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Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide, 3/E
Helene Lamarre, DeVry University

ISBN-10: 0131149725
ISBN-13: 9780131149724

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2006
Format: Paper; 168 pp
Published: 05/20/2005

Suggested retail price: $32.00
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Appropriate as a guide book for college or professional career development courses, including Career Development.

 

In this Third Edition of Career Focus: A Personal Job Search Guide, students will be introduced to the world of personal assessment, personal marketing, and job search know-how. A new focus for the third edition is self-marketing. By using this comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide, students will gain a clearer focus on their own abilities, their career desires, and goals for the future. Readers of this book will learn how to launch their own personal marketing campaign, and how to develop the all-important tools necessary for a successful job search in this competitive and often complex world. In addition, students will understand what it takes to be successful after they get the job.

NEW — Self-marketing approach. Marketing yourself successfully is the focus of all the information found in the first two sections: Introduction and Personal Assessment(Section I, pp 1) and Marketing Tools(Section II, pp 25).

~Students will learn how to market themselves successfully.

 

NEW — Enhanced material on interviewing. For easy access to interview information, interviewing material is now divided into three chapters: Before the Interview(Chapter 8, pp 109), During and After the Interview(Chapter 9, pp 119), and After the Offer(Chapter 10, pp 137).

~Students will gain the knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the interviewing process.

 

NEW — Unique Finding Your Focus questions — In each chapter(Ex. pp 24, 105).

~Encourage readers to not only recall key concepts from the chapter, but to reflect and apply these ideas on a personal level.

 

NEW — “Marketing Your Focus” or MY Focus. Highlights marketing tips and other helpful information — MY Focus information is found in most chapters and relates to the practical application of the ideas and suggestions in that chapter (Ex. pp 23, 89).

~Helps move students from mere reader to active user of these critical concepts and job search strategies.

 

NEW — Improved layout and design. The enhanced design of this new edition includes highlighting of key points(Ex. pp 45, 49), improved graphics(Ex. pp 82, 121) and use of color.

~Highlights important information and allows the reader to see key points and ideas in the chapters at a glance.

 

NEW — Enhanced information and topics —Including marketing strategies and techniques(Ex. pp 22-23); Types and styles of resumes including electronic, scannable resumes(Ex. pp45-72); Paper-based and electronic professional portfolios(Ex. pp 91-105); Electronic company research(Ex. pp 109-113); Types of interviews including stress, group, and telephone(Ex. pp 113-115); Effectively handling behavioral-based interview questions(Ex. pp 122-123); Important questions for the interview candidate to ask(Ex. pp 127-128); Interviewing etiquette(Ex. pp 128-129); Negotiating salary and benefits(Ex. pp 131-134); and Career success on the job including tips for new employees(Ex. pp 151).

~Provides students with a total, comprehensive guide to successful job searching and career planning.

 

NEW — Companion Web Page — Features chapter objectives and highlights, test questions, useful Internet links, special worksheets, and further support information for many chapters in the book. (Go to http://www.prenhall.com/lamarre)

~This interactive tool provides students with a new online dimension of interactivity and self-exploration.

 

Instructor's Guide–accompanies the book.

~Provides teaching suggestions and exercises.

 

Complete chapter on Internet job searching–Including uses, typical sites, and basic Internet terminology.

 

Complete chapter on Evaluating a Job Offer–Including facts and realities about work, criteria for evaluation, and an assessment worksheet(Chapter 10, pp 137).

 

Complete chapter on Designing Job Success–Including fitting into an organization, negative behaviors, and top ten traits for success(Chapter 12, pp 149).

 

Extensive coverage of goal setting and revised coverage of strategic plan lists–In the section on job search strategies.

 

Section on job applications–Includes general advice, tips, and sample applications.

Self-marketing approach. Marketing yourself successfully is the focus of all the information found in the first two sections: Introduction and Personal Assessment(Section I, pp 1) and Marketing Tools(Section II, pp 25).

~Students will learn how to market themselves successfully.

