LICENSE is a legal document given by the government that permits a person to offer to the public his or her skills

and knowledge in a particular jurisdiction where such practice is granted by the appropriate authority to applicants or candidates who have fulfilled certain establishments requirements Permits the nurse to practice within the country or state and gives him/her the privilege to represent as LICENSE

NEED FOR LICENSURE 1. To protect the health of the people by establishing minimum standards which qualified practitioners must meet 2. Important tool for legal control and enforcement of nursing practice 3. Used to gather statistical data about nurses and nursing in the country 4. Discourages certain persons who may be tempted to misrepresent themselves as nurses

PRC -Chairperson Hon. Nicholas P. Lapena Jr. -Professional Regulation Commission - Komisyon sa Pamamalakad ng mga Propesyonal -established June 22, 1973

FUNCTIONS as Judicial

. Investigates cases against erring examinees and professionals. . Its decisions have the force and effect of the decisions of a court of law, with the same level of authority as a Regional Trial Court

. After the lapse of the period within which to file an appeal, Commission decisions become final and executory.

as Legislative Formulates rules and policies on professional regulation.

as Executive Administer, implements, and enforces the regulatory policies of the national government, including the maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto.

REGISTRATION

is the recording of names of persons who have qualified under the law to practice their respective professions.

Phil. Nursing Act of 2002,R.A 9173 sections 12 and 20 state that license to practice nursing shall be issued to those who pass the licensure examination or by reciprocity

Registration by Reciprocity RECIPROCITY means mutuality in the grant and enjoyment of privileges between persons or nations. It is a relation established by law, treaty or agreement between the two countries or states, whereby each country or state grants citizen of each other, the privilege of being admitted to the practice of the profession within their respective territorial jurisdiction is based on the principle of Do Ut Des which

means that for a country to expect a favor from another, it should be willing to give a corresponding favor. Provided

That the requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this act Provided That the laws of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizen of such foreign state or country. 1.Nurses registered in the Philippines desires to practice in said foreign country are granted under its laws the same privileges as those accorded to its citizen 2. The applicant is a nurse registered under the law of her/his country 3. The requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in a foreign country or state where the applicant is registered as nurse are substantially the same as those prescribed under this act 4. The applicant has resided in the Philippines for at least three consecutive years as provided by R.A. 5181

REGISTRATION BY EXAMINATION A. Examination and Registration Section 12. Licensure Examination All applicants for registration as a nurse and issuance of certificate of registration and professional identification card to practice nursing shall be given by the Board. Section 13. Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examination a. citizen of the Philippines b. good moral character c. holder of a Bachelors Degree in Nursing

B. Requirements for Examination

1. Original Transcript of Records ( Date of Graduation) 2. Record of the actual related learning experiences for the entire Bachelor of Science in Nursing duly signed by the Chief Nurse or her duly authorized representative in addition to that of the Dean of the college of Nursing and the Clinical Instructor. 3. Actual number of operating room scrubs and deliveries assisted, signed by the Chief Nurse or her duly authorized representative in addition to that of the Dean of the nursing school and Clinical Instructor 4. a. Birth Certificate b. Marriage Certificate c. Alien Certificate of Naturalization d. Clearance showing dismissal of case from the Court or Prosecutor Office, if any. The application form, together with requirements should be filed at the Professional Regulation Commission ten (10) days prior to the first day of the examination.

C. Fees for examination and Registration Applicants for licensure and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by the commission

D. Scope of Examination E. Citizenship Requirements The following are citizens of the Philippines (1) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of 1987 Philippines Constitution (2) Those who elect Philippine citizenship to the provisions of pursuant to the provision of the 1935 Constitution.

Section 2. A female citizen of the Philippines who marries an alien shall retain her Philippines citizenship, unless by her act or omission she is deemed under the law to have renounced her citizen Section 3. The Philippine citizenship may be lost or re-acquired in the manner provided by law Section 4. A natural born citizen is one who is a citizen of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect the Philippine citizenship

DOCTRINE JUS SANGUINIS The nationality of a person is determined by the law of his descent or parentage. The child follows the citizenship of his father

JUS SOLI The nationality of a person is determined by the law of the place of his birth, the child born in a foreign country, whatever may be the citizenship of the father is a citizen of that country.

