Soft Skills GD

I. LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
A well-written introduction is an important requirement of the Career Portfolio. This letter introduces you to prospective employers and colleges. It should be both personal and informative and spotlight your best work. A letter of introduction serves as a first impression. It is critical that you address—
Why you are interested in this position/business/college (if you do not have a particular
position/business/college in mind, choose one that might interest you).
Your career aspirations and goals.
The skills and abilities that would make you successful in a particular career or at a
particular college.
Why this business or college should select you.
This letter should be no longer than one (1) single-spaced, typewritten page. Be sure that it is typed neatly and is both grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.

Preparing a Resume
A resume is a summary of a person’s qualifications. Effective resumes use short statements to inform potential interviewers about important facts regarding the applicant and to catch their attention. The important facts:
Who you are.
How you may be contacted (mail, telephone, e-mail).
Your experiences, skills, and abilities for the position.
Think about yourself. What skills do you have? What should a potential interviewer know about you? What achievement(s) could you highlight to help you get the interview?
Draft a resume. Each resume should be personal and reflect your individual strengths. Basic guidelines for an effective resume:
Type and spell-check it.
Have another person proofread it.
Make it look professional.
Make it short--one page if possible.
Omit personal pronouns.
Use action verbs when describing your job responsibilities.
Sample Resume
JESSICA NADEAU
42 Washington Avenue
Auburn, Maine 04240
(207) 555-5555
jnadeau@emailaddress.com
Career Objective: Computer support technician in central Maine
Education: High School Diploma, June 2002
Edward Little High School, Auburn Heights, Auburn, ME 04210
G.P.A. 3.2 Class Rank: 45 out of 411
Honors and Awards:
Honor Roll for last three semesters
Perfect Attendance Award for the last two academic years
Relevant Courses:
Introduction to Computer Repair I Introduction to BASIC
Database & Spreadsheets Word Processing I
Computer Experience: Neighborhood "Computer Expert" - 2001-present. Performed
troubleshooting for several friends and relatives who were having difficulty
with their hardware or software.
Network Assistant {volunteer) - Edward Little High School.
September 2001-May 2002. Assembled 20 computers for new computer
laboratory, loaded software on each one, and networked them.
Other Experience: Waitperson, Rolandeau's, Auburn, Maine. Summer 2001.
Provided efficient, friendly, quality service in busy fine dining atmosphere.
Child care provider - Freeport. Maine. Summer 200. Provided safe, warm
environment for two children aged 4 and 7. Supervised their self-directed
play and prepared meals and snacks.
Activities: Soccer Team - 1998-2002 - Co-captain 2000-2002
Civil Rights Team - 2002
Soup Kitchen Volunteer - 1999-2001
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SAMPLES OF WORK
Your portfolio should include samples of your work. You are responsible for selecting and gathering these samples. Choose samples of which you are proud—work that shows care and planning. This section of the portfolio demonstrates what you can do and how well you can do it.
Wherever possible, choose samples that display skills appropriate to the position for which you are applying.
Samples of work that are three-dimensional and cannot be placed in the binder may accompany the portfolio. However, instead of the sample itself, your portfolio can include a photograph and a note explaining the physical item. Please also include notes where necessary to explain a little about when, why, and for whom a project was completed. If you were responsible for only part of the project, explain your contribution.
Possible examples of academic work:
Research papers, book reports, essays
Math projects
Science projects
Exams that show achievement
Computer projects
Mechanical/technical drawings
Other samples of work:
Pictures, projects, descriptions of activities relating to personal interests and hobbies (i.e., photography, poetry, cooking, woodworking, etc.)
Pictures, projects, descriptions of activities relating to community involvement outside of school (i.e., Scouts, religious organizations, 4-H, etc.)