Reflection

1. Why did you choose this job ad? Do you feel that you are qualified for the position? (paragraph)

I chose this ad (RGIS ad) because it met the personal requirements I am searching for; ie: part time, near my home, benefits. I also liked the idea of the benefits and wage reviews. I believe I am very qualified for this job. I have plenty of experience in customer service and am able to work odd/late hours. I also have reliable transportation and learn new technologies quickly.

2. How long has the ad been posted? If it has been posted for a long period of time, are you sure that the position is still available? How? (short answer)

No date of when the ad was posted, but I believe it is a running ad because there are various adds for stores all over the country.

3. Where is the company located? Are you willing to move if it is out of state or in a foreign country? (short answer) The store I would be applying to is located here, in Lafayette, IN. I am not willing to relocate due to personal reasons.

4. Why is living in the area that the company is located appealing to you? (paragraph)

It is appealing because I am still currently a student at Purdue University. I also have an apartment in the area, which I live in with my boyfriend, who is also a Purdue student. It would be difficult for us to relocate at the moment, so finding a job in the area is very important to me.

Job Ad Analysis

1. What skills is your prospective employer seeking, from most important to least important? (list)

- handling the inventory information of our clients

- Reliable transportation and communication

2. What exceptional skills do you have that prove you to be invaluable to this company or organization? Remember that your resume is not a record of what you’ve done, but a persuasive document that proves indisputably that you are the best person for the job. (list)

- customer service skills

- excessive use of technology

- own a car and cell phone

- able to work odd/late hours

3. As an exercise, list the skills, professional experience, personality traits, etc., the job ad is asking for in the left column, and in the right, write paragraphs that elaborate on and illustrate your skills, experience, etc. Your prospective employer (list) You (paragraphs)

n/a n/a

History of the Company / Organization

1. Did you know anything about the company before you saw the job ad? (short answer)

No.

2. Does the company have a website? What is the URL? (short answer)

Yes: RGISINV.COM

3. What is the mission statement of the company? (paragraph)

Our Mission: To be the principal provider of inventory and merchandising services worldwide.

4. What are keywords on the website that you can use in your cover letter and interview? (list)

Teamwork

Communication

Partnership

Innovation

Passion

5. Write a few sentences about the history of the company. Remember that it is essential for you to learn as much about the company as possible; you can use such knowledge for your cover letter and interview. (paragraph)

It was founded in 1958 by Thomas J. Nicholson and started in an office in Detroit. By the ‘60s it had expanded into Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, with a budding international presence in Canada. In the 1980’s the microcomputer was invented to help audits, and went through 6 major updates. By the end of the decade, RGIS has a worldwide presence with more than 200 district offices. After 2000 the audit microcomputer was retired and replaced by the RM-1.

6. Based on your research, what is your personal sense about the company? What do you feel the company values? (paragraph)

I feel like this is a very progressive company. The company has specific values it supports, which may be why it has such a presence, world wide. Some of these values are teamwork, partnership, innovation, positive presence, and passion for the business. It seems to be a very stable company, that knows how to achieve its goals and give excellent customer service. This is the type of company I would like to work for.

7. Does Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities have a networking system with this company? (short answer)

Not that I could find.

8. Do you have any personal connections to this company? Do you know anyone who works there? Does anyone in your family or friends of your family work there? (short answer)

No, I have no personal connections to the company.