English 12 Exam Review

Exam Expectations:

Review poor résumé and make correctionsRésumé short answer: be able to write an

objective and job dutiesInterview short answer questionsRésumés, Cover Letters, and Interviewing

true/false and multiple choice questions

Résumés

Create a “brag sheet” Having an updated “brag sheet” will make it much

easier to write an effective résumé This sheet should be updated with all of your

accomplishments, awards, jobs, clubs, activities, etc. If you are attending college, you should keep this

updated each year Add classes or special projects Add organizations you joined

If you are entering the work force after college, you should also update this each year Add training programs you completed Add promotions or accomplishments

Résumés—writing an objective

Write one job objective for each job you are applying—or have one generic objective you could use for all jobs Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and

reliable customer service in retail. Example: To obtain a position providing friendly and

reliable customer service in food service. Résumé objectives should do three things:

Say you like people and you want to provide friendly customer service

Show you recognize the importance of being reliable Your objective is targeted for the kind of job—retail or

food service

Résumés—work experience

If you have had a job, here’s what you do: List your most recent job first During your high school years, list the seasons you have

worked rather than the specific dates such as Summer 1997, Winter Semester of 1996 or 1997/98 School Year.

If you have only worked someplace for a month, it might be best not to mention it. (Unless you have a very good answer as to why you quit in such a short time, leave it off of your work experience.)

Describe the basic activities you performed in very simple, skill-oriented ways.

You can also describe volunteer work or internships you have had—just don’t title this section “Job Experience.”

Work Experience Examples

Waiter—Big Bob’s Restaurant. Lancaster, OH 45102 Fall 1996 Semester. Server for busy dinner shift, prepared salad bars, operated cash register, and oversaw set-up for the morning shift.

Sales Clerk—Casual Corner. Lancaster, OH 45102 Summer/Fall 1998. Sales Associate: assisted customers with clothing selections, arranged fashion displays, steamed new apparel, and oversaw cash register close-outs.

Résumé Formatting

Absolutely no mistakes, no white-out, no typos or misspellings; have others proof it for readability. Don’t trust spell check, a word may be spelled correctly but doesn’t make cents (sense).

It is best to get your résumé on one sheet of paper. Make use of white space. You don’t want it to appear overcrowded.

Spell out months, names of cities, streets, states—don’t abbreviate.

When using numerals such as with years of employment, don’t use slashes (9/96-7/98). This should appear September 1996-July 1998.

Résumé Formatting

Don’t use pronouns “I” or “my”, if at all possible. The reader knows this about you.

Start off your sentences with strong action verbs wherever possible.

Don’t use the tired and worn out statements “Responsible for…” or “Duties included…” or describe yourself as a “team player.” These have been used so much they are becoming a turn-off.

Use 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font. Do not mix fonts on your résumé—stick with one. Boldface your sections and headings.

Résumé Tips for Students Entering the Workforce

Keep it professional Don’t lie—making up experience is worse than not

having any Use an easy-to-read font no smaller than size 10 Space is your friend Make yourself available—include contact information

including a professional email address Spell check and have someone else look it over Save your document with a professional title using

last name Follow up with the company after the application

process or sending your résumé

Cover Letters—Heading

YOUR ADDRESSTODAY’S DATE

MR./MS. EMPLOYER’S NAMETITLECOMPANY’S NAMEADDRESS

DEAR MR./MS. EMPLOYER:

First Paragraph

This is the “why I’m writing to you” paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for—usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover: Why you are writing and the position your are applying

for How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it

is a mutual contact or a recruiting program. Show from your research why you are interested in this

position or organization. Make a connection

Second Paragraph

This is the “why I’m qualified” paragraph The first sentence should be a hard –hitting opener. It

is a quick introduction, which is accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skils and qualifications needed for this job.

The body should provide specific evidence to back up what you’ve just claimed. Strong examples are important.

The final sentence is a summary of what you have discussed above.

Final Paragraph and Closing

Short 2-4 sentence paragraphRefer to enclosed résumé, request and

interview, and let the reader know what will happen next.

It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,Your signatureYour Name

Tips to Make Your Letter Professional

Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization

Avoid using too many sentences that start with “I”

Do not use contractionsSpelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes

are out of the questionBe sure to sign your letters in black inkKeep your letter short and simple

Interviewing

How to look your best for an interview: Shower the morning of the interview, apply deodorant,

brush your teeth, and use mouthwash Opinions about our intelligence, professionalism,

background, and ethics begin to be formed within ten seconds of an interview

A first impression is created in the first four minutes of an interview

Hands and shoes—the most telling non-verbal cues interviewers notice

Dress for the job you want

Gentlemen

Do: Wear a suit Wear a white or pale blue

long-sleeved shirt Wear dress socks that

match your suit Wear dress shoes in black

or brown; polish them and tie the laces securely

Wear a tie in a solid color Wear a belt the same

color as your shoes Get a haircut

Don’t: Wear casual or novelty

watches Wear novelty belts

with large buckles Wear too much jewelry Sport facial hair Fragrance: one sprits

or none!

Ladies

Do: Wear a tailored suit in

solid color with conservative hemlines if you are wearing a skirt

Wear shoes with less than two inch heels

Wear stockings in natural shades

Wear tasteful jewelry Carry an attractive

handbag Have a simple hairstyle

Don’t: Wear anything trendy Cross your legs during

an interview—feet flat on the floor

Wear anything too tight or low cut

Wear sandals Go into the interview

barelegged Perfume—one sprits or

none!

Body Language

Stand straight, shoulders back, greet your interviewer with an open, confident smile and hand shake

Handshake should be firm enough to inspire trust and confidence. A limp handshake leaves an impression of weakness

Mirroring is a good technique—hand shakes, voice speed and volume, speech, laugh

Body Language

Positive: Good eye contact Maintain good posture,

sitting comfortably in your chair

Open-handed, palms up gestures

Sitting with uncrossed legs

Slowly nodding your head up and down signifies listening

Negative Never cross or fold

your arms Fidgeting show

boredom Shifting gaze away or

persistently staring at the interviewer

Slouching, biting lips, smiling too much, doodling, etc.

Follow-Up After the Interview

This could give you an edge up, especially if there is real competition between you and another applicant

Thank you notes—keep them brief, reiterate that you want the job

Follow up with a phone call

Sloppy Speech Habits

Nonwords Um, ah, you know, okay, like

Up-talk Sing-song inflection at the end of sentence makes it

seem like you are asking a question

Grammatical errors Sloppy speech

Slurring words, improper pronunciations

Speed talking Weak speak

Kind of, sort of, perhaps, hopefully

Ten Strike-Outs

Doesn’t ask questionsCondemnation of past employerInability to take criticismPoor personal appearanceIndecisive, cynical, lazyOverbearing, over aggressive, “know it all”Late to interviewFailure to make eye contactUnable to express self clearlyOveremphasis on money

Questions asked by employers:

How would you describe yourself? How do you think a friend who knows you well would describe you? How has your high school experiene prepared you for a job? Why should I hire you? What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be

successful at this job? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to this

business? What two or three accomplishments give you the most satisfaction,

and why? Why did you choose this job? Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic

achievement, and why? What have you learned from participation in extracurricular

activities?

Interview Checklist

Research companyPrepare resumeDress for successArrive 15 minutes

earlyShake hands, smile,

and introduce yourselfTry to appear calmBe enthusiasticCall them Mr./Ms.

Unless told otherwise

Do not sit down until invited to do so

Sit at the edge of your chair

Do not chew gumAnswer questions

completelyAsk questionsThank the interviewerSend a thank you

letter