The piece of paper that will define YOU! RESUME

WHAT IS A RESUME? A document used by persons to present their backgrounds and skills. Often used to secure new employment. Typical resume includes relevant job experience and education.

YOUR NAME! In the center of the top of the page, the first thing you must do is put your name in CAPS and BOLD. (everything stays center) Follow with your current address. Phone number. address.

WHY ARE YOU APPLYING FOR JOB? Objective: Always good to point out precisely what job it is you are applying for.

WHAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR EMPLOYMENT? CERTIFICATION: List any certifications or distinctions that your employer should know right off the bat.

WHAT EDUCATION DO YOU HAVE? EDUCATION: List all the education you have obtained/or are obtaining. *List everything in REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER* (Start with most recent, then work backwards)

PAST JOB EXPERIENCE PREVIOUS JOBS: List all the relatable past job experiences you have had. If there is not a lot to list, just list any job experience or volunteer work. LIST MOST RECENT AND WORK BACK! BOLD each Job Description. Italicize each job location. Bullet quick summary of job. Put dates worked on right side.

OTHER RELATABLE EXPERIENCE? RELATABLE EXPERIENCE: List any other experience that could help you stand out more to a potential employer. Try and keep it related to the job you are applying for. Again, BOLD Job description. Italicize job location (not town, state) Bullet with summary of job. Dates on right hand side. (month-month; season; years)

ACTIVITIES ACTIVITES: List any outside activities you participate in that will again, help you stand out among other qualified applicants. Clubs (Chess, Science, RAINE, Heroes and Cool Kids) Sports (Soccer, Baseball, Football) Volunteer Work Hobbies

SKILLS SKILLS: Lastly, list any skills you feel is important for a potential employer to know you have. Coaching certified? AED/CPR Certified? Microsoft Office Final Cut/Adobe Premiere SmartBoard

FINAL THOUGHTS How many pages should a resume end up being? 1 Just like you don’t have the patience to read more than a page of notes, an employer does not have the patience to read more than one page.

THE COVER LETTER Marketing yourself to achieve your maximum potential!

COVER LETTER A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

COVER LETTER Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined in previous slide (application, prospecting or networking) as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer.

COVER LETTER Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.

PIECES OF LETTER A cover letter is comprised of several parts: Your address and date Employer contact information Salutation. The body of the cover letter. (3 paragraphs An appropriate closing which includes your contact information. A signature. An enclosure

CONTACT INFORMATION The first section of a written or uploaded cover letter should include your contact information: Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Date

CONTACT INFORMATION Employer Contact Information: Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code

WHO ARE YOU WRITING TO? Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

BODY OF LETTER Body of Cover Letter The body of your letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for and where you saw the position. (Paragraph 1) Why the employer should select you for an interview, include skills and experience which pertains to position. (Paragraph 2) That you are looking for an interview, you have enclosed your resume, your contact information, and thank you.

FIRST PARAGRAPH Include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Identify where you heard about the position

MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S) Describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. *Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it! Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence.

FINAL PARAGRAPH Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include your contact information such as phone number and address. Mention you are enclosing your resume. Mention you are looking forward to hearing from them

CLOSING Complimentary Close: Respectfully yours, Signature: Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature Enclosure or Attachment