Preparing for Employment

(Resume, Cover Letters, and Interviews)

Hello Career Management

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Camie Romano, Work Based Learning Coordinator

Duke Wallin, Career Development & CTE Coordinator

First Flight High School

The Resume

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What is a resume?

What types of resumes are there?

Is it something a high school student needs?

Parts of the Academic Resume

Overview of Sections

• Main Sections:

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• Contact Information
• The Summary Statement
• Education
• Experience/Skills
• Honors and Activities

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• This Section Might Include Your:

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• Name
• Address and phone number
• Email address
• Website if applicable

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The Contact Information Section

This section can also create a multitude of problems for any job seeker

• Name
• No Nicknames
• Address
• No Abbreviations…. NC is acceptable
• Phone Number
• Correct Working Number with appropriate voice message
• Email Address
• Correct and “Appropriate” Email
• No Photo unless requested
• We’re looking for a job, not a date

John Jacob Smith

1492 Columbus Drive �Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

jjsmith35@gmail.com�(252) 530-6300

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The Summary Statement Section

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• A good Summary Statement says:

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• Who you are
• What you do

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A Skills TABLE may also be used:

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John Jacob Smith

1492 Columbus Drive �Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948�jjsmith35@gmail.com�(252) 530-6300

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• SUMMARY PROFILE�Outstanding student academically with experience in carpentry and basic construction site skills. Quick learner, impeccable attendance with OSHA-10 and National Center for Construction Careers and Research (NCCER) certifications.

The Education Section

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• What is the Education Section?

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• A section that emphasizes your educational background and formal training

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• Usually a major section for college students and recent graduates

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The Education Section

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• The Section’s Purposes: to inform and persuade
• Give information about your schooling and training
• Persuade employers your educational background is relevant to the job
• List GPA if 3.0 or above
• List Class Rank if impressive
• List Special Training or Diplomas
• Don’t list all classes taken

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John Jacob Smith

1492 Columbus Drive �Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948�jjsmith35@gmail.com�(252) 530-6300

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• SUMMARY PROFILE�Outstanding student academically with experience in carpentry and basic construction site skills. Quick learner, impeccable attendance with OSHA-10 and National Center for Construction Careers and Research (NCCER) certifications.�
• EDUCATION�Your High School, City, State and Zipcode�Graduation date:�G.P.A. 3.85 Top 5% of class

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John Jacob Smith

1492 Columbus Drive �Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948�jjsmith35@gmail.com�(252) 530-6300

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• SUMMARY PROFILE�Outstanding student academically with experience in carpentry and basic construction site skills. Quick learner, impeccable attendance with OSHA-10 and National Center for Construction Careers and Research (NCCER) certifications.��EDUCATION

2018– Present First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Major: Construction Studie Expected Graduation: June 2022 or 6/9/22

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The Experience/Skills Section

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• The Experience/Skills Section:
• Demonstrates your most relevant experience in work or activities or skills gained
• Other common names: Professional Experience, Work History, Field Work, Volunteer Work, etc.
• Can be two separate sections
• Skills Section can also include�relevant coursework

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The Experience/Skills Section

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• Informing to Persuade
• Provide information to help persuade prospective employers that your experiences make you qualified for the job and that you align with the organization’s goals
• Help your résumé stand out from others in the stack

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SUMMARY PROFILE�Outstanding student academically with experience in carpentry and basic construction site skills. Quick learner, impeccable attendance with OSHA-10 and National Center for Construction Careers and Research (NCCER) certifications.�

EDUCATION�First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948�Major: Construction/Carpentry Education Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2022�G.P.A. 3.85. Top 5% of class�

EXPERIENCE�Carpentry Advanced Studies, Nags Head Elementary School

Aug 2022 - present. Assisted custodial staff with carpentry tasks around campus.

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Yearbook Committee Member, First Flight High School

Aug 2022 - present. Editor-in-chief of yearbook staff. Leader of design and publication teams from initial layout through finished product.

