How to prepare for and complete a job application How to write
an effective resume and cover letter
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Making a good first impression on potential employers is
essential to securing a job
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Preparing to apply Job applications Preparing a Resume Writing
Cover Letters
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Social Security Number Work Permit Standard English Job
Application Personal Fact Sheet References Resume Cover Letter
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Employers are Looking for the Best Person to Fill the Job Do
you have the ability to do the work? How do you present yourself?
How do you dress? How well do you communicate?
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Do your best to project confidence and a positive, professional
image every time you communicate with an employer
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The first step in applying for a job is having a social
security number 123-45-6789 Key Term: Social Security Number- A
unique nine-digit number issued by the federal government that is
required for all workers
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If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you may need
a work permit Some states require work permits is you are under the
age of 16 or 18 Key Term: Work Permit- A document that shows you
are allowed to work in the United States
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When you communicate with an employer, use Standard English
Avoid using filler words like um, like, and you know. What should
you do instead? Key Term Standard English The form of English you
are taught in school
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The Job application is one way an employer can screen job
applicants http://www.nowhiring. com/job- apps/starbucks-job-
application.pdf http://www.nowhiring. com/job- apps/starbucks-job-
application.pdf Key term: Job Application A form that asks
questions about a job applicants skills, work experience, education
and interests
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Creating a personal fact sheet will help you complete accurate
job applications You already completed this!!! What was some of the
information on your personal fact sheet? Keep in your class
portfolio Key Term: Personal Fact Sheet- A list of all the
information about yourself that you will need for a job application
form
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Completing the Job Application Fill out the form completely,
neatly, and accurately Read and follow directions exactly Use
Standard English and check your spelling with a dictionary Answer
every question Make your statements positive Keep your options
open
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Employers do not have a right to ask about the following: Age
Disability status Race National origin Gender
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Teachers, counselors, and former employers make good references
Key Term: References- People who will recommend you to an
employer
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To get practice completing job applications, obtain a
real-world application from a local company or find one online To
do: Complete provided Job Application Have your peer partner check
it for neatness and accuracy
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When you apply for a job, you may have to take one or more of
the following tests: Performance or skills test Drug test Polygraph
test
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1. Give two examples of questions that potential employers do
not have the right to ask you on a job application 2. How should
you communicate when speaking to a potential employer? 3. Who are
some of the most trusted people to use as references?
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A Good resume may get you an interview Resumes are submitted by
regular mail, email, or fax Key Term Resume- A brief summary of a
job applicants personal information, education, skills, work
experience, activities, and interests
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If you do not have work experiences on your resume, focus on
the skills, education, and training you have. You can list your
references or indicate that you will provide them on request Resume
Tips: Avoid negative information Keep it brief (one page) It should
be typed or word-processed Check spelling, grammar, and usage
Evaluate it as though it belonged to someone else Make sure it is
well-written and organized
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A chronological resume presents your experience in reverse time
order This type of resume shows your growth in experience
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Dates of work experience is in reverse order (most recent is
listed first )
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A skills resume is organized around skills or strengths This
type of resume allows you to highlight your strengths and
accomplishments
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In a skills resume, you are highlighting the mastery of certain
skills. Mostly used in highly technological areas as seen in this
example
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Some companies only use emailed or electronically submitted
resumes Other companies scan paper resumes, copying and storing
them electronically. Making your resume easy to scan: Keep the
resume clean Use crisp, dark type Avoid italics, underscores, and
other formatted type Use white paper Use keywords
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1. What is the difference between a chronological and a skills
resume? Why would you use one style over the other? 2. When writing
your resume, what should you concentrate on if you do not have work
experiences to list? 3. List the main components you should include
on your resume
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When writing a cover letter, emphasize facts that make you
especially well qualified for the job Key Term: Cover Letter- A
brief letter that introduces you to the employer and explains why
you are sending your resume
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Opening Paragraph Body Closing Paragraph
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Opening Paragraph Explains why you are writing Body Persuades
someone to hire you Closing Paragraph Tells how you will follow
up
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You Cover Letter should be free of errors in grammar, spelling,
and punctuation. Employer Ready Ask someone to proofread your cover
letter
Slide 31
1. Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job
2. Explain why it is important to use standard English on a job
application 3. What are the three main parts of a cover letter and
what should you include in each?
