MODULE

Professional Development and Applied Ethics

THC 6

ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021

Prepared by:
MR.TYRON DE CASTRO
Instructor
 MODULES FOR

JOINING THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Alternative Delivery Mode
Finals– WEEK 8:

Credits : 3 units lecture (3 hours/week),

Pre-Requisite : 2nd year standing

Lesson Title:
The Résumé
The Cover Letter
The Job Interview
At the Job

Lesson Objective:
At the end of the module, the learners will be able to:

1. Identify the importance of a résumé

2. Discuss how to create an impressive résumé,
3. Explain how to create a cover letter,
4. Enumerate the things to consider when called for an interview,
5. Explain the right attitude when already at the job,
6. Create an impressive résumé, and
7. Construct a cover letter.

Lectures and Annotations:

INTRODUCTION
“We’re done with everything that we need to know to be developed as professionals of
the tourism and hospitality industry. Because we will be working with various people, it
is a must that all of those shall make us effective leaders and professionals of the said
industry. But for us to enter that challenging and demanding industry, we need to apply
for a career with the establishment whom we feel we are qualified. Requirements for
applications are always to send a résumé, and some with cover letter, and of course the
interview. These will be the focus of our last topic for this course.”

The Résumé

A résumé is a written summary of an applicant’s personal information, including abilities,

accomplishments, work history, and character references.
Writing an effective résumé is important as this is the applicant’s key to catch the attention of a
potential employer.

SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ

Name
Address 2” X 2” picture
Telephone Number/s with white
background
Email Address

OBJECTIVE: One to two sentences long that describe the type of job you
want, the type of organization you prefer and how you can contribute to
the position/organization.

EDUCATION: Includes college and high school information only. Don’t

forget to put the name of school, degree, term of graduation, academic
awards/recognition or other awards sponsored by the school.

(Year Covered) DLSP (Branch/ ADDRESS)

200_ - 200_ Degree/Diploma
Awards:
200_ - 200_ High School
High School Diploma
Awards:

WORK EXPERIENCE (if applicable): This includes employer (name of

organization), number of year/s employed, job title, and results and
accomplishments on the job. For a stronger résumé, avoid simply listing
your responsibilities, quantify the results achieved.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: This includes a detailed list of skills that will be

related to the position to apply for: example, bartending,
housekeeping, cooking, baking, table skirting, waitering, etc.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Includes the name of the organization,

duration of participation, position, and results and accomplishments on
the job. As much as possible, quantify results achieved. Participation
in school contests and competitions is included in this portion.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND: This includes the languages you speak and other
special skills – i.e. typing, records filing, driving, etc. List down
computer/technical skills and level - i.e. MS Office - intermediate; MS
Access – beginner; Visual Basic - beginner. Do not include height,
weight, nationality and name of parents. Do not include non-relevant
hobbies such as watching T.V., listening to music, chatting, or hanging
around with friends.

REFERENCES: Include name/s, positions, organization and contact number

of person/s. For general résumés, it is acceptable to indicate
“Available upon Request.” If you must write your references, make sure
to write it in a separate sheet of paper. Also, please do not forget to
inform the people that you have included them in your list of
references
Guidelines in creating an effective résumé (Source: Rodolfa, et al, 2011):

 Do not overlook the small details – The résumé contains the applicant’s basic details;
complete name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Make sure that all
these details are accurate and active. All possible ways that the applicant can be reached
may also be included.

 Consider the language you use – The language used in writing the résumé must also be
considered. Active language and strong, energetic words are advisable to make the résumé
more attractive. Do not use personal pronouns such as ‘I’ and ‘me’. Buzzwords, acronyms
and industry-specific jargon must be avoided. Phrases such as “responsibilities included” or
“duties included” must also be avoided.

 Be direct to the point – The résumé may begin with a specific, and highly condensed
summary of the applicant’s professional background, skills and attributes. This is in order
to capture the employer’s attention with easily digestible information. The résumé must
contain concise information, as human resource departments receive many résumés during
hiring period.

 Edit and proofread your résumé – Proofread the résumé for typos, misspelled words, and
grammatical errors. For better results, let others check it as well, preferably friends who are
professional writers or editors. Errors on the résumé may be a reason for an employer to not
include an applicant on the interview list. Potential employers may believe that a candidate
might not make a very careful or conscientious employee because of certain errors found in
his résumé.

 Customize your résumé – For broad range of experience, consider having more than one
résumé, each targeted to a specific industry or job. Those experiences that are directly
related to the job the applicant is applying for must be highlighted. Experiences that are not
related to the target job may be eliminated.

