September 14, 2018

Resume Writing and Interview Preparation

The School-to-Career Transition programs would like to recognize and thank the following business partners for their input in the preparation of this handbook:

Allied Health Group Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development

Eastpoint Chick-fil-A Pivot 3

Timonium Linens, Inc. Virro Consulting, LLC

Office of Career and Technology Education

School-to-Career Transition

Dr. Michael Grubbs Coordinator

Career and Technology Education

Mrs. Alicia D. N. Fales Supervisor

School-to-Career Transition

Mrs. Jessica Carlson Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Dulaney High School

Ms. Erin Ray Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Kenwood High School

September 14, 2018

Table of Contents

Developing Your Resume Resume Guidelines Formatting Profile or Summary Core Knowledge and Skill Areas

Education Experience Resume Action Words References

Resume Tips Resume Template Sample Resumes

Completing Your Job Application Application Tips Sample Application Writing Your Cover Letter Cover Letter Guidelines Formatting Greeting Content Closing Cover Letter Tips Cover Letter Template Sample Cover Letter Dressing for Success Acing the Interview What is an Interview?

Before the Interview During the Interview Answering Common Interview Questions Behavioral Questions Questions You Can Ask During the Interview Ending the Interview Interview Tips After the Interview Sample Thank You Note Thank You Note Tips

September 14, 2018

September 14, 2018

Developing Your Resume What is a Resume?

A resume is a one-page advertisement of you as an aspiring professional. It is a

concise snapshot of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It

must be error-free. Resumes should include the following parts, at minimum: contact

information, education, and experience. Additional sections are left to the discretion

of the author.

Resume Guidelines

Formatting:

Create a resume header with your contact information. Your name should be

the focus. Use a larger font or bold to emphasize your name. Include your city

and state, email address, and a phone number where you can be contacted or

receive a message. Be sure both email address and voicemail message are

professional.

Profile or summary:

Below your resume header, write a brief summary of 3-4 sentences describing some of your best qualities, work skills, and your past accomplishments. This is your 'elevator pitch,' another opportunity to sell yourself! Give the employer a reason to keep reading. Employers want to hire people who exhibit professional qualities and characteristics to be successful in the workplace; people who are:

Motivated Mature Personable Reliable Ethical Loyal Positive

Punctual Visionary Organized Enthusiastic Decisive Cooperative Quick Learner

September 14, 2018

Example:

A high school junior with a passion for science, planning to pursue a career in

nursing. Experience working with an aging population at a local retirement

community. Enthusiastic, reliable, quick learner with a strong work ethic.

Core Knowledge and Skill Areas:

This section provides an opportunity to emphasize skills that are not obvious from

your education and work experience listed later on your resume. Highlight things that

may separate you from other candidates. Employers want to be able to quickly scan

your resume for significant skills. Use key words from the job posting to guide your

list. Be sure to include technical skills. This section should be brief and use bullet

points. If you have a specific career in mind, visit the O*Net for additional resources:

www.onetonline.org/.

Example:

• Positive work ethic

• Reliable and punctual

• Professional manner

• OSHA 10 certified

• Efficient team member

Education:

List your education in reverse chronological order (most recent on top), including the

name of your current high school, and its address. Do not list anything prior to high

school. Include expected graduation date (month, year) and GPA if above a 3.0. If you

have taken classes that directly pertain to the interest area of the position for which

you are applying or to a specific program of study, list them below the school

information as ‘related coursework.’

Example:

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | PROJECTED: JUNE, 2019 | KENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Baltimore, MD

• CTE Program of Study: Career Research and Development

Related coursework:

o Introduction to Career Research and Development

o Paramedical Biology

o Psychology

September 14, 2018

Experience:

List your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent on top), including the

position you held, the name of the company, and the dates you were employed

(month, year). Include the responsibilities of that position bulleted below. When

listing your experience include on-going volunteer experience, paid work experience,

internship experience, summer work experience, etc. Singular volunteer opportunities

(tree planting on Earth Day, one day at Food Bank, etc.) should not be listed.

