Resumes & Cover Letters For High School Students Joey's Resume.wmv

What is a Resume? A resume is a personal summary of your professional history and qualifications. Your resume is your ticket to an interview, It is your opportunity to stand out in a pile off 10, 50 or 100 applications on an employer’s desk An employer may interview people, your resume and cover letter will decide if you are one of those chosen to interview

There are 3 Types of Resumes Chronological Functional Combination

Chronological Resume Most widely used when:  You have a previous work history  Consistent employment record Advantages:  Looks familiar  Highlight employment history  Can show consistent employment or Layout:  Starts from most current and follows backward  Lists company names, dates worked and brief responsibilities Not ideal if:  On the job issues or numerous job changes  May not highlight your skills

Functional Resume Most widely used when:  There is little or no work experience  Inconsistent employment record – lots of jobs!  Job being applied for requires a special set of skills Layout:  Concentrates on job skills and responsibilities that apply to job being applied for.  De-emphasizes jobs/titles/dates, placing them at the end Not ideal if:  General skill set is required  Focus on years of service needs to be highlighted

Combination Resume Most widely used when:  Highlighting steady work history and professional growth Layout:  Starts with a personal summary of job related skills (functional component).  Followed by chronological list of employers and when the above skills were acquired. Not ideal due if:  Combination resume can tend to repeat itself and therefore is less attractive of the three types

Key Components 1.Heading 2.Objective 3.Education 4.Skills 5.Experience 6.References- in resume or as an addendum

Additional Components Personal Skills and Assets Honors, awards and activities Community service Foreign language proficiency Computer skills & applications Volunteer experiences Prospective Colleges & Universities (if applicable)

Formatting & Appearance Make your name stand out with a bold, larger font size Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, Type Size: Point White, beige, or light gray quality bond paper Use a laser printer for best finish Limit entry level resume to one typed page

Heading Includes contact information: Top of the page Name: large and bold- so it stands out! Address: street, town, state & postal code Telephone number(s): with professional voice mail message address: professional, check daily is not appropriate

Sample Headings Mike Jones 1 Meadow Way Edmonton, AB T8H 1T9 (407) Susan Williams Current Address Permanent Address 325 Maple St 55 Sycamore Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4Y1 St. Albert, AB T8N 0N7 (407) (305) CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB  (407) 

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0N7 (407) 

Objective What is an objective? A one sentence summary of position desired.  Short  Specific  Tailored to the position What does an objective do? ▫ Clarifies the purpose of your resume ▫ Presents a clear statement of your goals 13

Objectives Career Objective: I am a high school student eager to use my strong customer service experience and communication skills to provide outstanding service to a range of clients. “Reliable and mature high school senior seeking a part-time retail sales position to gain experience and insight into the fashion industry.” “Seeking an interesting position as a responsible Child Care worker.” “Seeking an Entry Level Position that will further develop my skills as a good team player in the Food Services Industry.” "Server position where I can use my customer service skills to enhance the customer's dining experience."

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0N7 (407)  _____________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Responsible high school student with a genuine love for animals seeking part-time employment with a veterinary hospital to better understand animals and their owners in preparation for veterinary school.

Personal Skills and Assets A couple of sentences or bullets that describe what you are like as a person and how you do things, including personality traits, attitudes, work habits, etc. This is a useful section, especially if you do not have much work experience. Think of the skills you use in school that employers want!!! ▫ Punctuality, Time Management, Teamwork

Hard Working Responsible Dependable Goal Oriented Self-Starter Motivated Willing to Learn Quick Learner Reliable Team Player Works well with people Enthusiastic Punctual Friendly Flexible Outgoing Articulate Effective at time management Able to multitask Confident Honest Personal Skills and Assets Try it now! List three of your personal qualities.

Sample Personal Skills and Assets Section PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS I am a hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills. I am responsible, motivated, and punctual. I am a friendly person who enjoys helping others. SKILLS SUMMARY Detail oriented and well organized Excellent verbal and written communication Strong customer service focus Outgoing with a positive attitude Professional demeanor

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0n7 (407)  _____________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Responsible high school student with a genuine love for animals seeking part-time employment with a veterinary hospital to better understand animals and their owners in preparation for veterinary school. PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills responsible, motivated, bright and punctual friendly person who enjoys helping others

Education Name and location of the school Graduation or anticipated graduation date Honors or recent Academic Achievement Relevant Coursework - CTS, option courses Salisbury Composite High School NOT Sal Comp

Education- Relevant Courses List relevant courses that: ▫ Help you stand out from the crowd ▫ Have provided you with specific skills or knowledge French (4 semesters) Computer Science Commercial Foods Do not include courses that are part of a required curriculum- Ex. English Include courses that are at an advanced level if they are relevant to the position- eg. Biology, Math 30-1

Samples of Education Section EDUCATION Winter Park High SchoolAirdrie, AB Aug 2015 – present Graduating June 2018 Relevant Courses: Business Systems Technology; Marketing Received an academic honors award EDUCATIONColonial High SchoolAirdrie, AB High school student Graduating June 2018 Relevant Courses: Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Calculus

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0N7 (407)  ___________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Responsible high school student with a genuine love for animals seeking part-time employment with a veterinary hospital to better understand animals and their owners in preparation for veterinary school. PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills responsible, motivated, bright and punctual friendly person who enjoys helping others EDUCATION Winter Park High SchoolAirdrie, AB Aug 2015–present Graduating May 2017 Relevant Courses: Business Systems Technology, Marketing, Biology Received an award for academic honors

