1. Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop November 2007 Mission: To support the personal and intellectual success of every student, every day. LBUSD Leadership Pipeline Development Preparing the Next Generation of School Leaders

2. Why does this matter to you?  First part of selection process is paper screening  Resume and cover letter scored by a panel  They only know what you have accomplished and who you are from these documents

3. Administrative Power Standard #9  Using skill in written and oral communication to establish strong lines of two-way communication with students, staff, parents, and the community.

4. Education Experience Additional Qualifications. Resumes… Are you qualified for the job you are seeking???

5. Resume Format  1-2 Pages: Education (Academic Preparation)  Dates, degrees & credentials  Chronological (most recent first) Experience (Jobs and Positions)  Chronological (most recent first) Additional Sections ( as needed--support above)  Ex: special skills, awards, publications, related experience, volunteerism, affiliations, references, etc…  Use of margins and/or columns for readability

6. Resume Polishing Ideas  Job Title, Site, Year(s) Action verb, activity, followed by description of accomplishment Focus on leadershipexperiences in various jobs  Teacher, ABC Elementary, 9/00-6/04 Chaired the SBDM Committee and led the creation of a school-wide discipline plan. Served as the BTSA Coordinator and redesigned the site service delivery model.

7. Common Mistakes  Can’t follow progression of jobs Address gaps in cover letter (if needed)  Formatting is sloppy Should be a clean copy w/o typos  Merely a list of items or a summary  Lack of (or too) much description  Deception and/or “Padding”

8. Experiences as they relate to the position Beliefs, Values, Priorities Why you are a match. Cover Letters… Are you the right person for the job you are seeking???

9. Cover Letter  1 Page in length  Author’s voice is clear and distinct  Targeted Clearly states what you are seeking  Organized Paragraphs with effective transitions  Professional Easy to read (12 pt. font) Clear margins

10. Suggested Letter Format  Purpose What are you applying for and why  The Position What you will bring to the position Why this position is a next step for you  Strengths Brief summary of experiences Why you are a match (specific examples of skills) Mismatches, if any, show alternate strength  Summary With a final statement

11. Common Mistakes  Summarizing the resume  Using an informal tone  Heavy use of education jargon  Adding personal information  Criticizing your boss  Deception and/or “padding”

12. Remember... The scoring panelists need to know… Who you are and why you are the right person for the job! Ask your friends and family to review your documents carefully before you submit.