 Be truthful and accurate – The résumé must not contain misleading or false information.
These inaccuracies shall be eventually discovered and may lead to the applicant’s loss of
credibility to the prospective employer. The applicant may be hired, but once the incorrect
information included in the résumé was discovered, it may be a cause for termination.

 Include what motivates you – A clear picture of goals, and objectives, as well as the desired
industry position must be well stated. The employer will just take a glance at the
applicant’s résumé so it must contain a good sense of what the applicant wants to do. This
also shows that the applicant is keen in giving relevant details.

 Achievements should be emphasized – Information about the applicant’s previous

achievements must be given emphasis on the résumé. To make these achievements
concrete, they may be quantified in terms of percentages, dollar amounts or time frames.

 Consider your educational background – Education must be given emphasis, especially

when the applicant is a fresh graduate and does not have much work experience yet. Do not
forget to include information on the degrees earned, majors and minors, grade point
 average, date of program completion and any scholarships or honors received. Work
experiences may be moved at the end of the résumé for it to be highlighted.

 Do not forget your character references and portfolio

– It would be better to include character references rather than stating “upon request”,
though this is acceptable for general résumés. A character reference is a list of professional
acquaintances that the applicant trust to speak well of his skills and past accomplishments
to the employers. A portfolio of professional-quality work to illustrate the abilities the
applicant has may also be attached.

 Do not forget your photo - A photo of the applicant must be attached on the résumé. The
photo must be current, at least taken within the last three months and must be formal in
order to present a professional look.

The Cover Letter

A cover letter is sent together with the résumé for an applicant to better sell himself to prospective
employers. It describes the applicant’s potentials to the desired job. It aims to support what the
résumé tells about the applicant.

It is usually composed of three paragraphs and has the following qualities:

 Clear and direct to the point about the job

 Grammatically correct

 Typewritten (unless required to be handwritten)

 Addressed to a specific individual

How to write a cover letter.

Writing a cover letter needs careful attention. This is because most companies will see how one
sells himself to the prospective employer. Below will guide us in coming up with an effective
cover letter:

 The first paragraph of the cover letter should explain the reason why the applicant is
writing, where he learned about the job opening, and the qualities possessed by the
applicant that makes him qualified for the job.
  The second paragraph will contain the applicant’s educational background and work
experience/s, highlighting its significance to the job posting.

 The third paragraph then asks for a face-to-face interview, and indicates the applicant’s
availability.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

2461 New York

Street Quezon City
September 20, 20

Mr. John Santos

HR Manager
ABC Hotels and
Resorts Makati City

Dear Mr. Santos:

I am applying for the Front Desk Agent position advertised on September 15 in The News Today.
I am a skilled front office professional with the knowledge on various software in front office
operations, detail‐oriented, and able to work under pressure.

A graduate of BS Hotel and Restaurant Management, I am an experienced front desk agent in a 5

star hotel in Singapore and had gained international practicum in the U.S. in similar position that
will surely help me fill the requirements of the job I am applying for. This job caught my attention
as I know that your organization is well known and respected from which I can share my expertise
in dealing with various guests.

I feel that I have a lot to offer with this job. With this, I am very much available anytime at your
convenience for a possible face‐to‐face interview to discuss more my qualifications. Enclosed
herewith is my résumé. You may contact me at 254‐6777 for an appointment.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Fronter

The Job Interview

Guidelines in preparing for a job interview.

After the prospective employer have noticed and seen potential on an applicant’s résumé, the
applicant will then proceed to the next step, the job interview. Interviews normally happen in
sequence. The applicant will be asked to report for an initial screening or interview, second
interview, and so on, depending on the company’s application process. In some cases, the
company will require you to pass an exam before the initial interview. Some requires an initial
interview before taking a written exam in order to go to the next set of interview.

 Research for the company’s background. A good applicant usually research for the
company’s background. This is in preparation for the questions that will require
knowledge about the company. Being informative about a company shows that the
applicant is really serious in being a part of that company. Note that when an applicant is
asked about a certain information about the company and wasn’t able to give any, it
creates a negative impact to the interviewer.

 Dress for the occasion. The attire for a job interview must be conservative and
appropriate. Wearing T-shirt and jeans is a big NO, especially for those who are applying
for jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry. Apply the proper grooming that has been
discussed on this course earlier this semester.

