Goals:

• prepare an application form and a resume
• identify the parts of an application cover letter
• discuss the online application process

Key Terms:

• application form
• resume
• career portfolio
• cover letter

Applying for Employment  

• Application Activities The application process may start in several ways. You may fill out an application form you have received from the employer. Some businesses have online applications. You may also apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter. These documents may be mailed in via the post office or sent a email attachments.
  Personal Data Sheet – a summary of your important job-related information. It should list you education and work experience as well as your references. Preparing your personal data sheet will insure that you will have all the necessary information to fill out the application form.
  Application Form –asks for information related to employment. The form gives the employer standard information about each job applicant. Typically the application will ask for you name, address, Social Security number, education, work experience, the for which you are applying and references.
  Filling out the application form should be viewed as your first job task. Follow directions carefully. Answer all questions completely.
  Resume – a tool that provides information about you to potential employers. Two of the most popular types of resumes are experience-based and qualifications-based. In an experienced-based resume, experiences are listed in order of work history. In a qualifications-based resume, your abilities and experiences related to the job for which you are applying are highlighted.
  Resumes usually include the following sections:
                  Personal information:  Name, address, phone, email
                  Career Objective:  Personal employment goal
                  Education:  Schools attended, dates, degrees, programs of study
                  Experience:  Work and volunteer activities with dates and responsibilities
                  Career-related Honors & Other Activities:  Awards, school and community service
  Be sure your resume is presented in a professional manner – clean, organized, and with NO ERRORS. Limit your resume to one page. Use a form that will highlight how your skills will contribute to the company’s needs.
  Remember that resumes are usually skimmed quickly. Important phrasing might include: fluent in Japanese, proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Cisco network certification, research ability, leadership skills, overseas study, and international experience. Use action words that demonstrate what you have achieved.
  When preparing a resume, be completely honest about your qualifications. Employers check resume information. Providing false information can cause you to lose a job. False information found out after you have been hired, can lead to your dismissal and long-term career problems.
  References are not usually included on the resume. Have this information on hand when requested by prospective employers. Prepare a list of people who can give a report about your character, education, and work habits. These individuals may be teachers, previous employers, supervisors or coworkers. Be sure to obtain permission from the people you plan to use.
  Career Portfolio provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills. A career portfolio may include:
                  Resume, cover letter, and answers to sample interview questions
                  Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects
                  Web site designs, creative works from school activities or previous employment such as  
                  ads, packages, and promotions
                  News articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have
                  participated
                  Letters of recommendation
  A career portfolio can show your abilities in a tangible manner to prospective employers. These materials will communicate your initiative and uniqueness.
•  Application Cover Letter –expresses your interest in a specific job. Think of these as a sales letter for the purpose of obtaining an interview. Like any good sales letter, a cover letter should draw attention and interest. It should build a desire to meet you.
  A cover letter usually has three main sections:
                  Introduction – your cover letter should begin by getting the reader’s attention. Next,  
                  indicate the reason for writing. Refer to the job or type of employment in which you are
                  interested. Give a brief summary of your experience and qualifications. If applicable,
                  mention the name of the person who referred you to this organization.
                  Development – this section should highlight your background and experiences that
                  specifically qualify you for the job. Connect your skills and background to specific
                  organizational needs.
                  Conclusion –the final section id designed to request action – ask for the opportunity to 
                  discuss your qualifications in more detail. Request an interview. Include your contact
                  information, telephone numbers, times when you are available, and email address.
                  Make sure your email address is professional. Close the letter with a summary of how
                  you could benefit the organization.  Create a personalized cover letter for each position
                  for which you apply.
  Targeted Letter – this letter provides a quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of the organization. A target letter will include a list of major skills and competencies. Your goal is to emphasize achievements and skills so you will be invited for an interview.

Online Application Process – many people are using the internet for career planning activities. When researching potential employment is the most common computer use, jobseekers also apply and interview online. Because the internet is less personal, do not overlook other job search methods – phone calls, ads, job fairs, and personal contacts.
Online applications allow you to apply online. You may also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the available position. When posting your resume online or sending it via email, be certain to use a simple format. Avoid bold, underlines and tabs. Also, do not use attached files that may be difficult to open.
Cyber resumes posted online may be scanned for key words. To identify candidates with the necessary job qualifications. Use words and phrases that might make you attractive as a job candidate.
Cyber Interviewing – Many companies  hold screening interviews using video conferencing. Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online. These “e-interviews” may involve questions such as: “Would you rather have structure or flexibility in your work?” and “What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?”