Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 2 The Skills to Compete 31 manufacturing industry and what you want to accomplish, you must first consider what your future employer wants to see in you and how to pres- ent yourself as a qualified applicant. When you are ready to apply for employment, you will need to know the appropriate steps to take. Having a well-prepared résumé is an impor- tant first step. You will also need to organize and update your portfolio. Knowing how to write an acceptable letter of application is another goal. Finally, you will want to practice your interviewing techniques. 2.4.1 Your Résumé A résumé is a brief outline of your education, work experience, and other qualifications for work. A well-written résumé can help you get an inter- view. You will need to include several sections on your résumé (for an example, see Figure 2-16). Make sure that your résumé is precise and error-free. When an employer requests you send a résumé via traditional mail, make sure you print your résumé on high-quality, neutral-colored paper (white, gray, or cream colors). Along with the résumé, you need to develop a list of references. A reference is an individual who will provide important information about you to a prospective employer. A reference can be a teacher, school official, previ- ous employer, or any other adult outside your family who knows you well. You will need at least three references. Always get permission from each person to use his or her name as a reference before actually doing so. Your list of references, along with their titles, phone numbers, and addresses, should be kept private. Share this list only with an employer who has interviewed you and asks for your references. You can also have your references write letters of recommendation for you. These give an employer a more in-depth look at your skills. Choose people who know you well. Make sure you choose references who are good writers, since they will be representing you. Ask as many people as possible—then you can choose the best letters to submit to employers. 2.4.2 Letter of Application The letter of application is often the first contact you have with a potential employer. It can make a lasting impression. It should be neat and follow a standard form for business letters. If you are applying by traditional mail or submitting your letter in person, the paper you use should be ivory, white, or a neutral color and free of smudges and mistakes. Use a standard font to give the letter a professional look, be sure to check spelling and punctuation, and have several people read the letter and offer advice for improving it. You should include a copy of your résumé with your letter of application. A sample letter of application appears in Figure 2-17. It provides a good example for responding to a job ad. The letter should be brief and to the point. It should include the following items: ■ Title of the job you seek ■ Where you heard about the job ■ Your strengths, skills, and abilities for the job ■ Reasons you should be considered for the job ■ When you are available to begin work ■ Request for an interview