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  • What Services Does Placement Offer?

    The Placement Department seeks to provide opportunities for each CBT graduating students and alumni to develop a clear career objective by helping to prepare résumés, learn how to interview, and implement job-search strategies. Placement offers the following services.
    1. Seminars and Workshops
      • Guest Lecturers and In-house Lecturers
      • Sample Topics
        • Time Management
        • Effective Study Habits
        • Soft Skills – Can Make or Break You
        • The Art of Working Job Fairs
        • Technology Advancements – Keeping Up
        • Etiquette of Successful Interviewing
        • Hunting in Today's Job Market
        • Using Newspapers and Internet to find a Job
        • Using the Internet Successfully for Online Job Search
        • Salary Negotiation
        • Value of Internships
        • Importance of Certifications & Portfolios
        • Professional Development
        • How to Market and Sell Yourself
    2. Monthly Workshops on Resumes and More
      • How to create and / or update a winning resume
      • Cover letters and Thank you Letters
    3. Career Resources: Books, Periodicals, Job Almanacs
      • In Library/ Resource Center
      • In Placement Office
    4. Resume Referral
      • Student resumes are forwarded to hiring managers of companies that have current open positions.
      • Resumes are also forwarded to staffing agencies
    5. Job Availability Board
      • Current job listings
      • Companies that accept applications online
      • Upcoming Job Fairs and Workshops and other events
    6. Internships and Externships
      • Available within last 6 months of studies to Qualifying Students
        • Factors: Grades and number of hours completed
    7. On Campus Recruitment
      • Outside companies visit to offer full time and part time opportunities
    8. Other Activities
      • Mock Interviews
      • Career Fairs


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  • Steps in the Successful Job Search

    •  Identify your skills, abilities and interests.

    •  Draft your résumé (or refine and update your current one).

    •  Obtain necessary certifications for your field or prepare a portfolio of works.

    •  Identify employers who hire people with your skills.

    •  Network with faculty, alumni, family, friends, and colleagues.

    •  Use your research to write customized cover letters.

    •  Prepare for interviews.

    •  Get reference letters .

    •  Follow up your initial contacts with employers by telephone.

    •  Make new contacts each week and follow up on them.

    •  Analyze your activities for possible improvement.

    •  Stay positive and be persistent.



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  • How do I begin my job search?

    1. Establish a relationship with Placement. Either let Placement know what your career objectives are or work with Placement to define your objectives.
    2. Attend classes
    3. Obtain all applicable certifications
    4. Become acquainted with the staff & faculty
    5. Attend workshops & seminars
    6. Start & update portfolio if applicable
    7. Sign a Job Search Assistance Pledge (see attached)

    When you near graduation you may pick up a copy of The Job Hunting Handbook - a career-planning manual featuring articles on résumé development, writing cover letters, preparing a portfolio, interviewing, first impressions, and making the transition from college to the work force.



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  • How do I choose a résumé style?

    The best resume format for you depends on your background and the requirements of the jobs that you want to interview. There are three main formats of resumes.

    • The chronological résumé allows you to emphasize your career growth and progression. You present your most recent job and educational experience first, then trace backwards in time. Describe the duties you performed under each listed experience. This format may not be advantageous for people with limited or unrelated employment experience, and gaps in employment are readily noticeable.
    • The functional résumé focuses on professional skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. It is organized by functional titles that explain general areas of expertise. Under each function heading is a brief explanation of your accomplishments in that area. You can tailor the functional résumé to highlight specific skills that you have that the job requires. This format is good for recent graduates, career changers, and people with limited work experience or interrupted careers. Use this format cautiously as Hiring Managers are not fond of this type of resume.
    • The combination résumé incorporates both the chronological and functional formats. You can tailor the explanation of your job history to fit the types of jobs for which you are applying; you can also show continuity in your job record or history. Organize your background by skills and functions rather than by job title. List your job titles and employers in reverse chronological order at the end of the résumé


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  • How do I write a cover letter?