RATING OF THE NURSING LICENSURE EXAMINATIO

An examinee must obtain a general average of at least 75% with a rating of not below 60% in any subject. An examinee who obtains an average rating of 75% but Gets a rating below 60% in any subject must take the examination again but only in the subject or subjects where he or she is rated below 60%.

RECONSIDERATION OF RATINGS

May be entertained on the grounds of mechanical, clerical or clear errors. Such request should be filed within 90 days from the date of the official result OATH-TAKING OF NURSES

All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take oath of profession before the Board or government official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering the nursing practice The schedule of mass oath taking (date and place) is within fifteen days upon the release of the results by of the licensure examination which will be press released by the PRC. The professional oath includes a pledge to support and defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance to the same, obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines and adherence to the ethical and professional standards of nursing.

RENEWAL OF LICENSE

Renewal of license every 3 years with the PRC on the form prescribed not later than the due date indicated in the PRC license card and pay the prescribed fee.

REVOCATION

means that the license to practice is confiscated either temporarily or permanently. SUSPENSION

It means that the nurse is not allowed to practice temporarily until the final judgement of the case against him or her is rendered. The license is not confiscated.

REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION . To practice nursing is not a permanent or vested right . If the conditions are breached or violated, the authority that issues such may revoke this license . A license can only be revoked for special causes

BOARD OF NURSING

Name: CARMENCITA M. ABAQUIN Members: LEONILA A. FAIRE BETTY F. MERRITT PERLA G. PO MARCO ANTONIO C. STO. TOMAS

AMELIA B. ROSALES YOLANDA C. ARUGAY

FUNCTIONS OF THE BON

1.To regulate the practice of the professions in accordance with the provisions of their respective professional regulatory laws. 2.To hear and investigate cases arising from violations of their respective laws, the rules and regulations promulgated 3.To monitor the conditions affecting the practice of the profession or occupation under their respective jurisdiction. 4.To delegate the hearing or investigation of administrative cases filed before them 5.To conduct through the Legal Officers of the Commission summary proceedings on minor violations of their respective regulatory laws. 6.Subject to the final approval by the Commission to recommend registration without examination and the issuance of corresponding certificate of registration and professional identification card 7.After due process, to suspend, revoke or reinstate certificate of registration provided by the law 8.To prepare, adopt and issue syllabi or table of specifications of the subjects for examination in consultation with the academe 9.To prepare an annual report of the accomplishments on the program, project and activities of the Board during the year for submission to the Commission and make appropriate recommendations on issues or problems affecting the profession to the Commission. DIFFERENT FIELDS OF NURSING Hospital or Institutional Nursing

1. The nurse participates in all phases of patient care of the acutely ill, the convalescing and the ambulatory patients 2. The nurse cares for the patient in the hospital or in the out-patient department and plans for the nursing care needs of the patient about to be discharge 3.The nurse performs nursing measures that will meet the patients physical, emotional, spiritual health needs while in the institution and helps him and his family plan for his further health care needs when he returns home 4.Assessment of the patients needs for nursing and planning for giving or providing the care indicated

whether this to be personal care, rehabilitation measures or health instructions. 5.Participation in research and training carried on in the hospital

ADVANTAGES OF STAFF NURSING IN HOSPITALS

1. There is always a supervisor whom one can consult if problems exist. 2.Nurses are updated with new trends in medicine and in the nursing care of the patients. 3.They undergo rotation to different units and have a chance to determine their special area of choice before they are assigned permanently in one area. 4.They have an eight-hour day and a forty-hour week duty which provide two days off. They have provisions for sick leaves, holidays and vacations with pay according to personnel policies of the institution. 5.They have the chance to get promoted to higher positions if they are qualified 6.Salary increases are given periodically according to merit system thereby increasing their initiative and best efforts. 7.They are considered an important member of the health team in providing care to the patients 8.More staff development programs are available in hospitals. DISADVANTAGES OF STAFF NURSING

