of correctness.

11. Social Decisions • BEWARE (and aware) of “Social Networking” sites and the implications they may have on your career. There are multiple cases of dismissals (and lawsuits) over indiscreet postings, photos, and information found on MySpace, FaceBook, and other similar internet sites. • Remember – even before you interview – consider (and investigate) what may be found on the internet about you should a company check these or other sites. It is completely legal, and many companies consider it as part of a reference or background check. Inappropriate photos and words can derail your chance at a job faster than a speeding train!

12. Work Ethic • Your professional image includes how others perceive your accountability and dependability. Are you a “go to” person? Do others look to you for leadership, even if you are not officially in a supervisory role? • Punctuality and attendance – at a very minimum, arrive on time and do not leave early. Make an impression – be one of the first to arrive and not a “5-o’clocker” departing. You will be noticed by others who keep this schedule (and they are generally in leadership positions). • Take your job seriously. This includes looking the part (professional attire and grooming) as well as your behavior and attitude. Is your Monday morning conversation all about the weekend parties – or the upcoming workweek?

13. Etiquette • Manners are NEVER out of style! • Smile and speak to all as if they were the most important person in the company. Take the time to open a door – offer to help with a project or moving boxes – and be the first to volunteer for events. Help to clean up after a meeting or event. • Say “Please” and “Thank You” – and mean it! • Be aware of alcohol consumption at company events (IF it is offered. If alcohol is offered, it is not an invitation to an “open bar”. Being the life of the party could be the death of your career!

14. Life’s Priorities • The most significant decisions you make in life are around your job, your spouse and your children. • You spend ¼ of your life at your workplace. • Finding the right job takes work and preparation.

15. Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Confucius (551-479 B.C.)

16. Find a job that you like so much that you would do it without compensation; then do it so well that people will pay you to continue. Walt Disney

17. Questions??