I've found some host companies now what do I do?

PREPARE YOUR LIST OF LEADS
Take a look at your list and organize it by preference. Make sure all the necessary contact information is readily available to you.

• Create a heading: Your heading should include your name and all pertinent contact details including your current address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
• State your objective: Explain what you are looking for and what you are hoping to achieve through a Traineeship position. For example: OBJECTIVE: I am looking to enhance my foundational knowledge of urban architecture by training with a firm that focuses on contemporary urban design.
• Include Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any degrees or university details, jobs, internships, and volunteer work. It is always helpful to list any degrees or university information first. Next, include the beginning date and end date for each job or experience that you list. Place your experience in order, with your most recent experience at the top of your resume. For example: Jack Black & Company Marketing December 2003 - June 2005 As an intern, was responsible for administrative tasks, providing company information to clients, researching competitor's marketing trends, and assisting the product development team.
• Include Special Skills: Are you proficient in your knowledge of a program or craft? Do you have special skills that you feel would be relevant to list? Use this section to let your prospective Host Company know about these skills.  For example:
  SPECIAL SKILLS: Typing 60 words per minute, excellent knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, JavaScript.
  NB! Do NOT use the "Special Skills" section to write personal information. Any personal items should be included as "Interests". For example: INTERESTS: Movies, the beach, sports, philosophy, photography
• Include References: Include a list of university professors, advisors, previous employers, or community leaders that support you and would attest to your strengths if contacted. Make sure to include the name, position, company/university, and complete contact information for each reference. Also, you should remember to inform your references of your plans so that they are prepared in the event that they are contacted by a potential Host Company.

IMPORTANT TIPS

• Don't make your resume too long! Try to keep it to one page if possible, and certainly not longer than two pages. Be concise and specific.
• Do remember that a resume is different than a C.V. Look at the examples below to see the general way in which resumes are formatted in the U.S.
• Do check your spelling and grammar. Use the Spelling and Grammar check tool provided by most word processing software. Also, ask someone who has a keen eye for the English language to proofread your resume.

Resume Sample for PCT USA applicants

Resume Sample for Internship USA applicants

Introduce yourself

• Tell the company who you are as a professional. State your name, your interest in the training position, and the fact that you are a skilled and competitive candidate.
• Explain your skills. List some of the relevant experiences on your resume in more detail.
• Describe why you are the best candidate for the position. Feel free to touch upon the positive elements of your personality, work ethic and commitment to learning.
• Remind the contact that you are available for a telephone interview, and that you look forward to speaking with him/her regarding the position.

IMPORTANT TIPS

• Do check your spelling and grammar. Use the Spelling and Grammar check tool provided by most word processing software. Also, ask someone who has a keen eye for the English language to proofread your resume.
• Do contact the company after submitting your cover letter and resume. Send an e-mail to the Host Company if you have not heard from them in over a week and suggest a telephone interview.
• Don't make your cover letter too long! It should be only a few paragraphs in length and should be kept to one page.

To see a sample of a remarkable cover letter, click here.

MAKE CONTACT!
Unless a posting has specifically requested your application materials via e-mail, fax, or mail, telephone calls are the most personal and effective way to make contact with a prospective Host Company. To prepare for a telephone call, make sure you are in a quiet setting without distractions. If you are unsure about the time difference between your location and that of the prospective Host Company, confirm the difference online at a site like http://www.timeanddate.com. Refresh your knowledge of the company prior to your call by reviewing the company website.

Place a telephone call to the company on your list and ask to speak with someone in Human Resources or a personnel manager. If it is a small company, don't be shy-ask to speak to the President or C.E.O.!

Introduce yourself and explain that you are interested in applying for a posted position or that you are looking for a Traineeship. Be sure to speak slowly, clearly, and with confidence. Ask questions, and be prepared to answer questions, such as:

• Why do you want to train with us?
• What benefit will you bring to our company/organization?
• What are your greatest assets? What areas do you need to improve upon?

If the company is interested in pursuing your candidacy, volunteer to send your resume and a cover letter to the contact immediately following the call. Be sure to acquire the contact's e-mail address, a direct telephone number, and full name prior to ending the conversation. In your cover letter, make sure to reference your phone call and to thank the person for taking the time to speak with you.

Contacting a Host Company via e-mail is another effective approach. Whenever possible direct your message to a specific contact person. In the email, offer to call the contact to discuss your interest further. If you suggest an exact time for a follow up call, be prompt and adhere to the terms you expressed in your e-mail message.

INTERVIEW TIPS

• Do be yourself. Relax and answer questions honestly, introducing the interviewer to your unique personality. Remember to remain professional and courteous.
• Don't get too personal. Unless specifically asked, keep personal details to a minimum.
• Do ask for clarification. If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat it.
• Do ask questions of your own! Remember the list of characteristics you want in a Traineeship? Ask the interviewer about the office environment, support for the staff, and/or anything else that is important to you.
• Do thank your interviewer for the opportunity to learn more about the opening and to demonstrate your match with the position. Gently ask what the next stage in the process may be, so that the interviewer can guide you as to any additional steps necessary.
• Do send a formal thank you note after the interview. While handwritten notes add a nice touch, the delays commonly associated with international mail may make e-mail a more realistic option.