Watch this quick video to learn about how to create a T-chart: 

Watch this quick video to learn about the five parts of a resume:

There are resume formats that you can choose when creating your resume. Each format has its own pros and cons depending on your current career goals as well as your past work history.

• Chronological_Format: Past work history matches or is related to your current objective, accomplishments are linked with previous employment.
• Chronological: This version highlights key qualifications that are relevant to the job description, using PSRs at the top of the resume.
• Functional: Career change or returning to something you did years ago, accomplishments are linked to specific skill areas.
• Recent Training / New Graduate: This is a template if you have recently completed a training program in a field where you have little or no work experience.

Access the following resources to give your marketing materials polish:

• Resume Tips
• Master Resume Worksheet
• Sample T-Chart
• Scannable Resume Tips
• Cover Letters
• Jobscan will compare your resume to a job description to assist in optimizing and customizing for key words.

Prospective employers may require a credit history review before offering you a job, but cannot do so without written authorization from you. You can become familiar with your credit report before you decide if you will authorize this action.

• Understand your credit report
• Obtain a free copy of your credit report. You may request this once a year from each of the three reporting agencies.

Returning to work after being involved with the justice system can be a challenge for many.

You may be able to clear your record or respond more appropriately to questions about your record. To help with this process, it is advised to obtain a copy of your California Rap sheet. Contact any LiveScan provider or the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department at (408) 808-4760 to make an appointment for a LiveScan.

Here are some additional actions you can take to improve your chances of getting hired:

• Determine how to ask to clear your record, depending on your individual situation.
• Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to high-risk job applicants with criminal histories.
• State of California Bonding Program provides bonding services at no cost to employers, employees, and job seekers
• County of Santa Clara County Record Clearance will provide help expunging your record to clear the path for employment.
• San Jose State University’s Record Clearance Program offers assistance with record clearance.
• Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit will provide information about laws in California that protect job seekers with criminal records and sample letters and materials you can use to exercise those rights.
• Learn how to answer interview questions about your record.

Employers may be eligible for federal tax credit through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for hiring and employing individuals from certain targeted groups.

Potential employers may ask you to provide a list of professional references when applying for a job, in addition to your resume and/or cover letter. This typically happens during or after a job interview. It's important to be prepared and have a list of at least 3 references ready to give when asked.

A professional reference is someone who can vouch for your qualifications for a job, or provide a recommendation. They should be able to confirm your work ethic, skills and achievements.

Who to ask (current or former):

• Supervisors
• Co-workers
• Subordinates
• Customers
• Vendors
• Volunteer Coordinators
• College professor
• Coach
• School advisor

Who not to ask:

• Current Employer - if they are not aware of your job search
• Family
• Friends
• Someone who does not know you
• Someone who has not agreed to be a reference
• Someone who would not give you a good reference

References may be asked about your:

• Strengths
• Attitude
• Weaknesses
• Ethics
• Personal qualities
• Ability to get along well with others

Communicating with your reference:

• Check in each time you list someone as a reference and ensure they are comfortable accepting the role of being a reference.
• Give them a heads up and details of each potential employer that they are likely to be contacted by - especially if time has passed since they first agreed to be your professional reference.
• Share topics that were brought up during the interview process.
• Thank them in advance for taking the time to talk to a potential employer.
• Update them on your job status, especially if you get hired.

Background information to provide your reference:

• Your current resume.
• A copy of the job description.
• Specific accomplishments from when you worked together (PSRs).
• Areas / skills you have developed.
• What you want them to say about you.

Sample email to your reference:

Dear Pat,

As you may know, I am in the process of looking at new career opportunities and I am hoping that you would be willing to act as a professional reference for me.

I am currently interviewing for ________________ positions. A positive reference from you would be of great value. I would appreciate it if you could speak to the skills and qualifications that I demonstrated while working for you. Here are some specific skills that are relevant to my current career goals:

• Leadership
• Facilitation
• Collaboration
• Organization
• Motivation
• Delivering projects ahead of schedule

I have attached my current resume for your review as well as a link to my LinkedIn profile.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Jess