1.There is great possibility of understaffing which may require nurses to put overtime work and sacrifice some of their plans 2.Because of the bulk of work, some staff nurses do not find time to improve their skills through continuing education programs 3. Administrative problems and overwork may tend to dissatisfy the staff nurse

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

Emphasis on the promotion of health and prevention of diseases rather than care of the sick. It needs a deeper involvement and close cooperation

with all the members of the health team

ADVANTAGES OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING 1.The focus of nursing care is only on the family and community health rather than on the individuals. 2.It gives the nurse a better perspective of the health conditions of the community and the health programs conceived and implemented by the government and to appreciate the nurses role in nation building 3.It maximizes efforts to improvise where there are no sufficient facilities , supplies and equipment 4.It enables the nurse to utilize various community resources and maximizes coordination with other members of the health team 5.Focus of care is more on the educational and preventive aspects. Thus, nurses have the privilege of contributing to the program for healthy citizenry especially among the rural poor 6.Individuals, families and communities are motivated to assume responsibility for their own health care

DISADVANTAGES 1.Cases found in public health nursing are limited mostly chronic or communicable diseases. 2.There are more hazards in public health than in hospital nursing , such as exposure to elements (inclement weather, heat of sun, rain ), dog or snake bites ,accidents , etc. 3.There are no fixed hours of work. The nurse may be called upon any time of the day or night. 4.Some claim that public health nursing is not as exciting nor as glamorous as hospital work 5.Facilities for care of the sick are limited so that practice or skills may also be limited 6.The public health nurse may not be immediately aware of changes or trends in the fields of medicine or nursing 7.Public health nursing is not a place for introverts. A nurse has to be outgoing to meet people 8.There is no immediate supervisor to consult in case of emergency

PRIVATE DUTY NURSE

is a registered nurse who undertakes to give comprehensive nursing care to a client on a one to one ratio. She/he is an independent contractor. The patient may be provided care in the hospital or in the home. CATEGORIES OF PDN

GENERAL PRIVATE DUTY NURSE Has the capabilities for providing basic nursing care to any type of patients. a. assessment of the physical conditions and interpretation of the significance of the findings as basis for planning the nursing care. b. Identification of emotional and social factors and relating these to signs and symptoms observed c. Application of scientific principles in the performance of nursing techniques d. Working with the patients family e. Utilization of laboratory and diagnostics tests f. Knowledge and recognition of pharmacologic effects of drugs and medications; their implications for nursing action g. Interpretation of Doctors orders concerning medicines and treatments and communicating the same effectively to the patient carrying them out promptly and accurately with understanding of cause and effects PDN SPECIALIST as a result of his or her Specialized Preparation

PDN Specialist demonstrates the following competencies a. skill in handling, operating and monitoring other complicated devices

b. Skills in interpreting data gathered from ECG,EEG, laboratory results and vital signs c. skills in observing signs and symptoms and their favorable or untoward significance in the progress of patient care d. promptness and adeptness in instituting appropriate nursing measures

QUALIFICATIONS OF A PDN PRACTITIONER

1. be a registered nurse in the Philippines 2. Documents for the current year a. Professional Tax Receipt b. PRC card c. Residence Certificate

3. have at least two years of bedside nursing experience as a professional nurse in general hospital immediately prior to application. 4. be acceptable to the Director of Nursing Service as suitable for orientation to do private duty nursing 5. be a full time private duty nurse 6.preferably have undergone a Critical Care Nursing Course 7. be a certified I.V. Nurse therapist by the ANSAP REQUIREMENTS

1. To undergo orientation in the hospital as conducted by the Nursing Service Office 2. To have the complete paraphernalia 3. To wear full white nurses uniform. Blazers may be used if required by the hospital 4. To have a medical certificate from a certified medical center or laboratory with chest x-ray result, CBC, urine and stool examination. 5. To give two character references 6. To acquire for succeeding years , certificate of three seminars or continuing education programs attended