This section may also include activities (band, sports, scouts, etc.), awards, and

leadership experiences.

How to describe the responsibilities of your work experience:

Use action words when describing your work experience to highlight or describe your

job duties. Your resume should not contain sentences but phrases.

• Begin with an action word.

• Describe the object of your action using numbers, amounts and other

adjectives whenever possible.

• Add the outcome of your action to emphasize its impact or results.

Examples:

Action Word Object of the Action Outcome

• Filed medical records to streamline billing procedures

• Supervised a basketball camp for 11-13 year old students to develop

future high school athletes

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Resume Action Words:

Avoid overly used words like 'responsible for' or 'helped'

Organizational Creative Helping Research Communication

Classified Collected Compiled Filed Inventoried Maintained Operated Ordered Organized Retrieved Scheduled

Acted Arranged Created Customized Designed Developed Directed Generated Invented Performed Sketched

Assisted Coached Counseled Demonstrated Educated Encouraged Facilitated Guided Motivated Supported Volunteered

Analyzed Compiled Determined Developed Evaluated Examined Investigated Recognized Researched Reviewed Summarized

Answered Contacted Communicated Corresponded Displayed Edited Exhibited Interpreted Negotiated Presented Translated

Teaching Financial Management Supervision Technical

Clarified Coached Devised Encouraged Evaluated Facilitated Guided Instructed Presented Trained Tutored

Appraised Audited Balanced Budgeted Calculated Collected Computed Earned Generated Negotiated Priced

Administered Assigned Chaired Coordinated Directed Implemented Improved Managed Organized Planned

Assessed Demonstrated Influenced Monitored Oversaw Recruited Reported Supervised Tested

Adapted Assembled Built Computed Designed Operated Maintained Programmed Repaired Upgraded

Example:

Experience

WAITSTAFF | OAKCREST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | MARCH, 2016-PRESENT

• Greet guests promptly in a friendly manner to create a positive dining

experience.

• Record accurate food and beverage orders and input into the POS system

to meet dietary needs.

• Complete bussing, running, meal plating, and catering duties to expedite

service.

• Communicate appropriately with supervisors and dining room staff to

improve efficiency.

September 14, 2018

References:

Many employers will request the contact information of people who can provide a

professional character reference for potential employees. Usually this information is

available “upon request” and is not included in the resume but on a separate sheet

that can be produced if needed. This may be indicated by the line “References

available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. However, this statement is not

necessary since companies will seek references if they are interested.

References should be people who are not family members or personal friends but

people who can comment on your professional qualities like punctuality, attention to

detail, etc. Suggested references include: teachers, coaches, previous employers or

supervisors. *Before including contacts as references, ask them if they are willing to

provide a positive one for you.

Resume Tips:

1. Keep it short. One page if possible, two pages at most.

2. Be neat.

3. Print resume on plain resume paper.

4. Spell out words. Do not use abbreviations.

Example: Student Government Association not SGA.

5. Be honest about your skills and work experience.

6. Be concise. Use action words and phrases when describing your experience and

responsibilities.

7. List accomplishments and results, not just duties.

8. Include dates of participation. Dates should be organized in time sequence with

the most recent education and experience first (reverse chronological order).

9. If you are using bullets, italics, bold, or any other formatting, you must be

consistent. Do not put bullets under one area, then not bullet the rest.

10. Use an easily-readable font. Suggested: 10.5-12-point Arial, Times New Roman,

Trebuchet MS, Gill Sans, Tahoma, or Lucida Sans.

11. Never include "I" or "me" on a resume.

12. Watch your tense. If the job is in your past, use the past tense. If it is your

current job, use present tense.

Example: Past-Assisted customers; Present-Assist customers

13. PROOFREAD and SPELL CHECK your resume! Do not rely solely on the

computer. Have someone check over your resume before submitting it.

IT MUST BE PERFECT and ATTRACTIVE.

