cover letters, resumes, interviews

What does a resume show?

shows what you have done

what cover letters show?

explains why you are a good fit

Why do These Documents Matter?

• First impressions

• Shows professionalism

• Helps employers review qualifications

• Used for jobs, internships, scholarships, and programs

What Is a Cover Letter?

• A short professional letter that introduces you

• Explains your interest in a role

• Highlights strengths

• Encourages the reader to learn more

Parts of a Cover Letter

<Opening>

Contact information

Employer information

Date

<Middle>

Greeting

Opening paragraph

Body paragraph

Closing paragraph

<End> 

Signature

What does a resume include?

Education

skills

experience

achievements

Main Resume Sections

Contact Information

Profile/Summary

Education

Skills

Experience

What to include?

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Professional Email
• City and State

what to not include?

• Nicknames
• Unprofessional email addresses
• Too much personal information

Resume Section: Profile / Summary

This short section introduces you professionally. Usually 2–3 sentences describing:

• Who you are

• Your strengths

• Your goals

• Relevant experiences or interests

what should you include in the education part?

• School Name
  Expected Graduation Year
  Areas of Study or Interest

• Optional additions:

  • Relevant coursework
  • Academic achievements

What are hard skills and examples?

technology skills, they include:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Google Docs / Google Slides
• Adobe Creative tools (basic)
• Social media platforms

what are soft skills and examples?

professional skills, they include:

Communication
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Time management
• Organization
• Customer service

what about the experience part?

For high school students, experience does not have to be a formal job. Examples may include: Internships,  School clubs, Sports teams, Volunteer work, Community service, Helping family businesses, Babysitting, Group projects, Event support

what is the difference between cover letter and resume?

cover letter: written in paragraphs, explains interest, adds personality, and explains motivation

resume: organized in sections, lists qualifications, easy to scan, and summarizes experience

why do interviews matter?

• Employers compare candidates

• Candidates show personality and communication

• Helps employers decide who fits best

• The interview is what makes the difference

what are the four types of interviews?

1. skills-based

2. behavioral

3. situational

4. general

what is a skills-based interview?

show What you CAN do

what is a behavioral interview?

show What you HAVE DONE

what is a situational interview?

show What WOULD you do

what is a general interview?

Getting to KNOW you

what is the STAR method?

A technique used in interviews to answer questions by structuring responses around four key components:

Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation

What was happening?
Describe the background or setting

Task

What was your responsibility

What were you expected to do?

Action

What did YOU do?
Explain the steps you took and skills you used

Result

What happened in the end?
Share the outcome or what you learned