This Weeks Events (January 28-February 1)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Your Interviewing Experiences

We are interested in hearing from you!


Tell us about a good interviewing experience. What about it made it so good? What did you learn from the experience you want to share with others?





When commenting please refrain from using employers names. They will be deleted before comments are published.

This Weeks Events (January 21-25)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Job Interview Tips

If an employer likes your application or resume, the next step is meeting you over the phone or in person at an interview. Interviews give you the opportunity to showcase your skills and let the employer know why you are the best candidate for the position.

Preparation

• Research the organization.


• Review your qualifications for the job and how they relate to the job requirements.


• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.


• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"


• Practice interviewing with family, friends or Employment Specialists at the Workforce Center. You can set-up a video interview at the Workforce Center by calling (970) 498-6649.

The Interview

• Be early.


• Greet the interviewer(s) with a firm handshake.


• Use good manners with everyone you meet.


• Relax and answer each question concisely.


• Use proper English—avoid slang.


• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.


• Use body language to show interest—eye contact is key.


• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.


• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.


• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.


• Send a short thank you note immediately after the interview.
  

Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20045.htm

This Weeks Events (January 7-January 11)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Applying for the Job

You’ve found the perfect job opening, now it’s time to apply for the position and land an interview.

The purpose of your resume and application is to give an employer written evidence of your qualifications. Your resume or application should be as clear as possible and clearly describe to the employer how your qualifications match the job’s requirements. To do this you want to highlight your experience, accomplishments, education and skills that most closely fit the job you’re applying for.

Before you begin your resume or application, it’s important to gather the following facts about yourself:

• Contact Information


• Type of work you are seeking


• Education


• Experience (paid and volunteer)


• Special Skills (computer skills, foreign language proficiency, membership in related organization)


• References

In your resume or application, provide concrete examples that show your skills.

Completing Your Application or Resume

After you’ve gathered all the required information, now it’s time to complete your application or resume. The format for an application is set and you are required to fill in the blanks. It’s important to fill in all information and to not omit any requested information.

For resumes there are a variety of formats you can choose from. Most computer word processors have templates you can use as a template. It’s important that you keep your resume short, easy to read, and targeted to the specific position you are applying for.
Employment Specialists at the Workforce Center can review your resume prior to you sending it out to employers to make sure it flows well and makes sense. To set-up a one-on-one resume review appointment call (970) 498-6600 in Fort Collins and (970) 667-4261 in Loveland. If you are stuck starting your resume, you want to attend a resume workshop at the Workforce Center. To learn more about these workshops or to sign up call (970) 498-6649.

Cover Letters

When sending a resume to an employer, it’s a good idea to send a cover letter. The cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to an employer.

Cover letters are usually no more than three short paragraphs and are used to capture the employer’s attention. Cover letters should include the following information:

• Name and address of the specific person to whom the letter is addressed.


• Reason for your interest in the company or position.


• Your main qualifications for the position.


• Request for an interview.


• Your home phone number.
  

Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20043.htm

Finding A Job

Over the next two weeks we will be publishing articles on where to find jobs, how to apply for these jobs, and how to have a successful interview.

Where to Start? Where are the Job Openings?

The most important part of any job search is looking in different places to get your job leads. Sticking to one source can eventually be successful but using many different resources could help you land the perfect job a little quicker.

Consider the following sources for your job search:

-Personal Contacts
-Employers
-Classified Ads:
-National and local newspaper
-Professional journals
-Trade magazines
-Internet networks and resources
-State employment service offices
-Federal government
-Professional associations
-School Career Planning and Placement Offices
-Labor unions
-Private employment agencies and career consultants
-Community agencies

To find out specifics about each of these sources click here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20042.htm.


Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20041.htm