6.02 PowerPoint

6.02 Understand procedures for gaining employment.

The procedures to follow when looking for a job include:

• Complete a résumé• Write a cover letter (or Letter of Application)

• Complete a job application

• Interview with the potential employer

• Send a thank-you letter

The Résumé

Purposes of a Résumé

• Provide a summary of the applicant’s qualifications

• Stimulate interest of an employer

• Save time in the interview process

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé

• Keep it to one page, if possible

• Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest

• Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience

• Use “action verbs” such as, created, designed

• Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others

• Get permission to use names as references

• Make it neat and spell everything correctly

• Key and proofread carefully

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé

• Personal data- Name, address, phone number (where you can be reached), and e-mail address.

• Job Objective- the job you are applying for. • Education background-list the schools you have

attended or are currently attending. Also, includes any subjects or programs in which you are specialized.

• Work experience/volunteer work- list your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Also, include volunteer work.

Contents of a Résumé

• Special skills and abilities- list any job-related skills and abilities.

• Honors and Activities- List any honors or awards you have received. Name activities you have participated in that relate to the job you want.

• References available upon request- people who will recommend you to an employer. Should not be family members. Teachers, club leaders, neighbors, and anyone you’ve worked for before make good references.

Contents of a Résumé

The Cover Letter (or Letter of Application)

Purposes of a Cover Letter

• Serves as a cover letter when mailing the résumé.

• Sent in response to want ads

Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter

• Neatly type it

• Address to a specific person

• Keep the letter brief, clear, and businesslike (1 page)

• Use personal business letter format

1. First paragraph tells the position you are interested in and where you found out about the position.

2. Middle or second paragraph stimulates interest in your qualifications and refers to your résumé.

3. Last paragraph should cause the reader to contact the applicant to arrange for an interview

Contents of a Cover Letter

The Job Application

Purposes of a Job Application

• Indicates an applicant’s abilities

• Determines how well an individual can follow directions, understands questions, and organizes answers

• Indicates neatness, thoroughness, spelling, and writing abilities

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application

• Have necessary materials on hand – pen, social security number, résumé, names and addresses of former employers and references

• Read entire form thoroughly before answering any questions.

• Complete all blanks; write “NA” or draw a line if an item does not apply to you.

• Provide honest, complete and accurate information.

• Be neat; ask for another form, if necessary.

• Spell words correctly and fully.

• Print legibly with black or blue ink. Keying an application is also a professional way to complete an application.

• Sign properly, if requested.

• Review form completely

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application

6.02 PowerPoint

The Interview

Interview Techniques• Preparation

• Interview Etiquette

• Following the Interview

Interview Preparation

• Research the Company

• Practice

• Dress the Part

• Take Résumé and References

• Be on time• No gum• Go alone• Show self-confidence• Give Introduction and

handshake• Maintain good posture• Use appropriate body

language (Including eye contact, gestures, etc,)

• Speak clearly• Be a good listener

• Sell yourself and your qualifications

• Show interest in advancement

• Tell the truth• Show a positive attitude and

enthusiasm• Be prepared to answer

questions • Do not criticize other

employees• Thank the interviewer for

their time

Proper Interview Etiquette

• Chew gum• Smoke during or beforehand• Rely on your résumé to sell

you• Tell jokes during the interview• Act desperate• Say anything negative about

former colleagues• Answer questions with a

simple “yes” or “no”• Discuss personal issues• Answer cell phone calls• Ask about salary

Interview Don’ts

Following the Interview

• Send a thank- you letter

• Be Persistent

The Thank-you Letter

Purposes of a Thank-you Letter 1.  Shows that you are still interested in

the job2.  Allows you a chance to clarify

something you said in the interview or mention something that may have occurred to you later

Guidelines for Writing a Thank-you Letter

• Thank the interviewer for talking to you

• Let the employer know that you want the job

• Be brief and polite

• Send no later than two days following the interview

• Proof the letter to make sure there are no mistakes

Other Methods of Follow-up

• Telephone call

• Visit to the company

• E-mail