Mrs.

Debra Tate Bermudian Springs High School

What Documents Do You Need?

Cover Letter Resume Reference List

What is a Cover Letter?

A letter sent with your resume which introduces yourself to a potential future employer.
Why do you need a cover letter?
Introduce yourself (state skills & qualifications) Apply for specific job Discuss your education and work history Conveys your resume

Cover Letter (cont.)

How Are The Paragraphs Formatted?

First Paragraph:
State how you found the job opening
Respond to a referral (1st letter example) Respond to an ad (2nd letter example) Inquire about an opening (3rd letter example)

State specific opening for which you are applying

Second Paragraph:
Identify education that will benefit employer Positive attributes you will bring to the company

Cover Letter (cont.)

Third Paragraph:
Identify work history and stress how your experience matches the employers needs

Fourth Paragraph:
Ask for an interview Give your contact information

Formatting a Cover Letter

8 Basic Cover Letter Components:

Return Address Date Inside Address Salutation Body Complimentary Close Keyed Writers Name Enclosure Notation

Modified Block with Indented Paragraphs

638 Hollywood Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93111 January 5, 2014 (space down 4-5 lines) Ms. Sally Kennedy Personnel Director Lectradynamics Incorporated 6255 Hollyfield Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93110 (space down 2 lines) Dear Ms. Kennedy: (space down 2 lines) Mr. Russel Smith, the work experience teacher at Monroe High School, suggested I contact you about the clerk-typist position in your business office. Please consider me an applicant for this position. As you can see on my enclosed resume, I will graduate from Monroe on June 12. I have majored in business education. My courses have included document processing, business communications, accounting, and web design. I key 60 words per minute and am highly proficient in Microsoft Office. During my senior year at Monroe, I have participated in Diversified Occupations, which is a work experience program. As part of this class requirement, I have been working in the accounting office at El Dorado Oil Company where I have further developed the skills I have been learning in school. I plan to continue my education in night school and hope to someday become an administrative assistant. May I have an interview at your convenience? My home telephone is 717-964-9657. I am looking forward to meeting you and to discussing how my outstanding business skills would benefit your company. (space down 2 lines) Yours truly, (space down 4 lines) Anita Dobbins (space down 2 lines) Enc.

Block
6428 Valley Road Camden, OH 67423 January 14, 2014 (space down 4 lines) Mr. Donald Young Service Manager Carson Ford 274 Oakland Street Camden, OH 67423 (space down 2 lines) Dear Mr. Young (space down 2 lines) I saw your ad for an automobile mechanic in yesterdays Evening Post. I would like to apply for this position. My training and experience would make an excellent candidate for this job. For the last two years, I have worked at Goodmans Tire and Auto Center. While working at this job, my duties included tune-ups, general engine repair, front wheel alignments, and wheel and brake work. I am satisfied with my present job; however, I would like to work for a new car dealership where I can better use my diagnostic and mechanical abilities. In addition, I hold a state inspection license and own my own tools. I have enclosed a copy of my resume, which provides further details about my background, and I would like to discuss my qualifications with you. May I have an appointment with you? I can be reached after 4:00 p.m. at (627) 353-2761 and would appreciate being considered for this job.

Sincerely
(space down 4 lines) Ronald Fisher (space down 2 lines) Enclosure

Modified Block with No Paragraph Indention

1622 University Avenue Davis, PA 17209 January 13, 2014
(space down 4 lines) Richard S. Garcia, D.M.V. Kingston Animal Care 91 Walnut Street Kingston, PA 17211 (space down 2 lines) Dear Dr. Garcia: (space down 2 lines) Do you have an opening for a veterinary assistant? If you do, please consider me for this position. I grew up on a farm and have had experience raising and caring for farm animals and pets. In addition, I have been caring for animals and cleaning kennels at a local pet store. Because I love animals, I would like to learn more about caring for them. In June, I will be graduating from high school. After graduation, I would be available to work on a full time basis. My resume is enclosed for you to refer to for further details about my qualifications. May I have an interview at your convenience? I can be contacted at (717) 391-4986 after 5:00 p.m. and am looking Forward to discussing my experience with you. (space down 2 lines) Sincerely yours, (space down 4 lines) Carla Thomas

(space down 2 lines)

Enclosure

Resume

A document sent with your cover letter that greatly details your qualifications, work history, and education.
Describes who you are States the position you are seeking Highlights your skills/qualifications Lists your strengths/accomplishments Summarizes why you are the best person for the job.

