getting the job

Chapter

© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Getting the Job

3.13.1 Getting an Interview

3.23.2 Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up

3

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Chapter 3

Lesson 3.1

Getting the Interview

GOALSPrepare an application letter.Prepare a resume based on guidelines.Explain the importance of references and

reference letters.

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Chapter 3

The Application Letter

The application letter, or cover letter, introduces you to a potential employer.

It should accompany your resume. The application letter is a sales letter.

“Sell” your qualifications.Create interest in the enclosed resume. Make a good impression.

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Chapter 3

Contents of the Application Letter

SpecificInterestingDirect

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Chapter 3

Application Letter—First Paragraph

Identify the purpose of the letter—why you are writing.

Be specific. Tell the employer what job you want.

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Chapter 3

Application Letter—Middle Paragraph

Give reasons why you are a good choice for the job.

Explain your key qualifications—those that best fit the job.

Express interest in the company.Describe experiences, classes, or skills

that relate to the job. Be enthusiastic.

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Chapter 3

Application Letter—Closing Paragraph

Wrap up the letter in a friendly yet assertive manner.

Be direct. Ask for an interview. Give the employer your phone number and

indicate a good time to call. Make it clear that you want an opportunity to

discuss the open position.

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Chapter 3

Preparing of the Application Letter

White, standard size (8½ × 11-inch) paper of good quality

Mailing envelope of the same color and quality

Clear, crisp printoutStandard 12-point font, such as Arial or

Times Roman

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Chapter 3

Parts of an Application Letter

Return address The return address is the first thing to appear at

the top of the letter. It contains your complete mailing address and the

date.

Letter address The letter address contains the name and address

of the person or company to whom you are writing. It is also called the inside address.

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Chapter 3

Parts of an Application Letter

Salutation The salutation is the greeting that begins your letter.

Body The body is the message section of the letter.

Complimentary close The complimentary close is a courteous phrase

used to end a letter. Phrases commonly used in business are “Sincerely”

and “Cordially.”

(continued)

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Chapter 3

Return Address

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Chapter 3

Letter Address

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Chapter 3

Salutation

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Chapter 3

Body

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Chapter 3

Complimentary Close

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Chapter 3

Preparing anE-Mail Application Letter

Set your e-mail to plain text Place everything at the left margin. Use no special formatting or tabs.Prepare your application letter in your

e-mail message window.

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Chapter 3

Parts of anE-Mail Application Letter

Date: Your message will be dated automatically. Subject line: Put the title of the job you are seeking in

the subject line. Salutation: Start your message with the salutation. Body: The body of your message should contain the

same content as any other application letter. Close: End the message with a complimentary close

and your typed name, along with your mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number.

Attachment: Send your resume as an e-mail attachment.

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Chapter 3

E-Mail Application Letter

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Chapter 3

The ResumeA resume describes your work

experience, education, abilities, interests, and other information that may be of interest to an employer.

A portrait in wordsOther names

Personal data sheetBiographical summaryProfessional profileVita

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Chapter 3

Purpose of the Resume

The resume tells the employerWho you areWhat you can doWhat your special interests are

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Chapter 3

General Guidelinesfor a Resume

Keep resume to one page.Include all information pertinent to the job

for which you are applying.Choose a format that is attractive,

professional looking, and easy to read.Proofread thoroughly.Use a high-resolution printer and good

quality paper.

© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning

General Guidelinesfor a ResumeProofread, Proofread, Proofread! The resume should be easy to read and

follow.Ask yourself: Would I hire someone

with spelling and grammar mistakes?

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume

Personal information Career objective Education Experience Additional qualifications References

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume: Personal Information

Appears FirstIncludes

NameAddressTelephone Number (with area code)Alternate form of contact: cell phone, email

address, or alternate phone number

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume: Career Objective

Short, assertive statement indicating our career goal

Include1-2 descriptors that describe yourselfJob titleBusiness name

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume: Career Objective

Experienced and responsible high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Virgin Records.

People-friendly and patient high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Utz Quality Foods, Hanover, PA.