 

Enhanced material on interviewing. For easy access to interview information, interviewing material is now divided into three chapters: Before the Interview(Chapter 8, pp 109), During and After the Interview(Chapter 9, pp 119), and After the Offer(Chapter 10, pp 137).

~Students will gain the knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the interviewing process.

 

Unique Finding Your Focus questions – In each chapter(Ex. pp 24, 105).

~Encourage readers to not only recall key concepts from the chapter, but to reflect and apply these ideas on a personal level.

 

“Marketing Your Focus” or MY Focus. Highlights marketing tips and other helpful information – MY Focus information is found in most chapters and relates to the practical application of the ideas and suggestions in that chapter (Ex. pp 23, 89).

~Helps move students from mere reader to active user of these critical concepts and job search strategies.

 

Improved layout and design. The enhanced design of this new edition includes highlighting of key points(Ex. pp 45, 49), improved graphics(Ex. pp 82, 121) and use of color.

~Highlights important information and allows the reader to see key points and ideas in the chapters at a glance.

 

Enhanced information and topics –Including marketing strategies and techniques(Ex. pp 22-23); Types and styles of resumes including electronic, scannable resumes(Ex. pp45-72); Paper-based and electronic professional portfolios(Ex. pp 91-105); Electronic company research(Ex. pp 109-113); Types of interviews including stress, group, and telephone(Ex. pp 113-115); Effectively handling behavioral-based interview questions(Ex. pp 122-123); Important questions for the interview candidate to ask(Ex. pp 127-128); Interviewing etiquette(Ex. pp 128-129); Negotiating salary and benefits(Ex. pp 131-134); and Career success on the job including tips for new employees(Ex. pp 151).

~Provides students with a total, comprehensive guide to successful job searching and career planning.

 

Companion Web Page – Features chapter objectives and highlights, test questions, useful Internet links, special worksheets, and further support information for many chapters in the book. (Go to http://www.prenhall.com/lamarre)

~This interactive tool provides students with a new online dimension of interactivity and self-exploration.

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.

 

1. Introduction.

Introduction.

            Marketing Yourself.

                        Product.

                        Place.

                        Price.

                        Promotion.

                        Presentation.

            Job Search Process.

 

 

2. Self-Assessment and Promotion.

Self Assessment.

            Marketing Readiness Quiz.

            Self-Awareness Checklist.

            Ability Assessment.

            Transferable Skills Checklist.

            Work Environment and Preferences.

            Self- Assessment Summary Sheet.

 

Self Promotion.

            MY Focus Marketing Tips.

            Skills Most Sought After by Employers.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

SECTION 2. MARKETING TOOLS.

 

3. Marketing Strategies.

Personal Marketing.

            Personal Contact.

            Published Job Market vs. Hidden Job Market.

 

Informational Interviews.

 

Electronic Methods of Marketing.

            Web Groups or Discussion Boards.

Web Pages of Professional Associations.

 

Determining the Best Approach.

            Proactive versus reactive.

            Developing a positive attitude.

            A systematic strategy to pursue companies.

                        The A List.

                        The B List.

                        The C List.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

4. Marketing Techniques.

Networking.

            How to Go About It.

            Developing a Plan.

            Sample Statements.

               Basic Questions to Ask Referrals.

   Basic Questions to Ask a Contact You Don’t Know.

 

Do’s and Don’ts of Networking.

 

Telemarketing.

            Ways to use the Telephone in Your Job Search.

            Specific Advantages of Using the Phone.

           

Additional Guidelines.

   List Companies.

   Plan Your Calls.

   Write Down What You Want to Say.

   Practice.

   Follow Up and Follow Through.

Examples of How to Initiate Contact.

Telephone Do’s and Don’ts.

Sample Calling Script.

Meeting Objections.

   How to Handle an Objection over the Phone.

 

Career Fairs.

            Sample Career Fair Conversations.

            Career Fair Attendance Tips.

     Career Fair Follow Up.

            Current Career Fair Trends.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

5. Resumes and References.

Types of Resumes.

            Reverse Chronological Resume.

            Functional Resume.

