Its here, you made it, you can do it! Career Day Prep Its here, you made it, you can do it!

Department Presentations: 10/2/19 We will meet in Exp. Theatre, we will start promptly at 12:55pm. Be dresses, and be prepared. You will wear what you want to wear on Career Day I need 1 copy of your cover letter and resume (we will cover what's in it in a minute) on 10/1/2019! This can be printed on printer paper, but should be dark and clear. By the end of today we will pick an ORDER that we will use for the department day and Career day! I will need 25 copies of your approved cover lette and resume ON RESUME PAPER and stapled (cover letter on top resume behind) on 10/22/19

COVER LETTERS Address to College/University Representatives Your Name Here Complete Street Address City, State Zip Code (502) Phone # Email Address Today’s Date, Year To College and University Representatives: Use the first paragraph of your letter to introduce yourself, explain what you have been doing for the past 4 years (hint: they already know you are a senior…don’t use it). Every paragraph should contain more than one sentence. Generally, the first sentence serves to introduce the remainder of the paragraph. The first paragraph should also include some information about what you are looking for in higher education (be careful to not disparage or discount a college or university). Use the additional paragraphs to expound upon your qualifications and experience. Tailor this paragraph to discuss your academic challenges and achievements. For example, if you have challenged yourself with AP classes, held membership in a club, won any academic awards…put that here. This next paragraph should be bulkier because it will discuss your theatrical experience. You should write about the experiences you have had that are not specifically listed on your resume’. Write about challenges you encountered and how you overcame them. Write about your problem-solving skills, “people” skills, or other technical skills. In each case, give specific examples to support your cause. Do not use the cover letter as a tool for “name-dropping”. Try to get the reader to understand how much experience you have gained over these 4 years. However, don’t repeat your resume, if you mention items on your resume make sure you are stating something that paints you as a great technician. Use the last paragraph to discuss what you are looking for in your future education. “I am excited to move onto the next step in my education at the college/university level”. “I am looking for a school with opportunities for __ (design, technical direction, props management, stage management, etc.) Always run “Spell Check” before you save and/or print the cover letter. Sign the cover letter (in pen) in the space provided after “Sincerely”. Sincerely, Type Your Name here COVER LETTERS Leave 4 line space here (where address was) Address to College/University Representatives Sell yourself as a student AND a technician Introduce yourself well in the opening paragraph. Give them something to set you apart. 3 spaces and SIGN IN PEN

RESUMES Same format as always. Be sure the contact information is what you check often. Must list your GPA and test scores (even if they are not great) You can add a Skills and achievements category

Interview Be Calm! You have done this 6 times already, this is no different Everyone in the room (both on dept. day and Career Day) is wanting you to do well You are the top group of high school seniors in this field…don’t sell yourself short. Anyone would be LUCKY to have you at their school You want to highlight your best and most wide ranging work. It does not have to be everything (10 minutes should be PLENTY of time) but it should showcase you as well rounded. If you have a focus field…say that (but it may chance over the years) Be open to possibilities. If this isn’t what you will do, we ask that you present yourself at Career day as if you haven’t decided yet. This is as much for your options as well as to ensure future classes have reps in the seats. If you are offered something by email, YOU MUST RESPOND in a timely manner. You may decline, but don’t leave them guessing (and holding $ from another student who needs it)

What happens on Career Day? 9am-10:15am COLLEGE FAIR You will walk the line at colleges. Feel free to take some extra cover letters and resumes to hand out to schools. You will know who will be in the interviews the week before. Not all schools send a Tech rep…seek those you like out and talk to them. 10:30-12:30 RELAX/LUNCH in Costume shop. We will order from QDOBA. You will place your order with Amy the week before. 12:30 SENIOR PHOTO on stairs in scene shop. 1:00pm 1ST INTERVIEW Begins! ~3pm: CALLBACKS Our callbacks are informal. After the last interview students walk back into the scene shop and colleges will approach you. Spread out. Do not leave until you have spoken with at least a few colleges. Check out with AMY before you leave.

What questions or worries do you have?