Section 6.2

 How to prepare for and complete a job application
 How to write an effective resume and cover letter

 Making a good first impression on potential employers is essential to securing a job

 Preparing to apply
 Job applications
 Preparing a Resume
 Writing Cover Letters

 Social Security Number
 Work Permit
 Standard English
 Job Application
 Personal Fact Sheet
 References
 Resume
 Cover Letter

Employers are Looking for the Best Person to Fill the Job
Do you have the ability to do the work?
How do you present yourself?
How do you dress?
How well do you communicate?

 Do your best to project confidence and a positive, professional image every time you communicate with an employer

 The first step in applying for a job is having a

 Key Term:
Social Security Number-
A unique nine-digit number issued by the federal government that is required for all workers

 If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you may need a work permit
 Some states require work permits is you are under the age of 16 or
18
Key Term:
Work Permit-
A document that shows you are allowed to work in the United States

 When you communicate with an employer, use
Standard English
 Avoid using filler words like um, like, and you
know.
 What should you do instead?
Key Term
Standard English
The form of English you are taught in school



Key term:
Job Application
A form that asks questions about a job applicant’s skills, work experience, education and interests

 Creating a personal fact sheet will help you complete accurate job applications
 You already completed this!!!
 What was some of the information on your personal fact sheet?
 Keep in your class portfolio
Key Term:
Personal Fact Sheet-
A list of all the information about yourself that you will need for a job application form

Completing the Job Application
• Fill out the form completely, neatly, and accurately
• Read and follow directions exactly
• Use Standard English and check your spelling with a dictionary
• Answer every question
• Make your statements positive
• Keep your options open

 Employers do not have a right to ask about the following:
 Age
 Disability status
 Race
 National origin
 Gender

 Teachers, counselors, and former employers make good references
Key Term:
References -
People who will recommend you to an employer

 To get practice completing job applications, obtain a real-world application from a local company or find one online
To do:
 Complete provided Job Application
 Have your peer partner check it for neatness and accuracy

 When you apply for a job, you may have to take one or more of the following tests:
 Performance or skills test
 Drug test
 Polygraph test

1.
Give two examples of questions that potential employers do not have the right to ask you on a job application
2.
How should you communicate when speaking to a potential employer?
3.
Who are some of the most trusted people to use as references?

 A Good resume may get you an interview
 Resumes are submitted by regular mail, email, or fax
Key Term
Resume-
A brief summary of a job applicant’s personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests

 If you do not have work experiences on your resume, focus on the skills, education, and training you have.
 You can list your references or indicate that you will provide them on request
 Resume Tips:
 Avoid negative information


Keep it brief (one page)
It should be typed or word-processed



Check spelling, grammar, and usage
Evaluate it as though it belonged to someone else
Make sure it is well-written and organized

 A chronological resume presents your experience in reverse time order
 This type of resume shows your growth in experience

Dates of work experience is in reverse order
(most recent is listed first )

 A skills resume is organized around skills
 This type of resume allows you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments

In a skills resume, you are highlighting the mastery of certain skills. Mostly used in highly technological areas as seen in this example

 Some companies only use emailed or electronically submitted resumes
 Other companies scan paper resumes, copying and storing them electronically.
 Making your resume easy to scan:
 Keep the resume clean
 Use crisp, dark type
 Avoid italics, underscores, and other formatted type
 Use white paper
 Use keywords

1.
What is the difference between a chronological and a skills resume? Why would you use one style over the other?
2.
When writing your resume, what should you concentrate on if you do not have work experiences to list?
3.
List the main components you should include on your resume

 When writing a cover letter , emphasize facts that make you especially well qualified for the job
Key Term:
Cover Letter-
A brief letter that introduces you to the employer and explains why you are sending your resume

Opening
Paragraph
Body
Closing
Paragraph

 Opening Paragraph – Explains why you are writing
 Body – Persuades someone to hire you
 Closing Paragraph – Tells how you will follow up

 You Cover Letter should be free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
 “Employer Ready”
 Ask someone to proofread your cover letter

1.
Name three documents you may need when you apply for a job
2.
Explain why it is important to use standard English on a job application
3.
What are the three main parts of a cover letter and what should you include in each?