job search - coach freeman's blog€¦ · web viewduring the past two years, i have taken...

JOB SEARCH HANDBOOK

1. WRITING A LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER……...2

2. WRITING A RÉSUMÉ…………………………………………..……6

3. HOW TO FILL OUT A JOB APPLICATION……………………….10

4. INTERVIEWING………….……………………………………..…. 12

Developed by: Pam L. McGee and Beth Parks Barrow County Schools

SECTION ONE

WRITING A LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER

WHY?

Employers ask for Letter of Application/Cover Letter to find out how much effort an applicant is willing to make to get the job.

The Letter of Application/Cover Letter should accompany your résumé.

They may want to know how well you express yourself in writing.

It’s your chance to sell yourself to the employer to get an interview.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Your first contact with a prospective employer may be your letter of Application/Cover Letter. Employers use Letters of Application/Cover Letters to efficiently sort out those applicants they wish to interview.

Letter of Applications that are not neat or contain spelling or grammar errors are eliminated first.

It is essential that your Letter of Application/Cover Letter be well written so that you are one of those that obtain an interview.

It has to be NEAT, have Proper Spelling and Good Grammar, and say just enough, but not too much.

Ask at least two people to proofread your Letter of Application/Cover Letter before sending it to a prospective employer.

Job Search Handbook of 20

Good Idea: Call the company to which you are applying and ask for the name of the person in charge of hiring.

LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER SHOULD INCLUDE:

Today’s Date

Contact Person’s Name, Title Company Name Company AddressCity, State, Zip Code

Dear Title, Last Name: (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.)

1st paragraph-The exact position you are applying for should be stated-Identify how you became aware of the opening -Briefly state how you are a good candidate for the position-Mention a specific referral or contact person in the company if you have one

2nd paragraph-Sell yourself personally-Mention current employer-Ask the employer to take a look at your résumé-Mention achievements and qualifications in the field

3rd paragraph-Ask for an interview at the employer’s convenience-Tell how and where you can be reached-Thank the employer for his/her time -Tell the employer that you are anxious to hear from him/her

Sincerely,

Your Handwritten Signature

Your Name TypedYour AddressCity, State, Zip CodePhone Number ( )-

Enclosure (This means that your résumé is “enclosed” in the envelope)Job Search Handbook of 20

**Center your letter vertically on the page by completing the following steps:1. Choose File, Page Setup.2. Click the Layout tab.3. Change the Vertical Alignment to Top.

SAMPLE LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER

Here is an example of how to write a Letter of Application/Cover Letter:(Be sure to center vertically!)

October 15, 2007

Ms. Gloria SmithBarrow Animal Clinic8500 Bankhead HighwayWinder, Georgia 30680

Dear Ms. Smith:

Through the Barrow County News, I understand you are looking for a part-time office assistant. Please consider me an eager and qualified candidate.

During the past two years, I have taken courses in Computer Applications and Business Documents. I am skilled in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. My training has given me the skills and knowledge needed for today’s workplace. Last summer I held a temporary job in the admissions department at Barrow Community Hospital.

I would like to schedule an interview with you and may be contacted after 3:20 p.m. at (770)868-0000. Thank you for your consideration. I am looking forward to speaking with you about this position.

Sincerely,

Sam Walton72 Lakeshore DriveStatham, Georgia 30666(770) 868-0000


Enclosure

Additional Information for your Letter of Application/Cover Letter:

Mail your reply to a newspaper advertisement within three days of its appearance in the newspaper.

Use plain white or buff paper (8 ½” X 11”). Use only one side of the paper. Type the letter. Center your letter vertically on the page. Avoid mistakes, typographical errors, misspelling, or crossed out words. Keep your letter short and to the point: 3 or 4 paragraphs is sufficient. Sing the original, typed copy of your Letter of Application/Cover Letter in ink and send it

to the employer. However, keep a copy to use as an example for your next letter and for follow-up purposes.

Selecting and Addressing the Envelope:

When you have completed your Letter of Application/Cover Letter, you want to mail it in a legal-size white envelope. Be certain that it is correctly addressed.


