Mock Interviews

Students will be able to… create flawless job search documents: cover letter, resume, references, and follow-up letter in conjunction with Live Mock Interviews. Guided Practice – Purpose of a cover letter Independent Practice - Creating a Flawless cover letter Open the Cover Letter Template

Plan Print Job Description - Search and select a current entry level opening you are interested in.  Copy job description to a Word document with you name, the company name and position in the header.   Update Resume/References  - add new work experiences, volunteer service etc...and update 3-5 references Customize Cover Letter - customize to the job posting you've selected Interview Q's & Company Research - online Moodle assignment Follow-up E-mail (thank you for the interview) - cc me on email jlagunas@tfd215.org 

Cover letter What is a cover letter? A cover letter is an accompanying letter that serves as the introduction to your resume. The cover letter is individualized for each position for which you are applying. It is an extension of your resume and reflects your knowledge of the employer’s needs. What is the purpose of a cover letter? The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself to an organization, demonstrate your interest in the company or a specific vacancy, draw attention to your resume and motivate the reader to interview you.

Create a Word Document Create a Word Document Save the file as Lastname_Firstname_CoverLetter2017(in your resume folder) When you submit electronically it looks professional and its better than document3.

Prove Your Resume Cover letters can be just as important as a resume Most professional jobs ask for a cover letter Illustrates what skills you have and where you attained those skills All the activities and work experience you have had. Proves you have writing skills

Paragraph 1 Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

P1 Example I am writing to express my interest in the Dog Trainer Apprentice position at Petco. I read about the opening and job description on your website. Given my experience with animals and excellent teamwork capabilities I would appreciate your consideration for the Dog Trainer Apprentice position. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Grammar? Spelling?

P1 2nd Example I am applying to Party City because I want to experience to be responsible. I also want to make money to support myself. I am willing to work as a cashier or anything else. I am going to be an adult and it’s time for earn my own money. I heard from my friend Student Name told me that they are hiring. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Grammar? Spelling?

P1 3rd Example Grammar? Spelling? I am very intrigued in the sales clerk position open at Succezz. I was recruited from a friend, Student Name he currently works for Succezz. I heard about Succezz before Student Name worked there. Other friends told me how good of a shoe store you are. This appeals to me because shoes are the best clothing accessory you could buy. I love shoes and to sell them to others would put a smile on my face. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Grammar? Spelling?

P1 4th Example I am writing to apply for the sales associate position advertised in the Times Herald. At your convenience, I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position and my candidacy with you. My colleague Student Name recommended that I contact you directly about this position. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

P1 5th Example I am writing to express my interest in the sales clerk position. I heard about your opening while shopping at your store. I would appreciate to discuss my candidacy with you. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

P1 6th Example I am writing because I’m interested in becoming a staff member of your store. I heard about this position from a friend of my fathers’ daughter works there. Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

Essential Questions Why You Are Writing. Name the position for which you are applying. Explain how you heard about the position and why it appeals to you. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request.

Middle Paragraph State your skills (those the employer thinks are important) in terms of results, (work, volunteer school, activities, etc.) Passion and Enthusiasm must stand out. What You Have to Offer. Give specific examples of skills you have, where you have learned or practiced them, and how they will help you in the position for which you are applying.

Body Body - should show that you understand the nature of the position by explaining how your qualifications relate to it. You should include examples of the skills and/or qualities from your resume that you believe make you a particularly strong candidate. Do not, however, simply repeat what is in your resume. Use this section as an opportunity to illustrate more specifically how you think your experience can contribute to the organization.

Proving It “I am a great team player. I work well under pressure. I know how to serve food. I can communicate well.” “I have obtained skills, in teamwork, communication, and time management that I feel will aid me greatly and allow me to fit in well with your existing staff. I have four years’ experience as being part of a team as a member of the soccer team. I have also volunteered at our school concession stand during football games and extracurricular activities. Providing great customer service in a very stressful environment. ”

Middle Paragraph Help I have obtained skills, in ?, ?, and ?. That I feel will aid me greatly and allow me to fit in well with your existing staff. You will find that I have an excellent work ethic and I am exceptionally hard working and willing to learn and improve my performance in the workplace. Through my previous experience in retail sales I understand the importance of motivation and possess excellent listening and time management skills. In training my sales staff, I created a cohesive team of people from very different backgrounds, modifying my training style to suit the needs of each individual. I offer two years of experience in the fast food industry. My skills and abilities include. My qualifications for the position include . . . I believe my background in . . . I have experience/education in. . .

Example 1 I have obtained skills; In Enthusiasm, energy, charisma, and humor that I feel will aid me greatly and allow me to fit in well with your existing staff. I have obtained these skills from fundraisers and Sports You will find that I have an excellent work ethic and I am exceptionally hard working and willing to learn and improve my performance in the workplace.

Example 2 I have attained skills in responsibility, sociability, and dependability. I have developed these skills from sports, school, and everyday life. I feel these skills our necessities when wanting this job. I have an excellent work ethic and I am willing to adapt to this job.

Example 3 The skills that I obtained that fit the position is social skills, I can persuade people, And I got good customer service skills. I can work well with other co-workers, I can solve problems when needed to. Where I learned these skills is from my previous catering job.

Example 4 You are seeking someone who can naturally put customers at ease and adapt to different types of customers, and that is exactly what I am prepared to do. As a sales associate, I learn products inside and out and know how to relate products to customer needs. In addition, I am a persuasive communicator, have a strong work ethic, and efficient. I am exceptionally hard working and I have a 3.14 GPA. I am willing to learn and improve my performance in the workplace.

Closing Time Thank the reader for taking time to review your qualifications. Ask for an interview. Tell how you will follow up. Remember, it is your responsibility to follow-up; this relates to your job search. State that you will do so and provide the professional courtesy of indicating when (one week's time is typical).

Closing Paragraph I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will be beneficial to your organization’s success. I will call you next Tuesday to follow up on my application and arrange for an interview. I am confident that I have the skills as well as the passion to excel with your organization. I look forward to hearing from you regarding a personal interview. Thank you for your consideration. Enclosed is a copy of my resume, which gives a summary of my work experience, education, and qualifications. I am confident that the combination of my training and experience will enable me to make a valuable contribution to your university and to assist your students in preparing for their future. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to share more about my background.