Post on 27-Dec-2015
1ST SEMESTER 2011-2012
UNIT TEST: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4TH
Résumés, Cover Letters and Interviewing Review
Résumés
Create a “brag sheet” Keeping an updated list of your activities, jobs, etc.
will make it much easier to write an effective résumé This sheet should be updated with all of your
accomplishments, awards, jobs, clubs, activities, etc. If you are attending college, you should keep this
updated each year Add classes or special projects Add organizations you joined
If you are entering the work force after college, you should also update this each year Add training programs you completed Add promotions or accomplishments
Résumés—writing an objective
Write one job objective for each job you are applying—or have one generic objective you could use for all jobs Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and
reliable customer service in retail. Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and
reliable customer service in food service. Résumé objectives should do three things:
Say you like people and you want to provide friendly customer service
Show you recognize the importance of being reliable Your objective is targeted for the kind of job—retail or
food service
Résumés—work experience
If you have had a job, here’s what you do: List your most recent job first During your high school years, list the seasons you have
worked rather than the specific dates such as Summer 1997, Winter Semester of 1996 or 1997/98 School Year.
If you have only worked someplace for a month, it might be best not to mention it. (Unless you have a very good answer as to why you quit in such a short time, leave it off of your work experience.)
Describe the basic activities you performed in very simple, skill-oriented ways.
You can also describe volunteer work or internships you have had—just don’t title this section “Job Experience.”
Work Experience Examples
Waiter—Big Bob’s Restaurant. Lancaster, OH 45102 Fall 1996 Semester. Server for busy dinner shift, prepared salad bars, operated cash register, and oversaw set-up for the morning shift.
Sales Clerk—Casual Corner. Lancaster, OH 45102 Summer/Fall 1998. Sales Associate: assisted customers with clothing selections, arranged fashion displays, steamed new apparel, and oversaw cash register close-outs.
Résumé Formatting
Absolutely no mistakes, no white-out, no typos or misspellings; have others proof it for readability. Don’t trust spell check, a word may be spelled correctly but doesn’t make cents (sense).
It is best to get your résumé on one sheet of paper. Make use of white space. You don’t want it to appear overcrowded.
Spell out months, names of cities, streets, states—don’t abbreviate.
When using numerals such as with years of employment, don’t use slashes (9/96-7/98). This should appear September 1996-July 1998.
Résumé Formatting
Don’t use pronouns “I” or “my”, if at all possible. The reader knows this about you.
Start off your sentences with strong action verbs wherever possible.
Don’t use the tired and worn out statements “Responsible for…” or “Duties included…” or describe yourself as a “team player.” These have been used so much they are becoming a turn-off.
Use 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font. Do not mix fonts on your résumé—stick with one. Boldface your sections and headings.
Résumé Tips for Students Entering the Workforce
Keep it professional Don’t lie—making up experience is worse than not
having any Use an easy-to-read font no smaller than size 10 Space is your friend Make yourself available—include contact information
including a professional email address Spell check and have someone else look it over Save your document with a professional title using
last name Follow up with the company after the application
process or sending your résumé
Cover Letters—Heading
YOUR ADDRESSTODAY’S DATE
MR./MS. EMPLOYER’S NAMETITLECOMPANY’S NAMEADDRESS
DEAR MR./MS. EMPLOYER:
First Paragraph
This is the “why I’m writing to you” paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for—usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover: Why you are writing and the position your are applying
for How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it
is a mutual contact or a recruiting program. Show from your research why you are interested in this
position or organization. Make a connection
Second Paragraph
This is the “why I’m qualified” paragraph The first sentence should be a hard –hitting opener. It
is a quick introduction, which is accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skils and qualifications needed for this job.
The body should provide specific evidence to back up what you’ve just claimed. Strong examples are important.
The final sentence is a summary of what you have discussed above.
Final Paragraph and Closing
Short 2-4 sentence paragraphRefer to enclosed résumé, request an
interview, and let the reader know what will happen next.
