Chapter 15 gave excellent advice on how to search for a job. I was aware of many of the strategies they brought up in the chapter from my own experience in searching for summer internships the last few years. I have experienced a lot of the problems brought up in the chapter, like how you can tailor a resume for the job you want, or how to make your resume more scannable. I also agree with the importance of taking an active role in finding a job. Job hunting is a constant activity and to have the best chance for success, you cannot wait around for employers to find you.
I had always used a archival resume in my applications and until reading the chapter had never really considered that there were other types. However when you consider the previous reading assignment about knowing your audiences and how to tailor your writing for specific readers, the functional type of resume makes more sense. I think a potential boss is much more likely to be interested in your skills, abilities, and accomplishments then your specific work experience. So highlighting these attributes by using a functional resume seems like it would do a much more successful job at standing out from other potential employees. The functional resume, by highlighting your skills more then your previous jobs, can really show a potential boss what you can offer the company.
This "you" based attitude is also talked about later in terms of a cover letter. A company wants to hire the person that can help the out the most. So by focusing your cover letter and resume on how you can help the company is an excellent way to impress the people who may hire you. Once you take into account your potential boss that may read your resume or the HR people who may read your application letter, you can have a much better chance at impressing them and being offered the job. So the next time I need to go job hunting I will be sure to keep all this in mind. And by thinking of what a potential boss, HR person, or even a computer that may scan it is looking for, I hope it will help me write a better resume and cover letter, and hopefully stand out among the other applicants.
Response
I agree with what you said about the problems you can run into while creating a resume and trying to find a job. It can be tough. Another thing you said that can’t be emphasized enough is you need to get out and try hard to find a job. They will definitely not come find you. This is probably one of my low points. The first two years of college I did not take advantage of the job fairs and other career opportunities that they basically laid out in front of us. I went to them but did not talk to hardly anyone, and did not give out any resumes that were already tailored to meet their needs. Needless to say I never heard from any of those people I did talk to. In the future I will know how to go about it better than before because of these readings.
Bobby
Because of my lack of
Because of my lack of experience with job searching I found this reading to be very helpful also. I have not had to tailor my resume or try to present myself in the way that the potential employer is looking for, but I also have not had any positions that would require any refined skills. This is now beginning to change due to the fact that I'm really not looking for the three month and run summer job. After reading and studying this material I'm hoping to get a head start and land the position that a want without much sacrifice.