LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL - JOB HUNTING? (PART 1)

It may be summer! graduation is finished, prom was successful but now it's time to enter the job market.
This can be a scary time for many, especially high school or college graduates.
When introducing yourself to a possible employer for the first time, it is important to create a resume or what most know as a "CV".Before you create a resume, it is important to include a "cover letter". This is a single-page letter that you include with your job application. A well-written resume is a key part of any job application. It can convince employers to interview you, or even hire you. It can also sell your strengths even if you don't have much paid experience.

Here are a few great points to get started.

COVER LETTER

You should always include a cover letter, unless the job advertisement clearly says not to.
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for) show that your skills and experience match the skills and experience needed to do the job encourage the reader to read your resume finish with a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting).


What to include in your cover letter?

• Your name and contact details

These details go at the top of your cover letter. You don't have to give your postal address, but you do need to include your email and phone number.

Your email address should create a professional impression. Don't use an email address like: HotboyGirl2019@bmail.com.

If you don't have a professional email address, you can make one with a free email provider. Make it simple – something that includes your first name and your last name is a good way to go.

• Their name and contact details

Under your own name and contact details, you should include:Name of the person you're writing to and their position or the name of their company their contact details.

How long should a cover letter be?
Keep it short. A cover letter is meant to be a summary of your resume, so don’t write more than one page.

Match your cover letter to the job!
Use a different cover letter for each job you apply for. Your cover letter needs to show that you know what the job involves, and what the employer is looking for.

To do this, be specific about your skills and qualities. You also need to show how they match the needs of the job or the organisation.

Here are three simple ways to make your cover letter as specific as possible:

1. Find out who to address it to:

Try not to address your letter ‘To whom it may concern’. 

Find out the name of the person who will read your application. This might take a little effort, but it's worth it. 
TIP: You can use ‘To whom it may concern’, but it’s best to only use this as a last resort.

If you found the job in an advertisement, it will probably name a person to send the application to. If it doesn’t, call the employer or advertiser and ask who to send the application to. Telephone is best, but email them if you can’t find a contact phone number.
If you find out the person's name, don't use their first name. Use either ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’ and their last name instead.

2. Find out more about the job description:

When finding out who to address your application to, you could also try to contact that person so you can ask questions. This can help you match your cover letter (and resume) to the job.

Questions you could ask:
Does the job involve working as part of a team?
Who would I be reporting to if I got the job?
Can you tell me more about the kind of person you're looking for?
Is there a position description I can look at? 
(Only ask this if the job advertisement doesn’t mention a position description.) Write down the answers to these questions as they can be used in your cover letter.

3. Find out more about the company:

Find out more about the company so you can tailor your cover letter for the job. 

Here are some tips:

• If you know the name of the company, look for information online.
• If the company has a website, visit it (especially their ‘About us’ page).
• If the company name isn't in the advertisement, call the recruitment agency or advertiser and ask who the employer is.
• Find out what the employer does, and how they talk about themselves. Use this language in your cover letter.