1. Chapter 3
Getting the job

2. Lesson 3.1 Getting an Interview
The Application Letter (p )
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

3. 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

4. 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 Application Letter—use plain text
Use Times New Roman, 12 point font

5. The Resume

6. 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!!

7. Parts of the Resume
Personal Information—includes name, address, telephone number, and 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

8. 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

9. 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!!

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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!!

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