resumes social work program

8/13/2019 Resumes Social Work Program

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Resumes and Cover LettersChristine Bourgeois - Facilitator


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How long does the averageemployer take to read your

resume for the first time?

20 30 seconds


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Make your resume work for you!

Place the most important information near thetop.

Use short clear statements in point form.

Use columns to list information.

Leave a lot of white space.

Use a clear and easy to read font

(Arial or Times New Roman at 10-12 points)


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What is the maximum number of

pages that your resume should

be?

2


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Should you include your referenceson your resume?

If you have themyes! Three references are ideal.

If notReferences Available Upon Request


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Chronological

Shows a strong, consistent

work history Highlights gaps/job-

hopping/irrelevant

experience


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Functional

Incorporates experienceother than paid work

Downplays

employment gaps Employers may

distrust these


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Combination

Sorts or highlights skills in

chronological order Suitable for limited

work experience Gaps in work

history/irrelevantexperience/job-

hopping still apparent


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What should I include on my resume?Contact Information:

Your First and Last Name (use the name you wished to be called)

Address

City, Province, Postal Code

(Area Code) Telephone Number

Objective: Should be brief, specific, and matched to the job you are applying for.

Ex. ~ To obtain a position in the social work field.

~ To obtain full time employment as a Youth Support Worker.

Is not necessary if you are using a cover letter.

Summary of Strengths/Highlights/Qualifications/Skills:

Several points highlighting the most important skills, qualifications, and personality traits

that are most important for the position you are applying to.

Ex. ~ 3 years of experience working with children, youth, and families.

~ Social Service Worker Diploma

~ Strong leadership and facilitation abilities


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Employment History:

List your position title, company, location, and dates of employment (month/year).

Should be in chronological order starting with most recent.

Include volunteer work and practicum placements.

Include skill statements that describe key responsibilities and accomplishments for

each position.

Skill statements will start with an action verb.

Big Sister

Big Sisters of BC, Fort St. John, BC August 2010Present

Establish relationship with mentee through a variety of recreational activities.

Provide support and mentorship and developed trust.

Consulted with the case worker on the goals and outcomes of our activities.

Camp Leader

Camp Sagitawa, Moberly Lake, BC July 2010

Supervised 10 children ages 7-10 in a Youth Summer Camp

Planned and led a variety of fun activities to keep the children engaged.


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Education:

Should be in chronological order starting with your most recent education (include

unfinished education).

Include specific coursework and certification that is relevant to the position.

Should follow work experience unless you do not have any relevant work experience

Currently enrolled in my final semester of the Social Work Diploma Program at Northern Lights

College, Fort St. John, B.C.

Grade 12 Diploma, North Peace Senior Secondary, Fort St. John, B.C. 2011

References:

If possible, include 3 references on your resume, preferably previous supervisor, managers,

co-workers, or clients.

Specify their relationship to you.

Always ask permission and keep them informed.

John Smith, Camp Director Sally Doe, Executive Director Simon Spencer, Instructor

Camp Sagitawa Big Sisters BC Northern Lights College

(250) 567-0093 (250) 777-9965 (250) 793-5555

If not possible use: References Available Upon Request


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Other possible suggestions:

Volunteer Work

Certification

Other Courses / Professional Development

Achievements and Awards

Interests

Languages (include in Summary of Skills)

Skills:(For Functional/ Combination Resume)

Instead of listing your skill statements under your employment, you

will list them under relevant skill sets.

Examples could be: Customer Service, Interpersonal, Administrationetc

You can still list Employment but do not have to list the dates


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Have someone proofread yourresume for you!!!

Even one spelling mistake could prevent you from getting the job.


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Highlights your most important skills andattributes

Provides information thats not in your resume

Outlines how youre the right person for the job

Shows interest and enthusiasm for the job

Demonstrates your professionalism andcommunication skills

Sets you apart from other applicants

Why Write a Cover Letter?


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Targeted Cover Letters

Written with a specific job in mind

Tailor the first and last paragraphs to the jobo Use language from the advertisement

o Visit company website for more information

Make a strong link between your skills and job

requirements

Highlight what you bringnot what you need


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Write Effectively Identify your reader(s) and tailor your

language

Review each sentence and ask

o Does the reader need to know about this?

Make sure your cover letter is clear and to

the point

o Long sentences are awkward to read

Dont use words you wouldnt normally use


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Introductory Paragraph

Paragraph 1 is your introduction

Include

o Reason for writing

o Job youre applying foro How you heard about the job

o Why youre interested

o A statement to catch employers attention


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Paragraph 2 will Highlight your skills and

qualifications

o Demonstrate how you are a good fit for the job

o Introduce relevant soft skillso Describe how the company would benefit from

hiring you

Bulleted list of skills/accomplishments works

well

Paragraph 2


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Paragraph 3

Paragraph 3 will be the closing

o Thank the reader for his/her time

o Express your interest in an opportunity to discuss

the jobo Outline the best way to contact you

o Confirm intention to follow up


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Signing Your Letter Sign off on your cover letter with one of the

following

o Sincerely,

o Best regards,

o Respectfully yours,

Insert five spaces after your closing salutation fortyped name

Be sure to sign printed versions of your cover letter

For online submissions consider creating anelectronic signature


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Creating a Format Select appropriate paper

o White, cream, light grey

o Avoid paper with colour or patterns

Select an appropriate fonto Arial, Tahoma, Times New Roman, Calibri

o Size 10 to 12 point

Aim to be consistent with your resume


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Creating a Personal Brand: Linking to Your

Resume

Use a consistent style

o Header, contact information, font, colour, paper

Dont repeat information

o Use letter to highlight, expand, and target informationto the job

Refer to resume

o As mentioned in my resume


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Cover Letter Tips Personalize your cover letter

Be clear and to the point

Use language from job descriptions

Limit the use of the word I

Use examples of real accomplishments

Have someone else proof read

Matches same style as resume

Spell out all words and avoid using acronyms andabbreviations

Use active language


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Proofread carefully

to see if you any words out

~Author Unknown

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