Apply for a Job Chapter 4.3 Page 132

Preparing a Resume  A resume is a brief summary of qualifications including Education and training Job skills Work experience  Typically written before you apply for a job.  Each resume should be specific to the job being applied for.  An effective resume includes a detailed list of your qualifications as well as your contact information.  Resumes should be PERFECT, in regards to “error free”. Resumes should also be attractive and eye catching. With features that are above and beyond other resumes.

Guidelines for Resumes  Express yourself clearly  Be brief – should be limited to one page  Use dynamic or professional language  Always be truthful  Check carefully for errors  Ask some who has experience with resumes to read it

Let’s write a rough draft resume  On a Blank Sheet of paper write YOUR NAME in the center top. Using your best penmanship.  Below your name write your COMPLETE street address.  On the next line write the name of your city, state and zip code.  Underneath write your home phone, including area code.  Lastly, include your address, if you have one.

Should look like this…. Jane Doe 256 West Water Street Steeleville, IL Home - (618) Cell (618)

Resume continued  At the left hand margin write the heading: OBJECTIVE in all capital letters.  Write an objective sentence. This should be professional in form. Like this….. Career Objective: I wish to obtain a position as…..

Resume continued  Next write the heading HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS in all capital letters.  Bullet any highlights that you have.  Like this…. Highlights of Qualifications: Senior Class President Three full years of Spanish in High School Honor Student

Resumes Continued:  Both Educational and Work Experience are included on resumes The position you are applying for determines which is listed first. If you are applying for a job in which your work experience is most relevant it goes first, if your education is most relevant then list it first.

Resumes continued  Write the heading EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE on the left.  Begin listing your education from most recent back. Typically last three.  Educational experience should include the dates, name of school and address as listed in the book.  Like this Educational Experience: Steeleville High School Steeleville, IL2005- Present  Top 10% of graduating class Steeleville Grade School Steeleville, IL

Resumes continued  If you have worked ANYWHERE list the heading WORK EXPERIENCE. If you have not worked then leave the heading off.  Begin listing your jobs, again beginning with the most recent. Typically last 3  Work experience must include dates, complete names, and addresses.  When you have little work experience any job counts. As you gain more experience use only relevant positions.

Resumes Continued  References SHOULD be included on resumes.  References cannot be relatives. Teachers, past employers, clergy, and adult friends work well for references.  List 3 references including titles, addresses and phone numbers.  Like this…. References: Mary Jane Smith Manager, Rozier’s Market 213 West East Street Chester, IL (618)

Cover Letters  A cover letter should ALWAYS accompany your resume.  The cover letter explains why you are sending the resume and specifically for what job.  Cover letters should be brief, to the point, and should reflect you and your writing style.

Cover Letters continued  Cover letters should include the following info… Your contact information and date Name and address of contact person Generally letters are 3 paragraphs  1 st contains info on what job you are applying for and how you heard about the position. Also, briefly state why you’d be good for the job.  2 nd paragraph highlights your personal qualifications for the position.  3 rd paragraph ALWAYS requests and interview and includes contact info.