This is Your Life: Career Prep Mini-UnitMabry – English IV – January 2015

This packet belongs to:

GRASPS Resume & Cover Letter Assignment

Goal To compose a resume and cover letter to apply for a part-time position during college

Role Yourself, as a college studentAudience Employer from one of the job postings below.Situation You are ready to begin your first year of college, and are seeking part-

time work to support yourself during school. You will select one of the three positions described below, and will be creating a resume and writing a cover letter expressing your interest in the position.

Product 1-page professional business resume highlighting relevant skills and experience for position that includes education, etc.

1-page cover letter expressing interest and qualifications for the job.

Submit as separate pages in a single document to Turnitin.com!Standards Text should be a professional and clear font; 3-4 paragraphs for letter.

For these assignments, choose one of the following jobs or get a real one approved by Ms. Miller:

Option 1: Campus Tour Guide/College Ambassador

Job Description: Are you a current student who's excited about your experience at UC San Diego? Do you want to make an impact on students visiting the campus? Interested in sharpening your leadership skills?The Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools is hiring — you could be a paid student employee who conducts walking tours of the campus, appears on student panels, and participates in special events related to recruitment.Five hours minimum work time per week, with summer hours available. Paid training time. Lots of walking.

See attached job posting flyer for additional qualifications and details.

Option 2: Peer TutorJob Description: Troy University seeks a Peer Tutor for an undergraduate retention program to fill a part time position for the Student Services Program on the Dothan campus. Applicants should be able to tutor in the course and/or subject area of their expertise and/or major. See attached description for additional qualifications and details and/or visit the website at https://www.troyuniversityjobs.com/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=143249

Option 3: Bookstore ClerkJob description: Vermont College of Fine Arts is a national center for education in the arts, located in historical Montpelier, VT. The bookstore serves students, staff, faculty, and community members by offering literary titles written by authors affiliated with the college, logo merchandise, and other commodities. During the twelve residencies a year when students are on campus, we are looking for a few outgoing, organized, tech savvy, dependable store clerks to cover a variety of hours including days, evenings, and weekends.

See attached information for additional qualifications and details.

Grading Rubric4 3 2 1

Idea

s/Co

nten

t Letter

addresses the position of interest directly and succinctly

Resume highlights most important positions and skills

Both letter and resume provide and explain relevant and meaningful qualifications for the position

Word choice is strong, and maintains a professional tone

Letter addresses the position of interest directly

Resume highlights relevant positions and skills

Both letter and resume provide and explain qualifications relevant to the position

Word choice is limited, but still maintains a professional tone

Letter addresses the position of interest, but is vague or wordy

Resume highlights some relevant positions and skills

Both letter and resume provide and explain qualifications, but not all qualifications are relevant to position

Word choice is limited and unprofessional

Letter contains little or no address of the position and how you heard about it

Resume includes too much, or seemingly irrelevant information

Qualifications provided in letter and resume are not relevant to position, or relevance is insufficiently explained

Word choice is limited and unprofessional

Conv

enti

ons

Both documents are free of typographical errors

Entire letter uses correct grammar and punctuation

Documents contain 1-2 typographical errors, but they do not detract from meaning

Entire letter uses correct grammar and punctuation

Documents contain 2-4 typographical errors. Errors may or may not inhibit meaning

Letter contains 1 or more grammatical and/or punctuation errors

Documents contain 4+ typographical errors and/or errors begin to inhibit meaning

Grammatical and punctuation errors are distracting

Aest

heti

cs

Resume and letter formatting are professional and pleasing to the eye

Both documents use space effectively and are limited to one page

Resume and letter formatting are professional and easy to read

Both documents are limited to one page

Professional resume and letter formatting are attempted, but inconsistent or distracting

