Next you need to analyze the job description in a similar way.
Keep in mind, however, that job descriptions are often very general,
describing more than one position.
Any additional knowledge you may have or surmise about the position is
also helpful in this exercise.
As we did before, identify the key skills and
knowledge sets in the following job description.
The successful candidate will possess several years
experience managing vendors and creating
sourcing strategy and policies. This position will
supervise a staff of 4 people, manage project
budgets in excess of $12 million, and concurrently
manage up to 12 projects. Coordination of projects
in a multifunctional team environment is important.
Knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems is desirable.
This position also consults with aerospace clients
on systems needs-determination and
negotiates contracts.
Assignment: Using the same Microsft Word document you opened earlier,
you may do this exercise for a position of your choosing.
You may find a sample job description on any major
Internet job board, like
HotJobs.com,
Monster.com, or
CareerBuilder.com. Just keyword search for "MBA" in the funcational
area (finance, marketing, etc.) of your choosing.
This will be helpful in constructing a cover letter
for the mock interview process, part of your Business Communications
class at The Broad School. |
Skills
- Vendor management
- Strategic Planning
- Sourcing Strategy
- Negotiation
- Supervision
- Budgeting
- Project Management
- Teamwork
- Consulting
- Needs determination
- Business-to-business relationships
Knowledge
- ERP Systems
- Aerospace Industry
- Multifunctional Coordination
- Customer Service
|
Finding the Matches - From the Two Lists Just Created
From the
Resume |
What They Have In Common |
From the Job Description |
Skills
Strategic planning
Budgeting
Negotiation
Consulting
Supervision
Marketing
Business-to-business relationships
Business-to-consumer relationships
Knowledge
Technology
Organizational Design
Position Creation
Customer Service
Aerospace Industry
Multifunctional |
Skills
Strategic Planning
Budgeting
Negotiation
Consulting
Supervision
Business-to-Business relationships
Knowledge
Technology
Aerospace
Multifunctional
Customer Service |
Skills
Vendor management
Strategic Planning
Sourcing Strategy
Negotiation
Supervision
Budgeting
Project Management
Teamwork
Consulting
Business-to-Business relationships
Knowledge
ERP Systems
Aerospace Industry
Multifunctional Knowledge
Customer Service |
Prioritizing the Matches
In Common
Skills
Strategic Planning
Budgeting
Negotiation
Consulting
Supervision
Business-to-Business relationships
Knowledge
Technology
Aerospace
Multifunctional
Customer Service |
Including all ten items at right in a cover letter is too much.
You want to focus on the top 3 to 5, emphasizing skills over knowledge.
So, you need to prioritize them based on your judgment of what the job
requires and your relative strengths in each area.
A sample prioritization is:
- Strategic Planning
- Consulting
- Aerospace
- Negotiation
Assignment: By now you have completed both an analysis of
your resume and a sample job for the mock interview process. Take a moment
to find the common knowledge and skills between the two and prioritize them.
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