It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Sincerely,Your signatureYour Name
Tips to Make Your Letter Professional
Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization
Avoid using too many sentences that start with “I”
Do not use contractionsSpelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes
are out of the questionBe sure to sign your letters in black inkKeep your letter short and simple
Interviewing
How to look your best for an interview: Shower the morning of the interview, apply deodorant,
brush your teeth, and use mouthwash Opinions about our intelligence, professionalism,
background, and ethics begin to be formed within ten seconds of an interview
A first impression is created in the first four minutes of an interview
Hands and shoes—the most telling non-verbal cues interviewers notice
Dress for the job you want
Gentlemen
Do: Wear a suit Wear a white or pale blue
long-sleeved shirt Wear dress socks that
match your suit Wear dress shoes in black
or brown; polish them and tie the laces securely
Wear a tie in a solid color Wear a belt the same
color as your shoes Get a haircut
Don’t: Wear casual or novelty
watches Wear novelty belts
with large buckles Wear too much jewelry Sport facial hair Fragrance: one sprits
or none!
Ladies
Do: Wear a tailored suit in
solid color with conservative hemlines if you are wearing a skirt
Wear shoes with less than two inch heels
Wear stockings in natural shades
Wear tasteful jewelry Carry an attractive
handbag Have a simple hairstyle
Don’t: Wear anything trendy Cross your legs during
an interview—feet flat on the floor
Wear anything too tight or low cut
Wear sandals Go into the interview
barelegged Perfume—one sprits or
none!
Body Language
Stand straight, shoulders back, greet your interviewer with an open, confident smile and hand shake
Handshake should be firm enough to inspire trust and confidence. A limp handshake leaves an impression of weakness
Mirroring is a good technique—hand shakes, voice speed and volume, speech, laugh
Body Language
Positive: Good eye contact Maintain good posture,
sitting comfortably in your chair
Open-handed, palms up gestures
Sitting with uncrossed legs
Slowly nodding your head up and down signifies listening
Negative Never cross or fold
your arms Fidgeting show
boredom Shifting gaze away or
persistently staring at the interviewer
Slouching, biting lips, smiling too much, doodling, etc.
Follow-Up After the Interview
This could give you an edge up, especially if there is real competition between you and another applicant
Thank you notes—keep them brief, reiterate that you want the job
Follow up with a phone call
Sloppy Speech Habits
Nonwords Um, ah, you know, okay, like
Up-talk Sing-song inflection at the end of sentence makes it
seem like you are asking a question
Grammatical errors Sloppy speech
Slurring words, improper pronunciations
Speed talking Weak speak
Kind of, sort of, perhaps, hopefully
Ten Strike-Outs
Doesn’t ask questionsCondemnation of past employerInability to take criticismPoor personal appearanceIndecisive, cynical, lazyOverbearing, over aggressive, “know it all”Late to interviewFailure to make eye contactUnable to express self clearlyOveremphasis on money
Questions asked by employers:
How would you describe yourself? How do you think a friend who knows you well would describe you? How has your high school experiene prepared you for a job? Why should I hire you? What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be
successful at this job? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to this
business? What two or three accomplishments give you the most satisfaction,
and why? Why did you choose this job? Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic
achievement, and why? What have you learned from participation in extracurricular
activities?
Interview Checklist
Research companyPrepare resumeDress for successArrive 15 minutes
earlyShake hands, smile,
and introduce yourselfTry to appear calmBe enthusiasticCall them Mr./Ms.
Unless told otherwise
Do not sit down until invited to do so
Sit at the edge of your chair
Do not chew gumAnswer questions
completelyAsk questionsThank the interviewerSend a thank you
letter
Grammar Review
Affect v. EffectIt’s v. ItsTheir v. They’re v. ThereYou’re v. YourThen v. ThanHow to write numbersFirst, Second, Third Person
Exam Expectations:
Review poor résumé and make correctionsRésumé short answer: be able to write an
objective and job dutiesRésumé: 10 true/false questionsCover Letters: 10 true/false questionsInterviewing: 14 true/false and multiple
choice questionsGrammar: 50 multiple choice questions—
identify if the word/phrase is used correctly or incorrectly