Session 12:
Develop Job Search Skills
7th Edition
Take Hold of Your Future
JoAnn Harris-Bowlsbey, Ed.D.

At the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Construct effective résumés and cover letters.
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Objectives

• Purpose – to present a clear and concise picture of skills,
training, and experience in order to get a job interview.
Résumés
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• Chronological – organized by standard topics, listing all
education and work experiences in backward chronological
order.
• Functional – organized by skills, listing work experience as
examples under each skill.
Kinds of Résumés
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• Identifying information.
• Career objective (optional).
• Education.
• Work experience.
• Skills.
• Special activities and interests (only if relevant to position).
Content of Résumés
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• Must be attractive, neat, correct in English.
• Have some characteristic that sets it apart.
• Must tie applicant’s skills to position.
• Be easy to read and have clear headings.
• Be not more than two pages in length.
• Be printed on high-quality paper with cover letter on same
paper.
General Principles
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• Address to a specific person, not title.
• Include the title of the position for which you are applying.
• Describe how your qualifications meet the requirements of
the position.
• Indicate how you might benefit the employer.
• Tell employer how to reach you.
Principles for Cover Letters
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