Success! Professionalism Cover Letters Resumes Ladies Dress for Success! Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket - neutral or darker colors

Success!

Professionalism

Cover Letters

Resumes

Ladies Dress for Success!

Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket - neutral or darker colors are considered better

Undershirts/blouses should be white or light in color

No midriff or cleavage showing and wear an undershirt if it is too low-cut or has visible buttons down the front.


Do not allow your bare back (or underwear) to show over the top of your pants when sitting.

Prevent your panty lines from showing by wearing a slip under skirts or seamless panties with slacks.

Always wear the appropriate color undergarments so they do not show (nude under light colors and black under dark colors).


Skirts lengths at the knee or longerNo visible tattoos or facial piercings (including

tongue)No more than three pieces of jewelry,

including earringsWear pantyhose or dress socks that blend,

not stand out.Polished and clean shoes


Tidy, natural-colored hairLow heals (2 inches or less)Everything ironedMinimal make-up (including lipstick) in natural

colors Nail polish neutral in color and nails

FUNCTIONAL in length


You should also wear a slip if you are wearing a light colored skirt, especially the ones made of lightweight fabrics.

Be freshly showered so that perfume is not necessary.

Carry a briefcase or professional bag, not a purse, with extra copies of everything you already sent the interviewer.

Gentlemen Dress for Success!

Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket – neutral or dark colors are considered better

Collared, button-down, white or other light color dress shirt

Silk tie that matches but does not stand outNicely polished dress shoes and socks that

blend and not stand out

Gentlemen Dress for Success!

Always wear a belt that matches your shoesBeard and mustache neatly trimmed or clean-shaven

if you do not have full facial hairNo visible tattoos or piercings, this includes tongueBe freshly showered so that cologne is not

necessary. Carry a briefcase or professional bag with extra

copies of everything you have already sent the interviewer.

Professional Etiquette…

Understand that the way you participate in an introduction sends many messages about you.

During an introduction… stand up, smile, make eye contact, always shake hands, and repeat the other person’s name.

Shake hands firmly (the clasp should be very firm, not the shaking –don’t shake their arm off) and do not grab just the fingers.

Professional Etiquette

Say thank you sometime in the first 12 words. Walk with a purpose. The first 12 inches from your head down

should showcase impeccable grooming, style, and class.


The last 12 inches should be well maintained. Use correct and formal Standard English.Really make a point to pause, silently, and

think before answering questions.


Allow the standard 5-10 business days for the employer to complete any tasks before you contact them.

Confirm that they have received what you sent them.

Thank the interviewer for their time and the interview in writing.


Do not use excessive hand gestures. Address people by a professional title

regardless of whether you are in a professional setting or not, until they ask you to address them informally.

Always introduce yourself again, regardless of the setting, when meeting for multiple times.


Wear any nametag on your right side. Women, shake hands with colleagues even when you are outside the professional setting.

Always ask someone before listing them as a personal reference.

Why is a resume and cover letter important?

How do you think a reviewer will decide who gets an interview and who doesn’t?

Better scholarships = Better job = MORE MONEY!

Why is a resume and cover letter important?

Puts YOU in charge of what you want the reviewer to know about you

Able to focus attention on your skills

Displays your experiences and accomplishments

It is what qualifies you for an interview

What is a cover letter?

Personal introduction Accompanies

resume Can suck-up here!

When do you need a cover letter?

When you are not able to introduce yourself in person

When you are initiating contact with an employer you do not have a personal relationship with

Cover Letter Writing Tips!

Give specific and detailed examples. Give an indication of what are you willing to offer them above and beyond the other 199 applicants.

Specifically list what you have enclosed on the enclosure line.


Remind them in the introduction why you are writing to them.

Try not to repeat yourself in the cover letter and resume.

Use a format and be consistent.


Use a justified margin.Use a traditional font in 12 pt. size. Use formal Standard English and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.


Use the introduction techniques already learned.

Tell them why you want to be involved and why you are interested.

Research before hand and use the name of the interviewer or department head in your salutation.

What is a resume?

• 1-2 page summary of• Education• Skills• Accomplishments• Experience

What is a resume used for?

Gets your foot in the door

Gets you an interview

Describes how you are different from other applicants

Shortens time spent looking for a job

When do you need a resume?

College applicationsScholarship applicationsJob applications

The parts of a resume…

Community involvement

Competencies Contact information Education Leadership

experience Objective or

summary

References Sports Skills Volunteering Work experiences

Resume writing tips!

Always save your resume and cover letter on a disk or computer for easy updating.

Be 100 percent honest on everything. Be consistent with everything!

Resume writing tips!

Confine your information to one page for a high school resume.

Do not fold or staple your resume and cover letter.

Don’t use shading or graphics.

Resume Writing Tips!

Every time you send a resume and cover letter, it should be tailored to the job you're seeking.

Include as much work experience as possible, even if it doesn't relate obviously to the job you're seeking.

Keep descriptions clear and to the point.


Organize information in a logical fashion.

Pay careful attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style.

Proofread carefully and have several other people proofread as well.


Understand your resume is a constant work in progress.

Use a simple, easy-to-read font, such as Times, Palatino, Helvetica, or Arial.

Use action words and the top skills/qualities that employers seek.


Use no more than two different styles of font (this includes size, type, and style).

Use space effectively.

Use white or off-white paper only.

Make sure you have a professional email address.

What does a reviewer want to see?

Analytical skills Computer skills Compatibility/Adaptability Honesty/Integrity Interpersonal Leadership

Motivation/Initiative Oral and Written

Communication skills Self-confidence/Self-

worth Flexibility Strong work ethic Teamwork

What are action words? Why might they help?

They show you accomplished something at your last job or during internships or community work.

The End!

Documents

Success! Professionalism Cover Letters Resumes Ladies Dress for Success! Conservative suit or matching separates with a jacket - neutral or darker colors