Professional Development Tools

Exploring careers.
Identifying resources for informational interviews.
Obtaining information about an organization for which you might want to work.
Getting career advice - ask people in the civilian sector about how you might prepare yourself for a certain field or position.
Finding ways to create your own job or internship.
Meeting people in your field of interest is the single most effective method of finding a job or internship.

Résumé and Interview Information

Cover Letter

Cover letters provide an introduction for your résumé. You should avoid overwhelming a one-page résumé with a two-page letter or repeating the contents of the résumé in the letter. A short and succinct half-page letter, which highlights one or two points in your résumé, is enough. Tailor your letter to the position to which you are applying. Be sure to answer, ‘why do I want to work here?’ Remember, if you are not willing to put the time into writing a tailored cover letter, why should the employer put the time in to interview you?

Steps for Creating Your Cover Letter

A Cover Letters is a form of business communication, therefore, it should conform to the rules of good business correspondence.

Plan and organize what you will say by outlining the content of your letter.
Know your purpose and structure your letter accordingly.
Communicate your message in a logical and sequential manner.
State your purpose immediately in the first sentence and paragraph.
Use short paragraphs and sentences; avoid complex sentences.
Punctuate properly and use correct grammar and spelling.
Use simple and straightforward language; avoid jargon.
Communicate your message as directly and briefly as possible.
Indicate what follow-up actions you will take.
End by stating what your reader can expect next from you.

Please click here for a sample cover letter

Résumé

A résumé is a brief, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. Although a great résumé alone will not get you a job, this document is essential for obtaining an interview.

Tailor your résumé to the type of position you are seeking. This does not mean that all of your work history must relate directly, but your résumé should reflect the kind of skills the employer would value. Ideally, a résumé is a one-page document. Utilize your Mentor by having them review your résumé. Be open to constructive criticism and don’t be shy about asking family and friends to review your résumé.

Please click here for a Sample Résumé

Please click here for a Sample Résumé for Federal Jobs

10 Ways to “Civilianize” Your Résumé:

http://www.gijobs.com/civilianize-your-resume.aspx

Translating Skills from Military Jargon to Civilian Language:

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-517-Job-Search-Strategies-Translating-Your-Skills-From-Military-Jargon-to-Civilian-Language/

Developing your “Elevator Pitch”

Over the course of your job and career search, it will be critically important to communicate to people who you are and what it is you’re looking for in a position. An “elevator pitch” serves as an introduction you use when speaking with people about your interests. You may have a 15-second version to use at a job fair, a 30-second version for a networking event, and a 60-90-second one for kicking off a job interview.

Informational Interview Tutorial:

http://www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html

Performance-Based Interview Prep:

http://www.va.gov/pbi/

Social Media for Careers

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com

Brazen Careerist, A Social Media Site for Young Professionals:

http://www.brazencareerist.com/

General Career Information

Job Search Timeline:

Career Mapping Tool:

Military to Civilian Position Translator:

Jung Typology Test:

Edgar H. Schein Career Anchor Test:

Personal Branding/Strengths Assessment (completed by others, about you):

Occupation Profiles (including trends, pay by state, skills, technology and education necessary):

Career Podcasts:

Ted Talks Business:

Work Bloom Career Advice:

Career One Stop:

Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR):

Department of Labor Veteran Information:

Return To Work Career Counseling Program for Disabled Vets:

Philanthropy Info from the Foundation Center:

Transition Assistance Online:

CNN: Best Jobs If You're Leaving the Military (2011):

Work Bloom Blog, a blog about all things career-related:

The importance of Networking