1. 1 Professional Communications Employ Me Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

2. What do you want to be? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 2

3. Key Terms Application – form used in requesting a position with a potential employer Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 3

4. Background check – the process of looking into the criminal and financial records of an individual as part of the hiring process Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 4

5. Cover letter – an introduction to a potential employer in response to a known job application, to inquire about potential job positions, or to network and request information or assistance Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 5

6. Employment verification – the process of verifying the employment information on a job application is accurate Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 6

7. Reference – a person who can attest to another’s character or ability Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 7

8. Résumé – a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position Chronological – begins with work history (most recent position listed first) Functional – focuses on skills and experience rather than employment Scannable – résumé that can be read by a computer for key words (does not include advanced formatting) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 8

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10. Cover Letter Header Sender’s address Date Recipient’s address Salutation Introduction Reference to specific job Eye catching introduction Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 10

11. Body Highlights information in application or résumé Skills Qualifications Past experience Description of job fit or value of individual to organization Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 11

12. Closing Sums up the letter Action the applicant intends to take Valediction Signature line Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 12