Either document exceeds one page

Formatting is random and inconsistent

Both documents exceed one page

Peer Tutor PositionClassificationStudent - Other Position Type:Student Possible faculty rank (rank determined based on qualifications)If Faculty position: 10 month or 12 month?Not Applicable Work StatusPart-Time TemporaryYes College/ DivisionAcademics DepartmentStudent Support Services Job SummaryTroy University seeks a Peer Tutor for an undergraduate rentention program to fill a part time position for the Student Services Program on the Dothan campus. Applicants should be able to tutor in the course and/or subject area of their expertise and/or major. Minimum Qualifications1. High School Diploma2. Must have completed the course of which they would be providing tutoring sessions for with a grade of a "B" or better. Preferred Qualifications1. Some tutoring experience is preferred.2. Applicants holding a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate are encouraged to apply. Work Hours:To be determined Posting Date06-04-2013 Closing DateOpen Until Filled Required Applicant Documents:Optional Applicant Documents:Unofficial TranscriptLetter of Recommendation 1Letter of Recommendation 2Letter of Recommendation 3 Special Instructions to ApplicantsPosition pays $7.50 per hour. Troy University is under no obligation to maintain this position if funding from external source is reduced or ceased. Quicklink for Posting:www.troyuniversityjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=50494

Bookstore Clerk (part-time)

posted: 12/04/2013 09:59 AM

Reports to Facilities Management

Job description:

Vermont College of Fine Arts is a national center for education in the arts, located in historical Montpelier, VT. The bookstore serves students, staff, faculty, and community members by offering literary titles written by authors affiliated with the college, logo merchandise, and other commodities. During the twelve residencies a year when students are on campus, we are looking for a few outgoing, organized, tech savvy, dependable store clerks to cover a variety of hours including days, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications:Candidates would ideally have previous experience working retail or in a college environment and be comfortable with a flexible work schedule. Candidates are encouraged to consult the College website to acquaint themselves with VCFA's distinctive academic schedule, learning processes, and educational philosophy.

Send resumes to Rene Lacau at rene.lacau@dtz.com

posted: 12/04/2013 09:59 AM

company Vermont College of Fine Arts

Website www.vcfa.edu/about/employment-opportunities

Resume Outline/Layout

A resume is essential for pursuing a job or position because it provides a brief summary of your education, experiences and skills. This assignment will help you write an entry-level resume, even if you don’t have any prior work experience.

Your high school resume should be ONE PAGE and includes the following personal information:

Personal Information HeadingThe heading should be at the top of your resume which includes your personal information (name, address, and telephone number). In addition, you can list an e-mail address but only if it sounds professional (if you do not have a professional email, you should create one). An example of the standard email address format used is FirstnameLastname@email.com. Do NOT use an e-mail address such as scholarartist@email.com.

ObjectiveAn objective lets potential employers know your main goal. If you want to get a part-time job, you should create your objective to match that particular job and business. An example would be "To obtain a part-time barista position with Starbucks."

EducationIn the education section, list “Chicago High School for the Arts, Chicago, IL” and the anticipated graduation date (i.e.: June 2013). If applicable to the job/school you are applying to, you should include your conservatory major. You should also list any high schools that you attended prior to ChiArts. Include your GPA if it is a 3.0 or higher.

Work ExperienceThe work experience section should briefly give an overview of work experience that has taught you valuable skills. In this section, include: title of position, business name, location (city and state), dates of employment, and description of work responsibilities. If you do not have any work experience, you canleave this section out and focus on volunteer work and/or extracurricular activities which would highlight important skills. Internships may be included in the Work Experience section as well.

Volunteer ExperienceThe volunteer experience section should briefly give an overview of volunteer experience and community service that has taught you valuable skills. In this section, include: name of organization, location (city and state), dates of volunteer work, and description of responsibilities.

Awards and CertificatesThe awards and certificates section should list no more than 4 academic honors, academic awards and recognitions that you received during high school.

Extracurricular ActivitiesThe extracurricular activities section should be used to place key elements of your background that don't fit in any other section. You may want to include school-related activities (ie: leadership roles, participation in clubs, etc.) This section is where you can demonstrate your unique skills.

ReferencesIt’s best to not include your reference information on your resume, but to attach a separate Reference Sheet. You should have three references available. Be sure to ask people if they would serve as your reference before you give their names out. You should provide each reference’s name and contact information.

Once your resume is complete, proofread everything to make sure there are NO mistakes. It is highly recommended you have someone else read your resume to look for errors, typos and grammar mistakes. Any mistakes are usually the first things an employer looks for to eliminate you from the hiring process.

