Employment Readiness Program
Weekly Update - 22 January 2014
JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE WEEK: Always send a thank you note!
I’m always surprised when job seekers are surprised and a little panic stricken when I ask them if they’ve sent a thank you note after an interview. Sending a thank you note after an interview is NOT a choice. The job interview does not end when you walk out of the interview. In fact, not sending a thank you letter can work against you. A survey by Career Builder indicated that 22% of hiring managers are less likely to hire a candidate if they don’t send a thank you letter!
How you follow up depends on the circumstances. For example, an email might be most appropriate in one organization but a mailed letter might be best for another. Be sure to send your thank you note as soon as possible after the interview, and certainly within 24 hours. Ensure that your letter is personalized and highlights why you are the ideal candidate for the position. And don’t forget to thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time!
Recommended reading:
· http://www.careerealism.com/mastering-art-science-thankyou-letters/
· http://www.indianatech.edu/About/HR/Documents/student/10-Tips-for-Writing-a-Thank-you.pdf
Christina Overstreet
Employment Readiness Program Manager
845-938-5658
www.linkedin.com/in/christinaoverstreet
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Certified Federal Job Search Trainer/Career Coach (CFJST/CFCC)
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certified Practitioner
Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)
Upcoming ERP Workshops/Events
O TOMORROW EVENING! 23 JANUARY (5:30-7:30pm) –NETWORKING EVENT – THAYER HOTEL, GENERAL PATTON’S TAVERN – Join other military spouses, the Employment Readiness Program and In Gear Career, as well as some invited employers for some light appetizers and networking! Please RSVP to 938-5658 or christina.overstreet@usma.edu.
o 12 FEBRUARY (9-11 am) – RESUME REVIEW WALK-IN HOURS – No appointment necessary! Just bring your resume to get constructive feedback and tips from a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).
o 13 FEBRUARY (1-3 pm) – RESUME WORKSHOP – This workshop is also referred to as "Resume 101." We'll cover the basics of a resume and tips to make yours effective. (Please note: we will not cover federal resumes... if you're looking for federal resume tips, attend the Federal Resume workshop on 26 February)
o 19 FEBRUARY (9:30 am - 12:30pm) - 10 STEPS TO A FEDERAL JOB - Based on Kathryn Troutman's best selling book, this workshop will provide you with important information to help you successfully navigate the federal job system, including how to research vacancy announcements and apply for and get referred for jobs with USAJOBS. 100% of our attendees report that this workshop was beneficial and worth their time.
o 25 FEBRUARY (9:30-11:30 am) - MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE INFORMATION SESSION - If you are a military spouse, we highly recommend this workshop where we'll help you gain a better understanding of Military Spouse Preference, including how it can help you, how you claim it and tips.
o 26 FEBRUARY (9:30-11:30 am) - FEDERAL RESUME WORKSHOP - Understanding the difference between a federal resume and a professional resume is key if you are trying to obtain a federal position! We will talk about what your resume should look like and provide tips for writing a winning federal resume.
Workshops are held at Army Community Service, Bldg. 622 (between the Post Library and Bowling Center) unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change at any time, and classes will be cancelled if minimum registration levels are not met, so please register if you would like to participate. Register for an upcoming class by calling 938-5658, emailing christina.overstreet@usma.edu or online by visiting our webpage at www.westpointmwr.com/acs/employment_readiness.htm.
Upcoming ACAP Workshops/Events
The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) provides transition and job search assistance services to Soldiers and their family members. Please contact the West Point ACAP Counselor, Rachel Coleman at Rachel.coleman@usma.edu or 845-938-5658 for more information.
Upcoming Transition Workshops:
10-14 February
3-7 March
24-28 March
Boots to Business, 19-20 February:
Do you have an idea for a business but are unsure how to begin? If you're considering starting a small business, join us to learn if small business ownership is right for you, if your ideas are feasible and much more!
Please contact the West Point ACAP Office at 845-938-0634 or rachel.coleman@usma.edu for eligibility information, prerequisites, and to register for these events.
Employment Readiness Program
West Point Army Community Service
622 Swift Road
West Point, NY 10996
Email: christina.overstreet@usma.army.mil
Website: www.westpointmwr.com/acs/employment_readiness.htm
Phone: (845) 938-5658