Job Preparedness 1: Resume and Cover Letter

What is a resume? A summary of your background, skills and qualifications “your personal marketing to a potential employer”

Why is a resume important? Three main reasons: 1.Proves that you are qualified 2.Proves that you care about the job 3.Proves that you understand the working world

Keys to a good resume 1. Action Verbs 2. Not all previous work experience is needed 3. Keep the resume on one-page 4. Include a skills summary 5. Know your employer, tailor information to job posting 6. Do not include “fluff” information 7. Format properly- aligned, font size/style, consistent headings 8. No pronouns! (I, me, myself, they, etc.) 9. Use key words to your industry!! 10. Have it critiqued!!!!

Choose a format… Functional vs. Chronological… which is best? ▫Chronological- what have I done? ▫Functional- what can I do? ChronologicalFunctional Objective SummaryAccomplishments ExperienceCapabilities EducationEmployment History ReferencesEducation References

Military experience Link to military.com site to translate military skills into civilian skillsLink to military.com site to translate military skills into civilian skills

Let’s get started… Keep notes…let’s try one together Welding job posting: Link to Valmont jobs websiteLink to Valmont jobs website

Cover Letter- What is it? Your “pitch” Let’s the agency understand the informal side of you Highlights a few of your experiences or skills, not stated on your resume Requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer

Cover Letter: Formatting Heading: ▫Your contact information ▫Date ▫Employer contact information ▫Salutation First Paragraph - Why you are writing Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up Closing ▫Complimentary Close ▫Signature

Cover Letter: Tips 1. Understand your purpose ▫It should answer “why should this company hire you?” 2. Be specific and show initiative ▫Be clear and concise when asking for an interview ▫Direct the cover letter to a specific person 3. Avoid overselling yourself ▫Frame your cover letter to address the needs of the company 4. Address the company’s values ▫Convey why and how you would add value 5. If possible, be creative

Cover Letter: Power Words Solved Promoted Oversaw Improved Adapted Positivity Initiated Planned Managed Lead Innovative Trained Built Introduced Strengthened Directed Persuaded Organized Projected Assessed

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