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume: Career Objective

Efficient and self-motivated high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Snyder’s of Hanover.

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume

© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Parts of the Resume: Education

All secondary (high school) and postsecondary (college) schools you have attended. Start with most recent

first and then work backwards.

List major areas of study

GPA (if good) Extra curricular

activities Honors Specific courses that

relate/apply to the job

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume

© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Parts of the Resume: Work Experience and Community Service

List all jobs that you have had—paid and unpaid.

Volunteer positions List all community

services that you have provided and any volunteer positions that you have held.

Include a section for duties and learning

Should be listed with most recent first and then work backwards.

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Parts of the Resume

© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Parts of the Resume: ReferencesPeople who have known you for some

time (at least a year) that can provide information about you and your work.

Some companies require both professional and personal references.

When not indicated, its best to provide professional references

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Scannable Resumes

Use the followingSimple standard fontBody of resume—11 or 12 pointHeadings—no larger than 14 point bold or

caps

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Chapter 3

Scannable Resumes

Avoid the followingFancy fonts, italics, underlines, condensed

type, shading, shadows, and white type on black background

Multiple columnsHorizontal or vertical lines, boxes, and

graphics

(continued)

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Chapter 3

References

References are people who have known you for at least a year and can provide information about your skills, character, and achievements. References should be over age 18 and not related

to you. The best types of references include teachers,

advisors, current and former employers, counselors, coaches, and adults in business.

Be sure to ask permission before listing people on your resume.

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Chapter 3

Reference List

If you choose not to list references on your resume, state “references available on request.”

Then have a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers available for employers who ask for them.

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Chapter 3

References

A reference letter is a statement attesting to your character, abilities, and experience, written by someone who can be relied upon to give a sincere report.

It is helpful to give those writing a reference letter a copy of your current resume or a short summary of your accomplishments and background.

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Chapter 3

Lesson 3.2

Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up

GOALSList steps for properly completing an

employment application form.Explain how to prepare for and make a

good impression on a job interview.Prepare a thank-you letter as follow-up to

a job interview.

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Chapter 3

The Application Form

An employment application, or job application, is a form that asks questions of people who apply for a job.

Ways to complete an application formUse pen to fill out paper formComplete form online at company web siteDownload form and submit electronically

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Chapter 3

Completing an Employment Application

Write neatly using a black or dark blue pen.

Fill in all blanks appropriately.Be truthful.Have all necessary information with you.Proofread carefully.

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Chapter 3

The Job Interview

A job interview is a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer to discuss a job opening.

You should spend at least as much time preparing for the interview as you did getting the interview.

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Chapter 3

Preparing for the Job Interview

Learn about the company.Be prepared to answer questions.

Review your resume so that all your qualifications will be fresh in your mind.

Be prepared to answer open-ended questions, which require you to respond in paragraphs (rather than “yes” or “no”) and talk about yourself.

Be prepared to ask questions.

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Chapter 3

Things to Take to an Interview

Bring copies of your resume, reference letters, and transcripts. Transcripts are school records that include a listing

of courses you have taken along with the credits and grades you’ve received for them.

Bring a pad of paper, a pen, and any information you may need.

Use a briefcase or folder to keep your papers organized.

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Chapter 3

Making a Good First Impression

Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Go alone. Be prepared. Appear self-confident. Be courteous.

Think before you speak. Emphasize your strong

points. Be enthusiastic. Look for cues.

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Chapter 3

The Follow-Up

Follow-up is contact with the employer after the interview but before hiring occurs.

It reminds the employer of who you are and could improve your chance of getting the job.

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Chapter 3

Thank-You Letter

The thank-you letter shows appreciation to the employer for taking time to speak with you.

It also brings you to the forefront of the interviewer’s mind, providing a reminder of your qualifications and interest in the company.

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Chapter 3

Writing a Thank-You Letter

Remind the interviewer of your interview.Remind the interviewer of your interest.Express your eagerness to hear from the

interviewer.Keep letter short and to the point.Make sure the letter is error-free.