Modules 27 and 28 for June 15th

Module 27 covers resumes.  Just like any other piece of writing, you have to plan, write, and revise when making your resume.  So what makes an employer pay attention to your resume?  You have to make sure that your qualifications fit the job and company.  You need to list everything you’ve done and more, emphasize your achievements, show that you know the industry you’re applying to, and also make it appealing to the eye.  Also, you have to decide which resume you need to use.  There are chronological and reverse chronological resumes, which summarize what you did in a timeline, and a reverse one goes backwards.  There is a skills resume, which obviously lists your skills and experience.  There are some very handy examples on page 478-481 and 484-485.  You should look at these!  It’s also important to choose the right words for your resume, especially since you only have a brief length to say everything in.  No matter which resume you chose to use, you have to have a career objective, summary of qualifications, education, honors and awards, and references.  Career objectives should be very brief and be like the job description.  I think it’s very important for me to say that in your resume you should list everything you have ever achieved!  Also, don’t think you have to follow these basic categories.  You can add your own.  Also, your resume doesn’t have to be one page either, because some have tons of qualifications.  FYI, if you need a resume to scan, you just take out all the formatting.  There’s an example on page 491.  If a resume is requested online, you just follow the employer’s instructions on how to submit it on their website.  Video resumes are only appropriate when asked to give one.  Moving on with Module 28, the main purpose is to write a job application letter to get the interview.  In the letter you need to focus on separating yourself from any other applicant.  You also need to express your professionalism.  You can use a solicited letter, which is when you know the company is hiring.  You can use a prospecting letter, which is when you want to work for the company.  When the company is hiring, use a summary sentence or paragraph stating your interest.  When the company is not hiring, do not ask for the job in the first paragraph.  These letters are the same when it comes to having to list your qualifications in the body of the letter.  Remember to show your knowledge and separate yourself!  You can use T-letters if an employer prefers them (ex. page 509).  Always remember to just use a full page.  Most importantly, use you-attitude and positive emphasis!  An obviously, if a company wants it by e-mail, e-mail it.