Resume (cont.)

Required Sections in a Resume:

Heading Lines (Name/Address/Phone Number/Email Address in Larger Font Size Than Other Sections) Career Objective Education Work Experience-Most Recent Jobs Listed First Skills (Your Selling Points!)

Resume (cont.)

Optional Resume Parts:

School Activities Honors and Awards Interests (Activities/Organizations Unrelated to School)

Resume (cont.)

DO
Use action words to define responsibilities Make resume visually appealing and easy to scan using bullets, bold letters, all caps, underlines Have several people proofread document List work experience in chronological order (most recent first) Use white, crme, ivory high quality bond paper

Resume (cont.)

DONT
Use words such as I or my Lie or make up information Use abbreviations, contractions, or acronyms (i.e. FBLA) Have typographical or spelling errors List salary requirements List personal data such as age or birth date List your reference and their addresses/phone numbers Have more than one page Use the word resume in your heading lines Use graphics or include a picture of yourself Use colored ink Write it by hand or write in complete sentence format

103 TERRACE AVENUE EAST BERLIN, PA 17316 (717) 259-0101 SCDANIELS@COMCAST.NET

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ OBJECTIVE: Part time position utilizing my excellent customer service skills
EDUCATION: Bermudian Springs High School 7335 Carlisle Pike York Springs, PA 17372 College Preparatory Curriculum GPA: 3.0 Class Rank: 35/145 Graduation: May 30, 2014 EXPERIENCE: Taylors Grocery Store 570 Abbottstown Street East Berlin, PA 17316 Job Title: Cashier Employed: June 2012-present Duties: Operate cash register, stock shelves, and take inventory Millers True Value 1100 Abbottstown Street East Berlin, PA 17316 Job Title: Maintenance Assistant Employed: Summer of 2011 Duties: Mowed lawn, maintained flower/shrubs, and unloaded trucks SKILLS: HONORS: Outstanding leadership skills, productive team member, proficient in Microsoft Office, dependable, and trustworthy Student of the Month, October 2013Bermudian Springs High School Distinguished Honor Roll2013-14 Bermudian Springs High School Future Business Leaders of America, Bermudian Springs High School, 4 years Softball, Bermudian Springs High School, 4 years Chorus, Bermudian Springs High School, 4 years, president senior year

ACTIVITIES:

References

Personal reference is a person who can verify your character, integrity, & personality NEVER key reference names on your resume, key them on a separate document NEVER include the following as a reference choice: doctor, pastor/religious leader, family member or peer Professional reference is someone you know through work and/or school Key their name, address, their association to you, and a phone number

Reference Page Example

REFERENCES FOR SCOTT C. DANIELS PO Box 677 103 Terrace Avenue East Berlin, PA 17316 717-259-0131 s.daniels@comcast.net
Professional References: Mr. Wayne Duffey PO Box 82 East Berlin, PA 17316 (717) 259-9234 Supervisor
Mr. Kenneth Taylor 409 Oakdale Avenue York, PA 17407 (717) 865-6943 Diversified Occupations Teacher Mrs. Janet Smith 745 Harvest Drive Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 632-3487 Guidance Counselor

Personal References: Mrs. Sally Harner 342 King Court York Springs, PA 17372 (717) 528-8402 Family Friend
Ms. Leslie Reams 107 Terrace Avenue East Berlin, PA 17316 (717) 259-0312 Neighbor Mr. James Hull 550 Manor Court Hanover, PA 17331 (717) 632-8470 Friend

In Summary
Sell your yourself in a positive light. Resumes and cover letters are your first contact with the potential employer. Remember first impressions count! Make sure documents are easy to read & error free!!