Need some advice on a job

[StarWarsGirl]

I'm applying for my first job. It's an on-campus job as a video broadcaster. Thankfully, between theater, Journalism, and Televideo club in High school, I've got plenty of experience. I could really use some advice on how to write a cover letter, as well as anything you guys think I should include in my resume, etc. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[PUSH]

Résumé- should be professional, obviously. List awards, honors, clubs, activities, etc. Include your name at the top along with your phone number, email, and any other contact information that might be needed. You'll also need two or three references from people who are NOT FAMILY MEMBERS. I know it sounds obvious, but people do it all the time, and there's nothing that says "I'm still dependent on mommy and daddy" like including them as a reference. You can either list the references as "References available upon request" or include their names, phone numbers, etc on your résumé. I don't recommend the former, but if you do choose that method, be sure you actually have some people lined up. Another thing with references, ask the people first.

As for making the résumé itself, look at template online. I don't recommend downloading one, though, because employers can tell a lot of the times.

Cover letter- Again, should be professional looking. Here's a link with some good information, it's pretty much what I include whenever I need to write one. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/covertemplate.htm


And I've stated it a couple times already, but it is, IMO, the most crucial part of a résumé/cover letter... MAKE IT LOOK PROFESSIONAL!! If it doesn't look of high quality, or if it has spelling errors, a lot of people will throw it away without looking at the content. One missed comma can be the difference between getting a job and not... literally. Some places don't look at names or anything right away, they just look at how it's set up, and if it's formatted correctly and have a "yes" or "no" pile that they place it in. So be sure to make it look professional, I can't stress that enough.

Lecture done.

 

[luv]

I always used a template from Word. My cover letter was one or two short sentences, when I did those. I always did the "References available upon request" thing, but nobody ever called any...or asked for any.

I am not the queen of getting jobs, though. I got one job from a rėsumė and the rest were through people - the résumé was just for HR. Push is the one to follow!

When you get a job and they give you your list of Job Duties or whatever, hang onto that. Then use it next time you need to make a resume. Makes it very easy.

 

[PUSH]

I always used a template from Word. My cover letter was one or two short sentences, when I did those. I always did the "References available upon request" thing, but nobody ever called any...or asked for any.

I am not the queen of getting jobs, though. I got one job from a rėsumė and the rest were through people - the résumé was just for HR. Push is the one to follow!

When you get a job and they give you your list of Job Duties or whatever, hang onto that. Then use it next time you need to make a resume. Makes it very easy.

One or two sentences? Wow. I've always been taught that it should be three paragraphs.

And just for the record, I'm not the king of getting jobs, either.

 

[luv]

One or two sentences? Wow. I've always been taught that it should be three paragraphs.

And just for the record, I'm not the king of getting jobs, either.

Yup. One sentence usually.

"My objective is to find a position in the field of (Parking) as a (Hand Waver)."

I always figured it was a formality and that nobody actually read it. But I could be WAY off base there!!!

 

[emcclay]

Yup. One sentence usually.

"My objective is to find a position in the field of (Parking) as a (Hand Waver)."

I always figured it was a formality and that nobody actually read it. But I could be WAY off base there!!!

The "objective" should actually be one of the first things on your résumé after your contact information. Cover letters should be a few paragraphs specific to that company/job/thanking them for their time and consideration.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Résumé- should be professional, obviously. List awards, honors, clubs, activities, etc. Include your name at the top along with your phone number, email, and any other contact information that might be needed. You'll also need two or three references from people who are NOT FAMILY MEMBERS. I know it sounds obvious, but people do it all the time, and there's nothing that says "I'm still dependent on mommy and daddy" like including them as a reference. You can either list the references as "References available upon request" or include their names, phone numbers, etc on your résumé. I don't recommend the former, but if you do choose that method, be sure you actually have some people lined up. Another thing with references, ask the people first.

As for making the résumé itself, look at template online. I don't recommend downloading one, though, because employers can tell a lot of the times.

Cover letter- Again, should be professional looking. Here's a link with some good information, it's pretty much what I include whenever I need to write one. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/covertemplate.htm


And I've stated it a couple times already, but it is, IMO, the most crucial part of a résumé/cover letter... MAKE IT LOOK PROFESSIONAL!! If it doesn't look of high quality, or if it has spelling errors, a lot of people will throw it away without looking at the content. One missed comma can be the difference between getting a job and not... literally. Some places don't look at names or anything right away, they just look at how it's set up, and if it's formatted correctly and have a "yes" or "no" pile that they place it in. So be sure to make it look professional, I can't stress that enough.

Lecture done.

My high school did a really good job of teaching us how to do resumes, so I had one in my computer files that I used when applying to college (and one that when I interviewed with my school the admissions officer said it was one of the best he'd ever seen) that I edited for this job. The application is online and included an area for references, so I included my Journalism teacher/newspaper editor from high school since she can vouch for my writing ability and work ethic and my peer tutoring sponsor from high school since she can vouch for my work ethic and leadership skills.

It's more the cover letter that I'm worried about. I really, really want this job, and no one taught us how to do cover letters. But I will check out the page you provided.

 

[CtDisneyGuy33]

I review Resumes that come in to my work fairly often. Be concise and to the point with your abilities, so if its more than say a page, I usually don't go through it all.

Your resume should have the last couple jobs, or at least ones that are fairly relevant, aka, don't tell me about being a paperboy when you are applying for a medical job.

Your cover letter should simply introduce you, explain your interest in the job and how you are looking forward to meeting with the future employer to discuss your credentials or goals. Don't try to get the job with your cover letter alone.

Also, if you say you "have references", have them. You don't want the employer to be calling your parents or family to vouch for the job.

Good Luck- if you have any other questions, I'm sure everyone can help here

 

[Becky]

I'm applying for my first job. It's an on-campus job as a video broadcaster. Thankfully, between theater, Journalism, and Televideo club in High school, I've got plenty of experience. I could really use some advice on how to write a cover letter, as well as anything you guys think I should include in my resume, etc. Any help would be appreciated!

Please take this the way I mean it. Having a few years experience matching employers with potential employees I can tell you that this, "Need come advice on a job", will result in a quick trip to the circular file for your application. Please proof read, proof read and when you think you are done proof read. By the way I did NOT spell check this but then I am not looking for a job.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Please take this the way I mean it. Having a few years experience matching employers with potential employees I can tell you that this, "Need come advice on a job", will result in a quick trip to the circular file for your application. Please proof read, proof read and when you think you are done proof read. By the way I did NOT spell check this but then I am not looking for a job.

Whoops! Tablet typing at midnight! Don't worry; not using the tablet for the resume.

Don't worry; I took two years of journalism. I proofread important stuff.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Applied for the job. Hopefully will hear back next week. Thank you @PUSH for that link to the cover letter. It was extremely helpful.