Job Readiness
RESUMES* COVER LETTERS*INTERVIEW SKILLS *APPLICATIONS*THANK YOU LETTERS
Resumes, Applications & Interview Skills Do’s & Don’ts Google Slide Show
RESUME INFORMATION
It is important to take time and think about your skills, abilities, and what you have to offer a college or employer before you write things down. Please follow these steps in completing your resume. Click here for a great website to review resumes!
Indeed's Top 10 Skills to put on your resume
COVER LETTER INFORMATION
YouTube video How to Write a Cover Letter with No Experience
The cover letter is designed to introduce you to an employer with the objective of getting an interview for a job that is advertised. It is important to follow some simple rules in writing a cover letter:
1. Customize each cover letter with an inside address (do not use "to whom it may concern").
2. Personalize the greeting (Dear Ms. Jones). Try to get the name of a person whenever possible. A quick telephone call can often result in a name and sometimes a valuable telephone conversation. When you can't get a name, use Dear Recruiter, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Search Committee, or Dear Sir/Madam.
3. Mention where you heard about the position so your reader knows where to direct your résumé and letter. The first paragraph of your cover letter is a great place to state your objective. Since you know the specific job being offered, you can tailor your objective to suit the position.
4. Drop names in the first paragraph if you know someone in the company. Hiring managers take unsolicited résumés more seriously when they assume you were referred by one of their employees or customers.
5. The second paragraph (or two) is the perfect place to mention a specific experience that is targeted to the job opening. This section is the place to explain why you are perfect for the position. Sell yourself. Choose some of your experience and/or education that is specifically related to the company's requirements. You may also want to elaborate on qualifications that are not in your resume but apply to this particular job. Understanding the company and what it's looking for, and writing how your talents match their needs, showcases you, and identifies your resume as not a generic one. A few lines will be enough.
6. The closing should be concise. Let the reader know what you want (an application, an interview, an opportunity to call). If you are planning to call the person on a certain day, you could close by saying, "I will contact you next Tuesday to set up a mutually convenient time to meet." It is not a good idea to call on Mondays or Fridays. If you aren't comfortable making these cold calls, then close your letter with something like: "I look forward to hearing from you soon." And remember to say, "Thank you for your consideration."
THANK YOU LETTER OF INFORMATION Template from Vertex42
The Thank You Letter - A thank you acknowledgment should be sent as soon as possible after an interview. A thank you letter may be sent to each interviewer or, if the firm has one, to the recruitment coordinator with a note to pass along your thanks to those with which you spoke during the interview. When writing more than one firm member, try to personalize each letter by altering at least one sentence in the letter. It can be time- consuming but it may pay off. If you are sending a single letter that thanks everyone you met, take the time to give the names of those you interviewed and make sure you spell their names correctly.
You should consider this letter to be a marketing tool. Too often students do not realize the importance of a follow-up letter and miss out on this opportunity. An interviewee should never consider a thank you letter as optional. Even if you should fail to receive an offer, the firm will retain a more favorable image of you if you take the time to send a note of thanks. This could prove beneficial to you in the future.
Interviewers expect you to send thank you letters. It's also an effective interviewing strategy. For example, it
This shows that you are courteous, knowledgeable, and professional
Demonstrates your written communication skills
Helps to make you stand out
Elevates you above competing candidates who didn't bother to write them
Gives you an opportunity to reinforce your good points
Allows you to include something important you forgot to mention during your interview
Confirms your understanding of topics discussed and helps to avoid misunderstandings
INTERVIEWING INFORMATION
The Interview - An interview is a personal encounter between two people. To communicate what you have to offer, you must establish a good rapport. The way you conduct yourself during the interview is critical. Some pointers:
Be confident
Be assertive and clear in your communication
Be relaxed. They need you as much as you need them
Communicate your interest in the position and your enthusiasm.
Have good voice quality. Don't shout, but let yourself be heard
Be a good listener. It will help you determine the company's needs and how you might fill them
Make a good impression at your interview by doing a little homework beforehand.
Research the Company and the Position
The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview. An interviewer will be impressed by your interest and motivation, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.
Prepare for the Actual Interview
Practice your answers to common questions. Likewise, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, then you ask questions about the job.
Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes. Watch your body language.
Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resume, a list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up to date.
Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively.
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
For women:
Business casual
Wear sensible shoes.
Be moderate with make-up and perfume.
Wear simple jewelry.
Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
For men:
A clean, ironed shirt and a conservative tie is a must.
A simple jacket or suit is a good idea as well, if appropriate.
Shoes should be clean.
The face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed.
Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
Use cologne or aftershave sparingly.
Letter of Recommendation Template