            Combination Resume.

 

Resumes Styles of Resume Writing.

            Bells and Whistles Resume Style.

            Plain Vanilla Resume Style.

            Key Word or Scannable Resume Style.

 

Processing an Electronic Resume.

            Resume Scanning Advice.

            Final Advice on Using Scannable Resumes.

 

Resume Sections.

            Heading.

            Career Objective.

            Personal/Professional Summary.

            Education.

                        Representing Education Activity.

            Work Experience.

                        Adding Impact to Your Work Experience.

                        Work Experience Exercise.

            Military Experience.

            Personal.

            References.

 

Resume Guidelines.

            How should it read?

            How long should your resume be?

            How should I write my resume?

 

Action Verbs for Education and Experience Sections.

            Is correctness that important?

 

Resume Tips.

            Personal Content.

            Paper Choices.

            Photos.

            Resume Writing Templates.

            Final Check.

            Resume Checklist.

 

Resumes Samples.

            Types of Resumes.

                        Sample Chronological Resume.

                        Sample Functional Resume.

                        Sample Combination Resume.

            Styles of Resumes.

                        Bells and Whistle Resume.

                        Plain Vanilla Resume.

                        Scannable (Key World) Resumes.

            Additional Sample Resumes.

 

 

References.

            How Many References Should I Have?

            Whom Should I Ask?

            What Should They Say About Me?

What Other Advice Can You Give On Handling References?

                        Make a List.

                        Get Permission.

                        Determine Appropriateness.

                        Be Careful Not to Overuse People.

            Questions for Your References.

            Reference Sheet.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

6. Career Correspondence and Applications.

Career Correspondence.

The Cover Letter.

                        Characteristics of a Good Cover Letter.

                        Writing the Cover Letter.

                        Guide for Writing a Cover Letter.

                        Sample Basic Cover Letter.

 

Application Letter and Sample.

Networking Letter and Sample.

 

Prospecting Letter.

Sample Prospecting Letter Resume Style.

Sample Prospecting Letter with Resume.

Thank You Letter with Sample.

 

Acceptance Letter with Sample.

 

Final Tips on Letter Writing.

A Few Words on E-mail.

 

Job Applications.

Getting Ready.

General Advice.

Tips for Filling Completing a Job Application.

                       

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

7. Professional Portfolios.

Portfolio Skills Assessment.

            Skills and Personal Abilities for Portfolios.

 

Selection of and Types of Samples.

            Types of Samples.

                        Resume/statement of Career Goals.

                        Work Samples.

                        Certifications, Diplomas, Degrees, Awards.

                       

                        Community Service/Volunteer Work.

                        Academic Record/Transcript.

                        Letters of Recommendation/Commendation.

                        Electronic Materials.

 

 

Planning the Portfolio.

            Sample Message.

            Sample Goals Statement.

            Primary Skills Areas.

            Organizational Structure.

            Organizational Techniques.

                        Table of Contents.

                        Annotated Table of Contents.

                        Cover Pages.

                        Labeling of Samples.

                       

 

 

Formatting and Assembling the Portfolio.

            Formatting the Portfolio.

                        Visual Perception Tips.

                        Typography.

                                    Typography Guidelines.

                        Titles, Headings, Captions.

                        Graphic Images.

                        Placement of Elements.

                        Color.

                        White Space.

                        Advice for Presenting Samples.

                                    Paper.

                                    Cropping.

                                    Videos and Computer Disks.

                                    Clip Art.

 

            Assembling the Portfolio.

                        Supplies.

                        Assembly Steps.

                        Tips for Increasing Your Portfolio’s Impact.

                                    Increase Visual Content.

                                    Create a Visual Identity.

                                    Keep Formatting Consistent.

                                    Remember That Less is More.

                                   

                       

 

Electronic Portfolios.

            Advantages.

            Steps in Creating an Electronic Portfolio.

                        Collect.

                        Organize.

                        Create Your Website.

                        Test Your Site and Find a Host.

            Guidelines for Electronic Portfolio Layout.

 

 

 

Using the Portfolio.

