FINDING AND APPLYING FOR A JOB

HOW TO START

Plan your career direction– Who are you?– What do you want to do?– Why do you want to do it?– Where do you want to work?– What are your career goals? Personal goals?

HOW TO START

Determine the purpose of your job search

Determine the type of job you are looking for based on your goals

What skills do you have that the job market would be interested in

What are some of the things you like to do?

Are you looking for advancement opportunities?

Find the types of jobs for which your skills are needed.

WHAT TO RESEARCH WHEN LOOKING FOR A JOB

Values Required

Duties & Responsibilities

Work Environment

Working Hours

Aptitudes and Abilities Required

Education & Training Required

Data/People/Things

Salary & Fringe Benefits

Career Outlook

How to Research

Library– Books– Occupational Outlook Handbook– Magazines

Career Consultants

Part-time Work

SO NOW WHAT….

Spend as much time as you can finding a job

Find job leads

Do your homework about the various companies

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB

“85% of all job openings are not advertised, posted or otherwise made available to the general public.”

J. Michael Farr, JIST Works, Indianapolis

JOB FACTS

60% of all jobs are found by talking with others

Only 15% of job openings ever make it to the want ads

To heighten your chances of getting a job, visit the place of work in person.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR INFORMATION?

School Counselors & teachers

Family & friends

Employment agencies

Internet

Newspapers

Government offices

Direct calls

Use the “back door”

Look at each job carefully

WEBSITES TO CHECK

http://www.learnmoreindiana.orghttp://www.ajb.dni.ushttp://www.monster.comhttp://careerbuilder.comhttp://walmart.comhttp://dellen.comhttp://draperinc.com

9 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKESNot taking actionNot being committed to the job searchRemember—the employer needs come before your needsNot being positive

Not taking advantage of all potential resources while searchingNot reflecting enoughNot thinking about skills and experiencesNot anticipating and practicing for the interviewNot following-up in a professional manner

9 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKES

APPLYING FOR A JOB

APPLYING FOR A JOB

What to do– Have all necessary documents

• Social Security card• Driver’s License• Birth Certificate

Filling out application forms

DO read the entire application first

DO use a black pen

DO print neatly and completely

DO have a phone number

DO have permission from three references and have their information with you.

DO use “OPEN” for salary desired

DO know the position you want

DO list ALL skills and abilities

DO sign your name where indicated

DO SELL yourself

DO use Standard English

87% of all applications received by employers are not filled out

correctly, therefore, they go into the wastebasket.

THE ROLE OF THE APPLICATION FORM

Becomes a calling card (Please look at me)

Screens you IN or OUT

Creates an agenda for the interview

RESUMES

RESUMES

Always use a resume to apply for a job

The average employer will spend 7-10 seconds reading your resume

Tips for “Packaging” Yourself On Paper

Give yourself credit by including an accurate description of your:– Education– Work experience– Extracurricular activities– After-work activities– Skills you have acquired

Tips for “Packaging” Yourself On Paper (cont.)

Use action words.Interviewers look for individuals who are as follows:– Go-getters– Hard workers– Responsible workers– Decisive workers– Leaders (Use word such as manage, plan, establish,

create, supervise, direct, etc.)

Tips for “Packaging” Yourself On Paper (cont.)

Aim for the target!– Customize your résumé to the position for which

you are applying.– This requires several versions of your résumé

and cover letter.– Your extra effort will pay off.

Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistake

Not presenting yourself in a clean and crisp manner.

• Proof, proof, proof.• Résumés should be picture perfect.• No typos.• Have a reliable person critique your

“masterpiece.”

WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME

Identifying informationJob Objective, Employment ObjectiveEducational BackgroundEmployment BackgroundMilitary Service

WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME

Extra Curricular ActivitiesInterestsReferencesNO PERSONAL DATA

Consider how your résumé will look when it arrives on an employer's desk. A carefully prepared résumé enhances your image as a prospective employee. If you are mailing your résumé, be sure to: fold it in thirds, or use a larger envelope and don’t fold it at all,address the envelope neatly, and seal it carefully.If you are faxing your résumé, be sure to set the fax machine to fine printing mode. Always fax an original. Your résumé may be copied several times, so the original needs to be as clear as possible.

