Communicating for Employment

Click on each question to check your answer.

1. How can you use social media to impress potential employers?

Social media can help you get employment if you ensure your profiles are professional and show your knowledge and expertise. Social connections and subscriptions in your field demonstrate you can be a team player and stay up to date in your profession. You can also use social media to network with other professionals.

2. How can you use Twitter as a job-search tool?

You can create a positive professional image by using your Twitter account as an online business card with appropriate images, content, and links. You can follow and connect with people and organizations relevant to your career. Posting content and retweeting can gain attention that may lead to job opportunities.

3. What should you keep in mind when you create a LinkedIn profile?

Your LinkedIn profile should include a professional-looking headshot, complete preliminary information (name and job title/career focus) and overview section, as well as a thorough and compelling background summary. You can take steps to have your profile ranked high in search results, incorporate visual content, and solicit endorsements and recommendations. Regular updates will keep your profile current and fresh as well as suggest that you’re seeking new employment opportunities. Search for people you know and invite them to join your network.

4. What information is expected in a resumé?

Resumés need to include name and contact information, education, and experience. Additional categories are optional and are included depending on your field, experience, and the position you’re applying to. These categories include objective/career profile, summary of qualifications, skills and capabilities, awards and honours, activities, and references.

5. What are the three most widely used resumé styles?

The three types of resumés are chronological, functional, and combination.

6. What are some keywords that should be used in a scannable resumé? Why are these words important to include?

Some key words to include on a scannable resumé include the following: accurate, efficient, planning ability, active, experienced, positive, adaptable, flexible, problem-solving, communication skills, innovative, productive, creative, leadership, results-oriented, customer-oriented, motivated, takes initiative, detail-oriented, organizational skills, and willing to travel. They are important to include because applicants with the highest percentage of matches have a better chance of being seen as good candidates and getting interviews.

7. What is the difference between a solicited and unsolicited application letter?

A solicited application letter is written when you know a company is hiring and you are responding to an advertisement. An unsolicited application letter is written when you don’t know if the company is hiring, but you are trying to find a job.

8. What is the STARS technique that prepared interviewees use during behavioural interviews?

Behavioural interviewing is commonly used to have interviewees talk about their performance in specific work situations. The STARS technique will help you develop an effective response: focus on outlining the situation, note the tasks you had to perform, explain the actions you took, state the results, and classify and reflect on the skills you used.

9. Why is a follow-up letter important?

A follow-up letter shows that you are interested in the position and the company, it can recap your selling points, and it can demonstrate your manners and knowledge of business etiquette.

10. What should you do before adding a reference to your reference list?

Be sure to ask for permission before you list anyone as a reference and ensure that you feel confident that they will speak positively and knowledgeably about you.

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