Resumés and Cover Letters The Foundation for Being Successful Objective: To create a functional resume, cover letter, and reference list. To be able to.

Resumés and Cover Resumés and Cover LettersLetters

The Foundation for Being The Foundation for Being SuccessfulSuccessful

Objective: To create a functional resume, cover letter, and reference list.

To be able to successfully fill out a job application.

Resumés!

What is exactly is a resumWhat is exactly is a resuméé? ?

Often requested by colleges and Often requested by colleges and potential employerspotential employers

Tells your unique storyTells your unique story Allows you to paint a picture Allows you to paint a picture

describing your backgrounddescribing your background Used to spark an interest in a Used to spark an interest in a

potential employer, so you can potential employer, so you can get an interviewget an interview

Information to Include…Information to Include…

Personal Data:Personal Data: Name, Address, Telephone Name, Address, Telephone

number, e-mail addressnumber, e-mail address Objective:Objective:

State the kind of job you want. If State the kind of job you want. If you are interested in more than you are interested in more than one, list them in order of one, list them in order of preference. If sending to a college, preference. If sending to a college, your objective would be your objective would be “Enrollment at ____________.”“Enrollment at ____________.”

Information to Include:Information to Include:

Education (list most current Education (list most current first):first): High school(s) attendedHigh school(s) attended Highest grade attended or date of Highest grade attended or date of

graduationgraduation GPA/Class RankingGPA/Class Ranking

Information to include:Information to include:

Work Experience (list most current Work Experience (list most current first):first): Name of employer(s) and dates of Name of employer(s) and dates of

employmentemployment Primary duties and/or responsibilitiesPrimary duties and/or responsibilities

Extracurricular Activities (list most Extracurricular Activities (list most current first):current first): School offices and responsibilitiesSchool offices and responsibilities Clubs/OrganizationsClubs/Organizations Community involvementCommunity involvement

Information to include…Information to include…

References:References: ““References available upon References available upon

request.” request.” If included:If included:

List names with addresses, List names with addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (work and personal)addresses (work and personal)

ASK YOUR REFERENCES FOR ASK YOUR REFERENCES FOR PERMISSION BEFORE PERMISSION BEFORE INCLUDINGTHEM ON YOUR INCLUDINGTHEM ON YOUR RESUMRESUMÉÉ!!!!!!!!

TIPS…TIPS…

Be brief—keep it to one page if Be brief—keep it to one page if possible.possible.

Make it attractive, but Make it attractive, but professional. This is not the professional. This is not the place for cute clipart.place for cute clipart.

Make it your own—you may use Make it your own—you may use someone else’s for a template, someone else’s for a template, but remember that there are but remember that there are many ways to format a resummany ways to format a resuméé!!

Assignment:

• Look at the example resumés that are provided.

• Fill out Resumé Planning Worksheet.

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter?

• It summarizes what you have to offer.

• It introduces your resumé.• It makes your first impression—be

sure it sells you!!!

Tips…• Address a specific person by name

and title when possible. (If not known, use “To whom it may concern:” or “Dear Sir or Madam:”)

• The first 20 words should attract the reader’s attention immediately.

• Tell the reader what you can contribute to the organization.

• Use simple, direct grammar.

Tips…

• Keep it short—don’t repeat resumé info, but do refer to your resumé. It gives supporting facts.

• Type it neatly in the formal letter format.• PROOFREAD A THOUSAND TIMES!

Assignment:

•Look at the example cover letters.

•You are applying for employment at Danville High School. Write a cover letter to Mr. Pat Smith. Don’t be conceited, but make yourself sound good!!!

Job Applications

Job Applications are easy!!!

NEVER go in and ask “Are you hiring?” Ask to complete a job application!

Depending on the employer or college, applications can be simple or more complex.

Answer all questions HONESTLY!

#1 tip to make job applications easier…

Most of the information you will need can be taken directly from your resumé and transferred to the application! Problem solved!!!

Assignment:

Take out your resumé.

Use it to help you fill out the sample job application provided for you! This should be easy!