High School and Beyond Senior Graduation Requirement

Goal/Requirement Two required documents: Cover letter Resume (For work or to get accepted to a college, university or trade school of your choice based on your work from Career Cruising last year.)

Cover Letter: Cover letters have one specific goal and that is to entice the reader to take action. All letters must have: Inside address Current date Address of person you are sending the letter to Salutation (Dear…..) Paragraph one – why are you writing? Be specific and to the point. Paragraph two – explain yourself – sell yourself with facts and specifics that sell your qualifications. Paragraph three – make them do something, or you need to promise to do something. (Example: I will contact you by October 11, 2011 to set up an interview.) Closing (Sincerely yours,) Your typed name Enclosure (Used when something is attached)

Types of Letter Styles Full-Block Letter Style: Everything begins on the left- hand margin. Nothing is indented. This is the most popular letter format used. Modified-Block Letter Style: The inside address, closing, and typed name start at the center of the document. Open Punctuation means no punctuation at the salutation or closing and closed punctuation means a colon after Dear Mary: and a comma after Sincerely yours,

Things to think about… Use nice paper such as bonded #24 stationary paper. Stick with cream or a light color. Use a matching envelope. Keep the resume in a simple format that is used throughout the resume. Don’t change halfway through—be consistent. Do not exceed 2 pages. 1 to 1.5 is plenty!!! Keep the letter to the point. Make sure you show how qualified you are by matching your background with the skills being mentioned in the letter. Direct the person to your resume so they can see your wide range of experiences. Use words carefully—show that you are knowledgeable about technical terms related to your field of study.

Assignment: College/Letter of Interest– Write a letter to a college or university that you are planning on attending next year. Make sure you include all of your school activities, things you are proud of, and what your intentions or goals are. OR Cover Letter for a job – If you don’t plan on going to college and will need to work next year, find a job posting and write a letter expressing interest in this job. Make sure your last paragraph asks to have an interview! You cannot have any errors – spelling, punctuation errors. Make sure the document is pleasing to the eyes.

Resume The purpose of the resume is to get noticed, sell yourself using the different categories that show off your strengths— NOT your weaknesses. Resumes must be perfect—no errors of any kind and set up so they are appealing to look at. Always use quality paper and printing.

Resume Structure Personal Information Objective Education Work Experience (If you have any.) Volunteer Experience Internships Awards and Accomplishments Skills and Abilities School Clubs, Sports, and Activities (Include out of school activities) References (When necessary.)

Using this list, pick what works for YOU! Personal Information Objective Education Work Experience (If you have any.) Volunteer Experience Internships Awards and Accomplishments Skills and Abilities School Clubs, Sports, and Activities (Include out of school activities) References (When necessary.)

Personal Information First name, last name Address City, State Zip Phone Number Cell Phone Number Address

Objective Work: I would like to pursue a career in the fashion industry and would like to start by becoming a sales associate at Nordstrom’s at Bellevue Square. School: To attend the University of Washington and receive my bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in accounting, with further plans to receive my masters in international business.

Education Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA GPA: 4.00 Took Tech Prep College courses in business, material science, and technology. Attended: 9/2010-6/2011 Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA GPA: 3.49 Took advanced placement courses (list), UW English, participated in football, wrestling, and track ( ). Involved in Leadership (2011) Attended: 9/2008-6/2011 Do not list junior high or elementary school.

Work /Volunteer/Intern Experience Escape Outdoors, Bellevue Square (6/2009-Current) Position: Sales Associate Responsibilities: Cashier, helping customers, inventory, folding clothes, cleaning store, organizing displays, customer service, and returns. Employer: Jane Doe, Always list the place, location, time, position, responsibilities, and a contact.

Awards and Accomplishments Any awards or accomplishments you have been recognized for should be listed. WAVE Scholarship, 2011 Inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 2011 National DECA President, 2011 Athlete of the Year, 2010

Skills and Abilities Here is where you can brag about your talents or skills. If you know computers and software well, put this here. If you have been a leader, or have organized huge events –brag about it. See how you can include things here that the job description is asking for or a college would be interested in for that particular program of study. Example: Computer Skills: Know HTML, C++, and other program language. Designed several web sites for small businesses. Can operate the Adobe CS3 Software proficiently. Can operate the Microsoft Suite software proficiently. Helped students in computer lab at school. Leadership Skills: Co-Captain of high school football team. ASB officer Chaired the Senior Prom Committee.

Clubs/Sports/Activities Clubs: Leadership (2010) DECA ( ) Senate (2009) Art Club ( ) Sports: Varsity Football ( ) Most Valuable Player – (2009) Co-Captain – (2010) Wrestling ( )

References You should have 3 references. Teachers, old employers, friends that are NOT your age (teenagers). Name of person (first and last name) Title Address City, State Zip Phone Number Address (if possible)

Assignment Compose a resume to attach to your cover letter. A resume for educational purposes. OR A resume for a job after graduation.

Due Dates Belcher’s classes: Presented September 30, Due October 3 and 4. Hecht’s classes: Presented October 14, Due October 19 and 20. Ward’s classes: Presented October 14, Due October 19. Running Start: Presented September – Due when Running Start Coordinator makes it due.