COVER LETTERS

When do you use it?– Applying for a job out of town– When answering a newspaper ad by mail– When you wish to be interviewed by

business friends of your family– When an employer asks you to send a letter

of application

Paragraph 1– The specific position the applicant seeks– Where the applicant heard or read about the

opening– Why the applicant qualifies for the opening

Paragraph 2– Parts of the resume that tells of qualifications

and skills which are required for the position– Tells unique capacities or qualities

Paragraph 3– A call to action

• The applicant requests an interview at a time and place convenient to the employer

THE INTERVIEW

HOW TO DRESS

The employer’s first impression of you will be based on how you look.

Clean hair, clean nails, clean clothes

No strong perfume or cologne

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum

Moderate makeup

HOW TO DRESS (cont.)

Typically, dress one step above what would be worn on the job.

Shine your shoes.

Men should wear socks and women should wear coordinated socks or hosiery.

Are You Really Ready For The Interview?

The art of interviewing is simply putting your best self forward.

And.Demonstrating how your skills blend with the culture of the organization where you are applying.

Key Ways For LandingThat Interview

Do your homework:– Get the organization’s annual report from

a library, the Internet, the Chamber of Commerce, and/or the Better Business Bureau..

– Gain insight about the organization’s principals, business philosophy, areas of expertise, accomplishments, and financial stability.

Key Ways For LandingThat Interview (cont.)

Recognize that a “no” today can mean a “yes” tomorrow.

• Remember that successful people are determined and persistent.

• If you do not get an interview, send a follow-up letter to the person with whom you spoke.

• Summarize what you were told.• Share your continued interest in representing

that company.

Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions

1. Review questions from previous interviews. For example:

• Do you have managerial experience?• Can you multi-task?• How well do you handle stress?

Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions (cont.)

2. Ask family and friends what questions they believe might be asked.

• Arrange mock interviews.• Ask to be critiqued.• Accept constructive criticism.


3. Put yourself in the role of the interviewer.• Think about what questions the interviewer

and the company would want to know about you.

• Use a video or tape recorder to prepare your answers.

• Practice, practice, practice!


4. Read books and search the Internet.• Find out what the experts say about

interview questions.• Find out the trends and latest information on

interviewing techniques.• Research information that provides

guidelines for interviewers.

Possible Interview Questions

What do you consider to be your greatest strength/weakness?ideas?How would you be described by a close friend?Tell me about yourself. Expand on your resume.What do you think is your greatest important accomplishment?Why are you interested in this company? This job?

What do you see yourself doing in five years?Tell me about your extra curricular activities and interests.Why should I hire you?How do you feel about authority?What have been your most satisfying and most disappointing school or work experiences?What salary do you expect?

Possible Interview Questions

It takes an average of 5 years to change a person’s

first impression of someone.

In the first 4-7 minutes of an interview, the employer has already made a hiring

decision.

Three Questions That You Should Ask

1. What is the career path for this job?• Was the person who had this job

promoted?• If it was a lateral move, perhaps the

job is a dead-end position.• Does the job appear to be a training

ground for other positions?

Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)

2. What is a typical day in this position?• This question will provide details on what you

would actually do on the job.• It will help you determine if this job is the right

one for you.

Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)

3. What are the most important qualities necessary for this job?

• Do you need to be assertive?• Do you need to be a leader?• Do you need to be a workaholic?• Do you need to be detail oriented?

(If you do not have these qualities, you may need to reconsider this job.)

WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK IN THE INTERVIEW?

WHAT DO YOU STILL NEED TO KNOW?

Ways To Stand Out During Interviews

Don’t be on time, be early.Recognize that “less is more.”– Carry only what is essential for

the interview:• Portfolio• Pen• Extra résumé• Carry keys, money, etc. in a pocket.

Ways To Stand Out DuringInterviews

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Do not put anything on the person’s desk.

Do not touch anything on the interviewer’s desk.

Keep your hands still.– Don’t mess with your hair.

Don’t lean on the desk.

Sit up in the chair.

Ways To Stand Out During Interviews

Be pleasant and professional to everyone you meet. The interview starts the minute you enter the

organization’s premises. Receptionists and security guards can

influence your interview success.

Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

Use the employer’s/interviewer’s name—Mr. or Ms.Introduce yourself and the position for which you are applying.Initiate the handshake.– This demonstrates that you can take

the lead.– Keep your right hand free so that you can shake

hands at a moment’s notice.Wait to be offered a seat.