September 14, 2018

Your Name (resume template) City, State | phone | email

Summary

Below your resume header, write a brief summary of 4-5 sentences describing some of

your best qualities, work skills, and your past accomplishments. This is your 'elevator

pitch,' another opportunity to sell yourself! Give the employer a reason to keep

reading.

Core Knowledge and Skill Areas

• Use bullet points

• Highlight key words from the job posting

• Keep them brief (words/short phrases)

• Include transferrable skills

• Focus on soft skills

Education

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | PROJECTED: MONTH, 20__ | ____________ HIGH SCHOOL

City, State

CTE Program of Study: (only include if applicable)

Magnet Program: (only include if applicable)

Related coursework: (only include if applicable to career and educational goals)

• GPA: (only if above a 3.0)

Experience

JOB TITLE | COMPANY | DATES FROM - TO

This is the place for a brief summary and your most stellar accomplishments.

Use the key words and phrases from the job description to explain your duties and

responsibilities. Begin with your current or most recent experience.

September 14, 2018

Yvonne Miller Essex, MD | 443-555-5555 | yvonneqmiller@zmail.com

Summary

Current high school senior with a passion for science, planning to pursue a career in

nursing. Experience working with an aging population at a local retirement

community. Enthusiastic, reliable, quick learner with a strong work ethic.

Core Knowledge and Skill Areas

• Positive work ethic

• Reliable and punctual

• Professional demeanor

• Adherence to confidentiality guidelines

• Effective team member

• CPR and First Aid certified

Education

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | PROJECTED: JUNE, 2018 | KENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Baltimore, MD

• CTE Program of Study: Career Research and Development

Related coursework:

o Introduction to Career Research and Development

o Paramedical Biology

o Psychology

Experience

WAITSTAFF | OAKCREST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | MARCH, 2016-PRESENT

• Greet guests promptly in a friendly manner to create a positive dining experience.

• Record accurate food and beverage orders and input into the POS system to meet

dietary needs.

• Complete bussing, running, meal plating, and catering duties to expedite service.

• Communicate appropriately with supervisors and dining room staff to improve

efficiency.

September 14, 2018

Chase Revere Catonsville, MD

443-555-5555

chase.revere08@zmail.com

Summary

High school senior with an interest in sports-related activities. Friendly, well-liked

member of school community. Independent, motivated problem-solver.

Core Knowledge and Skill Areas

• Excellent written communication skills

• Results-oriented problem-solver

• Well-versed in various technology platforms

Education

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | PROJECTED: JUNE, 2018 | CATONSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Catonsville, MD

Activities

ANIME CLUB | 2015-PRESENT | CATONSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

• Meet monthly with group to review and discuss newly released films and books

• Organize and attend regional events

BAND SECTION LEADER | 2012-2014 | CATONSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

• Practiced music with section members

• Took attendance for class and performances

September 14, 2018

Cameron Bennett Owings Mills, MD | 443-555-5555 | cwbennett@zcloud.com

Summary

Driven and highly motivated high school junior. Enthusiastic and passionate about the global

marketplace. Extensive travel experience. Recognized for leadership roles within school and

community organizations. Consistently accepting challenges of rigorous coursework. Planning

to pursue a degree in international relations and global economics.

Core Knowledge and Skill Areas

• Fluent in written and spoken Chinese (level 3, State Department Language Proficiency scale)

• Exceptional work ethic

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proven leader

• Entrepreneurial spirit

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Culturally sensitive and internationally well-traveled

• Certified in CPR, First Aid

Education

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | PROJECTED: JUNE, 2019 | NEW TOWN HIGH SCHOOL Owings Mills, MD

• CTE Program of Study: Business Management

Related coursework:

o Principles of Business,

Administration, and

Management

o Accounting

o Advanced Business

Management

o Marketing 1

o AP Statistics

o Chinese

Experience

LIFEGUARD | Y OF CENTRAL MARYLAND | OCTOBER, 2016-PRESENT

• Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding

• Maintain active surveillance of the pool; including all levels of the water and surrounding areas

• Complete reports and maintain accurate records as required in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures

• Maintain effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff

• Perform equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is ready and available as needed

• Know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately

INTERN | GLOBAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS | JUNE-AUGUST 2017

• Prepared documents for account representatives prior to client meetings

• Assisted with office tasks to optimize efficiency

• Invited to attend and participate in company presentation at annual shareholders conference in

San Diego, CA.

