Cover Letters, Resumes, and Teaching Portfolios PET 489 Student Teaching Seminar College of Physical Activity & Sport Sciences Fall Semester 2012

Lesson Purpose  To introduce you to the basic mechanics of writing an effective cover letter and resume  To get you started on preparing a cover letter, resume, and portfolio for your mock job interview assignment

Lesson Advance Organizer  What questions do we need to answer today about writing an effective cover letter, resume and portfolio?

What is the purpose of the cover letter?  Purpose of the cover letter Introduce yourself to employer Demonstrate interest in vacancy Draw attention to resume Motivate reader to interview you  Cover letter is often your first contact with an employer!!!

How should cover letters be organized?  Introduction (Paragraph 1) Capture reader’s attention and identify how you learned about the position  Body (Paragraphs 2 and 3) Include a brief description of your background and why you are interested in working for that employer Demonstrate understanding of the position and highlight how your qualifications relate to it Include specific examples when possible!!!  Closing (Paragraph 4) Describe your follow-up plans for the employer Establish flow of communication that leads to an interview  Signature Line

General guidelines for effective letter writing?  Use an accepted business letter format  Personalize each letter  Use non-sexist language  Avoid overusing the word “I”  Limit your letter to one page  Vary your writing  Use attention getting action verbs and adjectives  Proofread!!!

How can I best describe my qualifications?  Phrases from performance appraisals, and letters of recommendation  Current and past job descriptions and standards of performance that clearly reflect job expectations and responsibilities  Desirable characteristics and requested skills for similar jobs  Newspaper editorials and business sections to help write paragraphs about your industry, occupation, or the economy

Other suggestions for writing your cover letter?  Attend cover letter writing workshop  Visit Career Services for help with your cover letter  Match paper and font with presentation resume  Indicate additional enclosures with resume packet  Retain a copy of each cover letter in a file  Develop 2-3 paragraphs that work and modify them slightly to personalize each letter  Remember to sign all of your cover letters!!!

Take-home Messages I  The cover letter is an important extension of your resume  In many instances it represents your first contact with an employer  Use the structure discussed in class to communicate key information

What is a resume?  A summary of your qualifications for employment – “picture of you” in words only  Resume Types Working resume Presentation resume  Chronological  Functional  Combination

Chronological Resume  Traditional resume Recommended for new college grads  Chronological resume order Start with current position and work backwards  Points of emphasis Objective Work history Education  Feedback regarding the sample traditional resume provided? Layout/appearance Order of elements Written content Overall impression

Functional Resume  Functional resume Recommended for people making career changes and/or those with gaps in work history  Functional resume order Experiences grouped according to qualifications rather than time  Points of emphasis Highlights of qualifications Experience or qualifications Abbreviated work history Education  Feedback regarding the sample functional resume provided? Layout/appearance Order of elements Written content Overall impression

What information could I include in my own resume?  Heading  Professional Objective  Education  Experience  Special Skills  Awards and Honors  Activities  References Separate sheet Provide if requested

In what order should information be presented?  Heading is always first  Objective is second, when used  Present rest of information in order that best supports your objective and qualifications

Should I provide personal information or disclose a disability?  Personal Information  Disability Disclosure

Additional Topics  Length of resume  Resume templates  Proof-reading  Quality of resume paper  Sending your resume  School district applications  Additional support on campus

Take Home Messages II  Be clear and concise in your writing  Formatting must be consistent and error free  Do not over-inflate qualifications or experience

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS

Purpose of a Professional Portfolio To demonstrate one’s professional knowledge & skills To provide evidence of one’s growth and achievement over time To showcase one’s ability to reflect on educational / professional experiences Campbell, Melenyzer, Nettles, & Wyman, 1997

Portfolio Formats  Electronic Pros: Accessible from any location Interactive artifacts Cost effective A send-ahead tool Cons: Internet connectivity problems Technical difficulties (incompatible programs) Non-tech savvy administrators  Printed Pros: Physical artifacts to prompt interview responses Portable Cons: Expense (printing, copying, binding, organizing tabs) Difficult to send-ahead

Essential Elements  Professional credentials  Teaching philosophy  Sample instructional materials (i.e., unit/lesson plans)  Sample assessment artifacts (i.e., assessment plans, FITNESSGRAM student/parent report, developed skill rubrics)  Sample student work  Evidence of self reflection  Evidence of professional involvement Sample: _

3-steps to Assemble 1.Collect 2.Select 3.Reflect

Collect  Collect and file artifacts/evidence from educational and professional experiences that best represent your qualifications and abilities  Suggestions : Evaluations by professors, peers, and supervisors Field experience evaluation forms Student learning artifacts (i.e., completed worksheets, rubrics, student projects) Photographs of you teaching Conference booklets from attended conferences

Select  Evaluate your artifacts and select the ones that represent your BEST work  Things to consider: When, where, why, and how was the artifact used/developed? Is the artifact hands-down your best? Will the artifact leave a positive impression? Do the artifacts showcase your comprehensive skills? How to best showcase and organize the artifacts

Reflect  Reflect on what you learned through your experiences and describe how the artifacts showcase your skills, knowledge, and lessons learned  Showcase your learning: Explain each artifact AND how it reflects your skills and/or knowledge Connect artifacts to proficiencies outlined by national standards/guidelines Communicate areas of improvement linked to career goals or teaching philosophy

Share … But First  Proof-read!!!  Ask for Feedback Is the portfolio easy to navigate? Are attachments labeled clearly? Do all attachments open? Are there spelling & grammar errors? Are there extraneous OR missing artifacts? Is the clarity and length of narratives appropriate?

Share

Sharing your LiveText Portfolio 1.Click on Visitor Pass link on right side of screen (in Quick Links) 1.Create a New Visitor Pass  Title should include your name 2.Go to your LiveText portfolio document 1.Click on Share icon  Search for “Viewer” – type in the name of new Visitor Pass you just created  Select “Add” 3.Go back to Visitor Pass page to ensure your document is attached to the Pass. 4.Record the PASS CODE (i.e. XIST97S) 5.Share with others by: 1.Providing this url: 2.Providing the PASS CODE for your Visitor Pass 3.Instruct them to click on “Visitor Pass” icon on top of LiveText homepage

Take Home Messages III  Portfolio should reflect your best work  Organization must be easy to navigate and logical  Poorly constructed portfolio may do more harm than good

What about follow-up?  Follow-up of your application is essential  Consider preparing a script for your follow- up call Call between T and TH early in morning or late afternoon Leave a message on voic – let them know that you would like a return call and state where you can be reached Be persistent – call back within a week if you don’t

Thank You & Acceptance Letters

Mock Job Interview: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio  You cover letter, resume, and portfolio resume are due during the last week of seminar  Needs to be rated as “Satisfactory” Rating of 3 out of 5 point Likert scale  Evaluation criteria Layout/appearance Order of elements Written content Overall impression