2. Resumés and Cover Letters The Foundation for Being Successful Objective: To create a functional resume, cover letter, and reference list. To be able to successfully fill out a job application.

3. Resumés!

4. What is exactly is a resumé? Often requested by colleges and potential employers Often requested by colleges and potential employers Tells your unique story Tells your unique story Allows you to paint a picture describing your background Allows you to paint a picture describing your background Used to spark an interest in a potential employer, so you can get an interview Used to spark an interest in a potential employer, so you can get an interview

5. Information to Include… Personal Data: Personal Data: Name, Address, Telephone number, e-mail address Name, Address, Telephone number, e-mail address Objective: Objective: State the kind of job you want. If you are interested in more than one, list them in order of preference. If sending to a college, your objective would be “Enrollment at ____________.” State the kind of job you want. If you are interested in more than one, list them in order of preference. If sending to a college, your objective would be “Enrollment at ____________.”

6. Information to Include: Education (list most current first): Education (list most current first): High school(s) attended High school(s) attended Highest grade attended or date of graduation Highest grade attended or date of graduation GPA/Class Ranking GPA/Class Ranking

7. Information to include: Work Experience (list most current first): Work Experience (list most current first): Name of employer(s) and dates of employment Name of employer(s) and dates of employment Primary duties and/or responsibilities Primary duties and/or responsibilities Extracurricular Activities (list most current first): Extracurricular Activities (list most current first): School offices and responsibilities School offices and responsibilities Clubs/Organizations Clubs/Organizations Community involvement Community involvement

8. Information to include… References: References: “References available upon request.” “References available upon request.” If included: If included: List names with addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (work and personal) List names with addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (work and personal) ASK YOUR REFERENCES FOR PERMISSION BEFORE INCLUDINGTHEM ON YOUR RESUMÉ!!!! ASK YOUR REFERENCES FOR PERMISSION BEFORE INCLUDINGTHEM ON YOUR RESUMÉ!!!!

9. TIPS… Be brief—keep it to one page if possible. Be brief—keep it to one page if possible. Make it attractive, but professional. This is not the place for cute clipart. Make it attractive, but professional. This is not the place for cute clipart. Make it your own—you may use someone else’s for a template, but remember that there are many ways to format a resumé! Make it your own—you may use someone else’s for a template, but remember that there are many ways to format a resumé!

10. Assignment: Look at the example resumés that are provided. Fill out Resumé Planning Worksheet.

11. Cover Letters

12. What is a cover letter? It summarizes what you have to offer. It introduces your resumé. It makes your first impression—be sure it sells you!!!

13. Tips… Address a specific person by name and title when possible. (If not known, use “To whom it may concern:” or “Dear Sir or Madam:”) The first 20 words should attract the reader’s attention immediately. Tell the reader what you can contribute to the organization. Use simple, direct grammar.

14. Tips… Keep it short—don’t repeat resumé info, but do refer to your resumé. It gives supporting facts. Type it neatly in the formal letter format. PROOFREAD A THOUSAND TIMES!

15. Assignment: Look at the example cover letters. You are applying for employment at Danville High School. Write a cover letter to Mr. Pat Smith. Don’t be conceited, but make yourself sound good!!!

16. Job Applications

17. Job Applications are easy!!! NEVER go in and ask “Are you hiring?” Ask to complete a job application! Depending on the employer or college, applications can be simple or more complex. Answer all questions HONESTLY!

18. #1 tip to make job applications easier… Most of the information you will need can be taken directly from your resumé and transferred to the application! Problem solved!!!

19. Assignment: Take out your resumé. Use it to help you fill out the sample job application provided for you! This should be easy!