ASSIGNMENT: Complete the PRACTICE LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER worksheet on page 15. (Get ideas of job openings from newspaper want ads or imagine your ideal job and go for it!)

SECTION TWO

WRITING A RÉSUMÉ

WHY…?

To gain a potential employer’s interest To obtain an interview

DID YOU KNOW…?

A résumé is a word portrait of who you are as a potential employee. A résumé is a summary of your skills, qualities and accomplishments. A résumé can be compared to a television commercial. Like a TV commercial, your

résumé makes an appeal to someone; in your case, the prospective employer. However, the product you are selling in this instance is yourself—your abilities, accomplishments, and insight.

Just as the average television commercial has 30 seconds to grab and hold its audience to make a convincing pitch for its product, you have only 30 seconds to grab and hold the attention of your prospective employer. The average résumé gets skimmed for about 30 seconds at most! Therefore, the recommendation is that a résumé be one page.

Important point………you should always attach your résumé to any letter of application/cover letter or application. This gives an employer one more opportunity to see the best possible

written picture of you.


The sections most commonly included in a résumé are:

Personal List your name, complete address, and phone number

Job Objective Specify the kind of job or field you want Keep it general (you can elaborate in the letter of application)

Education List your most recent education first List school name and address, expected date of graduation or completion, and any

specific programs of study/special training

Work Experience Show both paid and non-paid work Show current or most recent job first List employer’s complete address and phone number List duties, responsibilities and job tactile Show starting and ending dates of your experience (month and year is sufficient)

Skills / Special Interest** List skills, such as keyboarding, computers, welding, construction, etc. List clubs and organizations to which you belong List special awards and certificates List hobbies and special interests

References *Available upon request. References should be typed, on a separate page, using the

following guidelines: o -Show name, address, area code & phone number, job titleo -Use teachers, counselors, and business peopleo -Always ask permission before using someone as a referenceo -List three referenceso -Don’t use family member or classmates

**Other common sections are Hobbies and Award –or– Honors and Recognitions.


SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ OF A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WITH NO WORK EXPERIENCE

Susan Y. Miller1049 Spring Street

Atlanta, Georgia 49084(404) 555-5656

OBJECTIVE: Seeking entry-level position in a retail business where I can gain experience in business operations and management.

EDUCATION: Northside High School, Atlanta, Georgia August 2004 to present Expected date of graduation: May 2008

Courses Studied: *Computer Applications*Business Documents*Accounting I and II*Spanish I, II, and III

Special Skills: *Microsoft Word*Excel*Access*PowerPoint*Telephone Experience*Typing Speed – 55 wpm

General Background: *Reliable*Positive Attitude

*Honest*Dependable*Responsible

ACTIVITIES: Served as president of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Varsity basketball and soccer for four years, Received recognition as Best Defensive Player for basketball and Most Valuable Player for soccer.

REFERENCES: Attached


SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ OF A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WITH

WORK EXPERIENCE

Susan Y. Miller1049 Spring Street

Atlanta, Georgia 49084

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as a small engine mechanic where I can use my all-around mechanical ability, training and experience. I am ambitious and willing to learn.

EDUCATION: Northside High School, Atlanta, Georgia August 2004 to present Expected date of graduation: May 2008 Courses included: Ag Mechanics, Welding, Auto Mechanics

WORK EXPERIENCE: Johnson’s Go Carts 2007-present

Snellville, Georgia Began working as assistant to the chief mechanic. After six months promoted to mechanic.

Uptown Lawnmower Repair 2004-2007 Lawrenceville, Georgia Started with clean-up position, promoted to general service.

SKILLS/INTEREST: Go cart racing and customizing.

REFERENCES: Available upon request.


ASSIGNMENT: Complete PRACTICE RÉSUMÉ worksheet on page 16.

SECTION THREEHOW TO FILL OUT A JOB APPLICATION

One of the first things you will be asked to do for an interview is fill out an application. Employers get more information from an application than facts and numbers. They check:


Your neatness Your spelling and grammar

Your Writing and reading skills Your organizational skills

The application is one more chance for you to keep your name in the “prospective employee” file and out of the wastebasket.

