writing a cover letter / job application letter. cover letter / job application letter similar to...
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Writing a Cover Letter / Job Application Letter
Cover Letter / Job Application LetterSimilar to sales letterEmphasize what you can do for
the company and why you feel you are qualified
For organization, follow
A I D Attention
nterest
esire ction
Attention (Paragraph 1)
1. Businesslike beginning.a. Summary of qualificationsb. Name of referentc. Question of reader benefitd. News item related to employere. Other relevant reader-oriented
statement
2. Mention of specific job or field of interest
Interest, Desire, Conviction (2 or 3paragraphs)
1. Discussion of your qualifications from a reader-benefit or reader-interest
a. Education and Trainingb. Work Experiencec. Significant personal attitude,
interests, activities and qualities
2. Reference to resume
Action (1 paragraph)
1. Request for interview at reader’s convenience, with suggestions when you will be available
2. Easy actiona. Phone numberb. Hours you can be reached
Writing a Great Resume
KISS
Keep it Straight & Simple
Use Bullets
Be Brief and Clear
Short & Crisp One - Page
Projects, Achievements
Test of Recency, Knowledge & Relevance
Reader Friendly
Follow Order of Relevance
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Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offerThink of functional skills
SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
Advising people Handling complaints Planning agendas Analyzing data Interpreting languages Programming computers Auditing financial records Interviewing people Promoting events
Budgeting expenses Investigating problems Recruiting people Compiling statistics Listening to others Reviewing programs Coordinating events Managing projects Running meetings Corresponding with others Mediating between people Selling products & services Creating new ideas Motivating others Speaking in public Delegating responsibility Negotiating contracts Supervising others Designing data systems Organizing people & tasks Teaching classes Editing publications Persuading others Writing for publication
Try it now! List three of your functional skills.
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Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer
Think of personal qualities
SAMPLE PERSONAL QUALITIES
Assertive Expressive Persistent Attention to detail Firm Perform well under stress Authentic Flexible Poised Candid Generous Resourceful Committed to growth Hard working Respectful Cooperative Honest Sense of Humor Curious Loyal Sincere Dynamic Open-minded Spontaneous Empathic Optimistic Tolerant Enthusiastic Patient Versatile
Try it now! List three of your personal qualities.
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Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offerThink of functional skills &
personal qualitiesBuild your list of…
◦work experience◦academics◦volunteer work◦classes◦course projects
activities clubs languages technical skills and so on…
Try it now! List at least five activities / experiences.
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Use Action Verbs!
Accomplished Achieved Analyzed
Assisted Communicated Coordinated
Created Designed Directed
Described Developed Designed
Effectively Edited Formulated
Implemented Initiated Led
Managed Organized Planned
Proactively Reported Sold
Solved Supported Thoroughly
Keep it brief and to the point
Your Résumé should be practical and not theoretical!
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What should I put on my resume?Follow the three tenets of resume
writing:
◦Every resume has a purpose
◦Everything on your resume supports that purpose
◦The items that best support your purpose come first
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Resume Categories – Identification
Name – Biggest thing on the resume
Full Address – May need current & permanent
Phone number with area codeEmail – (Make it professional!)
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Resume Categories - Objective
What does an objective do?◦Clarifies the purpose of your resume◦Presents a clear statement of your
goals
When should I use an objective?◦Include it on the resume when it is
very targeted specific type of position specific skills you offer
Career ObjectiveGeneral Abstract Version:
◦To progress, through hard work, from an entry-level accounts representative position to supervisory level position.
Personalized version: ◦To join Ahmed Advertising agency as an
entry-level accounts representative and through experience and training, progress to a supervisory role in creative projects.
