Resumes, Cover Letters, and InterviewsGettin’ Paid

Gettin’ Noticed

Resumes

Resumes• Fill in KWLF Chart• CV = Curriculum Vitae Why is this funny?

ResumesIf you were a manager looking to hire an employee for a job as a sales associate at a store in the local mall, how would you sort the 500 resumes you receive?What do you want to see on the perfect resume?Complete the resume map.

RESUME

ResumesYour resume makes your first Impression on your futureEmployer.

What do you include on a Resume?

What should you NOT include on a resume?

Resume Basics (follow along on handout)

LAYOUT: 1” margins; clear headings; contact info visiblePAPER: letter size quality paperFONTS: 1 or 2 legible fonts; headings=13pt; text=10 or

11ptLANGUAGE: action words; point formLENGTH: 1-2 pages; delete all non-essential words/infoREFERENCES: list names and contact info for 3 OR

“References available upon request”PROOFREADING: no spelling/grammar errors TWEAKING: revise your resume for every job you apply

for – make sure you highlight strengths and skills especially relevant to that job

Resume Format (see examplars on handouts)

CHRONOLOGICAL:Chronos = timeStarts with most recent education and work

FUNCTIONALSkills and experience listed under certain headingsGood for highlighting skills

COMBINATIONIncludes both chronological and functional elementsHighlight skills and work history

Which do you prefer? Why?

Your resume is how you create your personal brand. It is how you advertise yourself as an asset to potential employers.

You always include the usual information: your name and contact info; your objective; your skills; your education; your work experience; and any awards or honours…but you can be creative with the presentation!

Gettin’ the Call

Cover Letters

Cover LettersA cover letter is a brief description of how you are the best fit for the current job offering.

Cover LettersA cover letter follows a certain format:They are always 1 page, and 3-4 paragraphs

• Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and the job you want

• Paragraphs 2-3: Why you? Specify any skills and experience you have that are relevant to the job position or companyWhy them? Explain why their company is where you would choose to be employed.

• Paragraph 3: Strong ending, including mention of follow-up

Cover Letters• How can your cover

letter stand out?

• What sorts of things should you include?

• What sorts of things should you exclude?

• ALWAYS create a cover letter specific to the job you want

Gettin’ the Job

Interviews

InterviewsBEFORE • Research the company• Know the names of the boss/interviewer• Dress nicely• Practice!• Bring your resume/referencesDURING• Arrive early• Shake hands / body posture / eye contact• Don’t rambleAFTER• Thank you note or call to follow-up• Self reflect – what can you learn / do differently?

InterviewsInterviews are a great opportunity to impress your potential employer with your appearance, personality, and experiences.

They can also be terrifying. It is important to practice – with a friend, in front of a mirror, to yourself. You must get used to hearing your voice aloud, as well as maintaining a professional and confident body posture.

Common Interview Questions Check out the handout.

Work with your elbow partner. Interview them, picking at least three questions to ask. Switch and take your turn being interviewed.

InterviewsYou don’t have to just answer questions in an interview.

Asking questions of the interviewer can show that

• You are serious about the job• You have done your research about

the company• You are ambitious and willing to

work hard