Resumes, Interview Tips, and Job Searching

for teens

Pasadena Public LibraryMarch 28, 2014

Jane Gov, LibrarianAnnMarie Hurtado, Librarian

Agenda

• Resumes• Cover Letters• Individual resume review• Interview I.Q.• How to read a job posting

Resumes

• Contact info• Objective (optional)• Summary of skills (optional)• Education• Work experience• Extracurricular activities /

organizations (optional)• Achievements (optional)

Resumes (cont ct)

• Contact info (personal address, email, phone)• Make sure your email address looks professional• Example:

Jane Gov285 East Walnut StreetPasadena, CA 91101

(626) 744-4246jgov@cityofpasadena.net

Resumes (objective)

• Statement of your goal for employment• Objectives are optional• Best to use when you are inquiring about a position

rather than applying for a specific position that has been advertised

• Be specific about the position and company

• Example: To obtain knowledge of the day-to-day work of a business through a part time job, summer internship and/or job shadowing experience.

Resume (Summary of skills)

• Highlights skills specific to the job• Use the qualifications listing on the job post to

decide what to list• Examples

Two years of supervisory experience Four years of customer service experience Typing speed 65 words per minute Programming skills: HTML, Java, Visual C++ Proficient in MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel

Resume (Education)

• List your high school and any college classes• This is also where you can list academic awards and

relevant courses• Example:

Blair High School, Pasadena, CA (8/2012-Present) Arts, Entertainment, and Media (AEM) Academy path Honor Roll (2013, 2014) Relevant courses:

Graphic Design and Visual Fine Art (2014)Advance Illustration (2013)

Resume (Work Experience)• List all paid work experience• List all relevant volunteer experience• List position title, employer, location, and date• Bullet point specific responsibilities• Examples:Teen Advisory Board (Volunteer), Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, CA (9/2013-Present)

Plan and prepare for library events and programs Create promotional materials and outreach Help children with Summer Reading sign ups, reward prizes

Volunteer, Crowell Public Library, San Marino, CA (10/2012-3/2014) Shelve and alphabetize books General clerical tasks such as filing and organizing paperwork

Resume (Extracurricular Activities)

• Optional • This could also be labeled “Relevant

Experience” or “Other Relevant Experience” or simply “Activities”

• Examples: John Muir High Debate Team (2014-Present) President, Leo Club (2014) Youth Ambassadors (2012-Present) John Muir High ASB (2012-2014)

Resume (Achievements)

• Optional• You should list this if it is more than academic

achievements (which can be listed under Education)

• Examples: One City, One Story Art Contest winner, Pasadena

Public Library (2014) Reagan Foundation Scholarship (2014)

Resume

Put it all together!

Organized & easy to read

Clear categories

Resume - tips

• One page, 1 inch margins, 12 pt font, Arial or Times New Roman

• Use bullet points• Use active language• Try not to repeat information• You want your resume to look full, but not overcrowded

• Factual and to the point; the cover letter is where you can list what skills you used– i.e.created flyers and displays – resumedeveloped knowledge of promotional materials – cover letter

Writing Impressive Cover

Letters

Know Who You’re Addressing• Research the company you’re

applying to—Google them!• Find out who the supervisor is.

Normally the contact name written on the job advertisement.

• Can’t find their name? Pick up the phone!

• Address them by their last name: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Doe.”

• If you aren’t sure whether it’s a man or a woman, write out the whole name, first and last.

• Triple-check that their name is spelled right!

Introduce Yourself• I am writing to express my

interest in your opening for a __________ (insert job title).

• I’m interested in this position because I happen to have a passion for _________, and I have several years of experience in the __________ field. I think my experience doing __________, _________, and __________ would make me a good fit for this position.

Do Your Homework

• Research the company! You need to show them that you know:– What their business is– The basic job duties of

the position you’re applying for

– Who their customers are– Why hiring you would

directly benefit THEM

THOU SHALT NOT…

• Discuss the reasons why you’d like the job (i.e. money, perks, proximity to your house, bragging rights among your friends)

• Discuss what they can do for you. They want to know what you can do for THEM.

Sell Your Strengths

• Use words and phrases that convey the unique mix of talents that you would bring to the position.

• Discuss your education, accomplishments and skills, focusing on the ones that directly pertain to the qualifications needed for the job

• Leave out anything that isn’t relevant to the job

Be Creative, But Truthful

• Never worked before? You can use school projects, volunteer work, ANY experience that demonstrates a skill that they are looking for

• But DON’T LIE—they will find out!

Make a list of words that describe you and your accomplishments

Still need help defining your “brand”?

• Ask your parents and friends to list qualities you have

• Don’t focus too much on personal qualities like being “nice” or “generous”—list qualities that are needed for doing the job, and be ready to back them up with examples of real accomplishments

Closing Your Letter• “I am attaching my resume, which I

hope will demonstrate further the skills and experiences that make me a good fit for this position.”

• Reiterate why the company appeals to you

• “Thanks for taking the time to consider my application. If you’d like me to come in for an interview, I would love the opportunity to talk with you further about my qualifications. I can be reached at 555-555-5555. I look forward to hearing from you!”

• “Sincerely,” Your Name

Cover Letter in the MailYour name, mailing address, phone number and email address

Date

Company contact’s name, title, and mailing address

Introduce why you’re writing them and give one compelling reason why they should consider you for the job

Go into a little more detail about your qualifications. Bullet points can help you keep it short.

Mention your resume and offer to get in touch or invite them to call you

Your signature goes between “Sincerely,” and your printed name

“Encl.” means you’re attaching something (your resume)

Cover Letter via Email

Attach your resume. Cover letter does not have to be attached as a Word doc. It should be pasted in the body of your email.

Signature includes your name, email address and phone number

Always say Thank you!

“I’m writing to express my interest... My talents in XYZ make me a great fit for the position.”

Job postings

• How to search and read a job posting

• Libguide for Teens: Career & Employmenthttp://cityofpasadena.libguides.com/teencareer

We’re here to help!Jane GovLibrarian, Youth Services (contact for teen volunteer opportunities and teen events)jgov@cityofpasadena.net

AnnMarie HurtadoLibrarian, Youth Services (contact for College and Scholarship resources)anhurtado@cityofpasadena.net