Chapter 3 Getting the job

Lesson 3.1 Getting an Interview The Application Letter (p. 44-46) The application letter (or cover letter) introduces you to the potential employer It is a sales letter It is often your first contact with a new employer, so it is important to make a good first impression Its purpose is to interest the employer in reading your resume and granting you an interview

Contents of an Application Letter The first paragraph Identify the purpose of the letter—why you are writing Be specific—tell the employer what job you want and how you learned about it The middle paragraph(s) should give reasons why you are a good choice for the job Use full sentences that explain your key qualifications Briefly describe experiences, classes or skills that relate to the job The closing paragraph should wrap up the letter in a friendly, but assertive manner Be direct, ask for an interview AIDA—attention, interest, desire and action

Parts of an Application Letter Return Address—your complete mailing address Letter Address—the person or company to whom you are writing Salutation—Greeting, Dear Mr. Smith: Body—message of the letter Complimentary Close—Sincerely Can also use an E-mail Application Letter—use plain text Use Times New Roman, 12 point font

The Resume

The Resume Also called a personal data sheet, biographical summary, professional profile or vita Describes your work experience, education, abilities, interests Tells the employer who you are, what you can do, and your special interests Keep your resume ready and up-to-date Go to monster.com and look for resume samples (page 49) Proofread!!

Parts of the Resume Personal Information—includes name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address Include area code Omit age, gender, marital status, number of dependents, ethnic background Career Objective—optional Short, assertive statement indicating your career goal Education List all high school and post-high school institutions, starting with the most recent May include major areas of study, grade point, honors, activities

Parts of the Resume Experience Additional Qualifications References List jobs, paid and unpaid, that you have held including assisting at school functions, working as teacher’s aide, summer jobs Include name and address of employer, job title, work duties, employment dates or length of time employed, specific achievements Additional Qualifications Additional skills to bring to a potential employer’s attention Special equipment, software, foreign languages References People who have known you for at least one year and can provide positive information about your skills, character and achievements who are not related to you and are over 18 Teachers, advisors, coaches, employers, adults in business Be sure to ask permission References Available on Request

Lesson 3.2 Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up The Application Form Print neatly, using blue or black ink Fill in all blanks, use N/A for not applicable Be truthful, give complete answers, do not abbreviate Have all required information with you— telephone numbers, dates of employment, addresses of references Proofread Carefully!!

The Job Interview Face-to-face meeting with a potential employer to discuss your job qualifications Preparing for the Interview Review your resume Be prepared to answer open-ended questions Be prepared to ask questions about the company or position

The Job Interview Make a Good First Impression Arrive on time (5 to 10 min early) Dress appropriately Go alone Be prepared Appear self-confident Be courteous Think before you answer each question—use correct grammar Emphasize your strong points Be enthusiastic and interested in the company and the job Thank the interviewer for his or her time

The Thank You Letter A follow-up tool to remind the interviewer of your qualifications and desire to work for the company 1st paragraph—remind the interviewer of your interview by making reference to it 2nd paragraph—remind the interviewer of your desire to work for the company, mention 2 or 3 key qualifications Final paragraph—express your eagerness to hear from the interviewer when he or she has reached a decision Keep the letter short and to the point Proofread!!

Quote I’ll prepare myself, and my chance will come. Abraham Lincoln