7. To show certification as an I.V. Therapist by the ANSAP GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Although a PDN is considered an independent contractor , he/she is directly under the supervision of the nursing service in the hospital or of the Headnurse in the unit 2. The PDN is responsible for the nursing care of the patient. He/She is responsible for maintaining a safe, sanitary and healthful environment for the patient and care for the equipment used and other facilities provided in the room 3. The PDN shall endeavor to give complete nursing care before going off-duty 4. While the PDN on house case is directly responsible to the attending physician of the patient, a regular monthly service audit shall be given to the Director of Nursing Service who referred her/him for employment POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR NURSE ACCOMPANYING PATIENTS OUT OF THE COUNTRY 1. Passport and other travel papers a. Passport, paid round trip ticket and other papers should be in possession of the PDN at all times. b. A travel and accidental insurances in the amount of 50,000 pesos shall be provided for the PDN paid by the patient or representative effective 72 hours before departure and throughout the period of stay abroad while in the employment of the patient The corresponding amount of salary computed at 8 hours multiplied by 2 shifts and the number of days the patient plans to be out of the country shall be left in the Philippines for ready withdrawal by the PDN authorized representative on designated dates per agreement of parties concerned.

c.

d. A daily travel allowance in addition to the PDNs regular salary while out of the country is negotiable with the employer e. The female PDN who is caring for male patient must be provided a separate room for rest periods f. All hotel, lodging and food expenses while out of town or out of the country shall be paid by the employer

The PDN is required to a. Leave with the PDN Association the possible address of destination and tentative duration of duty

b. Report presence to the nearest nursing organization in the area c. Report to the Philippine Nurses Association the arrival in the country ADVANTAGES OF PDN 1. The chance to see life as it really is, to study human nature and to know at close range interesting people of different nationalities, cultures, religion and status. 2. The opportunity to make friends through close association with the patient and his family 3. The chance to see the world 4. The ability to own time , adjust work and private life satisfactorily and direct off-duty time into enjoyable leisure 5. The chance to keep abreast with new knowledge and procedures which provide an exciting, stimulating experience with infinite variety of problems to solve and personal satisfaction to be gleaned 6. The challenge of giving the best in providing care and having the satisfaction of seeing its result

DISADVANTAGES OF PDN

1. Some PDN creates a situation in which the patients become totally dependent on them 2. Many PDN graduated so long ago and have not upgraded their knowledge and skills 3. There are not enough nurses for night shifts , for holiday, week-ends and vacation periods 4. Being a lone practitioner minimizes opportunity for developing good relationships with other hospital personnel 5. Some PDN resent supervision by hospital staff 6.Little assistance is given by the Head Nurse when the patient is critically ill and the PDN needs help in the treatment or in changing the position of the patient 7. PDN have very little or no participation in professional activities. If they ever do , they do so on their own time and expense. 8. Nurses who are very experienced and well-qualified receive the same fees as the new graduates 9. PDN face problems in private practice being independent contractors and there is greater need for liability insurance

10. There are no retirement, insurance and medicare benefits unless the PDN provide these for themselves

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING OR INDUSTRIAL NURSING Provides and delivers health care services to workers Focuses on promotion , protection and supervision of workers health within the context of safe and healthy work environment. Make independent nursing judgment in providing health services

POINTS TO CONSIDER consideration of patients welfare must know the companys policies on personnel, insurance benefits, sick leave, pay rates, health programs, medical matters and records. Custodians of employees health records, counselors and advisers of the workers, interpreters of company policies, health and safety teachers as well as first aider to the injured. NURSING EDUCATION

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FACULTY a. be a registered nurse in the Philippines b. have at least of one year of clinical practice in a field of specialization c. be a member of good standing in the accredited professional nursing organization d. be a holder of a masters degree in nursing, education or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the government of the Republic of the Philippines SPECIAL QUALITIES OF FACULTY MEMBERS capability to promote interest in the subject they teach. competence in the particular field they teach Resourcefulness with infinite patience , understanding confidence and perseverance

expertise in providing nursing care in the chosen field aside from the qualities of good role models

