Chapter 7 Applying for a Job

1. Chapter 7 Applying for a Job Lesson 7.1 Presenting Yourself

2. How to organize information about yourself in a résumé What a cover letter is and why it is important Discover continued

3. Tips for filling out job applications Discover

4. One day, you’ll apply for a job. Whether or not you get the job may depend on how you present yourself to the employer. Why It’s Important

5. résumé format personal fact sheet cover letter personal career portfolio Key Terms continued

6. job application references letter of recommendation Key Terms

7. In the world of work, a summary of personal information is known as a résumé. A résumé describes your education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests. Putting a Résumé Together

8. There are two basic formats of résumés. The format is the arrangement of information in a résumé. Résumé Formats

9. Résumé Formats Chronological Résumé Skills Résumé • Information is presented in reverse time order • People who’ve had a series of jobs in one career field use this format • Highlights skills and accomplishments • A good choice for first-timers in the job market • Focuses on strengths instead of experience

10. The kind of résumé you choose may depend on the job you want. It can also depend on what you want to emphasize: work experience or skills. Which Format Is Better?

11. Graphic Organizer Résumé Tips Keep your résumé short. One page is usually plenty. Your résumé should be neat and easy to read. Résumé Tips Check for errors in spelling and grammar.

12. Take steps now to create a personal fact sheet with the information you will need to create a résumé. Try This Activity Develop a Personal Fact Sheet continued

13. A personal fact sheet contains basic information about you and your education, experience, qualifications, and skills. Try This Activity Develop a Personal Fact Sheet continued

14. Make a List List your education and experience in chronological order. Then list your other qualifications for employment, including your skills and how you have used them. Try This Activity Develop a Personal Fact Sheet continued

15. Develop a Résumé Use your personal fact sheet to develop your résumé for an employment opportunity in your career interest area. Try This Activity Develop a Personal Fact Sheet

16. A popular way to send résumés to employers is via the Internet. It is a good idea to have an electronic résumé ready. Electronic Résumés

17. An electronic résumé is a résumé that is created on a computer and formatted so it can be sent electronically. Electronic Résumés

18. Here are some tips for creating a computer-friendly résumé: Electronic Résumés • Use black and white paper. • Avoid boldface, italic, and other formatting. continued

19. Type headings in capital letters. Include keywords that describe your skills and experience. Electronic Résumés

20. No résumé should go anywhere without a cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page letter telling who you are and why you’re sending a résumé. Writing Cover Letters

21. I’m applying for a job I saw on the Internet. The ad says to e-mail résumés. Do I need to send a cover letter? Q and A continued

22. You don’t need to mail a paper cover letter, but you need to send a cover e-mail with your résumé. Include the same information you would in a regular cover letter. Q and A

23. A great way to showcase your accomplishments and personal growth is to create a personal career portfolio. Marketing Yourself With a Personal Career Portfolio

24. A personal career portfolio is a collection of information about you. You can use a personal career portfolio to market yourself and to set you apart from other job applicants. Marketing Yourself With a Personal Career Portfolio

25. Many businesses will have you fill out a job application. A job application is a form that asks questions about your skills, work experience, education, and interests. Filling Out Job Applications

26. Complete a job application form for a job in your career interest area. Try This Activity Complete a Job Application continued

27. Check Your Work Read the entire application before you begin filling it out. Follow directions. Double-check all of your answers when you are finished. Try This Activity Complete a Job Application

28. You should be prepared to supply references on a job application. References are people who will recommend you to an employer. Supplying References

29. Some references will supply you with a written letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is a letter in support of you from a reference. Supplying References

30. Why should you always send a cover letter with a résumé when applying for a job? Critical Thinking Review Critical Thinking Q continued

31. You should include a cover letter because, in a cover letter, you identify the job for which you’re applying. Including a cover letter is standard business practice, and you may give an employer a bad impression if you do not provide one. Critical Thinking Review Critical Thinking A continued

32. What can an employer learn about someone from the look of his or her job application? An employer can learn how neat and thorough someone is, and whether he or she can follow directions and pay attention to details. Critical Thinking Review Critical Thinking Q A

33. End of Chapter 7 Applying for a Job Lesson 7.1 Presenting Yourself