So, treat the application with the respect that it demands and don’t do a sloppy job!!!

TIPS FOR COMPLETING AN APPLICATION Scan the whole application before you begin to write. Always print in ink (black is preferred). Think before you write to avoid mistakes. If you do make mistakes, draw one line through it. Don’t blot it out. Put something on every blank. The employer needs to know that you did

read it, but it just doesn’t fit your situation. So, if it doesn’t apply, put N/A (this means that it does not apply to you), or draw a line---in each box. Do not write “see résumé” even though you are attaching one.

Have all your data handy. It is a good idea to take your résumé or a personal data sheet. Then, you will have all your dates, addresses, etc., ready. It also shows good planning on your part.

Follow the directions printed on the application. Show the employer that you can do what is expected of you.

Be as specific as possible with all answers. Be neat and accurate. This simple piece of paper paints a picture of you.

Take advantage of this and make sure it paints the best picture possible. SPELL CORRECTLY. If you don’t know how to spell a word, pick

another word with the same meaning to use instead. Be honest. Don’t give false information. Salary desired? The best answers are: flexible, negotiable or open.

SECTION FOURINTERVIEWING: THIS IS IT

You’ve made it to the interview!!! Now what?

The job interview can be one of the most important few minutes of your life. Your letter of application/cover letter, résumé and application may have impressed the employer, but it’s the interview that will be the deciding factor in whether or not you get the job.


ASSIGNMENT: Fill out the JOB APPLICATION FACT SHEET on page 17 and KEEP IT! Use it as a reminder of how to fill out an application. Use it as your “reference sheet” of dates, addresses, facts, and figures that you will have at your fingertips when you apply for that job.

Do not take the interview lightly. You wouldn’t dream of playing a football game without working on several plays in advance. You shouldn’t walk into a job interview without advance preparation.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTERVIEWINGDO’S

1. DO take a copy of your résumé, references, and personal data sheet.2. DO make a trial run to be certain of the location and travel time.3. DO arrive 10-15 minutes early to use the restroom, find offices, allow

for unexpected traffic problems, and to RELAX!4. DO get a good night’s sleep the night before so you will be mentally

alert.5. DO express enthusiasm. Smile and offer a firm handshake upon

meeting the interviewer or other staff; speak clearly and directly, and vary the tone of your voice.

6. DO remember and correctly pronounce the names of people you meet (or are speaking with over the phone)

7. DO use “please” and “thank you” when appropriate.8. DO answer interview questions completely.9. DO sit up straight, and maintain good eye contact.10. DO dress appropriately (no jeans or tennis shoes) and appear well-

groomed. Limit jewelry, fragrance, and make-up. If hair is below shoulder length, it should be pulled back.

11. DO come alone. Don’t bring a relative or friend.12. DO get information about the company ahead of time.13. DO sell your qualifications rather than your need for the job.14. DO listen carefully to the interviewer.15. DO thank the interviewer when the interview is over.16. DO follow up the interview with a letter.

DON’TS

1. DON’T ask questions about pay and benefits as your first question. It is appropriate to ask about pay at the conclusion of the interview if the interviewer has not discussed it.

2. Don’t act as if you have to have this job no matter what.


3. DON’T interrupt. If you have questions or need clarification, wait for a logical break in the conversation before speaking.

4. DON’T bring up personal matters (personal problems, financial matters, health issues). Focus on your qualifications for the job.

5. DON’T criticize former employers or con-workers.

6. DON’T give petty excuses such as: “The work was too hard”; “The people I worked with were not nice”.

7. DON’T be unaware of the effect you are having on the interviewer.8. DON’T chew gum, smoke, play with your hair, or constantly adjust

your clothes. If offered coffee, tea, or soda, decline. These actions are a definite distraction.

9. DON’T place anything on the interviewer’s desk or read any papers or handle any items on the desk.

10.DON’T bring bulky items to the interview. A small notebook and pen for note taking is acceptable.

