Page 310 - Keys to College Success

visions. How are they similar, and how are they different? How do the differences make you
feel, and how do they affect your family members emotionally? Finally, discuss how you
plan to manage the situation if what you envision is significantly different from what others
want for you.

Real-life writing: Create a résumé. On one electronic page or sheet of paper, list infor-
mation about your education (where and when you’ve studied, degrees or certificates you’ve
earned) and your skills (what you know how to do, such as use a computer program or
operate a type of equipment). On another, list job experience. For each job, record job title
(if you had one), dates of employment, and tasks performed. Include tasks that demonstrate
skills. Be as detailed as possible. When you compile your résumé, you will make this mate-
rial more concise. Keep this list and update it periodically as you gain experience and
accomplishments. Plan for Career Success
Using the information you have gathered and Key 10.6 as your guide, draft a résumé. There
are many ways to construct a résumé. Consult resources for different styles (your library or book-
store will have multiple resources, or look online at sources such as Resume-Help or Monster.com).
You may want to format your résumé according to a style that your career counselor or instruc-
tor recommends. Also, certain career areas may favor a particular style of résumé (check with
your career counselor or an instructor in that area).
Keep this résumé draft in hard copy and on a computer hard drive or disk. When you need
to submit a résumé with a job application, update the draft and print it out on high-quality paper.
For electronic submission, convert your résumé file to PDF format.

WORK IT Build Your Brand

Write a Job Interview Cover Letter

To secure a job interview, you will have to create a cover letter to accompany your résumé. With
this key communication tool, you can pull out your best selling points from your résumé and
highlight them to a potential employer so the employer wants to read your résumé.
Write a one-page, three-paragraph cover letter to a prospective employer, describing your
background and explaining your value to the company. Be creative—you may use fictitious names,
but select a career and industry that interest you. Use the format shown in Key 10.8.
■ Introductory paragraph. Start with a statement that convinces the employer to read on. You
might name a person the employer knows who suggested you write, or refer to something
positive about the company that you read in the newspaper or on the Internet. Identify the
position for which you are applying, and tell the employer why you are interested in working
for the company.
■ Middle paragraph. Sell your value. Try to convince the employer that hiring you will help the
company in some way. Center your “sales effort” on your experience in school and the work-
place. If possible, tie your qualifications to the needs of the company. Refer indirectly to your
enclosed résumé.
■ Final paragraph. Close with a call to action. Ask the employer to call you or tell the employer
to expect your call to arrange an interview.

273