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One way to find a job…. The most effective way to get the job you want: Write resumes and cover letters that are impossible to refuse.
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The most effective way to get the job you want:Write resumes and cover letters that are impossible to refuse.
This lecture will prepare you for your homework assignment to write a resume and cover letter and for the job market.(Refer to “Homework #1” handout)We will focus on 1. Cover letter format and craft2. Resume guidelines and craft
Cover Letter Components(refer to “Business Letter” handout) • Letterhead with full contact information • Date • Recipient’s full name, title, and address • Salutation • Introductory paragraph • Body paragraphs • Summarizing paragraph • Close • Signature block • Signature
Cover Letter Formatting • 1 – 11/4” margins all around • Times New Roman 12 pt font (except for letterhead) • One blank line between paragraphs • Left justify only • Signature in blue or black ink only
Writing the cover letter According to Indiana School of Law, cover letters may best be organized into three paragraphs: Par. 1: Explains why you are writing, names the position for which you are applying and where you found the opening; Explains why you are interested. Par. 2: Explains how your experience qualifies you for the position. Par. 3: Paves the way for an interview; indicates your willingness to interview and/or how you will follow up on your application.
For this assignment, your cover letter will be graded on the following criteria: • Format • Whether the information you choose to provide matches the job ad • The order in which you present information (most important first) • Grammar and punctuation
Let’s work on an example together. Here’s the job ad: Looking for a boxing teacher to work with at-risk youth in the Salt Lake Area. Applicant should have at least three years of boxing teaching experience and should be able to deal with conflict in a positive way. The job requires working with teenage boys who have histories with violence and acting out. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in making a difference for people who have had challenging upbringings. About 20 hours per week, mornings preferred. Applicant should have a Utah driver’s license and pass a background check and drug tests. Please mail resume to Rick Smith at 115 Park Place, Sandy, UT 84123.
You, the applicant, have this experience: • 5 years experience as a Taekwando teacher for children between the ages of 10 and 12 • 9 years experience as a boxing student • 1 year experience as a volunteer for big brother / big sister charity (what are the challenges in terms of the job requirements?)
Take a few minutes to write the second paragraph of the cover letter in which you explain how your experience will make you successful at the job.
Here are some common mistakes Bad Example # 1: Emphasizing less important aspects first Dear Mr. Smith: I have lived in Utah for seven years so I do have a Utah’s driver’s license. Also, I don’t do drugs, so I will definitely pass the drug test. I should be able to teach in the mornings, so the schedule for this job is perfect for me and for you. I’ve been a Taekwondo teacher for 5 years for little kids. This is a good reason for you to hire me.
Bad example #2: Leaving out important connections between experience and job requirements. Dear Mr. Smith: I have five years of experience as a Taekwondo teacher for children between the ages of 10 and 12. It was a really wonderful experience to teach young children because they look up to you and learn very easily and quickly. There’s nothing like being a teacher. I was also a volunteer for big brother / big sister. My “little brother” really helped me to see that there are people out there who need my help and attention. I think I would be a good fit for your program. I’ve attached a resume so you can see why.
Good example: Shows how even though the applicant has never been a boxing teacher or worked with teens, his cumulative experience makes him the right candidate for the job. Dear Mr. Smith: My extensive experience as a Taekwondo instructor along with my experience as a boxing student have prepared me for a job as a boxing instructor. Though my students were not at-risk teenagers, they did provide me with a lot of practice at resolving conflict and providing positive discipline. I am confident I could use these skills to be successful in this position, and I’m excited for the chance to use boxing as a way to teach discipline and confidence to your students. Enclosed you will find my resume, which further describes my education and skills.
Prepare for writing the resume. Take a few minutes to write down your job / volunteer experiences. What skills did you learn from those experiences?
If you’re applying for a job that requires “managerial skills,” which of the following descriptions would you use for the following work experience? • Café Pierpont: Server and Hostess, September 2004 – present, Salt Lake City, UT - Worked efficiently in a high-stress environment - Handled money as a cashier OR 2. Café Pierpont: Server and Hostess, September 2004 – present, Salt Lake City, UT - trained 20 employees as Trainer and Supervisor - Interacted with the public regularly as a representative of the company
Re-cap Homework Assignment Questions?
