Part 1: Filling Out a Job Application

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before starting, have the following details ready:

• Personal Information (Name, Address, Contact Details)
• Work History (Previous jobs, Company Names, Dates of Employment)
• Education (Schools Attended, Graduation Dates, Degrees Earned)
• References (Names, Contact Information, Relationship to You)
• Skills and Certifications (Relevant to the job you’re applying for)

2. Follow These Steps

• Read Instructions Carefully: Ensure you understand all requirements.
• Fill in All Required Fields: If a question doesn’t apply, write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank.
• Use Professional Language: Avoid slang and abbreviations.
• Double-Check for Errors: Spelling mistakes can leave a bad impression.
• Be Honest: Do not exaggerate your experience or qualifications.

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Part 2: Creating a Resume

If You Have Experience

1. Choose a Format

• Chronological: Lists work experience in order, starting with the most recent.
• Functional: Focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than work history.
• Combination: Mixes both chronological and functional formats.

2. Resume Structure

1. Contact Information
   • Full Name
   • Phone Number
   • Email Address
   • LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
2. Professional Summary
   • A brief 2-3 sentence overview of your experience and key skills.
3. Work Experience
   • Job Title, Company Name, Location
   • Dates of Employment
   • Bullet points highlighting achievements and responsibilities.
4. Education
   • Name of School, Degree Earned, Graduation Date
5. Skills
   • List hard and soft skills relevant to the job.
6. Certifications & Awards (Optional)
7. References (Optional or “Available Upon Request”)

Example: Customer Service Representative | XYZ Retail | 2020 – Present

• Assisted 50+ customers daily with inquiries and purchases.
• Trained new employees on store policies and customer service best practices.

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If You Have No Experience

1. Focus on Skills & Education

• If you have no work history, emphasize skills, education, volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities.

2. Resume Structure

1. Contact Information
2. Objective Statement (Instead of a professional summary)
   • Example: “Motivated high school graduate with strong organizational and communication skills seeking an entry-level position in retail.”
3. Education
   • Name of School, Degree, Graduation Date
   • Relevant coursework (if applicable)
4. Skills
   • Computer Skills, Communication, Teamwork, Customer Service
5. Volunteer Work / Internships / Extracurricular Activities
   • Example: Community Volunteer at Local Food Bank (2023)
6. References (Optional)

Example: Volunteer | Local Animal Shelter | 2022-2023

• Cared for animals and assisted with shelter events.
• Helped with administrative tasks such as record-keeping.

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Final Tips

• Keep it to One Page (Especially for entry-level applicants)
• Use a Professional Font (Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, size 10-12)
• Save as a PDF to maintain formatting
• Customize Your Resume for each job application
• Use Action Words (e.g., “Managed,” “Organized,” “Assisted”)

How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer, explain why you’re a great fit for the job, and showcase your enthusiasm. Cover letters are usually optional but its a great chance to standout. If you struggle writing the cover letter, you can use tools such as Chat GPT to write one for you. Follow these steps to write an effective cover letter:

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1. Structure of a Cover Letter

a. Header (Your Contact Information & Date)

At the top of your cover letter, include:

• Your Full Name
• Your Address (Optional)
• Your Phone Number
• Your Email Address
• The Date

b. Employer’s Information

• Hiring Manager’s Name (if known)
• Company Name
• Company Address

c. Greeting/Salutation

• If you know the hiring manager’s name, use: “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• If you don’t know the name, use: “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “To Whom It May Concern,”

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2. Writing the Body of Your Cover Letter

a. Opening Paragraph (Grab Attention)

• State the position you’re applying for.
• Mention where you found the job listing.
• Briefly introduce yourself and your excitement about the role.

Example:
“I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in [your field/skills], I am eager to contribute my skills to your team. I learned about this opportunity through [mention source] and believe my experience in [relevant skills] makes me a great fit.”

b. Middle Paragraph(s) (Showcase Your Value)

• Highlight relevant experiences, achievements, or skills that match the job description.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications.
• Explain why you’re a good fit for the company.

Example:
“In my previous role as [Previous Job Title] at [Company Name], I successfully [mention key achievement]. This experience honed my skills in [mention relevant skill] and allowed me to [impact you had]. I am confident that my ability to [specific skill] aligns well with the goals of [Company Name].”

c. Closing Paragraph (Call to Action)

• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time.
• Mention that you are looking forward to an interview.

Example:
“I would love the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experience align with this position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to the possibility of joining your team!”

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3. Closing & Signature

• Use a professional closing statement like:
  • Best regards,
  • Sincerely,
  • Thank you,
• Sign your name (typed or handwritten).

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4. Additional Tips

✅ Keep it short and to the point (one page).
✅ Customize it for each job by matching keywords from the job description.
✅ Use a professional, friendly tone—avoid being too formal or too casual.
✅ Proofread for grammar and spelling errors before submitting.
✅ Save and send as a PDF to keep formatting intact.

By following these steps, you can create a strong job application, cover letter and resume, whether you have experience or not. Good luck!