English 12 Exam Review

1. English 12 Exam Review

2. Exam Expectations: • Review poor résumé and make corrections • Résumé short answer: be able to write an objective and job duties • Interview short answer questions • Résumés, Cover Letters, and Interviewing true/false and multiple choice questions

3. Résumés • Create a “brag sheet” • Having an updated “brag sheet” will make it much easier to write an effective résumé • This sheet should be updated with all of your accomplishments, awards, jobs, clubs, activities, etc. • If you are attending college, you should keep this updated each year • Add classes or special projects • Add organizations you joined • If you are entering the work force after college, you should also update this each year • Add training programs you completed • Add promotions or accomplishments

4. Résumés—writing an objective • Write one job objective for each job you are applying—or have one generic objective you could use for all jobs • Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and reliable customer service in retail. • Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and reliable customer service in food service. • Résumé objectives should do three things: • Say you like people and you want to provide friendly customer service • Show you recognize the importance of being reliable • Your objective is targeted for the kind of job—retail or food service

5. Résumés—work experience • If you have had a job, here’s what you do: • List your most recent job first • During your high school years, list the seasons you have worked rather than the specific dates such as Summer 1997, Winter Semester of 1996 or 1997/98 School Year. • If you have only worked someplace for a month, it might be best not to mention it. (Unless you have a very good answer as to why you quit in such a short time, leave it off of your work experience.) • Describe the basic activities you performed in very simple, skill-oriented ways. • You can also describe volunteer work or internships you have had—just don’t title this section “Job Experience.”

6. Work Experience Examples • Waiter—Big Bob’s Restaurant. Lancaster, OH 45102 Fall 1996 Semester. Server for busy dinner shift, prepared salad bars, operated cash register, and oversaw set-up for the morning shift. • Sales Clerk—Casual Corner. Lancaster, OH 45102Summer/Fall 1998. Sales Associate: assisted customers with clothing selections, arranged fashion displays, steamed new apparel, and oversaw cash register close-outs.

7. Résumé Formatting • Absolutely no mistakes, no white-out, no typos or misspellings; have others proof it for readability. Don’t trust spell check, a word may be spelled correctly but doesn’t make cents (sense). • It is best to get your résumé on one sheet of paper. Make use of white space. You don’t want it to appear overcrowded. • Spell out months, names of cities, streets, states—don’t abbreviate. • When using numerals such as with years of employment, don’t use slashes (9/96-7/98). This should appear September 1996-July 1998.

8. Résumé Formatting • Don’t use pronouns “I” or “my”, if at all possible. The reader knows this about you. • Start off your sentences with strong action verbs wherever possible. • Don’t use the tired and worn out statements “Responsible for…” or “Duties included…” or describe yourself as a “team player.” These have been used so much they are becoming a turn-off. • Use 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font. Do not mix fonts on your résumé—stick with one. Boldface your sections and headings.

9. Résumé Tips for Students Entering the Workforce • Keep it professional • Don’t lie—making up experience is worse than not having any • Use an easy-to-read font no smaller than size 10 • Space is your friend • Make yourself available—include contact information including a professional email address • Spell check and have someone else look it over • Save your document with a professional title using last name • Follow up with the company after the application process or sending your résumé

10. Cover Letters—Heading YOUR ADDRESS TODAY’S DATE MR./MS. EMPLOYER’S NAME TITLE COMPANY’S NAME ADDRESS DEAR MR./MS. EMPLOYER:

11. First Paragraph • This is the “why I’m writing to you” paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for—usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover: • Why you are writing and the position your are applying for • How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or a recruiting program. • Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. • Make a connection

12. Second Paragraph • This is the “why I’m qualified” paragraph • The first sentence should be a hard –hitting opener. It is a quick introduction, which is accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skils and qualifications needed for this job. • The body should provide specific evidence to back up what you’ve just claimed. Strong examples are important. • The final sentence is a summary of what you have discussed above.

