Today’s Objectives
Complete a job application. Compose a letter of
application (cover letter) for employment.
Create or update a resume.
What is a resume?
Summary of personal information
Outlines your qualifications for a particular job
Usually includes: Education
Skills
Work experience
Awards & activities
Not All Resumes Are Equal!
Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply.
Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.
Resumes for Employees
Usually first step in the job application process
Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier
Importance of a Resume
First opportunity to make contact with an employer
Represents your qualifications for the job Any mistakes will hinder your job search
Good Resumes
Easy to read
Logical flow
Includes relevant information
Name stands out
Good use of space
Common Mistakes
Spelling and grammatical errors
Writing in the first person
Including unrelated and/or personal information
Repetitiveness
Lacking organization or focus
In General…
Keep it concise – no more than one page
Make it neat!
Be honest about your qualifications
Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences
Customize it to the job description
Have others proofread it!
Electronic
Save it as a PDF file!
If you attach it to an email, the body of the email will serve as your cover letter.
APPLYING FOR AN INTERNSHIP Let’s pretend! You have
some free time this summer, so you have decided to apply for a legal internship at a local law office.
Read the: LegalInternship.docx file to learn more about the position.
RESUME ASSIGNMENT Complete the resume worksheet. List as
much information as you can. Open the resume template. Fill in the
information from your worksheet. You are applying for the legal internship.
Save your resume. Have someone proofread it.
Save your resume as a PDF with the file name: ResumeYourName.pdf
Submit your PDF resume to my Inbox for grading.
Read the following slides about cover letters. Then, complete the assignment on your own.
Cover Letters
What is a Cover Letter?
Tells the employer about you and why you are applying
Can also be used to inquire about possible positions
Purpose of a Cover Letter Introduces you
and who you are Explains why you
are sending a resume
Makes a good impression
Demonstrates professionalism
Cover Letter Contents Use simple
language Be short &
concise Proofread! All
cover letters should be error-free.
Paragraph #1 Explain why you
are writing
Indicate the position you would like to apply for
Explain how you heard about the job opening
Paragraph #2 Describe what you
have to offer the employer
Match your abilities with their needs
Refer to your resume by highlighting qualifications and relevant background
Paragraph #3
Ask for an interview!
Thank the employer for considering you
Explain how & when you will follow up
COVER LETTER ASSIGNMENT Open the CoverLetter.docx file. This is
a general cover letter template.
Rewrite the cover letter to make it apply to you. You are applying for the legal internship position.
Save your cover letter. Have someone proofread it.
Save the letter as a PDF file with the file name CoverLetterYourName.pdf and submit it to my Inbox.
What is an application?
Form that employers give to potential employees to complete
Lists relevant information Work Experience
Education
Skills
References
Applications vs. Resumes
Standardized forms make it easier to compare job candidates
Demonstrate ability to follow directions
Ensure that complete information is provided
Require a signature to attest to truthfulness
Make sure to…
Complete the form neatly. Spell all words correctly. Use a pen with black ink. Answer every question – write
“N/A” for those questions that are not applicable.
Use your full name (not a nickname)
Watch out for…
Incomplete or missing information Inaccurate information Any unintentional marks, such as
scribbles or marking out words Colored ink or pencil Listing “anything” for your
preferred position
Who should be a reference? People who know
your work habits and personal traits well
People who can confidently recommend you for the job
People you have known for a significant amount of time
Professional References
Always ask for permission to use their contact information!
You may consider: Teachers Former employers Friends established
as business contacts