Mastering the Job Application Process: Résumé, Cover Letter, and Interview Tips

1. Chapter 7 Applying for a Job “My First Résumé”

2. résumé format personal fact sheet cover letter personal career portfolio job application references letter of recommendation interview pre-employment tests body language Key Terms continued

3. Flexible Qualifications Dependable Experience Job Candidate Requirements Preference Availability Willingness Word Wall Terms

4. Analyze personal qualifications How to organize information about yourself in a résumé Discover continued

5. One day, you’ll apply for a job. Whether or not you get the job may depend on how you present yourself to the employer. Why It’s Important

6. In the world of work, a summary of personal information is known as a résumé. A résumé describes your education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests. Putting a Résumé Together

7. There are two basic formats of résumés. The format is the arrangement of information in a résumé. Résumé Formats

8. Résumé Formats Chronological Résumé Skills Résumé • Information is presented in reverse time order • People who’ve had a series of jobs in one career field use this format • Highlights skills and accomplishments • A good choice for first-timers in the job market • Focuses on strengths instead of experience

9. The kind of résumé you choose will depend on the job you want. It can also depend on what you want to emphasize: work experience or skills. Which Format Is Better?

10. Graphic Organizer Résumé Tips Keep your résumé short. One page is usually plenty. Your résumé should be neat and easy to read. Résumé Tips Check for errors in spelling and grammar.

11. A popular way to send résumés to employers is via the Internet. It is a good idea to have an electronic résumé ready. An electronic résumé is a résumé that is created on a computer and formatted so it can be sent electronically. Electronic Résumés

12. Here are some tips for creating a computer-friendly résumé: Electronic Résumés • Use black and white paper. • Avoid boldface, italic, and other formatting. • Type headings in capital letters. • Include keywords that describe your skills and experience. continued

14. Personal Fact Sheet Apersonal fact sheet contains basic information about you and your education, experience, qualifications, and skills. The personal fact sheet may also be referred to as a résumé worksheet.

15. End of Section Applying for a Job “The Résumé”

16. Chapter 7 Applying for a Job “The Cover Letter”

17. What a cover letter is and why it is important Parts of a cover letter Discover continued

18. No résumé should go anywhere without a cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page letter telling who you are and why you’re sending a résumé. Writing Cover Letters

19. A great way to showcase your accomplishments and personal growth is to create a personal career portfolio. A personal career portfolio is a collection of information about you. You can use a personal career portfolio to market yourself and to set you apart from other job applicants. Marketing Yourself With a Personal Career Portfolio

20. End of Section Applying for a Job “The Cover Letter”

21. Chapter 7 Applying for a Job “Job Applications”

22. Tips for filling out job applications Discover

23. Many businesses will have you fill out a job application. A job application is a form that asks questions about your skills, work experience, education, and interests. Filling Out Job Applications

24. Filling Out Job Applications

25. You should be prepared to supply references on a job application. References are people who will recommend you to an employer. Supplying References

26. Some references will supply you with a written letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is a letter in support of you from a reference. Supplying References

27. End of Section Applying for a Job “The Job Application”

28. Chapter 7 Applying for a Job “The Interview Process”

29. How to prepare “before” for an interview Discover

30. Interviews are an important part of applying for a job. The more practice you get, the more confident you’ll be in future interviews. Why It’s Important

31. An interview is a formal meeting about a possible job between a job seeker and an employer. What is an Interview?

32. Employer’s chance to meet you and decide if you’re right for the job. Job seeker’s chance to convince an employer that you are the right person for the job, and to decide if the job is right for you. What is the Purpose of an Interview?

33. What you do “before” an interview is an important as what you do during the interview. Getting Ready for an Interview

34. You need to be prepared to answer questions about your interests, skills, work experience, education, and career goals, etc. Be prepared for pre-employment tests. Pre-employment tests are tests given to a job seeker by an employer to find out if the job seeker fits the job. Pre-employment tests can evaluate your personality and your skills. 1. Be Prepared

35. To succeed in an interview, you need to know as much as possible about the job you want. Find out as much as you can about the job before the interview. Then you will be better able to sell yourself as the best possible candidate. Get to know the business or organization where you’re interviewing. Be prepared to ask questions about the job and the employer. 2. Know the Job and the Company

36. The more practice you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel during the interview. One way to practice is to ask a friend or family member to role-play an interview with you. Make a list of questions you might be asked. Prepare answers. Make a list of questions you want to ask. 3. Practice Makes a Difference

37. Give some thought to what you are going to wear. Remember, first impressions count! 4. Dress the Part

38. The biggest boost you can have going into an interview is a positive attitude. If you feel positive, you’ll have just the attitude employers are looking for. 5. A Winning Attitude

39. What happens “during” in an interview Discover

40. If you’ve put effort into preparing for an interview, it’s likely it will go well for you. The Interview Itself

41. A good interview is like a good conversation. Each person should have a chance to speak and ask questions. Each person should listen carefully and pay attention to the other. 1. A Good Conversation

42. Body language plays an important part of an interview. Body language is the gestures, posture, and eye contact you use to express yourself. 2. Watch Your Body Language

43. Try This Activity

44. Graphic Organizer Be Prepared for These Questions What can you tell me about yourself? ? Why should I select you over other applicants? ? Tell me why you think you would be a good fit for this position? What are your greatest strengths? ? ? What are your greatest weaknesses? What do you know about this company? ? ?

45. How to follow up “after” an interview Discover

46. There are some important things you should do following an interview. Write a letter of thanks no matter how the interview went. A letter of thanks should go out no later than a day after the interview. Make some notes for yourself while the interview is still fresh in your mind. Write a summary of the interview. You may get the job. You may not. If you don’t, don’t give up! Rejection is part of life and part of the learning process. “After” You Say Good-Bye

47. End of Section Applying for a Job “The Interview Process”

48. End of Chapter 7 Applying for a Job