RESUMES AND APPLICATION LETTERS

Resumes

Once you decide to apply for a job, you will need to prepare a resume. A resume is a summary of your training, background, and qualifications for the job. There are many acceptable formats for resumes, but there is basic information that should be included no matter which format you choose.

1. Heading: Your name, address, telephone number (with are coe), and e-mail address if you have one.
2. Objective: A statement about the type of job you are seeking.
3. Education: A list of your educational background beginning with the highest level of and most recent education first. Include the school name and address, any diplomas or degrees, the year you earned them, the year you graduated, and your major area of study.
4. Experience: A list of your work experience beginning with the most recent. Include the name, address, and telephone number of the company; dates of employment; your job title(s); and the name and title of your supervisor. You may also want to include a brief description of the duties.
5. Honors, Awards, and Activities: Any special activities or achievements that relate to the position for which you are applying. (These may give you an “edge” over other applicants.)
6. References: A list of at least three people who can tell a prospective employer about what kind of worker you are. Include their names, job titles, address, and telephone numbers. You may want to use teachers, former supervisors, and former employers as references. Before you use a person’s name as a reference, you must get permission from that person. Another option for references is to include the statement, “References will be furnished upon request.”

Application Letters

An application letter is written to apply for a position. Your resume should be enclosed with the letter. Since this may be the first impression an employer has of you, be sure that your letter and resume are each a single page, neat, accurate, and contain all essential information.

An application letter should contain the following paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: The purpose of the letter, the job for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening.

Paragraph 2: The qualifications that make you especially suited for the position. Mention skills you have that can help the employer and the company. Refer to the resume you are enclosing.

Paragraph 3: Special skills that will set you apart from other applicants. For example, do you work well with other people? Are you very well organized? Are you proficient at using various machines?

Paragraph 4: A request for an interview. Restate your interest in the job and indicate when you will be available. Include a telephone number where an employer can easily reach you.