Completing Your Job Application

What is a Job Application?

An application is a form that you fill in demonstrating your desire to work for a

particular company in a specific position. Information required on a job application is

similar to that on a resume: contact information, education, experience, availability,

and references. The guidelines listed above for resumes should be followed when

filling out a job application.

Job Application Tips:

• Be sure to allow adequate time to complete the application whether in person

or online.

• Be prepared: bring a pen, a copy of your resume, and your Social Security

Number

• Dress professionally when you pick up and deliver the application.

• Follow the directions on the application.

• Use blue or black ink.

• Write neatly.

• Answer all questions completely. Do not leave any portions blank.

• If you don't understand one of the questions on the application, ASK.

• Include as much availability as possible including holidays and weekends.

Availability does not mean you will work all these days, but having open

availability increases your chance of getting the job.

• Be careful if you are asked to list salary requirements. Consider saying Open in

order not to price yourself out of the job. If you have a current salary, list your

requirement as in the same range. You can also do research into what a similar

position would pay.

• If you follow up in-person after submitting an online application, be sure to

bring a copy of your resume and a printed screen shot of your application

completion page.

• PROOFREAD!

Sample Application

Writing Your Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter?

A letter that accompanies your resume when applying for a job is also known as a

letter of application. The cover letter references your resume and highlights details

about your background that are specific to the particular position and employer.

Cover Letter Guidelines:

Formatting:

Start approximately 1 inch down from the top of the page, and set the text to be left

justified.

Write out the date: May 21, 2017

Your Name

Your City, State

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Employer's address:

Write to a specific contact person Include their title Company Address (number, street) Address (town/city, state zip)

Example:

Mr. Ronaldo Perez Director, Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Public Schools 6901 Charles Street, Bldg. E Towson, MD 21204

Greeting:

Write to a specific person, NOT "To Whom It May Concern." Call the company to

request the name of the person to whom you should address the letter. If you are

unable to find the specific person, address the letter to the position title: "Dear Hiring

Manager:" or "Dear Director of Human Resources:" for example.

Content:

*Cover letters should be individualized for the position and employer.

Letters should be three paragraphs, as follows:

Introduction: Tell the employer why you are writing in two or three

sentences. State the position you are seeking, how you heard of the position,

and why you are interested in working for the employer.

Body: Describe your qualifications and match them to the keywords specific to

the job description and to the needs specified by the employer.

Conclusion: In-2-4 sentences, direct the employer to your resume, make a

positive statement about your qualifications, and include your contact

information. Don't forget to thank the employer for their time and

consideration.

Closing:

Use "Sincerely" or "Regards" to close your letter. Leave space (4 returns) to sign your

name if mailing. If you are submitting your letter electronically, you won't need to

sign it. Type your name below the space.

Cover Letter Tips:

• Avoid informal writing. You want to come across as professional and educated.

• Single space the body of the letter.

• Double space between paragraphs.

• Keep the letter to one-page.

• Sell yourself.

• Avoid clichés.

• PROOFREAD! Do not trust the spellchecker. Have a friend or family member

read it over to check for errors.

Your Name Your City, State Your Phone Number Your Email Date Recipient Name Title Company Address City, ST Zip Code Dear Recipient Name: State the position for which are you applying and how you heard about the opening. Describe your experience and qualifications. Match them to keywords specific to the job description and to the needs specified by the employer. Include a positive statement, request for an interview, and your contact information. Sincerely,

Sign your name in blue or black ink

Your Name (typed)

Yvonne Miller Essex, MD 443-555-5555 yvonneqmiller@zmail.com

March 23, 2017

Sheila McManus Nursing Manager Med Star Franklin Square Medical Center 9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 25555

Dear Ms. McManus:

I am writing regarding the posting on the Med Star careers page for the transporter

position. I became aware of the position through a family friend, Jennifer Jones, who

works in the outpatient clinic.

