Blog 5: Job Search

The Job Postings

In doing my job search, I found four positions that I am interested in. The first one is a Human Resource Associate (https://tbe.taleo.net/NA9/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FRESHPOINT&cws=1&rid=447). This position is at Fresh Point in Dallas, TX. I chose this position because I've always wanted to live in Texas. The qualifications needed for this position (whether required or preferred) are:

• Bilingual in both English & Spanish (required)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Two years experience in administrative assistant (required)
• Ability to be a multi-tasker
• Working knowledge of laws affecting employment (FMLA, OSHA, DOT, etc)
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work with all levels within the organization
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience with managing records, files, and sensitive data
• Excellent follow up and organizational skills

The next position I found is an opening for a Human Resource Assistant at SourceCorp in Forest Park, GA (http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=215633&company_id=16067&jobBoardId=1112). The qualifications needed for this position is:

• Associates Degree (preferred)
• No HR experience required  but two years are preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to use personal computer.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated interpersonal/relationship skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Good time management skills.

Next is a Human Resource Generalist position at Peterbilt Motors Company in Denton, TX (http://www.paccar.com/jobs/my-jobs.asp?newms=jj&id=37232&newlang=9). Its details on qualifications are followed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related degree required
• Preferably two years closely related experience and two years with PACCAR
• Working knowledge of employment, labor and benefits and the respective laws that apply
• Must have experience with computers using Windows based programs
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills

The last opening is at West Corporation in Pensacola, FL (http://arbita.jobhost.org/viewjob.php?id=1319950). This position is for an employment specialist. Details for qualifications are followed:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Some post-secondary course work in business, human resources, or related field preferred
• Minimum one year general office or customer service experience required
• Minimum one year human resources experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with Affirmative Action Plan Preferred

All of the job openings have similar qualification requirements. The following qualifications are similar amongst all four job openings:

• They all want some experience in Microsoft or Windows based programs.
• They also all either prefer or require one to two years of experience in human resources or some customer service related experience. 
• All of their requirements (or preferences) relate to each other in some way or another. Three out of four the postings required some type of education. The last posting only required a high school diploma.

My Skills and Qualifications

I have many skills and qualifications that match those of the four job openings. I have a high school diploma as well as an associates degree in Marketing/Management. I am six classes away from having a BSBA in Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. I have advance knowledge of Microsoft Applications. In addition to that, I type extremely well. On average, I type about 55-60 WPM with 0-2 errors. Because I am a human resource management student, I have knowledge of a lot of laws regarding employment. I am very detailed oriented (can easily be seen from my blogs and any of my papers). I speak great and professionally, I write great, and I have excellent communication skills. In this class, we have been taught about how to set the correct one when addressing certain people. I also created a business plan (in junior college) that was graded by the president of a bank and received a B+ on it. I'm pretty sure I can create an A+ one today. I have a very professional presence and know a lot of things about business and management. I have also attended a Management Academy which was taught by the CEO of Finishline Shoes in Atlanta, GA when I was in junior college. I have competed in many professional competitions in organizations like Future Business Leaders of America and Delta Epsilon Chi in which I was able to compete in the National competitions in both.

Which Would I Choose?

If I was to choose any of these job postings, it would be the Employment Specialist position in Pensacola, FL. There are a few reasons why I would choose this position. The first reason is because my personal qualifications match that job's qualifications the most. The second reason is because it is closer to home. It is a good distance so I could be able to come home as often as I want. The last reason is because I have the skills they require plus more. I would greatly benefit this company with my expertise and skills. The only problem I can see that can derive from this is the employer thinking that I am overqualified. If they believe that, then I risk a chance of losing this opportunity.

In my resume, I will include the qualifications that I have that they require as well as others that I think are relevant to the position. I will be cautious tho to not make myself seem overqualified. In my cover letter, I will explain to the employer that the company as well as I can benefit from me being added to their company. By the employer seeing my education level, he will know that I know business like the back of my hand. I will explain to him how my skills and knowledge will be an asset to his company not a liability. In the end, the employer will realize that my skills and qualifications are just what his company needs.