Title: Apply for Work
Course: CTS1131 Hardware Configuration

Introduction

The resume is the most important tool in your effort to find a job. Very few people seek employment without a resume. Everyone should always have a current and well-designed resume available. In addition to coaching you on how to design and develop your resume, this module will instruct you on how to write a cover letter that will set you apart from the crowd. Finally, we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of job interviews.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Prepare and present introduction and qualifications in written format to a prospective employer.
- Complete an employment application
- Identify key words on your resume for an online job search
- Demonstrate knowledge of career through the resume
- Negotiate a salary

Lecture

- Designing Your Resume (PowerPoint Presentation) - A comprehensive presentation on what resumes are, how they can be used, and how to design a winning resume. Remember to read the instructor's notes.
- Developing and Using Your Cover Letter (PowerPoint Presentation) - A thorough description of how to structure and write a cover letter to accompany your resume. Remember to read the instructor's notes.

Readings

- What Are Resume Key Words? - This article from Career Builder.com explains what key words really are and how you know if you're using the right ones.
- Guide to the Best Key Words for Your Job Search - This article provides techniques to make your resume easy to find by company search engines.
- Optimize Your Resume for Searching - More tips on how to get search engines to find your resume.
- Building a Winning Resume - A list of steps that will help you build a successful resume.
- Microsoft Word Resume Templates - Microsoft makes templates for every type of resume available for download.
- Personal Branding 101: How to Discover and Create Your Brand - The rise of social technologies have made branding not only more personal, but within reach.
- Match Your Military Experience to Civilian Jobs - Career One Stop provides resources for veterans who are transitioning to work or education.
- Military Crosswalk - This site uses military titles or job codes and finds civilian equivalent occupations.

Media

- Job Interview Tips (Part 1) (Youtube video) - This video provides five quick tips for a job interview. Snagajob.com offers a growing list of videos on how to land a job - from writing a resume to interviewing. Subscribe to the Snagajob YouTube channel.
- Stand Out Resumes (CareerSpots video) - This video tells how to craft your resume so that it stands out.
- The Cover Letter (CareerSpots video) - Explains how a cover letter can break you out of the generic mode of job applicants.
- Salary Negotiations: Do's and Don'ts (Youtube video) - A career development expert provides tips on how to negotiate your salary.