Entering the World of Work

Chapter 7: Applying for a Job

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
An electronic résumé is a résumé designed specifically for use on a computer. It can be read on a computer screen, saved on a computer hard drive or disk, sent over the Internet, located by search engines, searched for by keywords, converted into other electronic file types, and printed. An easy way to post a résumé online is to put it on an Internet résumé bank. Some résumé banks are on individual company Web sites and some are on Career Web sites.
Follow these steps to post your résumé on a Career Web site, such as Monster.com.

1. Click on “log in.”
2. Follow the instructions to register. You will have to provide an ID name and a password. You may have to provide other information including your name and address.
3. Click on “create account.”
4. Copy your résumé onto your computer clipboard.
5. Paste your résumé into the space provided on the web site.
6. Click on “submit.”

Point of View
Follow these steps to write a skills summary:

1. Choose two or three of your strongest skills categories. Your skills categories should be broad. Some examples include attention to detail, dependability, responsibility, initiative, communication skills, problem-solving skills, sales skills, customer service skills, or computer skills.
2. Write three or four bullet points for each skill you chose. Your bullet points list your experience with the skill. For example, if you listed communication skills, your bullets points might be • work in a clothing store; • was a class mentor: • interviewed students and adults for the school radio station.
3. Start each bullet point with an active verb. Use the past tense for actions you did in the past. Use the present tense for actions you are still doing. For example, if you are currently working in a clothing store, you would write, “work in a clothing store.” If you no longer work there, you would write, “worked in a clothing store.”

Making Good Choices
It is never okay to lie on a job application. If Ana lies on the job application form, she may loose her job later because of the lie. Think about ways Ana could show her plant skills without lying on her job application form. Perhaps on her résumé Ana could include any classes or workshops she has taken on plants and gardening. She could show the employer her Personal Career Portfolio evidence of her skills, such as photographs of her house plants or class projects. She could include any volunteer work related to gardening that she has done. She could ask people she has helped in their gardens to write letters of recommendation.
         Think about what you would do in Ana's place? Remember, it is never okay to lie on a job application.