I am a high school senior with a passion for science and the medical field. I have

experience working with the elderly in a local retirement facility and plan to pursue a

career in nursing in the future. I would love the opportunity to expand on my

experience by combining my understanding of a residential facility with experience in

a clinical setting. I will bring strong skills in critical thinking and communication to

Franklin Square if given the opportunity.

I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. Please contact me at your earliest

convenience to discuss my qualifications. I can be reached at 443-555-5555 or at

yvonneqmiller@zmail.com. I look forward to speaking with you about the transporter

position.

Sincerely,

Yvonne Miller Yvonne Q. Miller

Dressing for Success

General:

• Research the culture of a company.

• Professional dress should be worn to request and/or turn in an application.

• Dress professionally for the interview.

• Wear the best of what you have. Consider borrowing from a relative or friend. Thrift shops are good sources for dress clothes.

• Select clothing that fits appropriately for the professional occasion.

• Be sure clothes are clean and neatly pressed.

• Shoes should be neat, clean, and professional. Shoes should be closed-toe with no more than a two-inch heel. Be sure you are comfortable walking in the shoes you select.

• Proper undergarments are required and should not be visible.

• A belt should be worn if belt loops are exposed. Pants/skirts/dresses:

• Select professional-looking business slacks.

• Khaki pants are also acceptable.

• Socks should be a minimum of mid-calf length, in black, or a color to match pants.

• Skirts and dresses should be knee-length or longer. Consider how the hemline falls when you are sitting, and make sure you are comfortable.

• If you are wearing hosiery, select a solid color to match your skin tone or your skirt/dress.

Shirts/Blouses/Tops:

• Tops and blouses should be professional. Shoulders and midriffs should be covered.

• Choose a white or light, solid-colored shirt.

• Ties should be professional. Accessories:

• All accessories, especially jewelry that may make noise, must be unobtrusive and appropriate for the outfit selected.

• Handbags should be appropriately sized, simple in color and design. Personal Grooming:

• Hair should be neat, clean, and professional.

• Teeth should be clean; breath should be fresh. Do not chew gum or mints in the interview.

• Hands and nails should be clean. Nail polish should not be distracting.

• Avoid strong-smelling perfume or cologne.

• For those with tattoos and piercings, consider covering them for the interview. If you are hired, check the related company policy.

Acing the Interview

What is an Interview?

This is your first opportunity to impress an employer. It is a formal face-to-face

meeting between an applicant and potential employer. This is your chance to sell

yourself in person by pointing out your strengths and qualities that would make you a

great employee.

Before the interview:

Do your research. You should know general information about the company. Check

their website.

Show up early, but not too early. Aim for 10 minutes before your scheduled interview

time.

During the interview:

Handshake— Give a firm handshake at the beginning when you are introducing

yourself and at the end when you are thanking people for their time.

Posture— Cross ankles, not legs. When answering questions, lean forward slightly to

indicate you are paying attention and interested. Keep right hand on left knee, with

left hand on right wrist (this will keep your right hand dry!). Sit up straight, be

confident!

Answering Common Interview Questions:

• Tell me about yourself.

How to answer: Be honest, clear, and confident. Use this opportunity to

provide an example of one of your workplace skills. Be prepared to give

examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities/characteristics in the

workplace, volunteer placement, school, or activities.

According to snagajob.com, use the S-E-T method.

S= what Skills do you have

E= what Experience do you have in the field

T= how long (Time) have you been in the field

Example: I am a junior at Perry Hall High School. I love science. I hope to

pursue a career in biology in the future.

