Tuesday .September 29-Tuesday, October 7: resumes, cover letters and college essays.

Please refer back to this page for all information on resumes, cover letters

 and college essays.

As a graduation requirement- and even a prom-ticket purchase 

prerequisite- all seniors must participate in the senior exit interview on 

December 9 after school; this is mandated by the district. So...what does 

this mean exactly? You need to have three items for your interview folder: 

a resume (or curriculum vitae, as it's called in all other English speaking 

countries), a cover letter and a well-written writing sample. 

the plan:

Tuesday and Wedneday: September 30 

and October 1- class time resume

Thursday and Friday: October 2 and 3-

 class time cover letter

Due by the end of class on Tuesday, 

October 7- college essay. You will 

absolutely need out-of-class time to 

complete this work. 

All resumes, cover letters and college essays 

are due Tuesday, October 7 in hard copy 

format by the end of class.

 I need time to review the material and edit

 for you to correct. 

Grading: what you turn in to me is your grade; however, I will return the material for you to make corrections, so that the interviewer or college receives your best work. Only those who have no punctuation, spelling, grammatical or formatting errors will receive an A+. 

Step 1: resume
Step 2 cover letter
Step 3 college essay

I have given information on all three, there are students, who have completed some of the material. If you have done so, please give me a copy of the item. 

Resume information: I would suggest you use a resume template. There are some on Microsoft Publisher

Sample 1

ACTION VERBS

Management skills	Communication skills	Clerical or detailed skills
administered analyzed assigned attained chaired contracted consolidated coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised	addressed arbitrated arranged authored corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted lectured mediated moderated motivated negotiated persuaded promoted publicized reconciled recruited spoke translated wrote	approved arranged catalogued classified collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared organized prepared processed purchased recorded retrieved screened specified systematized tabulated validated

Step 2: cover letter

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to 

potential employers or organizations you seek to join

 (non-profits, educational institutions, etc). It is the

 first document an employer sees, so it is often the 

first impression you will make. Take advantage of this 

important first impression and prepare the reader for 

your application, stating why you are writing, why 

you are a good match for the job and the 

organization, and when you will contact him or her. 

Cover Letter templates - I given you two.  Sample cover letter format guidelines: Make sure to read the formatting information that follows and a sample for an employment position. before you begin writing. Note that that although you might not have a "real" position to which you are applying, please write yours to a college or business of your choice. Keep in mind most internships, scholarships and even assistant-ships require a cover letter. The purpose now is two-fold: to make you acquainted with the process and this is a requirement from the district for your senior exit interview, which is on DECEMBER 9.  

Here is the required spacing: 

Spacing

• Single-space your cover letter.
• Leave a space between addresses and dates in the heading.
• Leave a space between your heading (contact info) and greeting ("Dear...:").
• Leave a space between each paragraph.
• Leave at least three spaces between your complimentary close ("Sincerely,") and typed name.
• Sign your name in ink between your complimentary close and typed name.

(Hard copy: sender address and contact info at top. Your address and the date can be left-justified, or centered; your name should be in size 14 font, but the rest in size 12. Use Times New Roman or Ariel Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Number E-mail Address

Month, Day, Year

Name Last Name Title Name of Organization Street or P. O. Box Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName: If you don't know the name of the hiring manager, consider addressing your letter "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Recruiting Team," or "Dear [insert company name] Team." Do not say To Whom It May Concern. It is always best to address a cover letter to a real person to make it look like you’re not sending form letters.

Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself. This is where you will mention the job for which you're applying and how you found the job listing. It only needs to be 1 to 2 sentences in length.

2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a great deal of his or her time. Try to answer the following questions in your body paragraphs: Why am I a qualified candidate for this position? What work experience do I have that fits the job requirements in the company's listing? Why do I want to work for this company specifically?

3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.This will be where you wrap up and discuss how you will proceed with the application. Consider including the following: Reiterate in one sentence why you feel you're a perfect fit for the position. Discuss what you'll do next. If you plan on following up with the hiring manager in a week or two, include a specific date. Otherwise, just say that you look forward to interviewing for the position and discussing your qualifications further. Provide your contact information. Include your email address and your phone number so the hiring manager can get in touch with you. Mention that your resume or references are attached (if applicable). Thank the person for their time. This paragraph should be 2-4 sentences.

Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature; leave three spaces for your typed name. Your name typed

(In case of e-mail, your full contact info appears below your printed name [instead of at the top, as for hard copy], and of course there is no handwritten signature) Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)

Your Contact Information
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address

Date

Employer College Contact Information 
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact or using Dear Hiring Manager or  Dear Sir or Madam or one of the other examples below)

Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.

 (First Paragraph - Why you are writing?)

Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.  

Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer the employer (be specific)

Final Paragraph 
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Final Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Signature

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature

Length

• Keep to one page.
• Write one paragraph of introduction, one-three paragraphs to highlight your skills, and one paragraph to conclude.

                                  

Sample Cover Letter 1

John Doe

200 West First St

.

Auburn, ME 04211

E-mail:jdoe@email.com

Phone: 207.555.0145

---

                                                                                                                

September 10, 2012

Sally Jenkins

ABC Company

123 Main St.

Auburn, ME 04211

Dear Ms. Jenkins,

I am writing to inquire about possible openings at ABC Company for a research assistant. I am interested in a senior level position offering the opportunity for travel and advanced research assignments.

As a professional administrative assistant with excellent research skills, I am eager to contribute my abilities and experience to ABC Company. Given my extensive training and background, I believe I can help ABC Company meet its goal of providing only the most accurate and timely information to its clients.  

Please find enclosed my resume and a list of my references. Feel free to call me at 207.555.0145, to arrange a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Enclosures: 

SAMPLE 2

Dear Mr. Adams,

I’m submitting an application for the editorial position you advertised on SuperJobs on September 

10.

I've spent the last year and a half working full-time as a writer and editor for a publishing company 

that specializes in educational content. During that time, I've logged thousands of hours doing

 everything related to the editorial process, including copy editing, proofreading, content entry, and 

quality assurance. I currently manage a team of over 40 freelance writers who work on a variety of 

different subjects, and I ensure that the quality of every submission meets our high editorial 

standards. I'm also very familiar with English grammar and usage and have no trouble adapting to 

various style guides.

What I like most about my current job is that it gives me the opportunity to learn and be creative,

 and it looks like this position would do the same. I feel that I could be a valuable asset to your team, 

and I bring to the table all of the skills that you require in an editor.

I look forward to discussing my qualifications further and can be reached by email at 

npeterson@email.com or by phone at 460.555.0198.

Thank you so much for your time.

Best,

Nicole Peterson

Step 3: Common Application questions for 2014-2015

     Suggestions: although there is a cap at 650 words, it is suggested that you stick to no 

more that 550, as "brevity is the soul of wit." 

You do not need an MLA heading. Only your first name. You will be uploading this 

eventually.

• 1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.   
• 
  
• 2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure.  How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• 
  
• 3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea.  What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• 
  
• 4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content.  What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• 
  
• 5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.