Read to Learn How to prepare for and complete a job application How to write an effective résumé and cover letter.

Main Idea Making a good first impression on potential employers is essential to securing a job.

Key Concepts Preparing to Apply Job Applications Preparing a Résumé Writing Cover Letters

Key Terms Social Security number work permit standard English job application personal fact sheet references

Key Terms résumé cover letter

Preparing to Apply Do you have the ability to do the work? Employers are Looking for the Best Person to Fill the Job Do you have the ability to do the work? How do you present yourself? How do you dress? How well do you communicate?

Be Confident Do your best to project confidence and a positive, professional image every time you communicate with an employer.

Be Prepared The first step in applying for a job is having a Social Security number. Social Security number a unique nine-digit number issued by the federal government that is required for all workers

Be Prepared If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may need a work permit. work permit a document that shows you are allowed to work in the United States

Be Prepared Some states require work permits if you are under the age of 16 or 18.

Communicate Effectively When you communicate with an employer, use standard English. standard English the form of English you are taught in school Avoid using filler words like um, like, and you know.

The job application is one way an employer can screen job applicants. Job Applications The job application is one way an employer can screen job applicants. job application a form that asks questions about a job applicant’s skills, work experience, education, and interests

Job Applications Creating a personal fact sheet will help you complete accurate job applications. personal fact sheet a list of all the information about yourself that you will need for a job application form

Information for Your Personal Fact Sheet Job Applications Information for Your Personal Fact Sheet Name Phone number Address Social Security number (SSN) The date you can start work The days and hours you can work The pay you want Schools you have attended Places you have lived Awards or accomplishments Past jobs with contact information and dates Reasons for leaving past jobs

Completing the Job Application Job Applications Completing the Job Application Fill out the form completely, neatly, and accurately. Read and follow directions exactly. Use standard English and check your spelling with a dictionary. Answer every question. Make your statements positive. Keep your options open.

Job Applications Employers do not have a right to ask about the following: Age Disability status Race National origin Gender

Teachers, counselors, and former employers make good references. people who will recommend you to an employer Ask permission before using someone as a reference.

Practice To get practice completing job applications, obtain a real-world application form from a local company or find one online.

Taking Tests When you apply for a job, you may have to take one or more of the following tests: Performance or skills test Drug test Polygraph test

A good résumé may get you an interview. Preparing a Résumé A good résumé may get you an interview. résumé a brief summary of a job applicant’s personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests Résumés are submitted by regular mail, e-mail, or fax.

Preparing a Résumé If you do not have work experiences on your résumé, focus on the skills, education, and training you have. You can list your references or indicate that you will provide them on request.

Tips for Writing Your Résumé Preparing a Résumé Tips for Writing Your Résumé Avoid negative information. Keep it brief (one page). It should be typed or word-processed. Check spelling, grammar, and usage. Evaluate it as though it belonged to someone else. Make sure it is well-written and organized.

Organizing Your Résumé A chronological résumé presents your experience in reverse time order. This type of résumé shows your growth in experience.

Figure 6.2 Chronological Résumé

Organizing Your Résumé A skills résumé is organized around skills or strengths. This type of résumé allows you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

Figure 6.3 Chronological Résumé

Scannable and Electronic Résumés Some companies only use e-mailed or electronically submitted résumés. Other companies scan paper résumés, copying and storing them electronically.

Scannable and Electronic Résumés Making Your Résumé Easy to Scan Keep the résumé clean. Use crisp, dark type. Avoid italics, underscores, and other formatted type. Use white paper. Use keywords.

Writing Cover Letters When writing a cover letter, emphasize facts that make you especially well qualified for the job. cover letter a brief letter that introduces you to the employer and explains why you are sending your résumé

Opening Paragraph Body Closing Paragraph Figure 6.4 Chronological Résumé Opening Paragraph Body Closing Paragraph

Writing Cover Letters Opening Paragraph Explains why you are writing Body Persuades someone to hire you Closing Paragraph Tells how you will follow up

Writing Cover Letters Your cover letter should be free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ask someone to proofread your cover letter.

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Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job. Section 6.2 After You Read Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job. Documents often legally required to apply for a job include a Social Security card, a work permit, and photo identification. You may also need to submit a list of references, a completed job application, a résumé, and a cover letter.

Section 6.2 After You Read Explain why it is important to use standard English on a job application. Using standard English shows your writing skills, and standard English is the language of the professional workplace.

Section 6.2 After You Read Distinguish between a skills résumé and a chronological résumé, and explain when it is best to use each format. The answer is on the next slide.

Section 6.2 After You Read In a skills résumé, achievements and experience are grouped by skill (such as communication skills, computer skills, etc.). In a chronological résumé, achievements and experiences are listed in reverse order (most recent first) and job titles, company names, and date ranges are specified.

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