Preparing for Applying to a Job After Graduating

Instructions:
1.    Preparation:
•    Review the assigned learning materials to date (Modules 1 to 3).  
•    Update (or create, as appropriate) your resume AND cover letter.
    Pick a current job posting for a position you would want to apply to after you graduate (i.e. not a temporary, retail, or food service position).  
    Make sure the resume and cover letter represent CURRENT facts (do not make it appear as though you have already graduated).
•    Conduct interviews with at least two business professionals, to whom you are not related, who are qualified to give you feedback on the effectiveness of your resume and cover letter.  

    Work your network to find qualified interviewees: 
    The people you interview need to be qualified to comment on resumes/cover letters:  they have hired people in the past.  
    The interviewees need to be able to give you feedback from the perspective of Canadian employers.
    Your classmates are part of your network – a relative of someone else in your class is a valid source.  
    A representative from the Career Centre is also a valid choice.

    Conduct these interviews in person (not by email or telephone; video conferencing is a viable option if necessary).  
    Prepare and print out your questions in advance.
    Take thorough, hand-written notes during the interview; if you wish, request written permission to record the interview (bring a permission form with you).
    Respect the professional’s time. Ask follow-up questions, but try to keep the interview to 20-30 minutes.
    Record the full name of the interviewee, and the date of the interview.

Best practice tip: start the process of setting up these interviews VERY early.  Busy professionals may need to reschedule once or twice; the first person or two you contact may not be available at all.  You will NOT receive an extension on this assignment due to last-minute interviews falling through.
2.    Report Content and Format:
•    Create an informal information report in letter format that summarizes what you now know about the quality and content of both your resume and cover letter.
•    Address your report to ME, as your instructor, and copy both professionals you interviewed.  Remember to include appropriate “position” details for all.
•    Follow all of the letter document formatting rules laid out in the Letter Guide (SLATE).  Pay close attention to detail.
•    Your report must include a clear introduction, indicating the purpose and context of the report, as well as the methodology used to gather the information in the report.
•    Content in the report must be organized using a minimum of two descriptive headings.  Additional headings (and sub-headings), including functional headings, may be added.  Remember that informal reports do NOT include the heading “Introduction” before the first paragraph.
•    Conclude the report with a clear summary (under an appropriate heading) and provide a courteous closing with a call to action and contact information.