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Aug 2020 - Aug 2024. Yearbook staff member. Experience taking photographs, designing layout, and writing captions and sidebars.�

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RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES�Technical writing; advanced composition; OSHA-10 Credential, debate; video production; computer classes providing knowledge of word processing, construction module certification, desktop publishing, and web software, sanitation training.

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The Honors and Activities Section

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• The Honors and Activities Section:
• Emphasizes your participation in relevant activities and any honors you have received
• Other names: Awards, Memberships, Volunteer Work, etc.
• Gives employers a sense of who you are inside and outside of school

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The Honors and Activities Section

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• Why bother?
• Fills up white space
• Provides additional evidence of your qualifications
• Gives employers a sense of who you are inside and outside of school

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Can you find the issues in the following resume?

SUMMARY PROFILE�Outstanding student academically with experience carpentry and basic construction site skills. Quick learner, impeccable attendance with OSHA-10 and NCCERR.��EDUCATION

First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 2011 – 2015�Carpentry Education Major�June 2022 Graduation�

WORK EXPERIENCE Fall of 2014 and 2015 �Nags Head Elementary School�Carpentry internship dude

Monitored kids being bad

Assembled furniture and other forms of hardware

Assisted in making seating areas and benches for campus common areas

Operated band saws, miter saws, drill press and other industry equipment

Completed training courses and for OSHA-10 and National Center on Construction

Education and Research certification�

VOLUNTEER WORK

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 2014 – 2016�Assisted with and participated in group activities and field trips

Monitored youth during lunches and facilitated healthy living activities

Tutored ages 8-13 and assisted with food prep and lunch program�

SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

National Techniucal Honor Society 2014, 2015

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Pep Squad 2013 and 2014��Decorations Committee Chair — 2012

Latin Club 2012 – 2014�Secretary — 2013

SkillzUSA-2017

Vice President — 2014

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Senior Student Council Representative 2015 – 2016�Secretary — 2014

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• Find the errors

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john jacob smith

1492 Columbus drive �kill devil Hill, NC 27948

ILoveCats@gmail.com�(252) 530-6300

Sample Resume

MajorClarity

Every student (8^th-12^th) should have a Career Development Plan (CDP) Now on MajorClarity (app in your DCS Classlink)

• Identifies career goals
• College Information
• Record of activities
• Prep work for the next level
• Scholarships and Financial Aid Information
• Create a resume

Resume Do's and Don'ts:

Do

• Limit your resume to one page
• Use a one-inch margin on all sides
• Avoid abbreviations
• Quantify accomplishments wherever possible
• Place all dates on the right side of the resume
• Maintain consistent font style, spacing, indentation, capitalization and bullet style
• Use a font size that is easy to read – 11 or 12 pt. is recommended
• List experience in reverse chronological order
• Use phrases that start with action verbs
• Maintain consistency with verb tense with phrases in the experience section

Resume Do's and Don'ts:

Don't

• Use meaningless phrases such as “seeking a challenging position”
• Start phrases in the experience section with “responsible for” or “my responsibilities included”
• Begin phrases with “I” or use complete sentences
• Exaggerate your experience or your GPA
• Use a font smaller than 10 pt.
• Include references --- they should be on a page of their own
• Include any demographic information (age, race, gender) or photographs on your resume

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Email resume to:

careersffhs@daretolearn.org

Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?

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What is the purpose?

Cover Letters Made Easy

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• Developing the Body of the Cover Letter�
• Research – Read the job description.��Select – From the job description, select 2-3 key responsibilities or qualifications that you possess.��Substantiate – For each of the 2-3 responsibilities or qualities that you have picked, develop a specific example that represents how you have previously performed similar tasks or displayed similar qualities/skills. (This evidence can come from your previous work or academic experiences.)

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Cover Letters Made Easy

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• Writing a Cover Letter�
• Your resume heading with contact information
• Date
• Name of contact person, Title�Organization name�Street Address�City, State, Zip Code
• Dear (contact person):
• Identify the person with the power to hire (department heads, etc.), and avoid personnel or “Dear Sir/Madam”. Use the internet to do your research.

