Chapter
3
Getting the Job
3.1 Getting an Interview
3.2 Applying, Interviewing, and
Following Up
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
Lesson 3.1
Getting the Interview
GOALS
Prepare an application letter.
Prepare a resume based on guidelines.
Explain the importance of references and
reference letters.
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The Application Letter
The application letter, or cover letter,
introduces you to a potential employer.
It should accompany your resume.
The application letter is a sales letter.
“Sell” your qualifications.
Create interest in the enclosed resume.
Make a good impression.
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Contents of the Application Letter
Specific
Interesting
Direct
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Application Letter—
First Paragraph
Identify the purpose of the letter—why
you are writing.
Be specific.
Tell the employer what job you want.
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Application Letter—
Middle Paragraph
Give reasons why you are a good choice
for the job.
Explain your key qualifications—those
that best fit the job.
Express interest in the company.
Describe experiences, classes, or skills
that relate to the job.
Be enthusiastic.
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Application Letter—
Closing Paragraph
Wrap up the letter in a friendly yet
assertive manner.
Be direct.
Ask for an interview.
Give the employer your phone number and
indicate a good time to call.
Make it clear that you want an opportunity to
discuss the open position.
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Preparing of the Application Letter
White, standard size (8½ × 11-inch)
paper of good quality
Mailing envelope of the same color and
quality
Clear, crisp printout
Standard 12-point font, such as Arial or
Times Roman
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Parts of an Application Letter
 Return address
 The return address is the first thing to appear at
the top of the letter.
 It contains your complete mailing address and the
date.
 Letter address
 The letter address contains the name and address
of the person or company to whom you are writing.
 It is also called the inside address.
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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(continued)
Parts of an Application Letter
 Salutation
 The salutation is the greeting that begins your letter.
 Body
 The body is the message section of the letter.
 Complimentary close
 The complimentary close is a courteous phrase
used to end a letter.
 Phrases commonly used in business are “Sincerely”
and “Cordially.”
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Return Address
Chapter 3
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Letter Address
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Salutation
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Body
Chapter 3
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Complimentary Close
Chapter 3
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Preparing an
E-Mail Application Letter
Set your e-mail to plain text
Place everything at the left margin.
Use no special formatting or tabs.
Prepare your application letter in your
e-mail message window.
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Parts of an
E-Mail Application Letter
 Date: Your message will be dated automatically.
 Subject line: Put the title of the job you are seeking in
the subject line.
 Salutation: Start your message with the salutation.
 Body: The body of your message should contain the
same content as any other application letter.
 Close: End the message with a complimentary close
and your typed name, along with your mailing address,
e-mail address, and phone number.
 Attachment: Send your resume as an e-mail
attachment.
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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E-Mail Application Letter
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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The Resume
A resume describes your work
experience, education, abilities, interests,
and other information that may be of
interest to an employer.
Other names
Personal data sheet
Biographical summary
Professional profile
Vita
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Purpose of the Resume
The resume tells the employer
Who you are
What you can do
What your special interests are
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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General Guidelines
for a Resume
Keep resume to one page.
Include all information pertinent to the job
for which you are applying.
Choose a format that is attractive,
professional looking, and easy to read.
Proofread thoroughly.
Use a high-resolution printer and good
quality paper.
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Parts of the Resume
 Personal information
 Career objective
 Education
 Experience
 Additional qualifications
 References
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Parts of the Resume
Chapter 3
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Parts of the Resume
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Parts of the Resume
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Parts of the Resume
Chapter 3
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Scannable Resumes
Use the following
Simple standard font
Body of resume—11 or 12 point
Headings—no larger than 14 point bold or
caps
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(continued)
Scannable Resumes
Avoid the following
Fancy fonts, italics, underlines, condensed
type, shading, shadows, and white type on
black background
Multiple columns
Horizontal or vertical lines, boxes, and
graphics
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References
 References are people who have known you
for at least a year and can provide information
about your skills, character, and achievements.
 References should be over age 18 and not related
to you.
 The best types of references include teachers,
advisors, current and former employers, counselors,
coaches, and adults in business.
 Be sure to ask permission before listing people on
your resume.
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Reference List
If you choose not to list references on
your resume, state “references available
on request.”
Then have a list of names, addresses,
and phone numbers available for
employers who ask for them.
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References
A reference letter is a statement
attesting to your character, abilities, and
experience, written by someone who can
be relied upon to give a sincere report.
It is helpful to give those writing a
reference letter a copy of your current
resume or a short summary of your
accomplishments and background.
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Lesson 3.2
Applying, Interviewing, and
Following Up
GOALS
List steps for properly completing an
employment application form.
Explain how to prepare for and make a
good impression on a job interview.
Prepare a thank-you letter as follow-up to
a job interview.
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The Application Form
An employment application, or job
application, is a form that asks questions
of people who apply for a job.
Ways to complete an application form
Use pen to fill out paper form
Complete form online at company web site
Download form and submit electronically
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Completing an Employment
Application
Write neatly using a black or dark blue
pen.
Fill in all blanks appropriately.
Be truthful.
Have all necessary information with you.
Proofread carefully.
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© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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The Job Interview
A job interview is a face-to-face meeting
with a potential employer to discuss a job
opening.
You should spend at least as much time
preparing for the interview as you did
getting the interview.
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Preparing for the Job Interview
Learn about the company.
Be prepared to answer questions.
Review your resume so that all your
qualifications will be fresh in your mind.
Be prepared to answer open-ended
questions, which require you to respond in
paragraphs (rather than “yes” or “no”) and
talk about yourself.
Be prepared to ask questions.
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Things to Take to an Interview
 Bring copies of your resume, reference letters,
and transcripts.
 Transcripts are school records that include a listing
of courses you have taken along with the credits
and grades you’ve received for them.
 Bring a pad of paper, a pen, and any
information you may need.
 Use a briefcase or folder to keep your papers
organized.
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Making a Good First Impression
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Arrive on time.
Dress appropriately.
Go alone.
Be prepared.
Appear self-confident.
Be courteous.
 Think before you speak.
 Emphasize your strong
points.
 Be enthusiastic.
 Look for cues.
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The Follow-Up
Follow-up is contact with the employer
after the interview but before hiring
occurs.
It reminds the employer of who you are
and could improve your chance of getting
the job.
Chapter 3
© 2010 South-Western, Cengage Learning
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Thank-You Letter
The thank-you letter shows appreciation
to the employer for taking time to speak
with you.
It also brings you to the forefront of the
interviewer’s mind, providing a reminder
of your qualifications and interest in the
company.
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Writing a Thank-You Letter
Remind the interviewer of your interview.
Remind the interviewer of your interest.
Express your eagerness to hear from the
interviewer.
Keep letter short and to the point.
Make sure the letter is error-free.
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