The Application ProcessOnce you have decided on the types of jobs that you would like and have targeted some potential employers, you need to begin the application process. This involves preparing three documents: a resume, a cover letter, and an employment application. Preparing the ResumeMost employers want to see a resume (a one- or two- page summary of your skills, achievements, education and work experience) before they decide if they will interview you for a job. Your resume gives an employer a first impression of you. Therefore, it must be neat, free of typos, accurate, and complete. It should be typed on 8" x 11" paper and include the following: The Parts of a Resume1. Your complete information: Name, complete address including Zip code, and telephone number with area code. You should also add your fax number or email address, if you have one. This information is placed at the top of the page. 2. Your career goal: This is a description of the kind of work you want to do. For example, a career goal might be "To obtain a job as a graphic artist in an advertising agency." 3. Your education: Include the names and locations of high schools and post-secondary schools that you attended, degrees received, major/minor course concentrations, and years attended. List the schools in chronological order, beginning with the most recent, and work backward. 4. Your work experience. For each job you have held, include the name and location of the employer, your job title, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities. List the jobs in chronological order, beginning with the most recent position and work backward. 5. Skills and achievements: Describe any special skills or past achievements that relate to your career goal. 6. Volunteer experience: Describe any volunteer experience you may have had that relates to your career goal. The following are some tips to consider when putting together your resume: When mailing out your resume to potential employers, be sure to include a cover letter. The Cover LetterWhether or not you are responding to a help-wanted ad, you should send a cover letter along with a resume. The cover letter should explain that you are applying for a position . State that you are well-qualified for the job, and list some of your skills and work experiences that might be relevant.. If you are responding to an ad or have been given specific instructions by the employer, be sure to follow the directions carefully. You may be asked to send samples of your work (e.g., writing, editing, graphic design products) or describe how hiring you would add value to the company. . Sample Cover Letter*:930 Highland Ave. State College, PA 16801 Nov. 15, 2000 Mr. Gerard Berger Manager of Human Resources Allen Investments Inc. 1023 Collins Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Dear Mr. Berger: I am applying for the position of client account coordinator, which was advertised Aug. 4 with the career services center at the Pennsylvania State University. The position seems to fit very well with my education, experience and career interests. According to the advertisement, your position requires excellent communication skills, computer literacy and a B.S. degree in business, economics or finance. I will be graduating from Penn State University this month with a B.S. degree in finance. My studies have included courses in computer science, management information systems, speech communications and business writing. I understand the position also requires a candidate who is team- and detail-oriented, works well under pressure and is able to deal with people in departments throughout the firm. These are skills I developed both in my course work and in my recent internship at Hunter & Katchur Finance Inc. in Boalsburg, Pa. My background and goals seem to match your requirements well. I am confident that I can perform the job effectively, and I am excited about the idea of working for a dynamic, nationally recognized investment management firm. If you would like to schedule an interview or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, please call me at (814) 555-2468. I will be available at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Amy Sherwood *Copyright © National Association of Colleges and Employers. JobWeb Resources
As with your resume, your cover letter will tell the employer a great deal about you. Make sure you proofread your letter before sending it. It must be free of typos and of errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ask other people to proofread it as well. The Job Application When you apply for a job, employers will ask you to complete an application. Your application gives the employer important information about you, including your contact information (address, telephone number, email address, etc.), education, skills, and job history. It also tells the employer something about your ability to: Spell Read and follow directions
A sloppy-looking application with misspellings can keep you from getting a job. Therefore, it is important for you to practice filling out application forms neatly and accurately. It's also important for you to understand the terms that are commonly used on application forms.
Term:
| Definition:
| Surname, family name
| Your last name
| Forename, given name
| Your first name
| Maiden name
| A woman's last name before marriage
| Residential address
| Your home address (include street name, apartment number if applicable, city, state, ZIP code)
| Secondary education
| The high school you attended (include name of school, location, years attended, and year of graduation)
| Dependents
| People you support financially, such as children, elderly parents or a non-working spouse
| D.O.B.
| Your date of birth (month, day, and year)
| Place of birth
| City and state where you were born. If you were not born in the USA, include country in which you were born.
| Next of kin
| Your closest relative (spouse, parent, child, etc.)
| Citizenship
| Mark "USA" if you were born or naturalized in the United States; otherwise, list the country of your birth.
| Work History
| The names of employers you have worked for, their locations, your job titles and the dates of employment. List your most recent job first and work backward in chronological order.
| References
| Names and job titles, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of persons who can provide information about your prior work experiences.
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When you go to a place of employment to complete an application, be sure to take with you:
A pen Your photo identification (driver's license, passport, etc.) A data sheet or sample application, filled in ahead of time, that you can refer to when completing the actual job application.
Here are some helpful tips for completing the application:
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