Contact: Joe Espinoza, Student Employment Specialist
760-355-5717 or 760-355-6217
Employers Want Employees Who Can:
Read, write, and communicate in English, but being bilingual is always a plus.
Do simple mathematics.
Follow directions as well as "the rules" (policies/procedures) of the business.
Be on time and ready to work.
Be productive and complete assignments.
Dress appropriately for the job.
Be respectful to your supervisor and fellow employees.
Get along with other employees.
Maintain a good attitude with customers.
Work as a team member.
Leave personal problems at home.
Accept not starting at the top. |
| Why Do You Need a Resume?
It is your personal marketing brochure.
It outlines your experience and qualifications.
You can tell the employer things you cannot say on an application.
Employers might let you leave your resume, even if they are not accepting applications. |
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How Do You Make a Resume?
Use a word processor or resume program - not a resume service.
Keep it to one page - two only if you are very experienced.
Think about what the business might need in an employee.
Write clearly and concisely, using short action phrases, about your:
• Work experience, skills, and abilities.
• Accomplishments and achievements.
• Education and any special courses you have taken.
• Volunteer work.
It must be neat and clean.
It must be error free - no erasures or misspellings.
Have two other people proofread it for you. |
Writing an Objective SentencePerhaps the most difficult part of developing an effective resume is the writing of a meaningful "objective sentence".
The purpose of your "objective sentence" is to sell yourself to the prospective employers by telling them about your knowledge, skills, and eagerness to learn and grow.
As you read through these samples, look for the "key words" that are used. Words like "utilize", "professional", "opportunity", and "position" are just a few such words.
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| Here are some samples to help you get started.
An opportunity for employment where I can utilize my experience and knowledge to establish a productive employment relationship of mutual benefit.
Looking for a company in need of a strong, aggressive, take charge employee to be part of their professional environment.
To obtain a (title) position that would provide an opportunity for professional growth and development.
My objective is to obtain an entry level (title) position that will allow me to utilize skills I have acquired through my education and work experiences while continuing to expand my knowledge of (title) procedures.
To obtain a (title) or related position in a company desiring a conscientious, hard working person with the following skills and abilities.
To obtain an entry-level position in the (title) field, with an opportunity for advancement.
To obtain an employment position with a well established company that offers opportunities for career advancement.
Seeking a position where I may apply my skills and knowledge to benefit my employer and myself.
To obtain a (title) position with an opportunity for advancement and display initiative to assume responsibility.
Seeking a challenging position with opportunity for growth and advancement in a working environment.
To obtain an interesting position as a (title) with a reputable company.
To obtain a challenging position with your company which offers diverse job responsibility and an opportunity for career advancement.
To obtain a position where my skills and experience can be utilized towards establishing a productive work relationship. |
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Your Interview
Before Your Interview:
Plan ahead! What will you wear? Be sure it is clean and pressed.
Know how long it will take to get to the interview.
Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview.
Practice answering possible questions in front of a friend or family member who can give you positive feedback to help you improve.
Think about how you will answer the questions. What do you really want them to know about you.
Know your own strengths and weaknesses and be able transfer weaknesses into personal challenges and commitments to growth.
Practice speaking clearly, using correct English, and good eye contact.
Pay attention to your body language – it may say more than your words. Things to avoid: slouching; crossing your arms over your chest; putting a finger to your lips while speaking; crossing your legs; tapping you fingers; and fidgeting.
Remember the reason for an interview is to learn more about you. It is important to show your best side.
The basic question of all interviews, whether spoken or unspoken, is “Why should we hire you?”
Don’t forget to take copies of your resume, diplomas, certificates, etc. |
| During Your Interview:
Stay calm, be prepared, and take a deep breath or two.
Shake hands with the interviewer and maintain eye contact.
The first ten seconds determine whether you get the job.
Act professional, respectful, and polite.
No gum chewing, smoking, swearing, or slang (even if they do).
Take your time when answering questions.
Answer to the best of your ability.
Think before you speak - ask for clarification if you need it.
Try not to answer with a simple yes or no.
Do not bad mouth previous employers.
Ask what the next step is - when you will know their decision.
Take advantage of the opportunity to offer additional, positive information about yourself if asked.
If a job is offered - think about when and if you can start. |
| After Your Interview:
Make notes about your interview right after you leave.
Send a thank you letter as soon as possible to the employer, if appropriate. |
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OTHER RECOMMENDED SITES| California State Jobs | Career Builder | Career Magazine Online |
| Career Mart | Head Hunters | Career Shop | Career Web |
| Employees Wanted | Federal Bureau of Prisons | Federal Jobs |
| Fed World | Freeality Internet Search | Get a Job | Job Bank USA |
| Monster.com | Job Web | SchoolStaff .com | State Jobs |
| Personnel Management Federal Jobs | |