Lesson 31 Summary: Resume Building and Interviewing

 In this lesson, Dr. Dennis Short takes on the role of a seasoned guide, equipping us with essential tools as we prepare to embark on our journey into the workforce. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Short delves into the vital aspects of resume building and interview strategies, offering valuable insights that set the stage for success in the competitive job market.

 Throughout the discussion, Dr. Short begins by unraveling the significance of a well-crafted resume—a powerful tool that showcases our skills, experiences, and aspirations. Drawing from his expertise, he shares practical advice and key elements that can make a resume stand out in a sea of applicants.

 Dr. Short's insights come to life through relatable anecdotes, real-world examples, and practical tips that empower us to navigate the job-seeking landscape with poise and purpose.

Resume Building:

 Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, even if they were acquired outside of formal employment. These might include communication, problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork skills developed during your recovery journey.

 Emphasize Accomplishments: Showcase any achievements or milestones you've reached during your recovery process. This could include completing treatment programs, participating in support groups, or achieving personal goals.

 Address Employment Gaps: If there are gaps in your employment history due to addiction or recovery, consider using a functional or skills-based resume format that highlights your skills and accomplishments rather than focusing on chronological work history. 

Use a Professional Email: Create a professional email address for job applications. Avoid using personal or recovery-related email addresses.

 Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Research the job description and company culture to align your skills and experiences with the specific role.

 Include Relevant Education: List any relevant education, certifications, or training you've received during your recovery journey. This could include workshops, courses, or vocational programs.

 Interviewing:

 Practice Self-Awareness: Reflect on your strengths, challenges, and how your recovery journey has shaped you positively. This self-awareness can help you confidently discuss your experiences.

Prepare Responses: Anticipate common interview questions and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss how you've overcome challenges and demonstrate your ability to handle stress and adversity.

 Highlight Growth: Use examples from your recovery journey to showcase personal growth, resilience, and determination. Discuss how these qualities make you an asset to the company.

 Frame Negatives Positively: If asked about gaps in your employment history due to addiction, explain that you were focusing on your health and personal development. Emphasize that you're now eager to contribute your skills to the workforce.

 Discuss Transferable Skills: Highlight skills gained during recovery that are applicable to the job, such as time management, conflict resolution, empathy, and communication.

 Practice Interview Etiquette: Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be respectful to everyone you encounter. These actions demonstrate professionalism and respect.

 Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.

 Express Gratitude: After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirm your interest in the position.

 Remember, your recovery journey has equipped you with valuable strengths that can set you apart in the job market. Be confident in sharing your story and the positive changes you've made.

Questions for Discussions

 1.    How can the skills and strengths developed during your recovery journey be effectively translated onto your resume?

2.    What strategies can you employ to address employment gaps on your resume caused by addiction or recovery? How can you frame these gaps positively during an interview?

 3.    In what ways does practicing self-awareness and reflection enhance your ability to confidently discuss your recovery journey and personal growth during an interview? Can you provide specific instances where this has been impactful for you?

4.    When preparing for an interview, how might you emphasize transferable skills gained through recovery, such as resilience, communication, and empathy? Can you offer insights into how these qualities align with job requirements?

 5.    What role does authenticity play in both resume building and interviewing for individuals in addiction recovery? How can you authentically convey your journey while also showcasing your professional potential?

Activity: Crafting Your Story

Objective: To help participants build a strong resume that reflects their unique skills and strengths and to practice interview skills that allow them to confidently share their story and qualifications.

Instructions:

1. Resume Building: Highlighting Strengths

• • Step 1: Skills & Experience Inventory
    Begin by asking participants to create an inventory of their skills, work experiences, volunteer roles, and personal strengths. Encourage them to include any relevant achievements or positive traits developed through their recovery journey, like resilience, problem-solving, and empathy.
• Step 2: Structuring the Resume
  Provide a basic resume template and guide participants through structuring it with sections for Contact Information, Summary of Skills, Work Experience, Education, and Volunteer Experience. Offer tips on phrasing their strengths and experience in clear, action-oriented language.
  • Example: Instead of “Responsible for customer service,” encourage them to write, “Provided excellent customer service, resulting in positive feedback and increased client satisfaction.”
  • Step 3: Tailoring for Impact
    Have participants choose a job listing they might be interested in and tailor their resume to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job. This reinforces the importance of customizing resumes to align with specific roles.

1. Interview Preparation: Telling Your Story

• • Step 1: Practice Answering Common Questions
    Provide participants with a list of common interview questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “Describe a time when you faced a challenge”). Guide them in developing answers that highlight their skills and recovery experiences in a positive, professional way.
• Step 2: STAR Method for Behavioral Questions
  Teach participants the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for structuring responses to behavioral questions. Have them practice using this method to convey resilience, adaptability, and other strengths developed during recovery.
  • Example: “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.” Using STAR, they can describe a recovery-related challenge, the steps they took to address it, and the positive outcome.

1. Mock Interview Practice

• • Pair participants or place them in small groups to conduct mock interviews, with one person acting as the interviewer and the other as the candidate.
  • After each interview, provide feedback on both the resume and interview responses, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.

1. Reflection and Goal Setting

• • Conclude with a group discussion about the challenges and successes they experienced during the activity.
  • Encourage participants to set one or two concrete goals for their next job application or interview, such as refining a specific resume section or practicing an interview question using the STAR method.