Success! Professionalism Cover Letters Resumes

Ladies Dress for Success! Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket - neutral or darker colors are considered better Undershirts/blouses should be white or light in color No midriff or cleavage showing and wear an undershirt if it is too low-cut or has visible buttons down the front.

Ladies Dress for Success! Do not allow your bare back (or underwear) to show over the top of your pants when sitting. Prevent your panty lines from showing by wearing a slip under skirts or seamless panties with slacks. Always wear the appropriate color undergarments so they do not show (nude under light colors and black under dark colors).

Ladies Dress for Success! Skirts lengths at the knee or longer No visible tattoos or facial piercings (including tongue) No more than three pieces of jewelry, including earrings Wear pantyhose or dress socks that blend, not stand out. Polished and clean shoes

Ladies Dress for Success! Tidy, natural-colored hair Low heals (2 inches or less) Everything ironed Minimal make-up (including lipstick) in natural colors Nail polish neutral in color and nails FUNCTIONAL in length

Ladies Dress for Success! You should also wear a slip if you are wearing a light colored skirt, especially the ones made of lightweight fabrics. Be freshly showered so that perfume is not necessary. Carry a briefcase or professional bag, not a purse, with extra copies of everything you already sent the interviewer.

Gentlemen Dress for Success! Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket – neutral or dark colors are considered better Collared, button-down, white or other light color dress shirt Silk tie that matches but does not stand out Nicely polished dress shoes and socks that blend and not stand out

Gentlemen Dress for Success! Always wear a belt that matches your shoes Beard and mustache neatly trimmed or clean-shaven if you do not have full facial hair No visible tattoos or piercings, this includes tongue Be freshly showered so that cologne is not necessary. Carry a briefcase or professional bag with extra copies of everything you have already sent the interviewer.

Professional Etiquette… Understand that the way you participate in an introduction sends many messages about you. During an introduction… stand up, smile, make eye contact, always shake hands, and repeat the other person’s name. Shake hands firmly (the clasp should be very firm, not the shaking –don’t shake their arm off) and do not grab just the fingers.

Professional Etiquette Say thank you sometime in the first 12 words. Walk with a purpose. The first 12 inches from your head down should showcase impeccable grooming, style, and class.

Professional Etiquette The last 12 inches should be well maintained. Use correct and formal Standard English. Really make a point to pause, silently, and think before answering questions.

Professional Etiquette Allow the standard 5-10 business days for the employer to complete any tasks before you contact them. Confirm that they have received what you sent them. Thank the interviewer for their time and the interview in writing.

Professional Etiquette Do not use excessive hand gestures. Address people by a professional title regardless of whether you are in a professional setting or not, until they ask you to address them informally. Always introduce yourself again, regardless of the setting, when meeting for multiple times.

Professional Etiquette Wear any nametag on your right side. Women, shake hands with colleagues even when you are outside the professional setting. Always ask someone before listing them as a personal reference.

Why is a resume and cover letter important? How do you think a reviewer will decide who gets an interview and who doesn’t? Better scholarships = Better job = MORE MONEY!

Why is a resume and cover letter important? Puts YOU in charge of what you want the reviewer to know about you Able to focus attention on your skills Displays your experiences and accomplishments It is what qualifies you for an interview

What is a cover letter? Personal introduction Accompanies resume Can suck-up here!

When do you need a cover letter? When you are not able to introduce yourself in person When you are initiating contact with an employer you do not have a personal relationship with

Cover Letter Writing Tips! Give specific and detailed examples. Give an indication of what are you willing to offer them above and beyond the other 199 applicants. Specifically list what you have enclosed on the enclosure line.

Cover Letter Writing Tips! Remind them in the introduction why you are writing to them. Try not to repeat yourself in the cover letter and resume. Use a format and be consistent.

Cover Letter Writing Tips! Use a justified margin. Use a traditional font in 12 pt. size. Use formal Standard English and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Cover Letter Writing Tips! Use the introduction techniques already learned. Tell them why you want to be involved and why you are interested. Research before hand and use the name of the interviewer or department head in your salutation.

What is a resume? 1-2 page summary of Education Skills Accomplishments Experience

What is a resume used for? Gets your foot in the door Gets you an interview Describes how you are different from other applicants Shortens time spent looking for a job

When do you need a resume? College applications Scholarship applications Job applications

The parts of a resume… Community involvement Competencies Contact information Education Leadership experience Objective or summary References Sports Skills Volunteering Work experiences

Resume writing tips! Always save your resume and cover letter on a disk or computer for easy updating. Be 100 percent honest on everything. Be consistent with everything!

Resume writing tips! Confine your information to one page for a high school resume. Do not fold or staple your resume and cover letter. Don’t use shading or graphics.

Resume Writing Tips! Every time you send a resume and cover letter, it should be tailored to the job you're seeking. Include as much work experience as possible, even if it doesn't relate obviously to the job you're seeking. Keep descriptions clear and to the point.

Resume Writing Tips! Organize information in a logical fashion. Pay careful attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style. Proofread carefully and have several other people proofread as well.

Resume Writing Tips! Understand your resume is a constant work in progress. Use a simple, easy-to-read font, such as Times, Palatino, Helvetica, or Arial. Use action words and the top skills/qualities that employers seek.

Resume Writing Tips! Use no more than two different styles of font (this includes size, type, and style). Use space effectively. Use white or off-white paper only. Make sure you have a professional address.

What does a reviewer want to see? Analytical skills Computer skills Compatibility/Adaptability Honesty/Integrity Interpersonal Leadership Motivation/Initiative Oral and Written Communication skills Self-confidence/Self- worth Flexibility Strong work ethic Teamwork

What are action words? Why might they help? They show you accomplished something at your last job or during internships or community work.

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