MILITARY NURSING or NURSE CORPS QUALIFICATIONS have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a duly recognized university licensed to practice nursing Natural born-Filipino citizen be single or has never been married for both male and female candidates. be mentally and physically fit for military service cleared by appropriate security agencies have a pleasing personality and a good moral character be interested and willing to work in both peaceful and wartime conditions not be more than 32 years old age at the time of commission be skillful in

a. applying nursing process in meeting health/nursing needs of the people b. communicating well with others c. making sound judgement in a given situation

Height Requirements a. 62 inches for males b. 60 inches for females PRIVELEGES/BENEFITS High salary rate and allowance

a. as Second Lieutenant as the rank b. Hazard pay which is 20 0/0 of the base pay

c. cold weather clothing allowance for those assigned in cold regions like PMA in Baguio or areas abroad d. overseas pay when detailed to a foreign countries on schooling or on missions 2. Glamour and prestige of the uniform, rank and position 3. Hospitalization and free medical benefits for parents, dependents, authorized relatives with specialists care 4. Military schooling and basic training at the Armed Forces Medical Service School at the V. Luna Medical Center (VLMC) 5. Opportunity to meet people who hold key position in the AFP and in the government 6.Opportunity to attend gala ,social functions and parade and travel abroad

SCHOOL HEALTH NURSING school health must like a children a lot often work alone out of touch with other nurses, the hospital and all professional supports ADVANTAGES OF SCHOOL NURSING affords opportunity to watch children from grade to grade in school health. Hours are usually good and there is no shift duty.

DISADVANTAGES OF SCHOOL NURSING Many school nurses do not update themselves on the current issues in nursing making them unaware in the nursing practice. School nurses should enjoy working with children and should be able to work through and with others to achieve their objectives School Nurses should accept the educational functions of the school and be committed to the promotion of health through education

CLINIC NURSING Nurse acts as a receptionist ,answers phone, does the billing, takes the x-rays and ECG, changes the dressing gives injection(BCG,DPT and others) and assist in physical examinations. The nurse may even do the autoclaving of instruments, keep records , order and store supplies, make follow up calls and referrals for patients Nurses in this field must have excellent teaching and communication skills, possess good assessment skills and have good insight in order to anticipate and interpret the needs of their patients ADVANTAGES OF CLINIC NURSING Favorable working hours Satisfaction of working with people and like them in return Efficient nurses are trusted

DISADVANTAGES IN CLINIC NURSING Clinic nurses receive a slightly lower salary than hospital nurses There is a written contract setting forth the professional and personal arrangements between the nurse and the employer can be mutually beneficial INDEPENDENT NURSING PRACTICE The nurse is self-employed and provides professional nursing services to client/patient and their families The nurse reach out and offer their services rather than expect clients to seek their help Make referrals and collaborate with physicians and other discipline as needed by the client or family

CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST/NURSE SPECIALIST Nurses have specialized in education and experience beyond nursing program Requires the knowledge and skills obtained through graduate study in nursing is an expert practitioner within a specialized field of nursing.

some concentrate on cancer , rehabilitation, care of the patient with ostomies, psychiatry and others. Involve patient care, research, teaching,consultation and management.

GUIDELINES IN CHOOSING A FIELD OF NURSING QUALIFICATIONS What is your educational qualifications? Does it fit the job you are applying for? YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING What are your experiences and training? Are these relevant to the position that you are applying for? AGE AND PHYSICAL CONDITION How much physical energy is required of the job? Can you work long hours without tiring easily EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND GOALS IN LIFE How is your emotional self? Can you be calm even under stress Do you get along well with people? Will you rather be alone or in a crowd? What is your primary aim in going to nursing: earn money or have the satisfaction of helping people?

