COLUMBIA COLLEGE

GUIDANCE 25/BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 25

JOB SEARCH AND INTERVIEWING STRATEGIES

 

 

INSTRUCTOR: JEFF FITZWATER, 588-5028

 

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

OVERVIEW:

The average person will be confronted with the need to job search numerous times in his or her life.  Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of job hunting techniques is an extremely valuable life skill, which, once properly learned and well utilized, will be of benefit to you throughout your entire lifetime.  This course will endeavor to provide you with practical knowledge and skills necessary to conduct a well organized and efficient job search, as well as to instruct you on the hiring process and effective self-presentation techniques.

 

REQUIRED TEXT:

Farr, J. Michael, Getting The Job You Really Want, JIST Works, Inc, Indianapolis, IN

 

GRADING:

The class is offered on a credit (CR) no credit (NC) basis.  The final grade will be based upon all of  the course requirements listed in the section below.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.         Participation: Participation during ALL class meetings is required to receive credit.  Your questions, involvement, and discussion are valuable and are strongly encouraged!  They show your interest in learning and ability to apply class concepts. This course is designed to assist you with improving your job search skills and interviewing performance.  To better meet your needs, you are encouraged and expected to ask questions, bring up real life situations and concerns in class and be an active participant in classroom discussion.  When you bring your job search challenges to class, and share them, the instructor and your classmates can help you to problem solve.  It is expected that you know that you are here to learn something valuable which you will choose to apply in the real world.

 

2.         Resume/Qualifications Brief:  Each student will complete and submit a satisfactory draft and final version of their Resume/Qualifications Brief to receive credit in the course.  Rough draft is due at the third class session.  Final version will be due at the last course meeting.

 

3.         Cover Letter/Letter of Application: Each student will complete and submit an acceptable draft and final version Cover Letter/Letter of Application to receive credit in the course.  Rough draft is due at the third class session.  Final version will be due at the last course meeting.

 

4.                  Master Application:  Each student will complete and submit a satisfactory draft and final version Master Application to receive credit in the course.  Rough draft is due at the third class session.  Final version will be due at the last course meeting.

 

5.         Practice Interview:  Each student will participate in a practice interview session.

 

 

JOB SEARCH AND INTERVIEWING STRATEGIES, COURSE CALENDAR:

 

Sessions  1 & 2:

                        Lecture:

                        A.        Understanding The Hiring Process: Knowing how and why employers hire and understanding how this relates to your successful job search.

B.         Job Search Strategy: Planning your job search.  Preparation and forethought as the keys.  Organization, time management and use of pocket calendar.

C.        Conducting A Self-Assessment: Skills stalking before skills talking.

D.        Applications.  Purpose and tips for completing properly.  Making an employer’s application work for you.  The role of the master application.  Handouts.

E.         Preparing Your Resume/Qualifications Brief: Why use a resume?  Resume types and their various uses.  The chameleon approach to flexible resume design.  Handouts.

F.         The Cover Letter: It’s purpose and use.  How to craft a powerful letter of introduction.  Handouts.

G.        How To Market Yourself: Projecting a positive personal image.  Physical appearance.  Knowing your product: YOU!  Use of the resume, cover letters, letters of recommendation, etc. in developing your marketing strategy.

                        H.        Questions from the class regarding resume and application preparation.

 

Activity:

            *  In small groups students discuss their individual backgrounds and the various approaches to resume style and format.  Individuals select a style/format appropriate for them and work on an outline and job objective for their resume.

                                                *  Begin working on master application.

 

Assignments:

            * GTJ: Read the first half of the book.

*  Complete draft resume.  Bring to third session.

*  Complete draft cover letter.  Bring to third class meeting.

*  Complete draft master application, bring to third class session.

Sessions 3 & 4:

                                    Lecture:

A.                  Discuss Job Connection Research Assignment: community and web based job search resources.

B.         How and Where To Find Jobs.  Networking, various job lead sources and the hidden job market.  Defining your search targets within the job market:  "Where do I fit in?" 

 

C.        (Continued)  Use of the radar approach in checking job lead sources.  Developing a job search strategy and making employer contacts.  Video & Handout.

 

D.        Interviewing: How To Present Yourself.  Projecting a positive image: attitude and behavior.  Developing an interview strategy, the interviewing process (what's really going on), the importance of formulating and practicing appropriate and positive responses in advance.  Identifying and overcoming employer objections.  Facts, detail and examples.  The PAR (Problem, Action, Result technique).  The “Dirty Dozen” interview questions.  Panel interview situations.  Video & Handout.

Sessions 3 & 4 (Continued):

 

Activity:

            *  Small groups review draft resumes and cover letters.  Discuss and advise.

*  Review master application draft copies.

*  Discuss progress on resume assignment.

*  Networking video.

 

Assignment:     

            *   Review “Dirty Dozen” interview questions.  Prepare answers for practice interviews

                        *  Complete Cover Letter, Resume and Master Application.  Bring  Next Session.

            * GTJ: Read the second half of the book.

 

Sessions 5 & 6:         

Lecture:

A.                 Interview Evaluation and Follow-Up. Honest and effective evaluation, making adjustments in presentation to improve performance.  How to check back on job leads and follow-up on interviews. Maintaining a support group and positive outlook.   


 

B.                  Summary and review.  Summing it all up: how all of the key elements previously         discussed in class sessions fit together to form a job hunting strategy which will result in a more effective and efficient job search effort, more confidence within our selves and a better presentation to employers.

 

Activity:           

            *  Interviewing and Interview Modeling videos.

*  Mock Interview, and  Practice Interviews.

*  Turn in final resume, cover letter, and master application.

 

Assignment:

            Practice and utilize what you have learned in this course!  Keep a special job search resource folder/binder with all of the materials you now have, for future reference.  Refresh your knowledge and perspective by reviewing all of these materials thoroughly before embarking on any job search or interview.  Keep a thorough “foundation” resume ready to be modified and used at a moments notice.  Happy hunting, and best wishes for your success!