            When to Mention It.

            Structured versus Unstructured Interviews.

            Read the Situation.

            Leaving Samples.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

SECTION 3. INTERVIEWING.

 

8. Before the Interview.

Company Research and Its Benefits.

Company Research and Interviews.

What Should Be Investigated.

            Company Research Information.

Gathering Information.

            Traditional Resources.

            Electronic Resources.

            Personal Resources.

 

 

Types and Forms of Interviews.

            Interview Types.

                        Referral Interview.

                        Screening Interview.

                        Selection Interview.

            Interview Forms.

                        Directed Interview Form.

                        Unstructured Interview Form.

                        Stress Interview Form.

                        Group Interview Form.

                        Telephone Interview Form.

           

 

 

Overview of the Stages.

 

 

Dressing for Interview Success.

            Attire Guidelines.

            Specifics for Men.

            Specifics for Women.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

9. During and After the Interview.

Stages of the Interview.

            Pre-visit.

            Greeting/Small Talk.

            Presentation of Company/Position.

            Resume Review.

            Questions and Answers.

            Closing.

 

Questions Asked During Interview.

            Standard Questions.

            Behavioral-based Questions.

                        Sample Behavioral-based Questions.

            Proof Stories.

                        How to Create a Proof Story.

                        Sample Proof Stories.

                        Tips for Creating Proof Stories.

 

Interview Questions for You to Ask.

            General.

            Defining.

            Controlling.

 

Unlawful Interview Questions.

 

Using Your Portfolio.

 

Etiquette.

            Dining Etiquette.

            Dining Tips.

 

 

Testing.

            Types of Tests.

                        Aptitude Tests.

                        Personality Tests.

                        Drug Tests.

            Test Taking Tips.

            Some Thoughts on Drug Testing.

 

Negotiating.

            The Issue of Money.

            Determining Your Salary.

            Compensation.

            Considerations in Negotiating Salary.

            Considerations in Negotiating Benefits.

                        Sample Benefits Which May Be Negotiated.

            When to Negotiate.

            Negotiating Tips.

 

Thank You’s.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

10. After The Offer.

Work Realities.

Criteria for Evaluating a Job Offer.

            The Organization and Its Personnel.

            The Scope of the Job.

            Salary and Benefits.

            The Match Between the Job and Your Goals.

The Simple Method.

Confirmation.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

 

SECTION 4. CAREER SUCCESS.

 

11. What to Know and Do.

Fitting In.

What’s Important.

Assessment.

            Probationary Period.

            Performance Review.

The Value of a Mentor.

Good Things —Bad Things.

            Good Things to do in a New Job.

Tips for New Employees.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

12. Career Success Skills.

Typical Skills.

Reading.

Writing.

Speaking.

Listening.

Teamwork.

Problem-solving/Creativity.

Specific Skill Sets.

Top Ten Traits Employers Seek.

Skills Mentioned Most Frequently.

Personal Values Employers Seek.

 

Finding Your Focus.

 

Helen Martucci Lamarre has successfully assisted job seekers for more than 20 years.  As a senior professor, she has developed curricula and taught courses in career development and business communications to thousands of students who have attained an average placement rate of 97 percent.  She is a distinguished professor, recognized for her creativity and academic contributions. 

As a successful speaker, she has delivered numerous presentations to educational, civic, and private groups on career development and business communications topics.  She also advises and coaches private clients in their personal job searches.

As an author, she has completed five books covering personal marketings, job search techniques, and career portfolios published in both the United States and Canada.

She is a member of the Association for Business Communication and the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers.

Designed for the busy reader of today, this book has one objective - to help students find a satisfying career.  Career Focus begins with chapters on personal assessment and self-marketing, followed by three full chapters on the interview process.  It concludes with a section on how to achieve success in the workplace.  This edition considers the ever-changing marketplace and examines the increased use of technology in the job search process.

Features in this revision include:

  • New, comprehensive chapter on portfolios(Chapter 7)
  • Discussion of employee-desired traits
  • Inviting design and layout

 

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

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