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Cover Letters Made Easy

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• Opening Paragraph�
• Indicate the position for which you are applying or the general field to which your background applies. Mention how you became aware of the position (e.g. through advertisement, referral, etc). .

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Cover Letters Made Easy

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• Body of the Letter

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• Provide evidence that supports the 2-3 job responsibilities or qualities you found in the job description and mentioned in the “thesis statement” of your first paragraph. In other words, you will be explaining how your experiences and training relate to the responsibilities or qualities that you have chosen to highlight from the job description.

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Cover Letters Made Easy

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• Closing Paragraph�
• Ask for an interview and thank the employer in advance for their time and consideration.

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Dear Mr. Michaelson:

I am responding to your employment opportunity that was advertised in the classified section of the Outer Banks Today Online Journal (OBX Today). It stated that you were looking for a person who has basic carpentry experience and the ability to multitask.

In my current and previous positions, I have gained valuable experience working with a wide variety of carpentry tools. I have also been afforded the chance to serve as a project manager on several school related projects among my peers and education program at First Flight High School. I think my blend of coursework and experience would be an asset to your organization.

I would like to arrange an agreeable time to meet with you regarding the above stated position. I’ve included my resume as an attachment. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

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John J. Smith

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Sample Cover Letter

Sample References

Main Points:

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• Name
• Position or Title
• Company
• Contact information including an email and phone number
• Possibly relationship to you.. i.e. supervisor, mentor, trainer, etc

MAKE SURE…

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1. They are aware and it’s ok to use as reference.
2. Information is correct
3. Not a family member

Preparing for Employment

(The Interview)

Interview

Top 10 Interview Tips

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1. Arrive early early & make a good first impression (dress?)
2. Make eye contact, show maturity and social skills with EVERYONE
3. Greeting the interviewer (handshakes, maybe not these days)
4. Show your Energy, Enthusiasm and be Genuine
5. Know your strengths and challenges prior to going on an interview
6. Be prepared… do your homework on the company and potential questions, how to dress, notepad and pen, etc. (Research)
7. Know how to answer questions…
8. Always have at least two questions at the end of the interview
9. Practice...practice...practice.
10. EFFECTIVE FOLLOW UP….

Thank you note or follow up

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE….

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Follow up with a thank you!

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• Tells the interviewer you are interested and gives you a chance to stand out from others
• Thank you also allows you to follow up on questions or answers you wanted to emphasise or reiterate from the interview.

The Absolute Don'ts:

• Take a cell phone into the interview
• Chew gum during the interview
• Air personal problems
• Criticize former employer or teachers
• Bring anyone with you to the interview with you
• Answer discriminatory questions

Examples:

Do you have any disabilities?

What is your religion

What is you age?

Do you have children?

Are you single, married, divorced, orientation?

The Absolute Don'ts (Continued):

• Wear heavy cologne or perfume
• Wrinkled Clothes or inappropriate clothing
• Attitude

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Sample: Interview Questions

Questions?

Location: Student Services/Counseling Office

Contact: careersffhs@daretolearn.org or wallindu@daretolearn.org or romanoca@daretolearn.org

Website: First Flight High School CTE Department

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BONUS SLIDES:

Additional resources and reference material

(Don’t be afraid to use your friend Google)

Writing Tips for High School Students

• Make an Outline (Collect all your info at once)
• Keep it Short
• Include Informal Work Experience
• Include All Your Activities
• Promote Your Attitude and Performance
• Mention Your Achievements
• Use Action Verbs
• Include Resume Skills
• Proofread Your Draft
• Review Resume Examples

100 Great Action Words

Additional Action Verbs:

References:

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Indeed.com

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-reference-list

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Mass.edu

https://www.mass.edu/gearup/documents/WritingaResume.pdf

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ResumeGenius.com

https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-examples/high-school-student-cover-letter-sample

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Smith, A.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/ditch-resume-objective-what-to-do-instead

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Saucy, C.

https://study.com/academy/popular/high-school-interview-questions-tips.html

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Thebalance.com

https://www.ccboe.com/schools/stcharles/images/careercenter/Job_Interview_Tips_for_High_School_Students.pdf

