Write a couple of paragraphs about yourself that answer the following questions:

What do you want to do for a living?
What made you decide on this career?

Professionalization Project

The professional goal for this project is to ready yourself for entry into the job market—and, ultimately, to land that great new job. Toward this end, each student will write a resume in the format required for class (paying special attention to job descriptions and layout). Remember that initially your job documents have a specific purpose: to persuade the uninterested reader to take an interest in your application and to want to interview you. There are several ways to complete this assignment.

You will need to research a potential job and the company, and then write a resume and cover letter tailored to the job. Remember that initially your job document has a specific purpose: to persuade the uninterested reader to take an interest in your application and to want to interview you.

Resume

The Assignment

This document is meant to provide an accurate and complete beginning for your professional resume.  To this end I will be reading it as an instructor and as an outsider (such as an employer). Be sure to pay close attention to the details (alignment, grammar, etc.) and include all sections:

Personal Information

Objective Statement

(Qualifications Section)

Education

Employment Experience

“Activities"

Pitfalls of the Past

Low Level Revision—Before you turn in your resume make sure you look at the handouts and PowerPoints passed out in class.  While there are several ways to complete a resume, to allow for consistency in grading, you need to follow the instructions in class

Job Descriptions weak—Overgeneralized information.  Doesn’t use verb action result format in job descriptions.

Incomplete Research—Elements of resume (particularly job descriptions and Objective Statement) are vague or do not reflect objective goals

Not focusing on Audience—Not enough info / inappropriate information

Sloppy Layout—Not using tables to organize the information (you can tell when this happens), inconsistent use of bold italics, etc.

Grading

You must demonstrate an understanding of the format conventions for the resume. Be sure to:

Consider format conventions for the resume

Use a tone and level of detail appropriate to audience

Show an awareness of visual layout, design and organization

Use consistent and appropriate use of font formatting (Font change, bold, italics, case change)

Use quadrant visual layout

Address the content listed above

Omit personal information other than your name and address

Omit high school information

Omit Reference section

Omit Skills section

Three part structure to job descriptions, school activities

Use only partial sentences in your resume (NO complete sentences)

Clearly reflect that the review process has been considered

This resume should be no more than 1 page long

Cover Letter

The Assignment

Each student will write a cover letter based addressed to a company which was researched. Be sure to:

Address your letter to a specific person

Discuss where you heard of the job.

Reflect information from the job ad.

Make your goal clear to readers.

Preview the rest of your letter.

Highlight your strongest qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

Demonstrate how these qualifications will benefit the employer.

Refer employers to your enclosed resume.

Conclude by asking for a personal interview.

Use specific and active language.

Grading

You must demonstrate an understanding of the format conventions for the business letter. Be sure to consider:

Standard business letter format

Header

A clear opening paragraph which details the purpose of the letter

Body paragraphs which emphasize qualifications

Conclusion

Demonstrate an awareness of visual layout, design and organization

Address the content listed above

Clearly reflect that the review process has been considered

This letter should be no more than 1 page long.

Total Assignment Value: 180 Points

Items to Turn in

In order and stapled or bound. All documents should be printed in black and white

Cover Letter

Resume

Resume Drafts (Each one that you brought to class)