This document provides lessons on preparing job application materials such as resumes, cover letters, and preparing for interviews. Some of the key lessons include creating master lists of previous addresses and jobs, keeping a consistent header across all application materials, maintaining a master resume with all experience to tailor resumes to specific jobs, and anticipating common interview questions to prepare talking points about skills and experience.

1. JOB
APPLICATION
MATERIALS
Lessons I’ve learned about resumes,
cover letters, writing samples, and
prepping for interviews

2. Create master lists
Lesson

3. Lesson
Create master lists
Address list of everywhere you’ve lived
Employer contact list of every job you’ve had

4. Lesson
Create master lists
Address list of everywhere you’ve lived
Employer contact list of every job you’ve had
Update each time you move or get a new job

5. Lesson
Create master lists
Address list of everywhere you’ve lived
Employer contact list of every job you’ve had
Update each time you move or get a new job
Keep handy for filling out applications or
background checks

6. Lesson
Brand yourself with one header

7. Lesson
Brand yourself with one header
Use it throughout all your application
materials: resume, cover letter, reference
list, first page of writing sample

8. Lesson
Keep a master
resume

9. Lesson
Keep a master
resume
Include every single
job, and every single
thing that you’ve
done.

10. Lesson
Keep a master
resume
Include every single
job, and every single
thing that you’ve
done.
Use that to create
tailored resumes for
each job application
accordingly

11. Lesson
Consistency is key

12. Lesson
Consistency is key
Make sure each level of your resume is formatted
the same: uniform job titles, uniform employers,
uniform dates, uniform headers

13. Lesson
Convert submission docs to PDFs

14. Lesson
Convert submission docs to PDFs
Lock in the format so it won’t change when
printed or viewed on different screens

15. Lesson
Save a copy of the
job description

16. Lesson
Save a copy of the
job description
Save as a PDF from
Chrome or use a tool like
CutePDF Writer

17. Lesson
Save a copy of the
job description
Save as a PDF from
Chrome or use a tool like
CutePDF Writer
Store with the
application materials for
that job

18. Lesson
Create basic
“talking points”

19. Lesson
Create basic
“talking points”
Think about each
major transferrable
skill you have:
customer service
leadership
organization
attention to detail
research and writing
communication
using technology
etc…

20. Lesson
Create basic
“talking points”
Write 2-4 sentences on
each of those skills.
Summarize
experience, class
work, results.
Articulate: What do
you bring to the table
with this skill?

21. Lesson
Use those talking points in cover letters

22. Lesson
Use those talking points in cover letters
Look closely at the job description. Which transferrable
skills are required?

23. Lesson
Use those talking points in cover letters
Look closely at the job description. Which transferrable
skills are required? Choose 3 that fit you well and turn
your talking points into bullet points in the body of your
cover letter.

24. Lesson
Keep recognition

25. Lesson
Keep recognition
Create a folder of
emails, notes and all
recognition you’ve
received from
employers, professors,
colleagues, when
working on major
projects, etc.

26. Lesson
Keep recognition
Incorporate significant
results from
recognition into your
resume and talking
points.
Review this folder
before an interview to
help pump yourself up

27. Lesson
Use a cover page on your writing sample

28. Lesson
Use a cover page on your writing sample
Include your header. Put the sample into context:
What was it written for? Did you omit parts?

29. Lesson
Create writing samples of different
lengths and different types

30. Lesson
Create writing samples of different
lengths and different types
straight memo, persuasive brief, research
paper, article, etc.

31. Lesson
Prep for interviews
by reviewing

32. Lesson
Prep for interviews
by reviewing
Your recognition
folder
Your master resume
Your talking points
The job description

33. Lesson
Try to anticipate possible questions

34. Lesson
Try to anticipate possible questions
When asked “tell me about yourself” use
your talking points, not your life history

35. JENNY WEIGEL
I analyze. I strategize. I tell
the story behind the scenes.
Check me out on:
@weigellaw goo.gl/O9FoLB /in/jrweigel
“tell me about yourself” use your talking
points, not your life history

36. Image Credits
• Lesson 1 | The list by sunshinecity:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/985725985
• Lesson 4 | Keep your fingers away from my butter! by Pulpolux !!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pulpolux/386352311
• Lesson 7 | Casino Jack Screening in New York City by Jens Schott Knudsen:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pamhule/4542656646
• Lesson 8 | Radio Show Talking Points and Notes by Michael Porter:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/libraryman/4479055769
• Lesson 10 | Beacon, Wind Vane, Float and Rope by Verona Stellett: Sculpture
in Context 2012 by William Murphy:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/7952325880
• Lesson 11 | Do NOT Compare! by Harald Hoyer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hhoyer/3249473645
• Lesson 12 | Preparation by Garrett Coakley:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrettc/3386398736
• Lesson 13 | Anticipating….. by Daniel Go:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielygo/7212581720