 Be punctual. Be sure to arrive on time or a few minutes before your scheduled interview.
Allot time for travelling to the place of appointment and time to fix oneself prior to
entering the interview room. This will help the applicant to be prepared and not be rattled.
A late applicant will create an impression that he or she will also be late in reporting for
the job, in deliverables, in meetings and many more.

 Have a final look at yourself. Make sure to portray a professional image. The
face should be free from oil and women should not wear heavy make-up.
Perfume is slightly sprayed on; breath is okay, if not, a mint candy will be
fine as long as it is not being chewed during the interview. Check the palms
to make sure it is free from perspiration prior to opening the door or
approaching the interviewer.

 Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Greetings will help calm the
mood in an interview. Offer a handshake and make it firm.

 Maintain eye contact. During the interview, make sure to maintain eye to eye
contact especially when talking to the interviewer. The interviewer will
surely look in the eyes of the interviewee as he/she answers the questions to
check the truthfulness of what the applicant is saying, and the sincerity of the
answers.

 Do not interrupt. – Do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is talking.

An applicant should also make sure to turn off or put in silent his/her mobile
phones in order to not be distracted and avoid interruption during the
interview.
 Show initiative and enthusiasm. This creates a positive image for the
applicant. It shows willingness and passion to do the job being applied for
 and the eagerness to learn and be trained.

 Be careful with your grammar. An applicant must have that striking speech
and good grammar when answering the interviewer. Use action words that
shows interest on the job.

 Act naturally. Do not be nervous. Nervousness will only make an

interviewee rattle in the interview and will eventually create an impact that
he/she is not confident.

 Be prepared with your questions about the company. The interviewer

normally asks the interviewee about what he/she wants to know about the
company. Make sure that these questions will still show a professional
image.

 Be realistic about the salary. It is normal. People applies for a job to earn.
Research shows that the bigger salary an applicant ask for creates an impact
to the employer of the applicant’s capacity to work. The amount is an
applicant’s way of saying ‘this is me, I can take the job properly and
efficiently, and that I am competent’. On the other hand, those who ask for
just a little shows low self-confidence and do not believe in their capacity.
This, however is not applicable to all. An applicant must then be realistic and
say the salary that is enough for his/her qualifications.

 Thank the interviewer. An applicant should thank the interviewer, as it shows

that the applicant values the time the interviewer spent in interviewing him.

At the Job

After passing all the tedious screenings to get the job, it is now time to start building a career.
Passing all the screenings of the job does not assure that everything will run smoothly along the
way. Here are some tips that will help an employee grow with the company he/she works at:

 Start off right. It is better to always start things right the first time, to avoid wasting time
and effort.

 Make a favourable impression in the new environment, between the co-workers and to
your superiors.

 Avoid being late at work. Be on time, better yet, be early.

  Be sure to listen and comprehend the instructions of your supervisor and co-workers.

 Taking of notes in some areas may also be helpful in order to easily familiarize the daily
routine of the job.

 As a newcomer, it would be hard to memorize the names of your co-workers, but take an
extra effort to learn their names as quickly as possible.

 Show initiative.

 Ask questions when things are not clear. Show the eagerness to learn upon asking
questions. Just make sure to not be repetitive as this may irritate your co- workers and
your boss and may leave an impression of not being attentive and keen to details.

 Above all, be professional always. In the way you look, your attire, your personality, the
way you talk, the way you act, every single way.

Generalization

Homework

Ask the class to submit next session a typewritten copy of the résumé and cover letter created in
this session. These will serve as their final requirements for this course.

SEE ATTACHMENT IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM FOR GENERALIZATION.

INSTRUCTION FOR THE FINAL EXAM:

Inform students that their final exam will be application of all the theories learned in this
course. They will need to:

• Familiarize the content of the finalized résumé and cover letter.

• Prepare for an interview: they will be applying for Hotel Manager position.

• Submit the finalized résumé and cover letter.

• Be in corporate attire.
• Exhibit professional image.
• Project leadership skill.
• Show confidence.
Inform them as well that they will be graded based on all personality aspects that were
discussed and their final requirements (résumé and cover letter).

REFERENCES:

Rodolfa, Bernardo Jr. B., Aquino, Ma. Christina G., Dellova, Rovena I., and Tiongco, Nicholas
Carmelo P. (2011). Leadership and Personality Development for Tourism and Hospitality
Professionals. Manila: Mindshapers, Co., Inc.

Santos, Amparo E. (2012). Personality for Today's Young Professional, 3rd Edition. National
Bookstore.