Table of Contents Part 1 Starting Your Career Chapter 1: The Job Search Process 4 The Job Search Cycle: Where to Start? 5 Managing Your Job Search 6 Your Job Search Files and Career Portfolio 7 Success Strategies for Marketing Yourself 10
Chapter 2: Know What Employers Expect 19
2 Chapter 3: Know Yourself to Market Yourself 39 Take a Personal Inventory 40 Know What Is Important to You 43 Self-Assessment and Career Planning Resources 44 Set Your Career Targets 46 Job Qualifications Profile 47
The World of Work: Basic Expectations 20 Ethical Expectations in the Workplace 23 In-Demand Industries and Occupations 26
Part 2 Sources of Job Information 60 Chapter 4: Your Winning Network 62 Networking Pays Off 63 Identify Your Networks 63 Strategies for Networking 64 Career Information Survey 69
Chapter 5: Research Careers and Find Job Leads 81 Get an Edge through Research 82 Research Career Fields and Companies 85 Find Job Leads 87
Part 3 Essential Job Search Communications Chapter 6: Resumes 100 What Is a Resume? 101 Plan Your Resume Content 102 Write and Edit Your Resume 107 Organize Your Resume 110 Format Your Resume 111 Customize Your Resume 116 Internet Resources 117
iv
98
Chapter 7: Job Applications and Cover Letters 147 Applying for Jobs 148 The Employment Application 148 Apply for a Job with a Preprinted Application 154 Cover Letters 155 Apply for Jobs Online 163 Distribute Your Print Job Search Package 164
Table of Contents
Part 4 The Job Interview Chapter 8: Interview Essentials 180
Key Elements of Successful Interviews 181 Dress for Success 182 Use Positive Body Language 184 Speak Well for Yourself 185 Be Aware of Business Etiquette 187 Prepare Your 30-Second Commercial 188 Prepare Your Interview Marketing Kit 189
178 Chapter 10: Interview Styles and Questions 213 Inside the Interview 214 Typical Interview Questions 219 Your Questions Count 225
Chapter 11: Interview Like a Pro 233 Gain a Competitive Advantage 234 Prepare for the Interview 236 Wrap Up the Interview in Your Favor 238 Good Interview Follow-up Moves 240 Ace Employment Tests 245
Chapter 9: Ask for—and Get—the Interview 197 Getting an Interview 198 Direct Requests for Interviews 198 Indirect Strategies for Landing Interviews 203 While You’re Waiting for the Interview 207
Part 5 Next Steps Chapter 12: Following Up and Negotiating Offers 256
254 Chapter 14: Take Charge of Your Career 277
Evaluate a Job Offer 257 Negotiate for Top Salary and Benefits 258 Respond to a Job Offer Professionally 260
Chapter 13: Dealing with Disappointment 267 If You Don’t Get Interviews 268 If Interviews Don’t Lead to Job Offers 269 Strategies for Better Outcomes 270
Appendix: Using Social Media in Your Job Search 304 Glossary 310 Index 313
Start Your Successful Career Immediately 278 Develop Good Work Habits 281 Succeed with Your Coworkers 283 Manage Your Career 286
v