Survey Monkey!

What did you think?
Your Professional Portfolio
Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IFwsBh_2fqxKvxVu74bVJ_2bzQ_3d_3d

Communications & External Relations

Career Field Overview and Career Information Panel
Suzi Sterner, Sarah Andrade, Portia Bibb
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fCXxPoA07ayb9DUsEtNfVg_3d_3d

Thank you for filling our your surveys!!!!
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Our First Jobs

Oh! I had so much fun learning about your first jobs! I know Rosemarie used it as an exercise to get us thinking about the range and quality of our work experiences, and I look back and think: "Oh, the places we've been!"

I added a sidebar to capture the variety of our beginnings in the work world. I missed out on hearing Kimberly's and Jamie's, though.

So, Jamie and Kimberly, chime in with a comment or an email to us. Let us hear what your first jobs were.
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Urban Myths

Well, not really an urban myth, but we debunked a few hiring myths today

Myth #1 Your resume is reviewed by a coomputer program. If your resume contains words from the qualifications section of the online job posting, then you will get referred
NOT TRUE! Your resume is reviewed by a live human being--a professional recruiter from central HR. A professional recruiter is assigned to each Vice Chancellor, and he/she will look at your resume as a whole. If you are minimally qualified for the position, then your resume is referred to the hiring department

Myth #2 There is a limit on how many resumes that Central HR refers to the hiring department
NOT TRUE! There is no limit on how many resumes that Central HR refers to the hiring department.

Myth #3 Central HR ranks the referred applicants when they forward resumes to the hiring department
NOT TRUE! Central HR does not rank the referred applicants. Central HR forwards all applications that are minimally qualified. The hiring department determines the candidate with the highest qualifications and best fit for their organizational needs.

Myth #4 It is better to apply towards the end of the job posting deadline
NOT TRUE! As long as you are minimally qualified for the position, then your resume will be referred. The time at which you submit the application does not affect the quality of your application and your chances of being referred.

Myth #5 Your resume can only be one page
NOT TRUE! Your resume can be longer than one page, though 2-3 pages is generally the accepted norm at UCSD.

Myth #6 A longer resume is better than a shorter resume
NOT TRUE! A long resuemn does not equate to a high-quality resume. Do not submit 10-page, 20-page resumes. Try to keep the resume to 2-3 pages.

ROOM CHANGE FOR MAY 20th! Go to Science and Engineering Room in the Geisel Library

SNEAK PEEK: Personal Commercials make a return!

A STAR IS BORN!

During Rosemarie's presentation on Monday, she'll be asking for a few volunteers to deliver their personal commercials.

You've got them ready already, so now is your chance to SHINE!

Extra points go to all volunteers!

What to expect...

...when we get together on Wednesday....

• 45-minute panel presentation about building a star resume
• 7-10 minutes of one-on-one time with a professional expert to review your portfolio
• 30-minute Open Forum with Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar --ask her anything you want about the recruitment process and how to get hired!

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Be our guests!

We've lined up a great team of UC San Diego professionals to review your portfolios next Wednesday.



Drum roll please.....

• Millicent Daniels
• Ben Haden
• Marcele Maia
• Rosemarie Mirano-Del Mar
• Jeannie O'Neil-Ferlito
• Earline Ventura

They are recruitment and outreach experts from central human resources and the Academic Affairs VC area.
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Sample Skills Statements

With the power of action verbs, your skills statements will improve at least one degree--I promise!

Check out these sample skills statements:

• Understand and apply organizing principles
• Teach a skill, concept, or principle to others
• Write factual material clearly and concisely
• Identify information sources appropriate to special needs or problems

Find more sample skills statements on the Academic Affairs UExplore website .

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Verbs for your Resume!

• Assist with financial budget
• Knowledge of human resources principles
• Prepare events for staff

Observation: These are samples of skills statements that might appear on a resume.

Opinion: Stay away from these skills statements. Stay away from "assist with", "knowledge of", and "prepare". You can do better. Tell me exactly how you assisted: what tools did you use; who was your audience; what was the result of the work you performed, etc.

To quickly improve your resume, use verbs that accurately and precisely describe your skills and abilities and how you have applied your knowledge.

To help you out, I've included a one-page cheat sheet on our Academic Affairs UExplore website that lists at least 100 great verbs. Check them out!

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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!
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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.
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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.

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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.
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TIP: Your Professional Portfolio

You can now access the Professional Portfolio ideas for career fields in Human Resources and Administrative support via the Academic Affairs UExplore website.

Start by entering the site: http://academicaffairs.ucsd.edu/staffhr/uexplore/2008.htm
Search by UExplore session topic/date
Locate the last bullet item to find the "Professional Portfolio Ideas" for that career field

There are two downloadable versions:

• Word 97-2003 version---so you can add ideas
• PDF version

If you have new ideas like Jill mentioned at last month's meeting (about volunteering), please let me know so I can keep our ideas growing.

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