FRIDAY, AUG WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?? COMPLETE and TURN IN Resume AND Cover Letter Drafts COMPLETE and TURN IN Current Event Homework #1 Organize your folder! Check out a book! Independent Reading begins MONDAY! Reminders: NO FOOD OR CANDY NO CELL PHONES DURING CLASS TIME YOU NEED THREE THINGS: PENCIL, PAPER, FOLDER

WHAT IS A RESUME? A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY of your skills, education and experience A “snapshot” of you with the intent of capturing and emphasizing interests and securing you an interview An advertisement meant to sell yourself to a potential employer One of the most important writing pieces you will ever create A solid resume is the key to opening the door to good jobs You have 30 seconds to make a good impression

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Heading Essential personal information Formal name – NO NICKNAMES! Contact information (mailing address, phone number, address) Should be at the top of the page, left or center Bold, larger text so it stands out

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Objective (a.k.a. “career objective”) A one sentence explanation of the type of job you are seeking Should be specific Should change for every different type of job you apply for Avoid overused phrases, such as "utilizing my skills" or "offering a potential to grow"

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Education Include name(s) and location(s) of any high school attended Specify the dates of attendance and anticipated graduation date May include GPA Note any classes taken that may contribute to your employability

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Experience Include previous employers, locations, dates of employment and job title Begin with the current or most recent position Provide at least two one-line descriptions of what your job duties and responsibilities were Volunteer positions that relate to your objective can be used Do not use “I” Use “action verbs”

EXAMPLES OF “ACTION WORDS” analyzed distributed managed reorganized approved established motivated researched arranged evaluated negotiated reviewed assembled expanded organized revised assisted facilitated participated scheduled communicated implemented performed set up completed improved persuaded solved composed increased planned supervised created initiated presented supported demonstrated investigated proposed taught designed led provided trained developed recommended wrote diagnosed maintained reduced

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Activities Include involvement in school or community activities Committees, clubs, organizations, teams you were a member of Include years of involvement Summary of Skills Bulleted section of skills and abilities not already included on the resume Make sure they are relevant to the position for which you are applying! Examples: typing speed, languages spoken, computer software proficiency

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE ON A RESUME? Awards and Achievements (optional) Feature your personal honors Examples: honor roll, athletic awards, recognitions

REFERENCES In the Reference section of the resume, type “References Attached” and prepare them on a separate sheet which matches your resume Resumes that say “References available on request” risk delay or rejection Employers in a hurry will likely favor people whose references are attached to the resume The employer may recognize one of your references and be impressed— making your resume stand out from the others! (Networking is key!)

REFERENCES Think carefully about who can act as your references You should have 2-3 professional and 2-3 character references Type the individual’s name, job title, company name, address, work phone number and address Prior permission to use any individual’s name as a reference is a must and as a courtesy, inform your references that they may be contacted.

WHO CAN YOU ASK TO BE A REFERENCE? Someone from your school (teacher, guidance counselor, coach, administrator) Someone you've worked for (summer, part-time or full-time employer) Someone you've worked for on a casual basis (babysitting, shoveling snow, delivering papers) Someone you've helped (as a volunteer or as a friend) Someone whose opinion is respected (elder, minister, community leader) You cannot use a relative!!

NOW YOU’RE READY! WHERE SHOULD YOU START? Begin with a list of your greatest accomplishments and personal qualities Write your name at the top of a blank sheet of paper Write one positive adjective/quality about yourself Pass the paper to the next person in line (snake pattern) Each person will write at least one NEW, not used already, adjective/quality about the person at the top of the paper

MAKE YOUR RESUME! WHERE SHOULD YOU START? Start with your list of your positive personal qualities from yesterday. Describe your skills and accomplishments with each employer by using action words (see list on back of resume packet). List only the skills that you would like to use on a new job.action words Write a chronological history of your employment, training, volunteer work and extra-curricular activities. (start with present-day and work your way back)

THINGS TO REMEMBER… Analyze the requirements of the new job you want to apply for and include any key words that match your skills into your resume. Compare the skills required with your background and indicate how you have demonstrated these skills. (Apply for jobs where you have the closest fit and interest)

EXAMPLES OF “ACTION WORDS” analyzed distributed managed reorganized approved established motivated researched arranged evaluated negotiated reviewed assembled expanded organized revised assisted facilitated participated scheduled communicated implemented performed set up completed improved persuaded solved composed increased planned supervised created initiated presented supported demonstrated investigated proposed taught designed led provided trained developed recommended wrote diagnosed maintained reduced

RESUME DO S Use a template (Microsoft Word) to assist with formatting Use one font style and type size (10-12 pt) throughout Be consistent when using bold, italics, underlining (follow the template!) PROOFREAD!!! Proofread again!! Have someone else proofread for you! Use white, off-white, ivory or cream-colored good-quality resume paper when printing Take a copy with you to an interview – in a folder! Inform your references when you have used them

RESUME DON’T S DON’T MISSPELL WORDS!!!!! Don’t use abbreviations Don’t use slang Don’t include anything inappropriate Don’t include age, birthdate, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or social security number