Lessons I’ve learned about resumes, cover letters, writing samples, and prepping for interviews

JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS

Create master lists

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Create master lists Address list of everywhere you’ve lived Employer contact list of every job you’ve had

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Create master lists Address list of everywhere you’ve lived Employer contact list of every job you’ve had

Update each time you move or get a new job

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Create master lists Address list of everywhere you’ve lived Employer contact list of every job you’ve had

Update each time you move or get a new job Keep handy for filling out applications or background checks

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Brand yourself with one header

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Brand yourself with one header Use it throughout all your application materials: resume, cover letter, reference list, first page of writing sample

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Keep a master resume

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Keep a master resume Include every single job, and every single thing that you’ve done.

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Keep a master resume Include every single job, and every single thing that you’ve done. Use that to create tailored resumes for each job application accordingly

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Consistency is key

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Consistency is key Make sure each level of your resume is formatted the same: uniform job titles, uniform employers, uniform dates, uniform headers

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Convert submission docs to PDFs

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Convert submission docs to PDFs Lock in the format so it won’t change when

printed or viewed on different screens

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Save a copy of the job description

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Save a copy of the job description Save as a PDF from Chrome or use a tool like CutePDF Writer

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Save a copy of the job description Save as a PDF from Chrome or use a tool like CutePDF Writer Store with the application materials for that job

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Create basic “talking points”

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Create basic “talking points” Think about each major transferrable skill you have: customer service leadership organization attention to detail research and writing communication using technology etc…

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Create basic “talking points” Write 2-4 sentences on each of those skills. Summarize experience, class work, results. Articulate: What do you bring to the table with this skill?

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Use those talking points in cover letters

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Use those talking points in cover letters Look closely at the job description. Which transferrable skills are required?

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Use those talking points in cover letters Look closely at the job description. Which transferrable skills are required? Choose 3 that fit you well and turn your talking points into bullet points in the body of your cover letter.

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Keep recognition

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Keep recognition Create a folder of emails, notes and all recognition you’ve received from employers, professors, colleagues, when working on major projects, etc.

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Keep recognition Incorporate significant results from recognition into your resume and talking points. Review this folder before an interview to help pump yourself up

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Use a cover page on your writing sample

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Use a cover page on your writing sample Include your header. Put the sample into context:

What was it written for? Did you omit parts?

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Create writing samples of different lengths and different types

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Create writing samples of different lengths and different types straight memo, persuasive brief, research paper, article, etc.

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Prep for interviews by reviewing

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Prep for interviews by reviewing Your recognition folder Your master resume Your talking points The job description

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Try to anticipate possible questions

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Try to anticipate possible questions When asked “tell me about yourself” use your talking points, not your life history

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I analyze. I strategize. I tell the story behind the scenes.

JENNY WEIGEL

Check me out on:

@weigellaw goo.gl/O9FoLB /in/jrweigel

“tell me about yourself” use your talking points, not your life history

Image Credits •  Lesson 1 | The list by sunshinecity:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/985725985 •  Lesson 4 | Keep your fingers away from my butter! by Pulpolux !!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pulpolux/386352311 •  Lesson 7 | Casino Jack Screening in New York City by Jens Schott Knudsen:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pamhule/4542656646 •  Lesson 8 | Radio Show Talking Points and Notes by Michael Porter:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/libraryman/4479055769

•  Lesson 10 | Beacon, Wind Vane, Float and Rope by Verona Stellett: Sculpture in Context 2012 by William Murphy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/7952325880

•  Lesson 11 | Do NOT Compare! by Harald Hoyer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hhoyer/3249473645

•  Lesson 12 | Preparation by Garrett Coakley: http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrettc/3386398736

•  Lesson 13 | Anticipating….. by Daniel Go: http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielygo/7212581720