Experience Remember – Experience can be: ▫ Paid part-time/full-time positions ▫ Volunteer work/ Community Service ▫ Club/campus group involvement ▫ Summer Jobs 24

Experience Guidelines for duties, responsibilities & accomplishments Include most relevant skills & qualities Most relevant information comes first Use strong action verbs - see handout Provide evidence of skills & qualities by  Quantifying information  Acknowledging accomplishments & evaluations 25

Sample Experience Section WORK EXPERIENCE present Pizza Paradiso Sherwood Park, AB Waitress Provided excellent guest service Took orders and served guests in a timely manner Handled cash with accuracy VALLEY STATE BANK, Edmonton, AB Bank Teller, Summers 2014 & 2015 Provided friendly, professional customer service Issued money orders, travelers checks, loan payments and deposits/withdrawals WORK EXPERIENCE

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0N7 (407)  ___________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Part time position as a clerk in a dental office PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS I am a hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills. I am responsible, motivated, educated and punctual. I am friendly person who enjoys helping others. EDUCATION Winter Park High SchoolAirdrie, AB Aug 2015 – present Graduating June 2017 Relevant Courses: Business Systems Technology, Marketing, Biology Received an award for excellent attendance WORK EXPERIENCE CIBC Edmonton, AB Bank Teller Summers 2015 & 2016 Provided friendly, professional customer service Issued money orders, travelers checks, loan payments and deposits/withdrawals

Specialized Skills Include skills that make you unique, such as computer skills foreign language skills or military service. Be specific in describing your special skills; name computer programs you know how long you studied a foreign language or your dates of military service.

Sample Skills Section COMPUTER SKILLS Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Publisher LANGUAGES Bilingual French and English

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Sherwood Park, AB T8N 0N7 (407)  ___________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Part time position as a clerk in a dental office PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS I am a hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills. I am responsible, motivated, educated and punctual. I am a friendly person who enjoys helping others. EDUCATION Winter Park High SchoolAirdrie, AB Aug 2015 – present Graduating June 2017 Relevant Courses: Business Systems Technology, Marketing, Biology Received an award for academic excellence and attendance WORK EXPERIENCE CIBC Edmonton, AB Bank Teller Summers 2005 & 2006 Provided friendly, professional customer service Issued money orders, travelers checks, loan payments and deposits/withdrawals COMPUTER SKILLS Experienced with Macintosh, IBM PC, Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Publisher LANGUAGES Bilingual French and English

References If your resume is strong, it is enough to state that references are available upon request Entice a potential employer by stating References and Portfolio available at the interview Choose references that are knowledgeable about your skills, abilities, and work ethics. Former employers, teachers, and counselors would be good references, your friends and relatives would not. Always obtain permission from references in advance and provide them with current resume You may entice employers to invite you for an interview by stating that reference letters and a portfolio are available at the interview

Sample References REFERENCES Kristin Wilkin, English Teacher, Winter Park High School, Bob Jones, Supervisor, Valley State Bank, REFERENCES Kristin Wilkin English Teacher Winter Park High School Bob Jones Supervisor Valley State Bank Portfolio and Reference Letters Available at Interview

CHRIS SMITH 83 Prospect Road  Edmonton, AB T6J 7Y4 (407)  ___________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE Part time position as a clerk in a dental office PERSONAL SKILLS AND ASSETS I am a hard working individual who is always willing to learn new skills. I am responsible, motivated, educated and punctual. I am friendly person who enjoys helping others. EDUCATION Winter Park High SchoolAirdrie, AB Aug 2015 – present Graduating June 2017 Relevant Courses: Business Technology, Marketing, Biology Received an award for academic excellence and attendance WORK EXPERIENCE CIBC Edmonton, AB Bank Teller Summers 2014 & 2015 Provided friendly, professional customer service Issued money orders, travelers checks, loan payments and deposits/withdrawals COMPUTER SKILLS Experienced with Macintosh, IBM PC, Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Publisher LANGUAGES Bilingual French and English REFERENCES Kristin Wilkin, English Teacher, Winter Park High School, Bob Jones, Supervisor, CIBC,

Visual appeal as important as contents Good formatting is key to visual appeal Many employers use “First Pass” method to week out visual unappealing resumes Employers must be able to easily locating information – use bullets & concise writing, avoid using paragraphs and wordy sentences.

Visual pointers 12 pnt font – Helvetica, Times or Arial (no more than 1 -2 fonts) Use CAPITALS and BOLD to accent headings No more than pages Use bonded paper & a good quality printer STAPLED Accompany resume by a concise, well written cover letter

Remember 36 A resume does not get you a job… A resume gets you an interview. Putting time and consideration into your resume is one of the best ways to prepare for your interviews! Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

Always submit your resume with a cover letter! So what is a cover letter??? Why do I need one?

The purpose of the cover letter It is the first page of your application package Introduces yourself as a qualified applicant It is like an opening paragraph in an essay Highlight of your skills, qualifications that match what the employer is looking for. Stand out in a crowd and get an interview

A cover letter lets you Prospect for a job: Respond to advertisement Inquire about possibilities in a field of work Gets your name out to potential employers

The Basics Typed and printed on good quality paper. White or off white, no colors Proper business letter format Market yourself in a positive way to sell your best assets that matches a company’s needs Check spelling and grammar! Any mistakes and your resume package will be filed under “G” for Garbage No slang or jargon No lying