YOUR OWN OBJECTIVES AND PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE WILL DETERMINE TO A GREAT EXTENT THE KIND OF FIELD YOU WISH TO GET INTO NURSING OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD NCLEX

The National Council License Exam (NCLEX) is a test that each nurse must pass in order to obtain a license to practice nursing in the state where they will work. In the United States, licensing is under the

authority of each individual state, not the federal government. Nurses cannot apply directly to the NCLEX, but must apply through one of the states. CANADIAN REGISTERED NURSE EXAM The Nursing Entrance Test for Canada

The Canadian registered nurse exam must be written in Canada. If you want to become a registered nurse in Canada you must take and pass this exam. There are no testing offices outside of Canada and the exam is only offered three times per year. 1. The exam is a paper based test.

2. Multiple choice questions are marked by computer scanning technology. 3. 300 questions

English as a Second Language Language Requirements for a Registered Nurse in Canada If you have english as a second language and you want to become a registered nurse in Canada, your english language learning must go beyond the understanding of medical words. You must be able to competently read, write, speak, and listen to clients and colleagues in your role as a registered nurse in the Canadian Health Care System.

Language issues are always a concern in health care because it is not possible for a patient to give an informed consent if they do not fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedures they are consenting to.

IRELAND Nurses and midwives who have completed their training and gained registration in countries outside the Republic of Ireland must apply for admission to the Register maintained by An Board Altranais (The Nursing Board) prior to practicing in Ireland.

The majority of applicants with a current Nursing Registration in another developed country should have little difficulty in obtaining registration with An Board Altranais. There is a fee for assessing your application. NEW ZEALAND Nurses who have gained registration or enrolment in countries other than New Zealand must apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for admission to the register before being able to practise in New Zealand. The Nursing Council of New Zealand is a statutory authority. It governs the practice of nurses. The Council sets and monitors standards in the interests of the public and the professions. To work as a registered nurse in New Zealand, your qualification must be assessed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The Nursing Council assesses each applicant on an individual basis.

UNITED KINGDOM Nursing & Midwifery Council is the regulatory body for nursing profession in the United Kingdom. You must register with the NMC before you can work as a registered nurse or midwife in the United Kingdom.

NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL The NMC assesses whether or not your education, training and experience have satisfactorily prepared you to carry out the duties of a registered nurse or registered midwife in the United Kingdom. The NMC register is divided into parts that indicate different specialties or professions. These currently include general nursing, mental health nursing, learning disabilities nursing, childrens nursing and midwifery. In order to apply for a given part of the NMC register you will need to have actually been trained in that discipline.

INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS)

You must complete the general module and gain a mark of 5.5 in each category and an overall band score of 6.5. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for nursing registration may be required to undergo further experience with instruction through a Department of Nursing within a New Zealand educational institution. SALARY AND COMPENSATION Locally, a professional nurse employed in government receives an entry level salary of P6,000 a month in rural areas while nurses in the urbanized areas receive around P8,000 a month. In the private sector, the rate averages around P12,000 per month.

Overseas, the pay scale is much way above local rates with the US market offering a monthly salary of $4,000, the United Kingdom with $ 34,221 (17,000 entry level) and the Middle East $700 - $1,500.

APPLICATION LETTER An Application Cover Letter is also known as an application letter.

There are three types of application letters. 1) A letter in response to a known job vacancy, 2) a letter inquiring about possible vacancies and 3) a networking letter which asks for assistance with the job search. A letter of application is sent along with the resume which will provide additional information on the applicants skills and qualifications which are relevant to the applied job. The application letter provides the prospective employer a chance to take note of the specific skills, experience and achievements of the applicant. If well written this type of a cover letter can prompt the employer to form a good opinion of the applicant it lends to the first impression on the applicant, it is imperative that you write an effective application letter to make a good impression. This can be achieved by highlighting how your skills are equal to the desired skills which are needed to do the job. All cover letters have one goal in common, and that is to grab the readers attention and make the reviewer call the applicant in for an interview.

