Second installment
1. Application
Go to an office store and purchase a generic application. Or, go on-line and download an application. Make copies and fill one out. Hold on, you are thinking that a boss will want their “official” application filled out, not some cheap thing from the office store, or the Internet. This is your first chance to stand out. Just say, “Sir, I will be very happy to fill out your application when we arrive at an agreement.” Nobody ever told a boss that. This shows your confidence.
Get your drafts edited by a few people who know about hiring. Find someone capable of writing in English and correcting your grammar and punctuation.
You may wish to have different applications for different types of businesses. Once you are happy with a version, make copies to hand out.
2. Resume
Here is your chance to tell about yourself. If your work history is short, then don't even try to present it in chronological order. Present your skills with examples of work in community groups, interests and hobbies.
The resume is probably the most important item in this package. Do not engage in fiction writing. Tell about yourself and make it interesting.
Have as many people as possible proof read your drafts. Use a good friend who has known you forever to see if he/she can offer up another perspective. Maybe you have a trait that others appreciate and you discount it totally. Include it.
At the end of my resume, I always include a list of hobbies. One in particular has many times been brought up by the interviewer and helped make a connection.
2. Cover letter
At the entry level job, you probably wish to commute as short of a distance as possible. Make a list of possible employers that are nearby your home.
Here you must make some decisions. The first places that you should apply are those that will teach you skills that are going to be useful in later life. Yes, the money is important, but more important are the skills you will attain.
List the employers in order of desirability. Write a short letter of one or two paragraphs of what you can offer that firm. This letter must convince the boss that you are of value.
4. Business card
Buy a box of business card blanks. I use Avery 8870 stock. This allows you to make up a large variety of cards and change them as needed.
They won't look professional, don't worry. Unless you are applying for a job as a graphic artist, it doesn't matter. The main thing is to communicate. Don't use a fancy font, use a common one. Use large font, don't make the reader go looking for glasses to read your card. Keep it simple. Avoid the cluttered look.
If you belong to a professional organization, use the logo on the card.
I use Word for my template, but there may be better ones out there.
I hope that this installment better explains the first one.
1. Application
Go to an office store and purchase a generic application. Or, go on-line and download an application. Make copies and fill one out. Hold on, you are thinking that a boss will want their “official” application filled out, not some cheap thing from the office store, or the Internet. This is your first chance to stand out. Just say, “Sir, I will be very happy to fill out your application when we arrive at an agreement.” Nobody ever told a boss that. This shows your confidence.
Get your drafts edited by a few people who know about hiring. Find someone capable of writing in English and correcting your grammar and punctuation.
You may wish to have different applications for different types of businesses. Once you are happy with a version, make copies to hand out.
2. Resume
Here is your chance to tell about yourself. If your work history is short, then don't even try to present it in chronological order. Present your skills with examples of work in community groups, interests and hobbies.
The resume is probably the most important item in this package. Do not engage in fiction writing. Tell about yourself and make it interesting.
Have as many people as possible proof read your drafts. Use a good friend who has known you forever to see if he/she can offer up another perspective. Maybe you have a trait that others appreciate and you discount it totally. Include it.
At the end of my resume, I always include a list of hobbies. One in particular has many times been brought up by the interviewer and helped make a connection.
2. Cover letter
At the entry level job, you probably wish to commute as short of a distance as possible. Make a list of possible employers that are nearby your home.
Here you must make some decisions. The first places that you should apply are those that will teach you skills that are going to be useful in later life. Yes, the money is important, but more important are the skills you will attain.
List the employers in order of desirability. Write a short letter of one or two paragraphs of what you can offer that firm. This letter must convince the boss that you are of value.
4. Business card
Buy a box of business card blanks. I use Avery 8870 stock. This allows you to make up a large variety of cards and change them as needed.
They won't look professional, don't worry. Unless you are applying for a job as a graphic artist, it doesn't matter. The main thing is to communicate. Don't use a fancy font, use a common one. Use large font, don't make the reader go looking for glasses to read your card. Keep it simple. Avoid the cluttered look.
If you belong to a professional organization, use the logo on the card.
I use Word for my template, but there may be better ones out there.
I hope that this installment better explains the first one.
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