Cover Letter Review

Until I was asked to write a cover letter I had never really heard about them.  I know what a résumé is, but I have never had to make one before.  Writing as cover letter and having it reviewed allowed me to see the reason why they are so necessary.  A cover letter is the first introduction that is usually given when applying for a job and it needs to make a good and lasting impression.

• Explain what the letter is and what job is being applied for
• Give plenty of information about why you would be able to help the company, not things they can do to help you.
• Close with a suggestion of a face-to-face or over-the-phone interview
• Write "Enclosure" at the end of the letter to inform the reader that there should be an enclosed résumé with the letter.

Mock Interview

I have never had a real job interview before.  While I was on my mission I attended a full 12 hour career workshop that taught me how to speak positively about myself and tell others that I was the right one for the job.  Doing this interview now, almost 2 years later, has renewed some of the things that I learned before about how to have a successful interview.

• Eye contact!  This shows confidence and honesty
• Be prepared to answer a variety of questions ranging from personal questions to asking questions to the potential employer
• Remember the interviewer's name; this will impress them at the end of the interview.

Résumé Review

Once again, I have never had to write a résumé before.  I have only had jobs that were literally given to me and I have never had to go on a job hunt.  I count myself lucky that I have never needed to go without work, but also I think it has been a bit of a hindrance in my life because I lack some of the skills that it takes to be a successful job hunter.

• Write school and work experience with the most recent one listed first
• Make your name BOLD and LARGE at the top of the page
• Make the résumé specific for thew job that you are applying for.  Sometimes there are one or two things that you would want to show off for one company, but they are not applicable for another job that you may apply for.

Career Workshop

I attended a full 12 hour Career Workshop on my mission and this 3 hour version was a great review for me.  I was able to remember many of the things that I learned in the course when I took it previously.

• I have..., I can..., I am...  These statements are very powerful and necessary when talking about yourself.
• Using somewhat "flowery" words can be a help
• It is very important to use specific numbers or figures when you are explaining accomplishments.  The employer wants you to paint a mental picture with a lot of detail.
• Smile and be positive, even when telling about a weakness you may have.  Always change what you say into something positive

Vision Conference

The Vision Conference was not as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I have heard people say many negative things about the BYU-I Learning Model, but I actually enjoyed learning about it.  I think that it is a very effective way for students to learn.  My family was here the other weekend and we did a tour of the campus with the Student Ambassadors and our guide explained the Learning Model to everyone and my dad really thought that was a fantastic thing that BYU-I emphasizes student interaction so much.

• It is not only helpful, but essential for students to interact and to build off of each other's ideas
• Lecture and regurgitation techniques are not as effective as the Learning Model
• The Spirit is the teacher of all truth and can help us in all classroom experiences

About the Author: Bryan H Gifford

Bryan H Gifford grew up in good ol' Sin City, Las Vegas Nevada. Some would say that Las Vegas is not a very good place because of the connotation of the town, but growing up in an LDS family surrounded by a myriad of youth allowed him to embrace his childhood and teenage years and remain a faithful member of the church.  
He loves the outdoors and is a hard worker.  He has worked in construction for more than 5 years in various positions and has worked on many large-scale projects in Southern Nevada.  Currently he is attending Brigham Young University - Idaho and is pursuing a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing and a secondary emphasis in Mechanical Engineering.  
He hope to one day own his own business or businesses and wants to develop and sell real estate and also have a metal fabrication shop.

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