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How To Market Yourself:

Resume Writing, Essay Preparation, and Scholarship Navigation

Presented by: SOFCC Scholarship Committee 2010

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oResume Writing

oEssay Preparation

oScholarship Navigation

Learning Agenda

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There are 3 primary categories of resumes, they include:

oChronological

oFunctional

oCombination

Resume Writing

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Chronological Resume Most common Listing of jobs and experience Best for people who have practical work

experience and minimal job changes Includes:

Contact information Objective Work experience Education

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Functional Resume Focuses on skills and accomplishments Best for people without a lot of job

experience, people who are just entering the work force, and persons who are changing careers

Includes Contact information Objective Skills Work experience Education

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Combination Resume Combines chronological and functional resume Best for people who are advancing their careersIncludes:

Contact information Objective Work experience Skills Education Honor and awards

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Which Resume Should I Use?Example 1: I am a high school junior. I have only had

one job working at a fast food restaurant but I have been a part of various after-school programs and organizations/clubs. I want to major in biology when I go to college and become a optometrist.

Example 2: I am a freshman college student who has had several years experience working in the same retail store. I am getting a bachelors degree in fashion and would like to continue to work in the fashion/retail industry.

Example 3: I am a high school graduating senior. I have been working for the same day care agency as a student helper. I will be promoted to assistant director as soon as I earn my high school diploma. I would like to one day open a day care center.

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Continuing Education Resume

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Dr. MikeAward

Resume

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Essay Preparation

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Essay Writing TipsIdentify the type of essay

Writing Workshop: brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, evaluate, and publish.

Stay within the guidelines (number of words, topic, answer all questions, etc…)

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Important information Most colleges regard application essays as

either important or very important in their admissions process.

Allow time for other people to read your essay and offer feedback.

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Pack it with powerThe most engaging and compelling essays tell a

story and have a clear focus.

Your essay should reveal who your are and what makes you unique.

Use your grades, honors, accomplishments and awards to demonstrate your purpose

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Pack it with power (cont’d)

Use your essay to display your talents.

Remember that colleges are looking for people of character as well as good grades.

Grades are important, but a well-rounded

individual will stand out amongst thousands of applicants.

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Mechanics

Grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors can hurt a students chance of being accepted or awarded a scholarship.

These type of mistakes are distracting and show lack of care and quality in a students’ written work.

Seek help if needed.

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Most Improved College

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Continuing Education Award

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Scholarship Navigation

There are 7 Steps to Navigation. Make sure you:

1. Know what you want to accomplish through your scholarships.

2. Know your Grade Point Average for Academic Scholarships.

3. Know that you will have to write essays for many scholarships

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4. Know you will have to file a FAFSA by the deadlines stated on the fafsa.gov web-site!

5. Know that you will need several good references.

6. Know that scholarships are available based on merit (academics) and/or school specific, financial need, interests, associations, memberships, status and unusual.

7. Know mistakes could cost you the scholarship

Scholarship Navigation (cont’d)

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Start Navigating…Here are 5 scholarships that can start you on your

path:Scholarship                

Amount Sponsors   Phone Hours to

Call

Unmet Need Scholarship     $1,000-

3,000 Sallie Mae 1-800-537-4180   8-4:30CT

Teacher Education Fund   VariesAmerican  

Montessori Society 1-212-358-1250   9-5:00ET

United Negro College Fund VariesUnited Negro College

Fund 1-800-331-2244   9-5:00ET

Senatorial Scholarship   $200-2,000

MD Higher Education Fund 1-800-974-1024   9-5:00ET

Rhea & Louis Spieler Scholarship Varies

United Negro Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Program 1-800-331-2244 9:5:00ET

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Thank you

Any Questions?