From TeenHealthCentre.com

Information Centre
Getting A Job
By Teen Health Centre
Jan 26, 2005, 18:31

Resume Writing

  • A resume is a one or two page document that summarizes your skills, education, experience, extracurricular activities, and achievements.

  • You will need a resume when you apply for a job.

* You MUST make sure that your resume is free of grammar and spelling errors!*

Effective Resume Organization

  • YOUR I.D.

    • Full name, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address

    • Do Not Include: birthday, SIN number, health status, height, weight, marital status, religious beliefs, political affiliations, personal pronouns such as “I”

  • JOB OBJECTIVES (optional)

    • Write about what kind of job you are looking for

    • You may want to include some short and long term goals

  • EDUCATION

    • School name (expected graduation date)

    • Grade Point Average (only if B+ or above)

    • Other special work-related skills or training

  • WORK EXPERIENCE

    • List your jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent jobs go first)

    • List the name of the company you worked for and where it was located, your job title, the time period during which you were employed, and duties you performed.

  • SKILLS

    • List any specific skills you may have (e.g. computer skills, foreign language, research)

    • List general skills (e.g. communication, organizational, human relations)

  • EXTRACURRICULAR/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

    • List any clubs, associations, sports, community activities (showcase your involvement and leadership skills)

    • Include any unusual hobbies that would require discipline or development of a special ability

  • REFERENCES

    • You could provide the names and phone numbers of three professionals who would be glad to recommend you (ALWAYS ASK FOR THEIR PERMISSION FIRST!)

    • Another option would be to state that “References are available upon request” – make sure you have a list handy if you are called to provide the references. 

The Cover Letter

  • A good cover letter presents a picture of who you are.

  • It connects the skills and experiences you highlighted in your resume to those that are required or recommended for the position you are seeking.

  • It is a good idea to include the exact name and title of the person responsible for hiring.

  • It is also a good idea to mention where you heard about the job and why you think you would be a good candidate for the position.

For more examples of a cover letter check out www.quintcareers.com.

To take a funky quiz go to www.quintcareers.com/test.html.

The Interview

  • The interview allows the potential employer to assess you in person and to understand your background and suitability for the job.

  • It is also your change to convey in person your desire to work at a particular establishment and to provide the interviewer with greater detail about your previous work experiences, academic qualifications, and extracurricular activities.

How to Prepare for the Interview

  1. RESEARCH YOURSELF

    • Identify your abilities, goals, skills, experiences, values, personality, strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes.

    • Identify your accomplishments and give examples.

  2. RESEARCH THE JOB/COMPANY

  • Find out as much about the company as you can 
    (e.g. size, location, business activities)

  • Match your abilities to the job

  • Check out job requirements and working conditions

Going to the Interview

  1. WHAT TO WEAR

    • Wear clothes that are clean, neat, and conservative

  2. MANNERS AND ATTITUDE

    • Be friendly with everyone you meet.

    • Smile!

    • Arrive about 15 minutes early to check your appearance.

    • This extra time will help you calm down.

  3. ADDITIONAL HINTS

    • Be honest.

    • Be yourself.

    • Listen to the interviewer.

    • If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to clarify.

    • Bring along a few copies of your resume and a list of references.

  4. QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE ASKED

    • What do you know about our company?

    • Tell me about yourself

    • What are your major strengths?

    • What are your weaknesses?

    • Why did you apply to work for this company?

    • Why should we hire you?

Internet Web Links

http://www.yes.on.ca/asp/index_nf.asp

http://www.thewercs.windsor.on.ca/

http://www.yworker.com/english/ywa_eng.htm

The following links are Canadian web sites:

 The Youth Resource Network of Canada: www.youth.gc.ca

 Young Canada Works: www.pch.gc.ca/YCW-JCT

 Student Connection program: www.scp-ebb.com

 


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