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Workplace Etiquette

Make Positive Impressions

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• Posture
• Dress Code
• Clean Work Spaces
• A Firm Handshake
• Be Alert
• Kindness and courtesy count!
• Arrive early to work each day.
• SHOW INITIATIVE

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Communication

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• Check your email!!!!
• Return phone calls and emails within 24 hours
• Ask before putting someone on speakerphone.
• Personalize your voicemail 
• Emails at work should be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
• Never say in an email anything you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
• Avoid Aggressive Emails

How to Show Initiative

• Do things without being told
• Be curious - Ask questions and learn about your workplace
• Find out what you need to know to be successful
• Take advantage of opportunities
• Keep going when things get tough - ask for help if you need it
• Express your ideas
• Work with your team & build relationships
• Offer help when someone needs it

Professionalism

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Enthusiasm and Attitude

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Communication

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Preparing for Employment

(Dress for Success)

NC Career Development Week

(November 14-18)

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Camie Romano, WBL Coordinator

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Duke Wallin, Career Development & CTE Coordinator

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First Flight High School

Mr. Wallin’s Top 10 Takeaways to Dress for Success

1. Clothes: Color, Style and Fit
2. Clean, Showered & Shaved
3. Pay Attention to Details
4. Be Careful of Piercings & Tattoos
5. Wear Appropriate Attire
6. Light Fragrance
7. Follow your Superiors and not Your Peers
8. Reflect the Image of the Company
9. Accessorize, but don’t go Crazy
10. Demonstrate Confidence

Business Formal vs Casual

Simple Rules to Follow

Why You Should (Always) Dress for Success

Dress Better in 2022 (Men’s Fashion)

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Tips for Women

• Acceptable dress includes a suit (skirt or slacks) or conservatively tailored dress.
• Traditionally, skirts should be knee-length. Slightly shorter or longer are also acceptable.
• Avoid blouses or sweaters that are transparent, tight fitting, have low necklines, revealing waistlines or details that detract from your face. Always wear plain-style, non-patterned hose to interviews. The color should flatter your skin tone. A neutral color is always safe. For some industries, you may choose to wear hose that coordinates with your skirt.

Tips for Women (Continued)

• Perfume should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or offend the interviewer. When in doubt, do not wear perfume.

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• Apply natural-looking makeup and clear nail polish. This keeps the focus on the interview.

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• Wear flat shoes or low pumps in colors that avoid making your feet a focal point. Be sure your shoes are clean and polished. Avoid shoes that hinder walking fast. This lowers credibility. Avoid open-toed shoes since they are often associated with social agendas.

Tips for Men

• Wear a matching suit in navy, black or gray (pinstripe or solid), or a navy blazer and gray dress slacks.

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• Select a white or a light blue dress shirt that contrasts with the jacket and/or tie. Typically, arms should be covered to the wrist. Exposing arms by rolling up your sleeves is interpreted as less powerful and is less formal.

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• Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. The tie should coordinate with your jacket and pants, but it should contrast with the color of your shirt. The half-Windsor is a good knot for just about any occasion or style of shirts.

Tips for Men (Continued)

• Socks should be calf-length or above the calf. Choose colors such as dark blue, black or gray.
• Select lace-up (not slip-on) dress shoes. The color should be dark or should blend with your pants.
• Select a leather belt that visually blends with or matches your shoes.
• Minimize jewelry. Avoid a necklace. Wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch.
• A full-length coat can be worn over your suit, but avoid casual coats.
• Cologne should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or offend the interviewer(s). When in doubt, do not wear cologne.

Questions?

Ms. Camie Romano, WBL Coordinator (Work Based Learning)

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Dr. Duke Wallin, CTE Coordinator (Career Development & Special Populations)

Location: Student Services/Counseling Office

Contact: careersffhs@daretolearn.org or wallindu@daretolearn.org or romanoca@daretolearn.org

Website: First Flight High School CTE Department

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Reference/Resource

2022) Angelo State University, Dress for Success,Information retrieved from online source