Build A Star Job Application!

I learned so much this month about resumes, cover letters, and references this month.

And, Wes and I have culled that information together to bring you this one-page handout.

Check out "Build a Star Resume!"

How do you format a cover letter?

And, from Sharecase's resume workshop, I also got tips on how to write a cover letter.

Check it out!
d

Sample Star Resumes

You have spoken.

We have answered.

I recently attended two resume writing workshops, and I am here to share the goodies with all of you.

From the March 2009 Career Connection workshop, I received this winning example of a resume for Mary Jane Doe.

From yesterday's presentation, I've got two versions of good resumes: one that's a template and one from Jane Doe.

In general, these resumes can be accessed on the Academic Affairs UExplore website.
d

2009 Women's Conference Podcast

Here's your chance to relive the magic of the UC San Diego Women's Conferences. The podcast is now available at: http://blinkcast.ucsd.edu
d

Survey Monkey asks "What did you think?"

Please let us know what you thought about today's presentations.

Your opinions count--we use your feedback to improve the Program and better meet your professional needs.

And…would you please consider filling them out by Monday, March 23rd?

Your Listening Profile with Grace Balch (March 18, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fCAkttNdPyqCgEwh2VvH6g_3d_3d

Academic Personnel Career Field Overview & Career Information Panel with Harriet Kounaves, Kelly Maheu, Reid Yeoman, Collette Isachsen (March 18, 2009)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=rwguqBvU3BXz8V_2fiknABuQ_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!

If you have questions, just give me a bzzzz at ext 2-7990.

D

Academic Personnel...something up their sleeves

One of the UExplore participants asked me a question a couple of weeks ago about how long it takes for each session to be prepared. I had to chuckle a little bit inside because I usually start to prepare for the next session right when the last one ends. I feel like a train engineer running after in-motion cargo and trying to hook them all together. Usually, I can attach the final caboose the Friday before UExplore--but it's not gonna happen this week.

This time around, I'm think I'll still be pulling everything together by Tuesday! And while I haven't seen the whole Academic Personnel presentation yet, I think you'll be in for a treat that spells out "F-U-N".

Get ready for a good time...that's all I'm saying.
d

TIP: Blink Buzz

I got a great tip during a meeting of the minds with the Academic Affairs Fiscal Advisory Group. Actually, our very own Adam DiProfio was the one to proffer the information about BLINK BUZZ.

Have you heard of it?

It's the site that'll keep you up-to-speed with all the information that comes and goes on BLINK, with a special emphasis on changes that are occuring with existing and new policies, practices, and procedures.

The site segments the happenin' news according to categories, including:

• people
• facilities
• buying
• safety
• technology
• finance
• travel

Why is it nice to know about this? By checking in on the Blink Buzz, you demonstrate that you are proactive and knowledgeable about the developments in the career fields. You don't have to check all of them, but even just scanning the news could help expand your knowledge base.

Just sayin'...

:)

D

Grace Balch hits the stage at 8:30am

I can't tell you how excited I am that Grace Balch, Director of Staff Education and Development, will be visiting our session on Wednesday!!! She's a living legend at UCSD with a class of current and former students safely numbering in the thousands. It's probably a safe bet that your supervisor was trained by Grace in the areas of leadership, communication, diversity, team-building, performance management and appraisals, and the like.

The class that Grace will be bringing to us is Your Listening Profile, and it will be starting promptly at 8:30am. Please come early and grab a good seat!
d

Jam-packed March 18th!

Does time really fly when you have a good time?

Well, then I must be experience "E-L-A-T-I-O-N!" I can't believe we're going to back together on Wednesday.

And, boy oh boy, it's a jam-packed schedule....check it out!

1st Annual Women's Conference

Today was the first annual UC San Diego Women's Conference, and UExplore participants were part of a record-breaking number of attendees to listen to successful women share their career stories and advice for work, life, and achieving your personal and professional dreams.

At the event, I saw Taylor Haglund, Jane Peterson, Tehseen Lazzouni, Cindy Hsu, and Jamie Sung.
In this shot, you'll see I caught up with Tehseen, Cindy, and Jamie.

Rah Rah for all of us!
d

Daylight Savings is Sunday at 2am!

Turn the clock 1 hour ahead on Sunday at 2am!

Or, do it before you go to bed.

Or, when you wake up.

your choice

And what about a list of references, then?

A list of references is a document separate from your resume, and having good references can be the clincher to getting that new job.

WHO CAN YOU ASK?
You usually give it to the hiring manager after your interviewed for the position. The people listed should be professional associates that can positively comment on your qualities as an employee. It's perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer too. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer, consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.

ASK FOR PERMISSION FIRST?
Before including a reference on your list, make sure that you have requested permission to use that person as a reference. Be sure to include full contact information for each of references.

HOW DO YOU LIST THE REFERENCE?
Full contact information should be:

Name
Working Title
Employer
Business Address
City, State Zip
Phone
Cell Phone
Email
Relationship to each other:
Years known each other:

HOW MIGHT IT BE USED?
On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's important to know your references, to select the right people, and to get their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving, and other details. I've even asked previous referees: "Will you be able to provide a strong recommendation for me?" If they respond with an enthusiastic "YES!", then I know I asked the right person.

MAXIMIZE THE REFERENCE
It's also very important to have a good idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. I've even followed up with my referees after the interview. I've told them how my interview went, what I think the potential employer is looking for, and remind them of projects I accomplished under his/her supervision that demonstrate that I would be an excellent potential hire.

What's in a letter of recommendation?

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, your reference might ask you upon what you want them to comment.

Here's a few quick ideas about what they could address:

• What is your work/professional relationship? (supervisor, co-worker, committee co-member, peer volunteer, teacher, student)
• In total, how long have you known each other?
• How long were you in the position (if applicable)?
• What professional achievements/contributions did you make to the organization or the project?
• How would they evaluate your work with respect to your: quality, productivity, coordination/cooperation, dependability, and public affairs skills

Here's an elaboration of those characteristics, per the UC San Diego performance appraisal guidelines:

• Quality - Accurate and complete command and use of information, materials, equipment, and techniques required for the job
• Productivity - Efficiently plans and organizes for timely completion of assigned work, adhering to appropriate priorities and exhibiting self-starting ability and resourcefulness
• Coordination/Cooperation - Maintains positive relations and clear, consistent and timely communications with staff. Willing to help others accomplish tasks
• Dependability - Punctual and regular attendance. Meets deadlines without close supervision.
• Public Affairs Skills - Consistent, pleasant and courteous treatment of clients; provides clear and helpful information

HOW TO ASK FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Try to avoid asking, "Could you write a letter of reference for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to write about.

Rather, ask "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?" or "Do you feel you could give me a good reference?" That way, your reference writer has an easy "out" if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.

Offer to provide an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.

D

Modification: Professional Portfolio

Woo hoo! I am so *excited*.

I have heard from a number of you who are working on your professional portfolios.

...which has prompted a change/modification to one of the basic elements we'd like you to include: flexibility about the letters of reference.

You have a choice: you can submit letters of recommendation and/or a list of at least 5 references.
d