WRITING APPLICATION MATERIALS Getting hired always involves writing Chapter 10. Preparing Job-Application Materials

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (2006), the typical American worker holds more than 10 different jobs while he or she is between the ages of 18 and 38. Every time you apply for a job you will need to change your resume and your other job-application materials. Chapter 10. Preparing Job-Application

Focus on the Process Planning Drafting Learn as much as you can about the organizations to which you will be applying. Drafting Decide whether to write a chronological or skills resume, and use traditional sections and headings. Revising, editing, and proofreading You want these documents to be PERFECT! Ask several people to review them. Chapter 10. Preparing Job-Application

Create An Attractive Résumé A resume communicates in two ways: through its appearance and through its content. generous margins clear type balanced appearance clear organization Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 4

Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials Résumé Standards It must provide clear, specific information, without generalizations or self-congratulation. It must be free of errors. It must be honest. Your resume is your sales document, but you are both the salesperson and the product. Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 5

A Chronological Résumé identifying information objectives or summary of qualifications education employment history interests and activities references Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 6

Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials A Skills Resume Lists previous jobs Includes a skills section which describes talents and achievements Recent graduates usually use the chronological resume because in most cases they lack the record of skills and accomplishments needed for a skills resume. However, if you have a lot of professional work experience, consider the skills style. Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 7

Drafting a Statement of Objectives: State only the goals or duties explicitly mentioned, or clearly implied, in the job advertisement. Focus on the reader’s needs, not on your goals. Be specific. Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 8

Focus on the Education Section: the degree and grade-point average the institution and location the date of graduation Special accomplishments, honors and awards information about other schools you attended Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 9

Include information about your interests and activities: participation in community-service organizations hobbies related to your career sports, especially those that might be socially useful in your professional career university-sanctioned activities Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 10

contain additional information: Some résumés contain additional information: computer skills military experience language ability willingness to relocate Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 11

Drafting an Application Letter: Principles for Drafting an Application Letter: Selectivity. Select two or three points of greatest interest to the potential employer. Development Develop those points into paragraphs emphasizing results. Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 12

The Introductory Paragraph It identifies your source of information. It identifies the position you are interested in. It states that you wish to be considered for the position. It forecasts the rest of the letter. Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 13

Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials Concluding Paragraph In the preceding paragraphs, you provided the information that you hope has convinced the reader to give you another look. In the last paragraph, you want to make it easy for him or her to do so. a reference to your résumé/qualifications a polite but confident request [for an interview] your phone number and e-mail address Chapter 10. Writing Job-Application Materials 14

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