RULES:

1. The resume has to be impressive as the cover letter claims it to be. This is important as the content e cover letter has to be matched by an excellent resume. 2. The format used for the cover letter will depend on the type of job applied for. 3. A good Application Cover Letter should not only address the applicants capabilities but should also align these with the job requirements mentioned in the advertisements. 4. Make your application letter unique. Most applicants will go online and download a sample of a cover letter and will not change any items in order to make it more personal. A cover letter which is not customized will not be an effective one. 5. The opening statement should be a strong one. Instead of putting the identifying position on the left hand corner of the letter you can centre and state it clearly. 6. The letter should convey to the reader that applicant is competent, courteous and confident. 7. Keep it short. The letter should not be more than four paragraphs. It should explain why you are interested in the job and why you think you are the person that is best suited for the job. Be positive and convey your enthusiasm for the job, and finally give information as to how you can be contacted for an interview. COVER LETTER TEMPLATE Contact Information The first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information. Your Contact Information Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address Date Employer Contact Information Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code

Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph.

Middle Paragraphs: The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text. Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it. Complimentary Close: Respectfully yours, Signature: Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature

THE RESUM A resume is not just a list of accomplishments. It is your high-caliber selling agent, a sales pitch that will present you to your prospective employer in your Sunday best. Remember, a successful product is well organized, well presented, and well packaged. Its appearance on the shelf screams, "Buy me! Buy me!" You are such a product. Your resume must scream, "Hire me! Hire me!"

It's important that your resume be as strong and positive as possible. A poorly organized and haphazardly written resume tells employers that you are not serious about yourself. And if you are not serious about yourself, you are probably not serious about the job you are eyeing, either.

With your resume before them, employers can visualize how you will operate within the framework of their corporation, and how your skills and abilities will be utilized in the future development of the company. Make yourself fit the job.

STYLES AND TYPES OF RESUMES resumes styles can be divided into three general types: Chronological Functional Combination THE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME This style lists your job and education history in a reverse chronological order: you begin with the most recent and work backwards.

THE FUNCTIONAL RESUME This style does not follow a chronological order, and leaves out the names of employers, educational history, and all dates. Instead, this resume concentrates on your skills and abilities, and presents them in a clear, concise manner.

THE COMBINATION RESUME This style combines the prime elements of both the Chronological and Functional Resumes, presenting your skills and abilities in an effective manner, while at the same time respecting the demands of employers to see some sort of job chronology.

LAYOUT PERSONAL INFORMATION: Your Name Your Address Telephone, Fax Email POSITION APPLIED FOR: Employers always want to know which position you're applying for, as they might have several openings. Don't make the employer guess.

YOUR OBJECTIVES: This is your sales pitch. Keep it short. Keep it precise. Don't ramble. Stay focused. Write no more than one sentence. Or two, but only if you absolutely have to. EXPERIENCE: This is your work history. Use the chronological, functional, or combination approach whichever suits your needs. All three are good. Include the following facts: Dates of employment. Make sure you don't leave a gap in years. Employers like to see the fact that you were always employed. Even if you were unemployed, put down something that you did that was meaningful, like going back to school, or volunteering. Name and location of your employer. Type of work you did. Give not only the position title, but also a very brief description of what you actually did.

EDUCATION: Use the chronological method to summarize the skills and education that make you the ideal candidate for the job you're applying for. Don't use the shotgun approach, which means trying to get a broad coverage. Stay focused. Emphasize those skills, the education and training that specifically pertain to the position you're applying for. This is where a lot of people make themselves irrelevant by throwing in everything but the kitchen sink. Don't make the employer wade through everything you've done. Lead him through the highlights of your education and training that clearly fit the type of skills he or she is looking for. REFERENCES: You will be expected to list the names of people whom the employer can contact for information about you. Make sure you get the permission of the people you'll be putting down as references, because nothing is worse than a cold call from someone you don't expect to be calling. Give the following information about each reference: Full name (spelled correctly) Title (Mr. Ms, Dr.) Title of the position held by the referee Name of business and address

Telephone, fax, email

RESUME TEMPLATE First Last Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone (Cell/Home) Email Address Objective (optional) What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition. Career Highlights / Qualifications (optional) A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job. Experience This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements. Company #1 City, State Dates Worked Job Title Responsibilities / Achievements Company #2 City, State Dates Worked Job Title Responsibilities / Achievements

Education In the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.