Final Note: Remember to never lie on your resume. Any non-truths stated on your resume could result in immediate firing and will ruin your reputation.

Resume Word Choice

The words you choose for your resume can help you catch the attention of a potential employer. It is important to use action words and to write in the "active voice" instead of

"passive voice."

For instance: Passive voice: "Monthly financial reports were generated by me." Active voice: "I generated the monthly financial reports."

An easy way to think about ACTIVE versus PASSIVE voice is to think about who or what is the focus of the sentence:In the first example above, who or what is the first thing you notice? In the second example? Why do you think most people would say the second example is a better choice?

Here are some words you can use to make your resume more attention grabbing and dynamic:AssistAbleActionAnalysisAchievementAccomplishedAdvancedConductConsultCommittedConductedContributedCoordinatedDevelopDeliverDesignDefinedDiversifiedDevotedDistinguishedEncourageEarnedEnhanceEvaluateExamined

ExtendedFacilitateFormulateFulfilledForecastedGeneratedGainedGatheredGaveHeadedHostedIdentified ImplementedImprovedImprovisedInfluencedLaunchedLobbiedMaintainedManagedMarketedMaximizedMediatedModernizedMotivated

NegotiatedObservedObtainedOperatedOrganizedOriginatedOversawParticipatedPerformedPioneeredPlannedPreparedPresentedPromotedProvidedPublishedPursuedQuantifiedRankedReceivedRecommendedRedesignedReengineeredReorganizedRepresented

RestructuredRevisedSafeguardedSecuredSelectedSpecifiedSpearheadedStandardizedStrengthenedStructuredSuggestedSupersededSupervised TargetedTaughtTestedTrainedTransformedTranscendedUnifiedUpgradedUtilizedValidatedValuedWrote

Cover Letter Layout

Your Contact Information*Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address

(space)Date

(space)Employer Contact Information**Name Title CompanyAddress City, State, Zip Code

(space)

Salutation(space)

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: (space)

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your cover letter should first and foremost indicate your interest in the position for which you are applying. It should include information on the position you are applying for, including the job title and where you found the job positing. (add space after paragraph)

Middle Paragraph(s): The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention why you are qualified for the job and how your skills and experience are a match for the position for which you are applying. This is an opportunity to go beyond what you have on your resume – you should not repeat, but rather highlight and provide depth about what is on your résumé, or even address relevant information that may not be available on your resume (i.e. your personality and character traits, and why they make you a good fit for the job, supported with “evidence” – i.e. examples of when you demonstrated those traits, skills, etc.). Depending on how much you have to say, you may have two paragraphs for this information. If so, make sure each has a specific focus and relevance to “selling yourself” for the position. ( add space between paragraphs)

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. ( add space)

Closing:(space)

Sincerely yours,(double space)

Signature:Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

(double space)Typed Signature

*Do not include the bold type headings; these are just a guideline for your use.**The first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.

THE 5-PART INTERVIEW

The interview is the final hurdle most people have to cross in getting a job. Some colleges and scholarship committees also require interviews. Being chosen for an interview means someone is

interested in your skills, kn0owledge and experience. However, a great application or resume can quickly find its way into the garbage if you do not come across well in an interview. You now must become a sales person. The interviewer is the buyer. They want to see if your talents meet

their needs for the job or for admission to the college. Sell yourself!The interview is when you want to tell the employer or admissions representative about your strengths, skills, education, and work experience. Knowing yourself - positively selling your

strong points - is what is going to get you the job or admission to the college.The easiest way to learn something is to break it down into parts. The interview process has five

distinct parts.

Part 1 - BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the company or college before the interview. Do some research: ask people who work there, go to the library, look on the internet, make an anonymous call to the secretary. Find out what services/products the company provides, how long they have been in business, whether the company is growing or downsizing, the company’s reputation, etc. An interviewer will be impressed that you have made an effort to learn about the company or college. Read any material they send you!

Know where you are going. Drive by the site of the interview a day or two before the interview.

Arrive 5 - 15 minutes early. Be prepared when you go to the interview. Bring extra copies of your resume, your portfolio,

a notepad with some questions prepared for the interview, and a pen. Dress for Success! Hair should be clean and combed. Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy

polish. Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant.

o Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants with a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up, or “big hair.”

o Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat and shoes. A suit is not always necessary.