QUESTIONS JOB INTERVIEWERS FREQUENTLY ASK

1. Tell me something about yourself. (Keep it directed toward the job as much as possible)

2. Tell me about the work you’ve been doing.3. What are some of your strengths? Weakness?4. What skills do you have that would be of value in this job?5. What jobs have you had in the past? Why did you leave these jobs?

(Don’t be critical of previous employers)6. Why are you interested in working for our company?7. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from

now?8. How many days of school did you miss last year?9. Do you work well under pressure? Can you give me an example?10. Do you have any questions?

You will have an opportunity to ask questions during the interview. You should go already prepared with some questions to ask the interviewer. Some questions you might ask are:

1. What are the duties and responsibilities for this position?2. What are you looking for in an employee?


3. Are opportunities available for continuing education or training?4. When do you expect to make a decision on the position?5. What is the starting salary? (This should not be asked until the close of

the interview if it has not been mentioned before then)

THE FOLLOW UP……

Every interview should be followed by a thank you letter. It is one more chance to show that you really do want to work for that

company. It is also one more chance to get your name in front of the employer and,

hopefully, keep it out of the wastebasket.

The following is a sample of a good thank you letter:Job Search Handbook of 20

ASSIGNMENT: Find a partner and practice your responses to the job interview questions.

September 30, 2007

Ms. Susan Smith, Personnel DirectorBBB Medical SupplyAthens, Georgia 30602

Dear Ms. Smith:

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview for the position of clerical assistant. My training and volunteer experience has prepared me for a position in a business/office environment, and I am confident that I possess the skills and abilities needed for this job.

I am very interested in working for BBB Medical Supply. If hired, I would be a very reliable employee.

I am looking forward to hearing from you concerning this position.

Sincerely,

Jane Jones222 Bowling LaneWinder, Georgia 30680

PRACTICE LETTER OF APPLICATION/COVER LETTER

Use the lines below to write a letter of application/cover letter for a job you would like to have.

__________________________________Date


ASSIGNMENT: Practice writing a thank you note.

__________________________________Person’s name or job title

__________________________________Name of Company

__________________________________Street Address

__________________________________City, state, and zip code

Dear _______________________________________:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________Closing

_________________________________________Your name

_________________________________________Your street address

_________________________________________City, state, and zip code

_________________________________________Phone number

Enclosure

PRACTICE RÉSUMÉ OUTLINE

(Student Name)_____________________________

(Street Address)_________________________________________________

(City, State, Zip)_________________________________________________

(Phone)_________________________________________________

(E-mail)_________________________________________________


OBJECTIVE: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION: (Name of School)____________________________ (Expected date of graduation) __________________________ (Skills gained, courses taken, etc.) ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WORK EXPERIENCE: (Name of Business) _____________________ (Date) ______________

(Address) _________________________________________________ (Duties) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SKILLS/INTEREST: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HONORS/RECOGNITION: ________________________________________________________(or other section) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES: Available upon request.

JOB APPLICATION FACT SHEETPERSONAL

Name: _________________________________ Social Security No: _________________

Street address: ____________________________________________________________


City: __________________________ State: ________________ ZIP: ________________

How long have you lived at that address? ________ Date of Birth: __________________

Your phone number or a number where a message can be left: ______________________

Name and telephone number of a person to contact in an emergency: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Type of job desired: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT

Job Title: ________________________________________________________________Employer: ________________________________________________________________Street address: ____________________________________________________________City: ______________________________ State: _______________ ZIP _____________Phone: ______________________________ Fax: ________________________________Dates employed: ___________________ Reason for leaving: _______________________



EDUCATION/TRAINING

School most recently attended: _______________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________Dates attended: ______________________ Degree earned: ________________________Activities, honor, clubs, sports: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


School: __________________________________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________Dates attended: ______________________ Degree earned: ________________________Activities, honor, clubs, sports: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER

1. What achievements in life are you most proud of? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What are your personal strengths? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What are your weakest areas? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. What are your goals for the next five years? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES

Name: __________________________________________________________________Street address: ____________________________________________________________City: ____________________________________ State: ___________ ZIP: ___________Phone: ___________________________________________________________________Relationship (employer, teacher, clergy): _______________________________________


