I F A R MANAGEMENT Landing A Job: _ Strategies For Farm Wives BY PATRICIA L. POWLEY Extension Home Economist Financial and Consumer Issues Because of the instability of the agricultural economy, many rural homemakers are looking for work out side die home for the first time in years maybe ever. This article is the third in a series on the subject of landing a job. Writing a Resume A resume (pronounced reh-zoo may’) is a one-page description of your experiences, skills, and abilities. Even though a resume is not required for all jobs, it is your opportunity to persuade an employer that you should be considered for an interview. A resume is like a coming attraction for a movie. After reviewing it, a prospec tive employer decides whether he or she wants to see more. A resume includes the following: 1. Your name, address and tele phone number 2. Your occupational goal 3. Your education this may include relevant subjects you have taken that apply to a particular job 4. Your work experience includes part-time jobs, farm related work experiences, and volunteer work 5. Personal characteristics and NAZARETH BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. Nazartlh, PA PH: 215-837-7700 GOMPF CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. SlrMt, MD PH; 301-692-5350 FOUR COUNTIES CONTRACTOR, INC. Coalporl, PA PH: 814-672-5751 PHIC BUILDERS Poltatown, PA PH: 215-323-4070 W.R. MOODY, CONTRACTOR W**t Nawton, PA PH: 412-872-8104 TRIMARK BUILDING CONTRACTORS, INC. So. Vineland, NJ PH: 809425-1990 interests 6. Statement of references As a farm wife, be sure to emphas ize skills and experiences you have with no work experience outside the home and farm. Certainly you should include a section entided Work Exper ience if you have worked for pay either part or full time. After naming the job you should list the responsibil ities you had in that position. The following are two examples of listing responsibilities for specific jobs: Food server. Country Estates Restaurant, Harrisburg, PA (1966-67) • delvcloped strong communication and public relations skills • coordinated scheduling and inven tory • earned three “employee of the month” awards Retail clerk. Northwest Fabric Store, Lancaster, PA (1968-7(9 • managed inventory • created merchandise displays • developed strong customer rela tion skills * sold fabrics and sewing notions It is essential that your resume be error-free and typed perfectly on good quality paper. It is best to have some one you trust proofread it for you. Your resume may be changed somewhat when you apply for diffe rent jobs. The sentence describing your objective should fit the job you KNOXVILLE CONSTRUCTION Knoxville, PA PH: 814-326-4188 ANCHOR BUILDING SYSTEMS 0m)«, MD PH: 301-667-7233 TRI-COUNTY AGRI-SYSTEMS Swsdasboro, NJ PH: 6094674174 DOUTT & SNYDER CONTRACTORS Roaring Springs, PA PH: 814-2244303 MATTSON ENTERPRISES Burlington, NJ PH: 809486-1603 J.E.N. CONSTRUCTION Toms Rlvsr, NJ PH: 201-240-7488 arc applying for. You may alao want to add or drop some statements in the Related Experience section so that you include primarily experiences that apply to the position you are seeking. If you’d prefer to have only one resume, you can change your cover letter to emphasize pertinent experi ence. References References are very important. Many employers check references, contrary to what you may have heard. You need to contact potential refer ences to get permission to use thcjji. Check that you have correct name spelling, addresses, and telephone numbers before you give their names to employers. The employer may con tact references either before or after an interview. Include references who know you well and have positive things to say about you. They should include char acter references as well as people you may have worked for or with on com mittees or volunteer programs. It is advisable to use people who are pro fessionals or are well known in the community such as pastors, business owners, cooperative extension staff, or teachers. An enthusiastic reference from a reputable source can make the difference in whether or not you get the job. When you ask people to be refer ences for you, give them a copy of your resume and update them on reCent accomplishments. If possible, explain what type of job or jobs