Master the Job Search from Start to Finish: Get Hired Faster

Exercise 1: Take a moment to examine your resume carefully and evaluate it for pitfalls or common mistakes. Pay close attention to formatting inconsistencies, spelling or grammatical errors, generic language, or lack of quantifiable achievements. Note any corrections or areas for improvement below, ensuring that you address these issues as you progress through the course. This exercise will help you identify and rectify any existing mistakes and empower you to craft a stronger and more compelling resume by the end of the course.

Exercise 2: Now that you have explored various resume formats, take a moment to reflect on your work history and the positions you are aiming for. Consider which resume format, or combination of formats, aligns with your career path and the roles you are pursuing. Which columns have you circled ‘yes’ the most?

Exercise 3: Now that you have mastered crafting a Summary of Qualifications, it is time to apply your skills! List your strengths and relevant soft skills in the exercise below. Then, brainstorm your Areas of Expertise (or Core Competencies), grouping two to three words to make them more impactful. Review job descriptions and note keywords and required skill sets. If you have strong experience in any of these areas, ensure they are reflected in your Summary of Qualifications and Areas of Expertise sections.

Exercise 4: Use the worksheets in this exercise to build the foundation for your bullet points for each role. This tool will help you craft and structure your bullet points with ease. Additionally, you can rank each bullet point to determine its placement within the first, second, third, or fourth set by circling the appropriate number. Refer to page 120 for a list of Adjectives and Verbs that will help you write your resume. Feel free to make additional copies of the worksheet as needed.

Exercise 5: Now that you understand how to showcase your academic achievements effectively, let’s complete all the details below. This will ensure that you do not overlook any crucial information and help you understand how to structure your achievements when incorporating them into your resume.

Exercise 6: Now that you understand how to structure your skill sets, list each employer or academic institution where you have utilized software applications or gained technical skills. Write down the category under which you would identify each application and skill. If you have only used a few software applications or programs, there is no need to categorize them on your resume; simply list them on one line. However, if you have several software applications or programs, you can then categorize them based on their purpose.

Exercise 7: Do you have any additional accomplishments or leadership experiences that will elevate your resume and showcase your well-roundedness? In the exercise below, document instances where you have demonstrated leadership, both inside and outside of your employment.

Exercise 8: If you are contemplating a career change, start reviewing job postings for roles that interest you. Note the primary responsibilities and required skill sets for those positions. Reflect on your career experience and identify the tasks in which you have the most experience. Rank the top four skill sets from 1 to 4, prioritizing the most relevant ones. This will guide you in determining which skill set to focus on first, second, and so forth.

Exercise 9: Explore the company’s website and social media platforms and note its mission, vision, and values. Next, review the job description and list the required skill sets for the role. Then, write down your skills and experiences that match those requirements. Print the chart on the next page as needed for each role.

Exercise 10: Now that you have done the research and gathered the necessary information, we can begin writing your cover letter. Using the information you compiled in Exercise 9, you have everything you need to include in your cover letter. You have already identified the required skill sets for the role and matched them to your experiences in your current and previous roles, along with understanding the company’s mission and values. Follow the guidelines provided in the Cover Letter Template to complete your cover letter.

Exercise 11: Now that you have gained more insight into LinkedIn Recruiter and understand things from a recruiter’s point of view, let’s audit your LinkedIn profile to ensure it is optimized for attracting potential employers.

Exercise 12: As you search and apply for jobs, research each company and keep detailed notes on the employers and available positions. Compare the companies and roles to determine which offer the best professional development opportunities, serve as strong stepping stones for future growth, provide better benefits, and offer higher salaries.

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Exercise 13: Now that you are familiar with the various methods to find job opportunities, ensure you cover all your bases with the comprehensive checklist below.

Exercise 14: Use the chart on the next page to match your skills and experience to the role. If there are specific responsibilities in the job description that you lack direct experience in, think creatively about your past projects or tasks. Identify any skills or knowledge you have gained that could be transferable.

Exercise 15: In this exercise, write down what you require in a job offer. For each line, indicate if that item is a need or a want and, if applicable, identify the bare minimum you will accept. This will help you prepare for your conversations and ensure you have a clear understanding of your priorities and their importance.