2. Today’s Objectives  Complete a job application.  Compose a letter of application (cover letter) for employment.  Create or update a resume.

3. Read the following slides about resumes, then complete the resume worksheet provided. Resumes

4. What is a resume?  Summary of personal information  Outlines your qualifications for a particular job  Usually includes:  Education  Skills  Work experience  Awards & activities

5. Not All Resumes Are Equal!  Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply.  Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.

6. Resumes for Employees  Usually first step in the job application process  Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier

7. Importance of a Resume  First opportunity to make contact with an employer  Represents your qualifications for the job  Any mistakes will hinder your job search

8. What makes a good resume?

9. Good Resumes  Easy to read  Logical flow  Includes relevant information  Name stands out  Good use of space

10. Common Mistakes  Spelling and grammatical errors  Writing in the first person  Including unrelated and/or personal information  Repetitiveness  Lacking organization or focus

11. Resume Writing Tips

12. In General…  Keep it concise – no more than one page  Make it neat!  Be honest about your qualifications  Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences  Customize it to the job description  Have others proofread it!

13. Submitting a Resume

14. Printed  Black ink  White or off- white paper  Include a cover letter

15. Electronic  Save it as a PDF file!  If you attach it to an email, the body of the email will serve as your cover letter.

16. A PPLYING FOR AN I NTERNSHIP  Let’s pretend! You have some free time this summer, so you have decided to apply for a legal internship at a local law office.  Read the: LegalInternship.docx file to learn more about the position.

17. R ESUME A SSIGNMENT  Complete the resume worksheet. List as much information as you can.  Open the resume template. Fill in the information from your worksheet. You are applying for the legal internship.  Save your resume. Have someone proofread it.  Save your resume as a PDF with the file name: ResumeYourName.pdf  Submit your PDF resume to my Inbox for grading.

18. Read the following slides about cover letters. Then, complete the assignment on your own. Cover Letters

19. What is a Cover Letter?  Tells the employer about you and why you are applying  Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

20. Purpose of a Cover Letter  Introduces you and who you are  Explains why you are sending a resume  Makes a good impression  Demonstrates professionalism

21. Formatting a Cover Letter

22. Layout As with all professional business letters, a cover letter should be written in block format.

23. Cover Letter Contents  Use simple language  Be short & concise  Proofread! All cover letters should be error- free.

24. Paragraph #1  Explain why you are writing  Indicate the position you would like to apply for  Explain how you heard about the job opening

25. Paragraph #2  Describe what you have to offer the employer  Match your abilities with their needs  Refer to your resume by highlighting qualifications and relevant background

26. Paragraph #3  Ask for an interview!  Thank the employer for considering you  Explain how & when you will follow up

27. C OVER L ETTER A SSIGNMENT  Open the CoverLetter.docx file. This is a general cover letter template.  Rewrite the cover letter to make it apply to you. You are applying for the legal internship position.  Save your cover letter. Have someone proofread it.  Save the letter as a PDF file with the file name CoverLetterYourName.pdf and submit it to my Inbox.

28. Read the following slides about completing applications for employment. Job Applications

29. What is an application?  Form that employers give to potential employees to complete  Lists relevant information  Work Experience  Education  Skills  References

30. Applications vs. Resumes  Standardized forms make it easier to compare job candidates  Demonstrate ability to follow directions  Ensure that complete information is provided  Require a signature to attest to truthfulness

31. Tips for Applications

32. Make sure to…  Complete the form neatly.  Spell all words correctly.  Use a pen with black ink.  Answer every question – write “N/A” for those questions that are not applicable.  Use your full name (not a nickname)

33. Common Mistakes

34. Watch out for…  Incomplete or missing information  Inaccurate information  Any unintentional marks, such as scribbles or marking out words  Colored ink or pencil  Listing “anything” for your preferred position

35. References

36. Who should be a reference?  People who know your work habits and personal traits well  People who can confidently recommend you for the job  People you have known for a significant amount of time

37. Professional References  Always ask for permission to use their contact information!  You may consider:  Teachers  Former employers  Friends established as business contacts

38. A PPLICATION A SSIGNMENT  You will complete an employment application for the legal internship position.  We will do this as a class – you will need a black pen.