TLTI Workforce Job Search Packet Summary

Tennessee Leadership Training Institute | Tennessee Board of Regents

What Do I Want?�Job This or That

Icebreaker: This or That

Night Owl

Icebreaker: This or That

Inside

Outside

Icebreaker: This or That

In Person

Virtual

Icebreaker: This or That

Routine

Variety

Icebreaker: This or That

Icebreaker: This or That

Text

Call

Icebreaker: This or That

Travel

Hometown

Icebreaker: This or That

Team

Solo

Icebreaker: This or That

You work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year.�Over a 30-year career, that’s 7,800 days of your life spent working.��👉 Many of us spend more waking hours with coworkers than with our own families.

Icebreaker: This or That

Bottom Line: If you’re going to invest that much of your life in work, make it count.��• Inside or outside�• Virtual or in-person�• Travel or stay home�• Day or night shift�• Structured or flexible�• Team collaboration or solo focus�• Creative problem-solving or process optimization��💡 When your work fits who you are, you’re not just more productive —you’re happier, healthier, and more likely to stay.

​

TLTI Workforce Job Search Packet

Workshop Overview

• This session covers resume building, interview readiness, portfolio preparation, and professional conduct—both in-person and online.

​

• Goal: Equip participants with the tools, habits, and presentation skills needed for workforce success.

Building a Strong Resume

• Focus on clarity, accuracy, and relevance.
• Use a professional email address.
• Keep it one page if possible.
• Tailor your objective to the company and position.
• Highlight measurable accomplishments.

Showcasing Your Skills

• Include both hard and workplace skills.
• Example categories: Software, Hardware, Certifications, and Soft Skills.
• Mention SkillsUSA Essential Elements—Integrity, Work Ethic, Professionalism, and Teamwork.

What is in the Framework?

• Personal Skills
• Workplace Skills
• Technical Skills Grounded in Academics

​

Certifications and Education

• List official credentials such as OSHA 10, NCCER, CPR/First Aid, or ServSafe.
• Education listed from most recent first.
• Include GPA, relevant coursework, and honors if strong.

Work Experience & Volunteer Work

• Use reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Include job title, employer, city/state, and dates.
• Add 3 bullet points using action verbs.
• Volunteer experience demonstrates initiative and service mindset.

Action Verbs for Job Duties

• Strong verbs make resumes dynamic.
• Examples:
• Managed, Coordinated, Designed, Implemented, Trained, Analyzed, Created.
• Avoid generic phrases like 'responsible for' or 'helped with'.

Resume Formatting & Readability

• Keep design simple and consistent.
• Use readable fonts (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, 10–12pt).
• Avoid color overload or graphics.
• Use the '20-Second Test'—can someone identify your skills in 20 seconds?

Cover Letter Essentials

• One page, tailored to the position.
• Match tone and font with your resume.
• Show enthusiasm and specific reasons for wanting the role.
• End with a confident call to action for an interview.

Follow-Up & Thank You Letters

• Follow-Up:
• Send 1–2 weeks after applying if no reply.

​

• Thank You:
• Send within 24–48 hours of interview.
• Express appreciation, restate interest, and reference a specific discussion from the interview.

Job Applications: What to Know

• Keep a master application with all your information.
• Fill out every section neatly—never leave blanks.
• Be honest and professional.
• Bring required IDs, licenses, or certifications.
• For veterans, translate military experience into civilian terms.

Job Interview Preparation

• Research the company and the position.
• Review your resume—know your experiences.
• Practice answers to common questions.
• Prepare 2–3 questions to ask the employer.
• Bring copies of your resume and portfolio.

Common Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe a challenge you overcame.
• Why should we hire you?

Dress for Success (CTE Pathways)

• Dress one step more professional than daily work attire.

​

• Business/Office: Dress pants, blouse/shirt, closed-toe shoes.
• Trades: Clean khakis, collared shirt, polished boots.
• Culinary: Clean chef jacket, black pants, non-slip shoes.
• Tech/Creative: Dark jeans, neat shirt, simple accessories.

Interview Etiquette

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Turn off your phone.
• Offer a firm handshake.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Sit upright and smile.
• Avoid negative talk or gossip.
• Send a thank-you message after.

Let’s Connect

• Name
• College
• What field you want to work in
• Why you want to work in that field

​

Interview Portfolio Purpose

• A small, focused collection of documents that prove your skills.
• Reinforces your qualifications and preparation.
• Typically 5–10 pages customized for the job.

Interview Portfolio Contents

• Include:
• Certificates, awards, and transcripts.
• Photos or samples of your work.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Resume, cover letter, and personal statement.

​

• Organize in a professional binder with labeled sections.

Using Your Portfolio in an Interview

• Mention it early and reference specific pages.
• Use it to illustrate skills while answering questions.
• Never leave originals—offer copies if requested.
• Mention portfolio availability in your cover letter.

Social Media & Your Professional Image

• Employers often review social media profiles.
• Avoid profanity, negativity, or controversial posts.
• Highlight community involvement, SkillsUSA, or achievements.
• Remember: What you post represents your brand.

Digital Footprint Check-Up

• 1. Google your name.
• 2. Remove unprofessional posts or photos.
• 3. Use a consistent professional photo.
• 4. Adjust privacy settings.
• 5. Update bios with career goals.

The THINK Test

• Before posting, ask:
• T – Is it True?
• H – Is it Helpful?
• I – Is it Inspiring?
• N – Is it Necessary?
• K – Is it Kind?

Building Your Digital Brand

• Be authentic and consistent.
• Use LinkedIn to display skills and achievements.
• Showcase career goals, training, and certifications.
• Post positively about teamwork and leadership.

LinkedIn & Networking Tips

• Add teachers, mentors, and peers.
• Use professional profile photos.
• Keep your headline and About section short and career-focused.
• Share updates about certifications, events, or SkillsUSA achievements.

Reflection Activity

• What is one change you will make this week to improve your professional image?

​

• → Resume? Portfolio? Social media? Interview prep?

​

• Write it down and set a deadline to complete it.

Demonstration

• Advisors and staff, please stand.�If you’re in the job you dreamed of in middle school, please sit down.
• If you’re in the job you imagined in high school, please sit down.
• If you’re doing the job you trained for in college, please sit down.
• If you’re still in the same field as your first professional job, please sit down.
• If you’re still with the same organization, please sit down.

Widening Your Net: The Detour That Becomes the Path

Closing & Next Steps

• Congratulations on completing the TLTI Workforce Readiness overview!

​

• Continue refining your professional materials and digital presence.
• Remember: Success comes from preparation, consistency, and authenticity.

​

• Tennessee Board of Regents | Tennessee Leadership Training Institute