The cover letter is your opportunity to go beyond the information the resumé provides and to allow you to showcase talents, skills, and interests that don't show up on the resumé but are still important for the position you are seeking. It will also display your writing ability and your attention to detail, so be sure you edit carefully.
question
Read the cover letter below and answer the question that follows.
To whom it may concern:
I am interested in the job I saw postd in the lunchroom at Jefferson high school. I've babysat neighborhood children a couple of times and I think it'd be fun to work in a preschool.
Children seem to like me and I don't mind hanging out with them. It's pretty easy to keep them amused. I know that working at the preschool will be different than being in someones house, but I think I can handle it. I learn quickly and am pretty flexible about most things.
I'm looking forward to talking to you about this position. I can't start until after the holidays, but I can work any afternoon except Fridays.
Thanks!
Lisa Sullay
How can this letter be made more effective?
answer
The writer needs to revise this letter so it has a more professional, business-like tone. It is too casual. The letter also lacks specific details that could encourage the reader to call her in for an interview. For example, she could add information about specific things she does when babysitting that go beyond the expected and that relate to the position she is seeking at the preschool. She also needs to proofread the letter for errors and make sure that everything is correct. Currently, there are misspellings and punctuation errors.
question
Which tone would be most appropriate for a cover letter to accompany your resumé?
answer
friendly, but business-like
question
What can you find in the Occupational Outlook Handbook?
I. information about education and physical requirements for jobs
II. your starting salary with expected increases in experience
III. volunteer and entry-level jobs related to career choices
answer
I and III
question
Which kind of resumé would be best for someone with little job experience?
answer
The best choice for someone with little work experience would be a functional resumé because it emphasizes the skills and experience gained over the particular job itself or the length of time worked. Because some employers dislike this format, a second choice would be the combination resumé, which combines the chronological listing with the emphasis on skills and qualifications rather than employment length or position.
question
Explain why you should review and revise your resumé even if you are not currently looking for a new position?
answer
You should keep your resumé up to date even when you are not job hunting because you have all of the details and contact information readily available to you at that time. If you wait until you've moved on to another job, it may be more difficult to remember all of those details. Additionally, resumé and cover letter requirements and styles do change over time, and what was expected in a career field now may not be acceptable in a few years. It's important to submit a resumé that fits the current style and expectations, or you will look foolish and will probably not be hired.
question
What information goes in the "evidence" section of your resumé?
I. qualities and skills
II. education
III. work experience
answer
II and III
question
What kind of resumé is the best choice for someone with little work experience?
answer
a functional resumé
question
Why is it important to review the job posting before you complete your resumé?
answer
so you can tailor your resumé to the position
question
If you don't have much job experience, what can you put in that section of a resumé or application?
answer
You can include volunteer work in place of paid work. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities, clubs, or other organizations in which you have been active. Include leadership positions and honors awarded as well.
question
The two main parts of a resumé are __________.
answer
assertions and evidence
question
How often should a resumé be updated?
I. once a year
II. anytime something changes
III. with each new job
answer
II only
question
Analyze the resumé below and answer the question that follows.
EXPERIENCE
Pet Sitter
2005 - 2006
Provided pet sitting services including dog walking, feeding, and giving medications as needed
Child Care Giver
2006 - 2008
Provided child care for up to 3 children at a time after school, on weekends, and during school vacations
Prepared meals and snacks
Head Start Aide
May 2009 - August 2010
Assisted teacher with development and preparation of materials and photocopying
Tutored individual students
Supervised small groups of students during center's time and on field trips
How should this resumé be revised to be more effective?
answer
The applicant should arrange the work experience in reverse chronological order.
question
What is a good way to determine what keywords to add to your resumé?
answer
reviewing want ads for the target position to identify keywords
question
Who might benefit from using a functional resumé?
answer
a first-time job seeker who has volunteer experience
question
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
I. to give the potential employer your employment history
II. to add more detailed information about experiences and skills
III. to ask questions about the position, salary, and sick leave policies
answer
II only
question
In what ways should an electronic or scanned resumé differ from a printed resumé?
answer
Special formatting should not be used, and an electronic resumé should be saved as an RTF.
question
Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.
To whom it may concern:
I am interested in the job I saw postd in the lunchroom at Jefferson high school. I've babysat neighborhood children a couple of times and I think it'd be fun to work in a preschool.
Children seem to like me and I don't mind hanging out with them. It's pretty easy to keep them amused. I know that working at the preschool will be different than being in someones house, but I think I can handle it. I learn quickly and am pretty flexible about most things.
I'm looking forward to talking to you about this position. I can't start until after the holidays, but I can work any afternoon except Fridays.
Thanks!
Lisa Sullay
Evaluate the tone of this cover letter. Is it appropriate?
answer
The tone is too casual, and the letter contains many errors.
question
How are scannable resumés different from other kinds?
I. They cannot include any personal information.
II. They must not include any formatting and can only be saved as RTF files.
III. They should include the job posting at the top of the resumé.
answer
II only
question
How is examining your personal qualities and skills useful in writing a resumé?
answer
It helps you remember skills and experiences to list.
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