Recruiter gives techniques for securing jobs in seminar
by Erin Gardner, reporter

    A recruiter with a local firm recently gave South Campus students easy techniques to grasp the right job.

   Besides recruiting, Sherie Saunders also staffs and works with disciplinary action for Litigation Systems Incorporated (LSI).

   The company serves large law firms and large corporations that need to code or scan legal documents.

   After the documents are finished, they are sent back to the client.

   The Branch Davidian incident was one of the company’s largest documents.

   Saunders said she likes working with people.

   “The company builds better if employees like each other. They will work well together,” she said.

   When talking about her company, she said that her job was originally geared toward employing 150 people for LSI’s staff.

   After Sept. 11, her staff of 66 had to be reduced to 18-19.

   Saunders is also a student at Dallas Baptist University and the South and Northhwest campues of TCC.

   “You can’t be competitive unless you keep your skills up; experience is an open mind for learning,” she said.

   Saunders told students looking for a job to “be bold,” stand out and let people know they need a job. She believes in building many careers in a lifetime.

   Being the last one standing is the key to success in capturing the job, Saunders said.

   Saunders explained that choosing a source depends on the desired target.

   When job searching, the prospective employee should have the following: a handbook with the company background, a planner to organize scheduling, the ad, a current resume, blank paper for cover letters, a transcript in case the company is serious, all business cards received and an application, if possible.

   A great source, according to Saunders, is a mini resume, the size of a business card. They cost $10-$12 for 250-500.

   “You’ve got to be out of the house in front of people, be visible and upfront with people,” she said.

   Before one can get in the door, there are a few ways to find the right job geared to specific needs. Many books such as the Book of Lists, which is designated by areas of interest, give e-mail addresses, phone numbers and corporate sites for many businesses.

   The Dallas/Fort Worth Job Bank lists human resources directors and breaks down the different corporations.

   The Texas Workforce Center, where one can apply for unemployment, is a great resource for job fairs and seminars, Saunders said.

   Other ways to find a job is through the organizations one is involved with as well as networking with family, friends, and neighbors.

   “When someone knows you, they are more likely to help you,” she said.

   The Texas Workforce website (www.workadvantage.com) has the phone number, e-mail addresses and corporate sites for several companies in the area.

   The weekend newspapers, Saunders said, are great preparation for pursuing jobs on Monday morning.

   Saunders offered a caution to using Internet ads: sometimes companies leave ads in the paper so they can filter applications for other jobs they need filled.

   Job fairs help people get interviews, set a time and get business cards.

   “If there is contact, you have a foot in the door,” she said.

   Saunders said job seekers should always do research on the company.

   This information lets one know more about the company before walking in the door and can be used to one’s advantage.

   The next step is making sure all of the paperwork is complete, yet concise.

   Saunders gave advice on making a resume easy to read. Bullets are a concise, clear way to tell the facts. The resume should capture attention, and a list of accomplishments can help do that. One should never use references without permission.

   A generic cover letter will not do, for the writer should target the desired job and personalize the letter’s content.

   Applications, Saunders said, should be very neat. Employers will ask for references if they are serious, so references must be updated and informed about being part of the process.

   “Don’t rule out any possibilities,” she said.

   Being polite and professional is the key to a successful interview, Saunders said. She also suggested that being one of the last interviewed is a good spot.

   With a late interview, the company hirers will know what they are looking for and what strengths and weaknesses an employee should have. This is a definite advantage for the applicant.

   Giving brief responses and asking for the job during the interview are great ways to know exactly what will occur. Interviewees should let the company know of their interest regardless of the outcome and thank the interviewer for his time.

   “Paying it forward is what it is all about,” she said.

   To contact Saunders for more information, e-mail her at southernmaid@rocketmail.com.