Resume Writing and Cover Letters for High School and Beyond

1. Resume Writing and Cover Letters forHigh School and Beyond Eastlake High School, 2010

2. Types of Resumes: • Employment Resume • Educational Resume

3. Employment Resumes Objective – state what your goals or expectations are for the position you are applying for. • Example: Seeking an entry-level position after graduating from high school. • Example: Seeking an entry level sales associate position with the possibility of becoming a full-time sales associate manager.

4. Education or Work Experience: • Education– start with the most current education and work backwards. Do not mention junior high—employers are only interested in high school and beyond. Make sure you mention the city and state of your high school since not everyone knows where your high school is. Example: Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA. Graduated 2010, GPA 3.33. Emphasis studies in Business/Marketing, Advanced Placement classes, and varsity football 2008-2010.

5. Work Experience: List all work experience starting with most current employer and work backwards. Make sure to identify the location of employment, supervisor, and a short description of what you did. Example: McDonald’s, Sammamish, WA. August 2009-currently employed. Supervisor: Jane Doe, 425-836-0000 Responsibilities: Cashier, courtesy clerk, handled food, cleaned facility.

6. Skills and Abilities: If you have little work experience and minimal education than focus on your skills and abilities. What can you bring to the table that sets you apart from all other candidates? Example: Also include volunteer work,/community service, etc. Skills and Abilities: Computer skills: • Use all Microsoft software proficiently • Build web sites using Dreamweaver, HTML, XML • Understand C+ Programming Language Leadership Skills: • Captain of football team. • In Leadership class I presented at assemblies. • Member of the Hospital Guild Club • Troika member Sports Abilities: • Football Team, 2008-2010 – Team Captain • Baseball Team, 2010

7. References: Find three reliable references that are not a family member. Teachers, coaches, past employers, family friends are all good sources. Make sure you ask them for permission to use their name. Make sure you get their address, phone number. E-mail, and permission. References make it easier for the employer to check on your credibility. If they have to ask for references after the fact, they may just move to the next candidate. Example: References: Greg Schellenberg, Principal Eastlake High School 400 228th NE Sammamish, WA 98074 425-836-6600 gschellenberg@lwsd.org

8. Format • Keep it simple and easy to read. • White space is critical. Even margins top to bottom, left to right. • NO misspelled words. N-E-V-E-R! • Find a format that you like and continue all the way through your resume. Use bold sparingly and minimal bullets. Otherwise all you see is dots going down the side. • Use Power/Buzz Words when possible. (Words that are used in that particular industry, and words used on the job description.) • Keep the resume to ONE PAGE.

9. Example: John Smith 128 NE 343th Place Sammamish, WA 98074 425-868-1234 jsmith@yahoo.com Objective: Seeking an entry level sales associate position with the possibility of becoming a full-time sales associate manager over the summer. Education: Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA. Graduated 2010, GPA 3.33. Emphasis studies in Business/Marketing, Advanced Placement classes, and varsity football 2008-2010. Work Experience: McDonald’s, Sammamish, WA. August 2009-currently employed. Supervisor: Jane Doe Responsibilities: Cashier, courtesy clerk, handled food, cleaned facility. Skills and Abilities: Computer skills: • Use all Microsoft software proficiently • Build web sites using Dreamweaver, HTML, XML • Understand C+ Programming Language Leadership Skills: • Captain of football team. • In Leadership class I present at assemblies. • Member of the Hospital Guild Club • Troika member References: Greg Schellenberg, Principal Gene Dales, Football Coach Eastlake High School Eastlake High School 400 228th NE 400 228th NE Sammamish, WA 98074 Sammamish, WA 98074 425-836-6600 Ext. 611 425-836-6600 Ext. 612 gschellenberg@lwsd.orggdalesr@lwsd.org

10. Sample Resume • Click here to view

11. Educational Resume Objective – to attend the University you are applying for. Education – list all your education and what you did each year from classes, clubs, activities, achievements, and awards. You need to shine! References – List teachers and others in the educational field that can attest to your accomplishments.

12. Cover Letter Your Address Current Date (4 returns) Company Name Person writing to Human Resource Director Company Address City State Zip (2 returns) Dear Human Resource Director: (2 returns) How you found out about position, and a quick statement about your interest in the job. (2 returns) Sell yourself in paragraph 2. Why are you the best candidate. Work off the job description and use that information to generate your letter. (2 returns) Ask for an interview and state a specific date that you will contact them to follow-up on this position. (Make sure you do!) (2 returns) Sincerely, (4 returns) You sign your name Type your full name on this line (2 return) Enclosure: Resume

13. Cover Letter Examples • Full block letter format • Modified block letter format