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Resume Categories – Education
Be sure to include:◦Names of Schools◦Degrees Earned◦Major / Minor◦Date Attended or Graduation Date
Could also include◦GPA
(general rule, include if 3.0 or above)◦Honors / Awards◦Selected Courses
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Resume Categories – Experience
Required Information ◦Name of Employer / Organization◦Location – City & State◦Position Title◦Dates◦Duties, Responsibilities &
Accomplishments
Resume Categories – Experience
Guidelines for duties, responsibilities & accomplishments◦Include most relevant skills & qualities◦Most relevant information comes first◦Use strong action verbs◦Provide evidence of skills & qualities by
quantifying information
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Resume Categories - Other
Qualification Highlights
Summary
Relevant CoursesCourse ProjectsHonors & Awards
Work Experience Management
Experience Research
Experience Leadership
Experience Other Experience
Computer SkillsProfessional
Associations / Memberships
LanguagesCommunity Service
Avoid giving too much information
Hobbies
Health Height,
WeightMarital Status
Putting It All Together…Formatting
Attract & hold your reader’s attention◦Combinations of capital lettering,
underlining, bold face type, and indentations can jazz up your paper
◦Well placed white space can help the reader’s eye move across the paper
◦Whatever format you choose, be sure to be consistent
How does a
good résumé
look?
contact
objective
education
‘special coursework’
activities
experience
majorgpa
job titlecompany
tasks
‘refs available’
offices
overallin major
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Three Types of Resumes
Chronological
Functional
Hybrid
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Remember
A resume does not get you a job…
A resume does get you an interview.
And, putting time and consideration into your resume is one of the
best ways to prepare for your interviews!
How to Give an Interview?
There are different types of interviews:
On-campus interviews The Group interviewThe Panel interviewThe One-on-One interview
Employer Objectives
* Meet you and put a “face” to a résume* Assess your communication skills* Get to know you* Describe details of the position* Fill in gaps in your résume or history* Determine if you are a good fit with the organization and the position
Applicant ObjectivesSell yourselfLearn more about the positionLearn more about the
organizationGet the job offerDecide if you want the position
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Research -- Be able to ask ???
Research -- Be able to ask intelligent questions
◦ Newspaper articles
◦ Talk to people who work for the company
◦ Visit their internet site
◦ Check Human Resource Department for press
kit about company history
Rehearsal Time
Interview with a friend
Practice typical questions using a mirror and tape recorder
What Should I Wear?
?
Dress For Success
Be conservative in dress.
Avoid loud colors and
printed fabrics.
Make sure your
clothes are nicely
pressed.
AT THE INTERVIEW
It’sShowtime
Body Language
Good Posture◦ Sit up straight: edge or back of the chair
Avoid crossing legs and arms
Inviting Gestures◦ Firm handshake◦ Nod your head,
indicates you are listening.
Body Language
Eye Contact
◦ Indicates confidence.
Speak Clearly
◦ Standard English, not slang.
◦ Not only what you say, but how you say it.
Typical Questions
Tell me about yourself.What are your strengths?What are your weaknesses?What are some of your goals?Do you like working with others or on
your own?
Honesty is the best policy???
Typical Tough Questions???
What qualities do you have that offset your lack of experience?
Are you going to move to a better job as soon as you gain experience here?
If you are faced with a deadline you can’t meet, what will you do?
Stay Calm. Don’t be Defensive. Focus on your Skills.
BEHAVIOR-BASED INTERVIEWS
Five Popular Behavior-Based Questions:
Give me a specific example of a time when you
sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept.
(Shows negotiation and persuasive skills)
Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects.
(Shows organization and prioritizing skills)
Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company or class was facing.
(Shows creativity and imagination)
Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor.
(Shows problem-solving and decision-making skills)
Describe a time when you handled a disgruntled customer.
(Shows communication and customer service skills)
Employee QuestionsWhom would I be working with
most closely?How many people have held this
job in the last 10 years? Where did they go?
What advancement do you see for me in five years if I have proven myself?
Questions to Avoid
Salary
◦Research other companies, give a
range
Vacations
Benefits
Sick leave
Final Comments
Thank the interviewer for the interview
Decide a convenient time you can call on the hiring status
TOP TEN NEGATIVE FACTORS EVALUATED BY INTERVIEWERS
1. Poor personal appearance
2. Lack of planning for career – no purpose, goals, or focus
3. Lack of confidence and poise – nervousness
4. Overemphasis on compensation as the deciding factor
5. Making excuses for unfavorable events in work history
6. Lack of tact, maturity, and courtesy – overbearing or egotistical behavior
7. Condemnation of past employers
8. Failure to look the interviewer in the eye
9. Limp handshake
10. Failure to appreciate the value of experience
After an Interview
Following Up