Example: I have been in retail sales for the past 3 years. I really like that it

allows me to interact with products as well as customers. I am excited to take

my customer service skills to the next level with your company.

• What is your greatest weakness?

How to answer: Be honest. If you have an obvious weakness, state the obvious.

Keep it relevant and stay away from clichés. Try to identify a weakness about

yourself then explain how you are working to improve.

Example: I struggle with organization, but I've recently adopted a new

calendar system that is really helping me.

Example: This would be my first job, so a weakness is that I have not had much

experience in a professional work environment. I look forward to developing

these employability skills.

• Why should we hire you?

How to answer: This is your opportunity to really make connections between

your skills and the needs of the employer. Use keywords in the job description

to show how well you will meet the company's needs.

Example: I have experience in customer service, work really well

independently, and have the initiative and drive to fit the needs this position

requires.

• What would I see if I went to your social media, and how might it influence my

decision to hire you?

• What motivates you?

• How do you think your high school experience has prepared you for work?

• What kind of projects, events, or assignments interest and excite you?

• What are you goals for the next five years?

• What are the most important rewards you expect in your career/life?

Behavioral Questions:

A developing trend in interviews is toward asking behavioral questions. These are

questions that ask you to provide examples of situations that exemplify your

professional behaviors. These questions typically involve teamwork, problem solving,

leadership, set-backs, or pressure.

• Give me an example of a time when you had to apply good judgment in a

challenging situation.

• Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker.

• Give an example of how you set goals and achieve them.

• Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?

You will have to prepare answers to behavioral questions. Before your interview,

think of some examples that will fit the topics above. Take another look at the job

posting to try to identify the specific qualities they are looking for to better prepare

your examples to show how you have those qualities. In your answer, briefly describe

the scenario you encountered, what your role was in the situation, and what you

learned from or how you changed because of the experience. Always focus on the

positive and your learning from the experience.

Questions you can ask during the interview:

At the end of an interview, the employer often gives the interviewer an opportunity

to ask any questions they may have. Always take advantage of this opportunity to

show that you have some knowledge of the job and company and that you have been

listening during the interview. Do not ask questions that were answered during the

interview or that could be answered with minimal research.

Examples:

When can I expect a decision to be made regarding the position?

What is the best part about working here?

If hired, how will I be evaluated?

With whom would I be working and what are their responsibilities?

Of your most successful employees, what characteristics do they possess that

helped them to be successful?

Ending the Interview:

• Thank them for the interview.

• Give a firm handshake.

• Ask for a business card.

• Ask when you can expect to hear from them.

Interview Tips:

• Do not take anyone else to your interview.

• Do not take your cell phone with you. If you must take it in, make sure it is

turned off and out of sight!

• Smile, be enthusiastic and confident.

• Be positive.

• Listen attentively and make eye contact.

• Watch your body language-make sure you are presenting what you want.

After the Interview:

After your interview, send anyone involved in your interview a thank you note.

Thanking your interviewers for their time is polite but it also keeps you fresh in their

minds and confirms that you are still interested in the position.

E-mail a thank you note to each of the interviewers individually within 24 hours.

Follow-up with a handwritten note if time allows. Notes should be written neatly and

in pen.

Example:

April 11, 2017

Dear Ms. McManus,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the

transporter position. I was really interested in the new changes you are

making in the department. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any

additional questions, please contact me at 443-555-5555 or

yvonnequmiller@zmail.com

Thank you again,

Yvonne Miller

Thank You Notes Tips:

• Use matching note cards and envelopes. Avoid cute or overly busy designs.

• Handwritten notes are fine if your handwriting is neat. Handwritten feels more

personal, which can be a good thing.

• Reference something related to the interview, for example: I was very

impressed with our discussion about your focus on teamwork. I know I could be

an excellent team member.

• Like all other professional communication, keep the salutation formal, for

example, Dear Ms. McManus not Dear Sheila.

• This is not where you continue your sales pitch. Thank them for their time and

consideration.

• Sign your full name.