Career planning is a lifelong process, which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in your job, possibly changing

careers, and eventually retiring. The career planning process is comprised of four steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Self-Assessment Research Decision-Making Job Searching Acceptance

RESUME As most people know, the purpose of the resume is to summarize the key elements of your past experience that you would like employers to consider when you are seeking employment. Types of Resume 1. Chronological Resume The chronological resume is probably the one with which most people are familiar. On it, work experience is listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). This format is best to use when you are trying to show career growth. 2. Functional Resume - This type of resume categorizes your job skills by function, emphasizing your abilities. A functional resume is a good format to use if you are changing careers. 3. Combination Resume it is a hybrid of a functional resume and a chronological one. This is a useful format if you are changing careers but have a solid, though seemingly unrelated, employment history. You can also use the combination format if your work history includes only one place of employment, but you spent a significant amount of time there and your job duties were very diverse. It lets you stress the various skills you attained through that job. ELEMENTS OF A RESUME 1. IDENTIFICATION DATA: name, address (or two addresses--present and permanent), email address and phone number(s) (including area code). 2. OBJECTIVE: a single phrase expressing the specific type of employment you are seeking and/or the principal skills you want to use on the job. 3. EDUCATION: basic details about your education, including college location (city and state), degree, date of graduation (or expected graduation), major, related course work and (possibly) G.P.A. 4. EMPLOYMENT: brief summaries of principle employment to date. Start with your current (or most recent) position and work backward. Include all employment relevant to your career objective in any way. Internships and cooperative experience can be listed either under employment or under education. 5. ACTIVITIES/HONORS/SPECIAL SKILLS: additional areas that may be included on the resume if space allows. List all major activities and awards as well as any skills that are relevant to your career objective. These can show leadership, organization, critical thinking, teamwork, self management, initiative and influencing others. 6. PERSONAL DATA: such as height, weight, sex, and marital status should not be listed on the resume. Such factors are irrelevant and cannot legally be considered in employment decisions. 7. REFERENCES: and in some cases, portfolios or transcripts can be listed as "available upon request" if you have enough room at the bottom of the resume. Have references, phone numbers, and business addresses ready on a separate sheet whenever you go to an interview.

APLLICATION LETTER Letter of Application Guidelines Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Format: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents. Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points. How to Organize a Letter of Application Header: A letter of application should begin with both you and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature. Salutation: Begin your letter with "Dear Mr/Mrs Last Name." If you do not know the employer's last name, simply write, "Dear Hiring Manager."

Introduction: Begin by stating what job you are applying for. Explain where you heard about the job, particularly if you heard about it from a contact associated with the company. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter. Body: In a paragraph or two, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting, and explain how you meet those qualifications. Do not simply restate your resume, but provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities. You can either write about these specific examples in complete sentences or in a bulleted format. Closing: Restate how your skills make you a strong fit for the company and/or position. State that you would like to interview and/or discuss employment opportunities. Explain what you will do to follow up, and when you will do it. Thank the employer for his/her consideration. Signature: End with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information. Job Interview A job interview is your chance to show an employer what kind of employee he or she will get if you're hired. That is why it is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. Preparing means knowing about the industry, the employer, and yourself. It means paying attention to details like personal appearance, punctuality, and demeanor. Types: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Screening Interview The Selection Interview The Group Interview The Panel Interview The Stress Interview

RESIGNING From a Nursing position A letter of resignation spells out the worker's terms of departure. So that there is no mistaking the intent, it outlines when the worker plans on scheduling her last day on the job. As a sign of goodwill - especially when working as a specialty nurse - it is advisable to extend the customary two-week notice to three or perhaps even four weeks. The final impression of a good letter of resignation should be the same as that of a well-drafted resume: it should showcase a professional the hiring manager would consider adding to the staff.

Sample of a Good Resignation Letter [Date] [Recipient - use formal title and address] Dear Dr. [Name]: As we have discussed, I am submitting my resignation from [Clinic/Hospital name]. My last day of employment will be [two weeks from the date of the letter], but I will gladly stay on until [three weeks from the date of the letter] to help you find and train a replacement. Please allow me to once again thank you for the warm and welcoming work environment as well as the professional growth my employment at [Clinic/Hospital name] afforded me. Sincerely, [Name/Credentials] cc: [Name], HR Department