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From the Authors
Having a career you enjoy takes planning and then action. First, make a concentrated effort to
identify your dream career. Second, expend time and energy to secure a job in your desired profession.
More than likely, technology will be an essential part of your career-search process. It is important to
know how to leverage technology to help you fi nd the career of your dreams.
We designed Connect to Your Career with one overriding goal in mind: to help you understand how
to use technology, such as social media, online job boards, and digital devices to connect to a career.
Upon completing this book, you will able to:
•
Build, and then protect, a professional online presence that will lead to employment.
•
Develop professional networks to assist you in the job-search process.
•
Practice job-specifi c and employability skills required by employers.
•
Identify your skills, talents, and career strengths to develop a career plan.
•
Create résumés and cover letters that convince employers to grant you an interview.
•
Apply for jobs online and in-person and manage the job-search process.
•
Prepare for various types of job interviews, including virtual interviews.
•
Use post-interview techniques to help keep things in perspective.
•
Evaluate job offers and respond to them in a professional manner.
•
Develop an understanding of what employers expect so you can be successful at your new job.
•
Prepare to take certifi cation exams by answering practice certifi cation questions.
Connect to Your Career is more than a book about how to get a job; it is a technology-driven 21st
century refl ection of how adults fi nd and cultivate careers.
About the Authors
Suzann Connell teaches technology, communications, and English courses for the University of
Phoenix. The course curricula include career-development techniques, professional communication,
writing, media writing, podcasting, and blog writing. Along with teaching, she is a freelance senior
instructional designer. Suzann holds a master degree in education technology from Pepperdine
University and a bachelor degree in training, design, and development from the University of Michigan.
Julie Jaehne has been an adjunct faculty member for 21 years at the University of Houston in the
College of Education. Via distance learning, she has taught instructional technology courses and teacher
certifi cation courses. Julie also has extensive experience with the use of technology with kindergarten
through 12th grade instruction. She is a published author of multiple computer application textbooks and
tutorials. Julie holds a bachelor degree in business administration from Baylor University and a master
degree in education with a concentration in occupational education from the University of Houston.