EMPLOYMENT SKILLS Resume, Job Application, Interview, & Work Skills

YOUR RESUME IS YOUR MARKETING TOOL  Resumes may be prepared in various forms.  Remember to show your STRENGTHS.  Resume should be:  TYPED or Computer generated.  Printed on 8 1/2” X 11” paper (1 page).  Include COMPLETE and CORRECT INFORMATION.  Be NEAT and Look PROFESSIONAL.

 Before Resume 

PERSONAL INFORMATION  NAME  Full Name (first middle and last)  ADDRESS  A permanent address where you can be reached  TELEPHONE NUMBER  Include Area Code  (if available)  FAX NUMBER (if available)

CAREER OBJECTIVES  Briefly state your GOALS and the type of job you would like to be considered for.  This may need to be changed for different types of jobs.

EDUCATION  Present EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES in reverse chronological order. (from current to past)  List the last school attended first and then go backwards.  Include NAME and location of SCHOOLS.  List CURRICULUM studied (College or University).  Include DATES of attendance ( ).  List DIPLOMA or DEGREE earned.  List the Relevant COURSES.  Include the Grade Point Average (only if it is about 3.5).

WORK EXPERIENCE  Include all PAID work.  Include VOLUNTEER work that may relate to your objective or shows responsibility.  Use reverse chronological order  Include DATES of employment, the NAMES and LOCATIONS of the companies or organizations and job titles.

Awards, Honors, & Achievements  List any type of HONORS or ACHIEVEMENTS in School - Community – Church:  School Newspapers, Yearbook, National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Eagle Scout, City/County Youth Council, Volunteer Hospital work, etc.

WORK SKILLS  Computer programs  MicroSoft Office, PowerPoint Presentations, Photo Shop, etc.  Equipment  Cash Register, Copying Machines, etc.  Personal work ethics  Dependability, Punctuality, Honesty, Creativity, Organization etc.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INTERESTS & HOBBIES  Activities outside of school classes:  Sports, music, clubs, service projects, scouting, community service, etc.  Personal activities:  Running, Gardening, Reading, Computers, Carpentry, Skiing/Snow Boarding, Boating, Water Skiing/Wake Boarding, Photography, Sewing, Carpentry, Crafts, Scrapbooking, etc.

REFERENCES  “ References available upon request.”  References are usually included on the JOB APPLICATION.  Ask people who know your strengths to be references:  Former Employer, Teacher, Religious Leader, Close Friend/Neighbor (adult)  Contact those people you will list and ask if you can use their names as references.  Include NAME, POSITION (Business Title), PHONE NUMBER, Address

Create or Update Your own Resume` Resume should be: TYPED or Computer generated. Printed on 8 1/2” X 11” paper (1 page). Include COMPLETE and CORRECT INFORMATION. Be NEAT and Look PROFESSIONAL.

Resume Checklist  Is my job objective specific, providing a focus for the resume  Are my specific work experiences highlighted?  Have I included my related work experiences?  Are the titles and names of my previous employers included?  Are my responsibilities included?  Are there gaps in my work history?  Are professional memberships mentioned to add to my credibility?  Have I listed extracurricular activities to diplay leadership traits and innovations?  Is my resume free of errors?  Typographical, spelling, grammar, punctuation?  Avoid the use of “I”, “me”, “my”  Is my resume visually inviting?  Printed on cream, white, buff, or pale gray paper?  Printed on 8.5 x 11 size paper  Printed on one side of the page.

Go Out and Get That Job! How? Where?  Check with businesses, friends and relatives, newspaper, for job openings.  Applications can often be obtained, completed and then returned to businesses.  ALWAYS be professional and likeable.

Cover Letter  Letter of introduction attached to the resume  How the employer first “meets” you. Sell yourself  Remember the basics  typed, grammar, punctuation, spelling – proofread!  Not a summary of your resume`  Keep it short

 Date  Person to Contact  Contact Person’s Title  Name of place applying for  Address of job  First paragraph  Reason for the letter and how you heard about the opening  Second Pragraph  Why you are interested in the position and how your background qualifies you for the position. Avoid repeating information found in your resume  Third paragraph  Indicates a desire for an interview and the arrangements for it  Closing  A statement that will encourage a response, “I am looking forward to hearing from you.”  Sincerely,  Sign and type your name  Enc. (typed to indicate that additional items enclosed

Your Name Your Street Your City, State, Zip Code The Person to whom you are writing His/Her Title Street City, State Zip Code Dear ____________: OPENING PARAGRAPH: State why you are writing. Name the position or type of work for which you are applying. If possible, identify how you heard of the job opening, if you know that there is one. MIDDLE PARAGRAPH: Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Use personal references such as your educational background, former jobs you have had, and your knowledge of the business for which you want to work. A resume should always be sent with a letter of application. Ask for application forms and information about the organization if you do not already have these materials. CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Suggest a time period when you are available for an interview. For example, you might indicate that you will contact them to make a specific appointment, or that they can request further information from you. Let them know you are interested in an immediate reply to your letter. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Enclosure

Create Your Own Cover Letter  Letter of introduction attached to the resume  How the employer first “meets” you. Sell yourself  Remember the basics  typed, grammar, punctuation, spelling – proofread!  Not a summary of your resume`  Keep it short

JOB APPLICATION Fill out the application form HONESTLY and COMPLETELY. Use a pen and write neatly. Attach your cover letter to it.

INFORMATION may be collected from:  Birth Certificate  Social Security Card  Driver’s License  Resume  Portfolio

EMPLOYER MAY REQUIRE:  Special Permits  Food Handlers  CPR Certificate  1st Aid Training  TB Test  Blood Test  FingerPrint

Prepare For the Interview  Practice: smile, handshake, speaking, sitting...  What kind of questions might the interview ask?  What kind of questions can you ask the potential employer?

Interview QUESTIONS to Expect and Prepare for:  Tell me about yourself?  Why should I hire you over others?  Tell me about a time you had a problem and how you solved it?  What are your strength … weakness?  How would you handle a difficult situation or person?

What grooming actions can you take: clothes, shoes, hair, … How you LOOK makes a statement before you even open your mouth! First Impression = Appearance  Clothing should be:  Appropriate for the job being sought and one step higher  Clean and pressed  Avoid: Excessive make up, perfume, jewelry, or extreme styles  Personal Grooming  Hair, facial hair, Nails, Shoes  Breath, Body Odor

Top 10 QUALITIES EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR: 1- Communication Skills (written & verbal) 2- Honesty and Integrity 3- Teamwork Skills - getting along with others 4- Interpersonal Skills 5- Strong work ethic 6- Motivation / Initiative 7- Flexibility 8- Analytical Skills (Problem Solving) 9- Computer Skills 10-Organizational Skills

The INTERVIEW!  Be PROMPT  Arrive about 10 minutes early.  Find the location of the interview BEFORE the day of the interview.  INTRODUCE yourself in a courteous manner  Be PLEASANT  In both VERBAL and NONVERBAL language  Be attentive, alert and interested - LISTEN too.  DO NOT chew Gum  Sit still, legs uncrosses, hands in lap

Follow UP  Write a letter of appreciation to the interviewer.  Thank them for their time

You got the Job - NOW KEEP IT!  Find a Job you will ENJOY!  Be ON TIME - Don’t abuse SICK LEAVE  Be a HARD WORKER-Get the Work DONE  Follow RULES  Keep a LEARNING ATTITUDE  Do Not GOSSIP  HELP in any way possible  Work WITH not AGAINST other employees

 Have You had a Mock Interview Yet?  PRACTICE!