College, Degree Awards, Honors Skills Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills. References available upon request There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

WHAT NOT TO PUT IN A RESUME DON'T include personal information such as: Your age Your marital status Your children's ages Your problems finding a job Hard-luck stories How difficult your life is DON'T include details about your physical shortcomings such as: Any disabilities You can't drive You've survived some trauma How you've been victimized DON'T include details that show you in a bad light such as: Any type of negativity Self-ridicule That you've never had a job before DON'T include your height, weight or photo (unless this information is specifically requested by a prospective employer). DON'T ramble on about how much you used to make in your past jobs. DON'T mention family members and their employment or interests.

These are some of the important points you should always keep in front of you. These are rules you must stick to closely.

INTERVIEW Is a face to face conference between two people.

For the employer it gives him/her the chance to assess the applicants personality, alertness in answering the questions, poise and command of the spoken language For the applicant it gives him/her a background of the institution, its potential as a working place, its objective and the working condition.

MEN'S INTERVIEW ATTIRE Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey) Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) Belt Tie Dark socks, conservative leather shoes Little or no jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Limit the aftershave Neatly trimmed nails Portfolio or briefcase

WOMENS ATTIRE FOR INTERVIEW Suit (navy, black or dark grey) The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably Coordinated blouse Conservative shoes Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets) No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry Professional hairstyle Neutral pantyhose

Light make-up and perfume Neatly manicured clean nails Portfolio or briefcase

What Not to Wear on a Job Interview Flip-flops or sneakers. Underwear (bras, bra straps, briefs, boxers, etc.) that is visible. Don't wear any underwear that shows - even if your bra straps match your top. Shorts. Jeans. Skirts that are too short. Pants that are too low-rise or too tight. Blouses that are too low-cut or too short - don't show your cleavage or your belly. More on underwear and low-rise pants - make sure the top of your thong, if you wear one, doesn't show above your pants.

What Not to Bring to the Interview Gum Cell phone Ipod Coffee or soda If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule) Cover tattoos

Interview Attire Tips Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly. Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.

If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time. Polish your shoes. Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.

Interview body language Handshake

A dry, firm hand shake reflects a strong personality and is what most employers are looking for. Limp, sweaty hands are definitely a no. This is the first body language in the interview that your interviewer will "read". Hands

Do not exaggerate hand gestures when you are talking. Try answering an interview question in front of a mirror to help you understand how much you move your hands while talking.

Eye Contact Maintain eye contact but do not stare. If you are uncomfortable with this kind of body language look at the interviewer's nose as it has the same effect. Do not let your eyes wander away from your interviewer.

Fidget: Simple - do not fidget. Avoid playing with your hair, clicking pens and the like.

Winning Interview Skills Learn and Practice Learn how to prepare for common interviewing approach review Behavioral Based Interviewing Employer Research Mistakes! Money! Money! Money! Practice Makes Perfect

Traditional Interview vs. Behavioral Interview In a traditional interview, you will be asked a series of questions which typically have straight forward answers like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?" or "Describe a typical work week." In a behavioral interview, an employer has decided what skills are needed in the person they hire and will ask questions to find out if the candidate has those skills. Instead of asking how you would behave, they will ask how you did behave. The interviewer will want to know how you handled a situation, instead of what you might do in the future

During the Behavioral Interview During the interview, if you are not sure how to answer the question, ask for clarification. Then be sure to include these points in your answer: A specific situation The tasks that needed to be done The action you took The results i.e. what happened

It's important to keep in mind that there are no rights or wrong answers. The interviewer is simply trying to understand how you behaved in a given situation. How you respond will determine if there is a fit between your skills and the position the company is seeking to fill. So, listen carefully, be clear and detailed when you respond and, most importantly, be honest.