    SAMPLE:

    12345 Resume Street
    Miami, FL 33123

    Date

    ATTN.: Ms. Delia Gomez Via Fax (305) – 555 - 5555

    Human Resources Department
    XYZ Corporation
    11610 NW 107 Avenue
    Miami, Florida 33133

    Re: Accounting Clerk Position

    Dear Ms. Gomez:

    I found the referenced position in The Herald and am very interested. Trustworthy, honesty, and attention to detail are the qualities required for an accounting position. As my resume shows, these are qualities that I possess and hope to demonstrate at the XYZ Corporation.

    While earning my Associates Degree in Business Administrations with emphasis on accounting, at the College of Business and Technology, I participated in the internship program offered. First I was placed in an entry – level accounting clerk position in a small import/ export office. I increased my knowledge in accounts payable and accounts receivable. Additionally, I redesigned and updated forms used in the accounting department. The next internship I did was at the Burger King Corporation where I was an account clerk. During my tenure, I learned additional tasks regarding entering data and preparing reports on the data; doing reconciliations and payroll. My duties and responsibilities increased considerably during this internship. I was entrusted with confidential information and specific deadlines both of which were recognized that I handled professionally.

    I am graduating from CBT in June with an Associates degree in Business Administration. My resume is attached for your review. I am confident that my practical experience and knowledge of accounting procedures will allow me to make immediate contributions to your organization. I look forward to meeting you soon to discuss how my skills can meet the needs of XYZ Corporation.

    Sincerely,

    Jose Diaz




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  • How do I write a thank-you letter?

    A follow-up letter to the interviewer makes you out from the other candidates competing for the position. Write your follow-up letter as soon possible after the interview.

    Components of the Letter

    • Type the letter in a business letter format.
    • Address it to the person with whom you interviewed.
    • Express appreciation for the opportunities to interview, tour the facilities, meet other employees, etc.
    • Mention the day of your interview and the position for which you interviewed.
    • Express continued interest in the position and the company.
    • Re-emphasize your most important skills and qualifications and how you expect to contribute to the organization.
    • Include any information you forgot to mention in the interview, if necessary (be brief though).
    • Close your letter with a comment about future contact with the employer.


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  • How do I prepare for an interview?

    Today's employers are committing more time and resources to recruiting and interviewing. The interviewer needs to quickly identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities candidates have to help them be successful on the job.

    Your goal in an interview is to show how your education, knowledge and experiences can benefit the employer. The best way to do this is describing times when you have successfully used your KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) needed for the job. You may use examples of past performance from work experience, internships, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, family life, and other activities.



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  • What kinds of questions will I be asked in an interview?

    By anticipating what questions may be asked, you can prepare. The following are common questions used by employers:

    • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
    • Why did you select College of Business and Technology? Why did you choose your major?
    • What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
    • Describe your most rewarding accomplishment.
    • How has your college experience prepared you for your career?
    • What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this position?
    • Describe a challenge you encountered and how you dealt with it.
    • Why are you interested in working for our organization? What do you know about our organization?
    • Tell me a little bit about yourself. How would you describe yourself?
    • What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
    • Why should I hire you?


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  • The Typical Interview

    The majority of one – on – one interviews following these steps.

    1. Greeting and small talk to put you at ease and break the ice. (The interviewer may give you a preview of what will occur during the interview.)
    2. The employer may give you a brief overview of the position or additional information about the organization.
    3. You respond to questions. (If it's a good interview, this is the longest segment and you should do most of the talking).
    4. You ask questions of the interviewer. Have at least four questions prepared before the interview.
    5. The interviewer closes the interview and explains the next steps in the process. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.
    6. Other types of interviews include panel, group, telephone and on-site interviews.


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  • What kinds of questions should I ask in an interview?

    Never go to an interview without preparing questions beforehand. Your knowledge of the profession and the information you gather through research and networking will help you formulate questions of high quality. The following are examples of the types of questions you may ask in an interview.

    • Describe the work environment.
    • What are the responsibilities and tasks of the position?
    • What are the challenges of this position?
    • What do you consider to be the organization's strengths and weaknesses?
    • What are the organization's plans and goals?
    • What attracted you to join this company?
    • Describe the opportunities for training and professional development.
    • Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?




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