13. Final Paragraph and Closing • Short 2-4 sentence paragraph • Refer to enclosed résumé, request and interview, and let the reader know what will happen next. • It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. • Sincerely, • Your signature • Your Name

14. Tips to Make Your Letter Professional • Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization • Avoid using too many sentences that start with “I” • Do not use contractions • Spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes are out of the question • Be sure to sign your letters in black ink • Keep your letter short and simple

15. Interviewing • How to look your best for an interview: • Shower the morning of the interview, apply deodorant, brush your teeth, and use mouthwash • Opinions about our intelligence, professionalism, background, and ethics begin to be formed within ten seconds of an interview • A first impression is created in the first four minutes of an interview • Hands and shoes—the most telling non-verbal cues interviewers notice • Dress for the job you want

16. Gentlemen • Do: • Wear a suit • Wear a white or pale blue long-sleeved shirt • Wear dress socks that match your suit • Wear dress shoes in black or brown; polish them and tie the laces securely • Wear a tie in a solid color • Wear a belt the same color as your shoes • Get a haircut • Don’t: • Wear casual or novelty watches • Wear novelty belts with large buckles • Wear too much jewelry • Sport facial hair • Fragrance: one sprits or none!

17. Ladies • Do: • Wear a tailored suit in solid color with conservative hemlines if you are wearing a skirt • Wear shoes with less than two inch heels • Wear stockings in natural shades • Wear tasteful jewelry • Carry an attractive handbag • Have a simple hairstyle • Don’t: • Wear anything trendy • Cross your legs during an interview—feet flat on the floor • Wear anything too tight or low cut • Wear sandals • Go into the interview barelegged • Perfume—one sprits or none!

18. Body Language • Stand straight, shoulders back, greet your interviewer with an open, confident smile and hand shake • Handshake should be firm enough to inspire trust and confidence. A limp handshake leaves an impression of weakness • Mirroring is a good technique—hand shakes, voice speed and volume, speech, laugh

19. Body Language • Positive: • Good eye contact • Maintain good posture, sitting comfortably in your chair • Open-handed, palms up gestures • Sitting with uncrossed legs • Slowly nodding your head up and down signifies listening • Negative • Never cross or fold your arms • Fidgeting show boredom • Shifting gaze away or persistently staring at the interviewer • Slouching, biting lips, smiling too much, doodling, etc.

20. Follow-Up After the Interview • This could give you an edge up, especially if there is real competition between you and another applicant • Thank you notes—keep them brief, reiterate that you want the job • Follow up with a phone call

21. Sloppy Speech Habits • Nonwords • Um, ah, you know, okay, like • Up-talk • Sing-song inflection at the end of sentence makes it seem like you are asking a question • Grammatical errors • Sloppy speech • Slurring words, improper pronunciations • Speed talking • Weak speak • Kind of, sort of, perhaps, hopefully

22. Ten Strike-Outs • Doesn’t ask questions • Condemnation of past employer • Inability to take criticism • Poor personal appearance • Indecisive, cynical, lazy • Overbearing, over aggressive, “know it all” • Late to interview • Failure to make eye contact • Unable to express self clearly • Overemphasis on money

23. Questions asked by employers: • How would you describe yourself? • How do you think a friend who knows you well would describe you? • How has your high school experiene prepared you for a job? • Why should I hire you? • What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful at this job? • In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to this business? • What two or three accomplishments give you the most satisfaction, and why? • Why did you choose this job? • Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement, and why? • What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?

24. Interview Checklist • Research company • Prepare resume • Dress for success • Arrive 15 minutes early • Shake hands, smile, and introduce yourself • Try to appear calm • Be enthusiastic • Call them Mr./Ms. Unless told otherwise • Do not sit down until invited to do so • Sit at the edge of your chair • Do not chew gum • Answer questions completely • Ask questions • Thank the interviewer • Send a thank you letter