you’re applying for. It is but not to list references on your resume but to indicate that they are available upon request Have the references printed alone on a separate sheet and repeat your name, address, and telephone number on that sheet If flic employer asks for letters from your references, you need to call the references, give them the name and Retail Stores Light Commercial Storage Bldgs. Offices & Shops Garages Mini-Warehouses Industrial, Mfg. Facilities - LESTER. • Machinery Storage • Livestock Housing • Farm Shops • Horse Arenas • Hobby Bams • Open Fronts c » m sales inc • Dairy Barns • Poultry Housing Honesdals, PA PH: 717-253-1812 For More Information, Contact Your Local LESTER Builder. (butler mfg"co" I Attn P.E. Hess ■ JPO. Box 337, Oxford, PA 19363 1 | □ Ploaao sand info, on LESTER Buildings I □ I’m interested In a LESTER Dealership ! Name | Address I County J City I Phone (area code) A cover letter should always accompany your resume when you arc applying for a specific job opening. It should be brief and interesting. It is the first thing the employer will see. The physical appearance of the let ter is important 1. Type it on good quality paper. 2. Type it perfectly it must be crtor-ftee. 3. Use a large business-size enve lope. The letter should be addressed, if at all possible, by name and title to the State Lancaster Farming, Saturday, November 4,1989-A23 address of the employer, and ask them to send a letter. It is important to check with the employer in about two weeks to see if hc/shc actually received the letters. Don’t forget to thank those you use as references you may want to use them again. Let them know how you came out with your job search. Cover Letter Feeder Cattle Meetings Scheduled NEW HOLLAND (Lancaster Co.) — Cattle feedersinterested in methods to protect their invest ment and improve profitability in feeding cattle are invited to attend a meeting and demonstration on “feeder cattle receiving prog rams.” Two meetings have been slated for Lancaster County spon sored jointly by Anchor Labs, Hoechst-Roussel Agri Vet Co., and Penn State Cooperative Extension. The first is on Tues day, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Holland Sales Stables in New Holland; the other is on FISHER CONSTRUCTION WtlltvUl*, PA PH: 717-292-3692 ARCTIC INVESTMENT CONTRACTORS Red Lion, PA PH: 717-757-2335 GEORGE W. HOY & SON, INC. LockHwm, PA PH: 717-741-7375 H.R. WEAVER CONSTRUCTION AnnvMo, PA individual with the power to hire you. If you are not sure who that is, call to get the information. Your cover letter should begin with a sentence that catches the attention of the employer. Next, highlight and draw attention to two to three points from your resume that qualify you for the position. Note when you will be available for employment and end with a request for an interview. Call the potential employer about one week after the letter and resume have been sent You can ask if your letter has been received and ask again for an interview. This personal touch lets the employer know you’re really interested. If you’d like to receive a sample copy of a resume and cover letter, write to me at 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA 17018 and I’ll send them to you. My next article will cover the inter view. Wednesday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the B & R Cattle Co. in Marietta. The program will include demonstrations on implanting and vaccinating by Eugene Barefoot of Anchor Labs and Deworming by John McFadden of Hoechst- Roussel. Dr. John Comerford, Penn State Extension beef special ist, will discuss ideas for properly receiving feeder cattle. Area cattle feeders are urged to attend. For more information contact Penn State Extension livestock agent Chet Hughes at 717/394-6851. CLIFFORD E. BOLUNGER ASSOCIATES D«nv*r, PA PH: 215-267-6046 PH: 717435-3753 MAJOR BUILDINGS, INC. Johnstown, PA PH: 814-535-7716 REYNOLDS & YELLOT CO., INC. Rohtontown, MO PH: 301-833-1804 GEESAMAN-ROCK CONSTRUCTION INC. RouztrvlNt, PA 717-752-1116 O.A. NEWTON & SON CO. Bridgtvllt, DE PH: 302-3374211 MYERS BUILDING SYSTEMS. INC. Cltanprlng, MD PH: 3014524200 ERASE BUILDERS Praaton, MD PH: 301422-2404 J.M. LEASING CO. Clarion, PA PH; 5144204153
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