Do not wear loud clothes! Be conservative!

Part 2 - THE START OF THE INTERVIEW (BEGINNING)

Inform the secretary/receptionist that you have an interview, whom it is with, and the time of the interview.

When you meet the interviewer, look straight into his/her eyes, shake hands firmly, introduce yourself, smile, be confident and wait until you are offered a seat.

Be positive in your communication (Remember: You’re selling yourself!!), don’t slouch, try not to be too bold or too shy. Let the interviewer lead the interview. Express that you are happy to have the opportunity to interview.

When all else fails: SMILE!! DON’T: Smoke, chew gum, curse, slouch, put your hands on items on the interviewer’s desk,

fidget with rings, pens, ties, change, or other things in your reach.

Part 3 - THE INTERVIEW (MIDDLE) Always face the interviewer with good posture and body language. Stay positive with your attitude and your answers. Let the interviewer know about the skills,

knowledge and experience that make you a qualified candidate. Know your resume and portfolio well and be prepared to answer questions about them.

Don’t be a know-it-all! Express your willingness to learn! Be honest with all answers. Experienced interviewers can see right through “little white lies.” Be thorough with your answers. Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always provide

explanations and examples. If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain. Pay close attention to what the interviewer is saying. Organize your thoughts before speaking. Feel free to think for a moment about tough

questions. Silence is not a bad thing as long as you do not take an excessive amount of time. Watch for illegal questions, such as information about your age, religion, race, ethnicity or

marital status. DON’T:

o Emphasize your weaknesses.o Draw attention to negative attributes such as poor attendance, grades, being fired, etc.o Criticize former employers, co-workers, or school personnel. o Discuss personal issues, good or bad, which are irrelevant. o Discuss salary or benefits unless the interviewer brings it up first.

Remember that you represent a risk to the employer. A hiring mistake is expensive. Show you are highly motivated and energetic.

Part 4 - THE INTERVIEW (END)

Ask the job-related questions you prepared for the interview. You may be offered the job immediately. In that case, you should ask about specific salary,

benefits, and work hours. You do not have to give them an immediate answer. Ask for a day to think about it.

If you are told you will be contacted, ask about how long it will be. Offer to call in a few days to find out the decision. This shows your continued interest.

Make sure the interviewer knows how best to contact you and that you are available for any additional information that may be needed.

Thank the person for the interview and their interest in you as a potential employee or student. Shake hands firmly on the way out.

Part 5 - THE FOLLOW-UP

Send the interviewer a thank-you letter soon after the interview. Call the company or college about a week after the interview to find out if they have made a

decision. If they have not, find out when they expect to have a decision.

How are you rated during an interview?

AttitudeCommunication SkillsAppearanceJob Qualifications

NONVERBAL BEHAVIORS1. Dressed appropriately 1 2 3 4 52. Firmly shook hands of interviewer before and after 1 2 3 4 53. Maintained eye contact with interviewer 1 2 3 4 54. Maintained good posture 1 2 3 4 55. Did not fidget 1 2 3 4 56. Used hands for emphasis where appropriate 1 2 3 4 5

VERBAL BEHAVIORS1. Listened closely to questions 1 2 3 4 52. Answered questions completely, yet briefly 1 2 3 4 53. Greeted interviewer by name 1 2 3 4 54. Thanked interviewer 1 2 3 4 55. Emphasized qualifications 1 2 3 4 56. Pointed out work-related skills 1 2 3 4 57. Displayed enthusiasm 1 2 3 4 58. Focused on strengths; avoided weaknesses 1 2 3 4 59. Acted in polite manner 1 2 3 4 510. Stayed calm 1 2 3 4 511. Responded to questions promptly, but not hurriedly 1 2 3 4 512. Knows when a decision will be made 1 2 3 4 513. Asked appropriate questions of the interviewer 1 2 3 4 514. Spoke clearly and at a reasonable volume 1 2 3 4 515. Demonstrated knowledge of the field/company 1 2 3 4 516. Avoided use of phrases such as “um” & “you know” 1 2 3 4 517. Stated career goal(s) and related it to position 1 2 3 4 5