2. Read to Learn
How to prepare for and complete a job application
How to write an effective résumé and cover letter.

3. Main Idea
Making a good first impression on potential employers is essential to securing a job.

4. Key Concepts
Preparing to Apply
Job Applications
Preparing a Résumé
Writing Cover Letters

5. Key Terms
Social Security number
work permit
standard English
job application
personal fact sheet
references

6. Key Terms
résumé
cover letter

7. Preparing to Apply Do you have the ability to do the work?
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?

8. Be Confident
Do your best to project confidence and a positive, professional image every time you communicate with an employer.

9. Be Prepared
The first step in applying for a job is having a Social Security number.
Social Security number
a unique nine-digit number issued by the federal government that is required for all workers

10. Be Prepared
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may need a work permit.
work permit
a document that shows you are allowed to work in the United States

11. Be Prepared
Some states require work permits if you are under the age of 16 or 18.

12. Communicate Effectively
When you communicate with an employer, use standard English.
standard English
the form of English you are taught in school
Avoid using filler words like um, like, and you know.

13. The job application is one way an employer can screen job applicants.
Job Applications
The job application is one way an employer can screen job applicants.
job application
a form that asks questions about a job applicant’s skills, work experience, education, and interests

14. Job Applications
Creating a personal fact sheet will help you complete accurate job applications.
personal fact sheet
a list of all the information about yourself that you will need for a job application form

15. Information for Your Personal Fact Sheet
Job Applications
Information for Your Personal Fact Sheet
Name
Phone number
Address
Social Security number (SSN)
The date you can start work
The days and hours you can work
The pay you want
Schools you have attended
Places you have lived
Awards or accomplishments
Past jobs with contact information and dates
Reasons for leaving past jobs

16. Completing the Job Application
Job Applications
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.

17. Job Applications
Employers do not have a right to ask about the following:
Age
Disability status
Race
National origin
Gender

18. Teachers, counselors, and former employers make good references.
people who will recommend you to an employer
Ask permission before using someone as a reference.

19. Practice
To get practice completing job applications, obtain a real-world application form from a local company or find one online.

20. Taking Tests
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

21. A good résumé may get you an interview.
Preparing a Résumé
A good résumé may get you an interview.
résumé
a brief summary of a job applicant’s personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests
Résumés are submitted by regular mail, , or fax.

22. Preparing a Résumé
If you do not have work experiences on your résumé, focus on the skills, education, and training you have.
You can list your references or indicate that you will provide them on request.

23. Tips for Writing Your Résumé
Preparing a Résumé
Tips for Writing Your Résumé
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.

24. Organizing Your Résumé
A chronological résumé presents your experience in reverse time order.
This type of résumé shows your growth in experience.

25. Figure 6.2
Chronological Résumé

26. Organizing Your Résumé
A skills résumé is organized around skills or strengths.
This type of résumé allows you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

27. Figure 6.3
Chronological Résumé

28. Scannable and Electronic Résumés
Some companies only use ed or electronically submitted résumés.
Other companies scan paper résumés, copying and storing them electronically.

29. Scannable and Electronic Résumés
Making Your Résumé Easy to Scan
Keep the résumé clean.
Use crisp, dark type.
Avoid italics, underscores, and other formatted type.
Use white paper.
Use keywords.

30. Writing Cover Letters
When writing a cover letter, emphasize facts that make you especially well qualified for the job.
cover letter
a brief letter that introduces you to the employer and explains why you are sending your résumé

31. Opening Paragraph Body Closing Paragraph
Figure 6.4
Chronological Résumé
Opening Paragraph
Body
Closing Paragraph

32. Writing Cover Letters Opening Paragraph Explains why you are writing
Body
Persuades someone to hire you
Closing
Paragraph
Tells how you will follow up

33. Writing Cover Letters
Your cover letter should be free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ask someone to proofread your cover letter.

34. When the game is finished, close the Quick Quiz window and click here for the next slide >>

35. Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job.
Section After You Read
Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job.
Documents often legally required to apply for a job include a Social Security card, a work permit, and photo identification. You may also need to submit a list of references, a completed job application, a résumé, and a cover letter.

36. Section After You Read
Explain why it is important to use standard English on a job application.
Using standard English shows your writing skills, and standard English is the language of the professional workplace.

37. Section After You Read
Distinguish between a skills résumé and a chronological résumé, and explain when it is best to use each format.
The answer is on the next slide.

38. Section After You Read
In a skills résumé, achievements and experience are grouped by skill (such as communication skills, computer skills, etc.). In a chronological résumé, achievements and experiences are listed in reverse order (most recent first) and job titles, company names, and date ranges are specified.

39. End of