High School and BeyondSenior Graduation Requirement

Goal/Requirement

Two required documents:•Cover letter•Resume

Cover Letter:

Cover letters have one specific goal: to entice the reader to take action.

All letters must have these components.

Use template on Microsoft Word!

• Inside address• Current date• Address of recipient• Salutation

(Dear…..)• Three body

paragraphs• Closing (Sincerely

yours,)• Your typed name• Enclosure

Types of Letter Styles

Full-Block Letter Style: Everything begins on the left-hand margin. Nothing is indented. This is the most popular letter format used.

Modified-Block Letter Style: The inside address, closing, and typed name start at the center of the document.

Open Punctuation means no punctuation at the salutation or closing and closed punctuation means a colon after Dear Mary: and a comma after Sincerely yours,

Cover Letter Polishing

• Length: At least ½ page, no more than 1 page• Personalize: Address it to a specific person, make sure

the name is spelled correctly.• Formality: Use a formal address, even to someone you

know well. [“Dear Ms. Simpson:” NOT “Dear Ellen:”]• Editing/Proofreading: Grammar, spelling, or

punctuation errors will send your letter to the recycle bin.

Assignment:

• College/Letter of Interest– Write a letter to a college or university that you are planning on attending next year. Make sure you include all of your school activities, things you are proud of, and what your intentions or goals are.

OR• Cover Letter for a job – If you don’t plan on going to

college and will need to work next year, find a job posting and write a letter expressing interest in this job. Make sure your last paragraph asks to have an interview!

• You cannot have any errors – spelling, punctuation errors. Make sure the document is pleasing to the eye.

Resume

The purpose of the resume is to get noticed, using the different categories that show off your strengths—NOT your weaknesses.

Resumes must be perfect—no errors of any kind.

Use a format that is pleasing to the eye.

Always use quality paper and printing.

Resume Structure

• Personal Information• Objective• Education• Work Experience (If you have any.)• Volunteer Experience• Internships• Awards and Accomplishments• Skills and Abilities• School Clubs, Sports, and Activities (Include out of

school activities)• References (When necessary.)

Personal Information

First name, last nameAddress

City, State ZipPhone Number

Cell Phone NumberE-Mail Address

Objective

Work:To begin a career in the fashion industry by becoming a sales associate at Nordstrom’s at Bellevue Square.School:To attend the University of Washington and earn my bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in accounting, with further plans to earn my master’s in international business.

Education

Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA GPA: 4.00Took Tech Prep College courses in business, material science, and technology. Attended: 9/2010-6/2011

Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA GPA: 3.49Took advanced placement courses (list), UW English, participated in football, wrestling, and track (2010-2012). Involved in Leadership (2011) Attended: 9/2008-6/2011

Do not list junior high or elementary school. Always list the most current and work backwards.

Work /Volunteer/Intern Experience

Macy’s, Bellevue Square (6/2009-Current)Position: Sales AssociateResponsibilities: Cashier, helping customers, inventory, folding clothes, cleaning store, organizing displays, customer service, and returns.Employer: Jane Doe, 425-800-4949

Always list the place, location, time, position, responsibilities, and a contact. Make sure you list the most current and work backwards.

Awards and Accomplishments

Any awards or accomplishments you have been recognized for should be listed.• WAVE Scholarship, 2011• Inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 2011• National DECA President, 2011• Athlete of the Year, 2010

Skills and Abilities

Here is where you can brag about your talents or skills. If you know computers and software well, put this here. If you have been a leader, or have organized huge events –brag about it. See how you can include things here that the job description is asking for or a college would be interested in for that particular program of study.Example:Computer Skills:• Know HTML, C++, and other program language. • Designed several web sites for small businesses.• Can operate the Adobe CS3 Software proficiently.• Can operate the Microsoft Suite software proficiently.• Helped students in computer lab at school.Leadership Skills:• Co-Captain of high school football team.• ASB officer• Chaired the Senior Prom Committee.

Clubs/Sports/Activities

Clubs:• Leadership (2011)• DECA (2008-2011)• Senate (2009)• Art Club (2009-2011)

Sports:• Varsity Football (2008-2011)• Most Valuable Player – (2009)• Co-Captain – (2010)

• Wrestling (2009-2010)

Senior Project

References

• You should have 3 references. Teachers, old employers, family friends (adults over 21)

Name of person (first and last name)TitleAddressCity, State ZipPhone NumberE-mail Address (if possible)

Assignment

Compose a resume to attach to your cover letter.

• A resume for educational purposes. OR

• A resume for a job after graduation.

How & When to turn in

• Assignment is due one week after this presentation!• DUE for this class on • Assignment will be counted in course grade (checked

off)• Turn in hard copy of cover letter & resume to English

teacher. Keep electronic copy as a backup.• Avoid having to redo this assignment: do it right the

first time!