Surveys
Thank you for completing the survey several weeks ago regarding utilizing math within your program area.
Please complete the two following surveys regarding utilizing reading and writing within your program area.
Resumes
Have you created a resume in an easy to read professional format? You should include a heading at the top of the resume that includes full name, full address, phone number and email address. Sections of your resume may include qualification summary, education, licensure, work experience, additional skills, professional memberships, community activities, honors and awards, and references. Be sure to use formatting that allows the reader to easily distinguish between the different sections. Proofread your final copy. Sometimes it is easier to download a document and work in Microsoft Word and then re-upload to the Google Drive than utilize Google Docs. You may choose whichever method is easiest for you. Links to sample resumes are available on the Resumes page – – (http://nwtech.edu/alvacc/resumes/) – of the Career Center website.
Be sure to…..
- Put a copy of your resume in stored in the Google Drive folder I have created for you! Do not “share” your resume with me from a different folder. You may need to download it and then drag it into that folder I created but have a copy of your resume stored in the folder I have shared with you.
- Put the most important sections towards the top of the resume.
- Put most recent information within the section at the top of the section.
- Include certifications such as WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (if you scored at least a three or higher on the WorkKeys tests)
- Include Northwest Technology Center (not Alva Votech or Northwestern Technology Center) and your program name in the education section.
- Include National Technical Honor Society in the organizations if you were inducted this year and/or last year.
- Use an easy to read font but not the standard Times New Roman that many other people may use.
- Ask me to look over your resume before printing your final copy.
Be sure to include the following sections if applicable:
- Objective or Summary (To attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University and obtain a Mass Communications degree before pursuing a career in Marketing.)
- Education (High school and Northwest Technology Center and includes dates of attendance and city and state of school)
- Work Experience (Include name and city and state of company, job title, dates of employment and job duties as bulleted items)
- Certifications (WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate for example)
- Honors and Awards (National Technical Honor Society, sports awards, perfect attendance awards, student of quarter award)
- Extracurricular Activities (include activities within those)
- Community Service/Volunteer Activities
- Skills
- References
Job Applications
Many companies require the applicant to complete a job application in order to be considered as a candidate for that job. Applications may need to be completed online or downloaded then completed using software such as MS Word or Adobe Acrobat. Some applications can be sent electronically while other companies prefer a printed copy. The Best Way to Write a Resume by Job Genius video provided above provides tips for completing a job application. Download the sample job application to your computer and use Adobe Acrobat to complete the application. After completing the application print one copy then upload it to your folder on the Shared Google Drive. The information on your job application should be the same or very similar to the information on your resume! If you have questions, please ask me for help!
Tips for job applications:
- Be sure to align all information to the left. If you do not know how to move a text box in Adobe Acrobat be sure to ask me!
- Do not enter your real Social Security Number or Driver’s License Number on the sample job applications for class.
- Your information on your job application should match the information on your resume!
- Be sure to add your Northwest Technology Center education information in the College or Business/Trade School section of the job application. Google the address for Northwest Technology Center if you do not know it! Do not leave the address section blank. Don’t just add the city and state… add the street address also! The “major” will be your program name.
- The job duties section of the job application should be the same as the job duties on your resume for each job listed.
If you submitted a Job Application last week, be sure to check with me about corrections that need to be made.
Cover Letters
Upon completion of the resume, students will start working on a cover letter. Information about cover letters can be found on the Cover Letter page of the Career Center website.
Cover letters are important because they tell employers the type of position you’re seeking and exactly how you’re qualified for it. Your cover letter can also explain things that your resume can’t.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that, along with your resume, is sent with your job application. A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you’re the perfect person for the position and how your skills and expertise can add value to the company. The letter should be professional but personable, and serve as a sort of introduction.
A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! Even if an employer doesn’t ask for a cover letter, it couldn’t hurt to send one. In fact, it can help you get someone’s attention in a different way, and it can be a great way to display your enthusiasm for the job and company.
Basic Elements of a Cover Letter
The following should be included in the cover letter:
- Greeting – Address your cover letter to the proper person.
- Opening – Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that notes which position you are applying for and how you learned of the job opening.
- Achievements and Skills – Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize additional relevant skills and certifications which show you meet the job requirements.
- Closing: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, why you want to work for the organization, a call for action or next steps, and your contact information.
Create a letterhead using Microsoft Word that will be used in writing your cover letters. You will need to provide your contact information within the letterhead. Be creative but professional. Use the header and footer sections of the Microsoft Word document. After creating the letterhead be sure to save it and upload a copy to the Shared Google drive into the folder I created for you.
Create a cover letter for a position being advertised or a company you wish to work for.
Be sure to upload your cover letter to the Shared folder on the Google Drive.
Template for writing your cover letters:
Use the same letterhead format you did for your resume or include the following in a header of your cover letter:
Your Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
Date
Individual’s Name
Job Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. ________________________________:
First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you’re applying. Mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you’re interested in working for this employer and specify how you fit this position. Don’t repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills.
Third Paragraph: Mention that your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. You may want to suggest alternate dates and times, or simply advise them of your flexibility to meet. Include day and evening contact information. Include a statement or question that will encourage the reader to respond. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow up. You might state that you’ll be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up a meeting, or you’ll call on a certain date to set up a meeting. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature in blue or black ink)
Your name
Enclosure (or attachment if sending by email).