Be prepared.– Take an extra résumé.– Take a portfolio with a legal pad and pen.– Anticipate questions.– Have questions to ask the interviewer.– Research the company.


Let the interviewer(s) set the tone. He or she should be the first to talk.


Realize that an interview is a two-way form of communication.– Answer with more than “yes” or “no.”– Ask appropriate questions.– Display a sincere interest in the job.– Make eye contact.


Be aware of the end of the interview.– The interviewer closes a file or lays

down a pen.– A change in body language.– Do not try to prolong the interview.


A strong end to the interview is just as important as a strong beginning.– Exit on a positive note. – Say, “I look forward to hearing from you next

week.”– Offer to shake hands again.– Be sure to thank the interviewer for his/her

time.– “I really want to work for you.” (If it is the

truth.)

45%

35%

10%

10%

PACKAGING

RESPONSIVENESS

EXPERIENCE

MISC.

SUCCESS IN AN INTERVIEW

Chew gum.

Smoke.

Be late.

Interrupt the interviewer.

Make derogatory comments about a previous employer.

Absolutely Do Not:

Keep The Door Open After An Interview

At the interview be sure to ask when a hiring decision will be made.Also, ask when you may follow-up with the interviewing person.

Keep The Door Open After An Interview (cont.)

Contact the interviewer exactly on the date the individual recommended because it:– Shows gumption.– Shows follow-through.– Gives you a competitive edge.– Indicates how you will treat customers/clients.

Send A Thank-You Note

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. for his/her time.If you forgot to tell the interviewer something important about yourself, then make a quick reference to it in the follow-up letter.

A survey of personnel executives at 200 of the Fortune 1000 companies provided the following true examples of job applicant behavior.

“The reason the candidate was taking so long to respond to a questions became apparent when he began to snore.”

“When I asked the candidate to give a good example of the organizational skills she was boasting about, she said she was proud of her ability to pack her suitcase ‘real neat’ for her vacations.”

“Why did the applicant go to college?” His reply: “To party and socialize.”“When I gave him my business card at the beginning of the interview, he immediately crumpled it and tossed it in the wastebasket.”“ I received a resume and letter that said that the recent high-school graduate wanted to earn $25 an hour and not a nickel less.”

“The applicant had arranged for a pizza to be delivered to my office during the lunch-hour interview. I asked him not to eat it until later.”

“The applicant insisted on telling me that he wasn’t afraid of hard work. But insisted on adding he was afraid of horses and didn’t like jazz, modern art or seafood.”

“She actually showed up for an interview during the summer wearing a bathing suit. She said she didn’t think I would mind.”“He sat down opposite me, made himself comfortable and proceeded to put his foot up on my desk.”“The applicant applied for a customer service position, although, as he confided, he really wasn’t a people person.”

“The interview had gone well, until he told me that he and his friends wore my company’s clothing whenever they could. I told him that we manufactured office products, not sportswear.”

“Without asking if I minded, he casually lit a cigar and then tossed the match onto my carpet and couldn’t understand why I was upset.”

“On the phone, I had asked the candidate to bring in his resume and a couple of references. He arrived with the resume and two people.”

Remember!

Most people do not receive a job offer after one interview.e down all the questions you were asked. You will be able to practice them for the next interview.Don’t be discouraged—instead be politely persistent.

Do You Know That:

The interview is only the beginning of the job search process.Your follow-through can sway a hiring decision in your favor.Rather than “stressing out” as you wait to hear if you were the chosen job candidate, stay in control by knowing what to do.

Advice For Your Career

Interview for positions within your reach.Also identify positions that you aspire to have.This gives you career direction.

A “Portfolio” is a collection

of “Evidence” of a person’s

work over time

It is a sample collection of documents which demonstrates the student's skills in areas such as:

• Written communications skills• Oral communications skills• Organization• Critical Thinking• Problem Solving

WHAT TO INCLUDE? Documents such as

Letters Memos Reports

Group projects Term Papers Letters of Recommendations from

past employers

STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIO

Title Page Table of Contents Divider Pages Should be in a 3-ring binder and

use plastic cover pages

A short explanation should be included for each item in the portfolio.

What skills have I developed What processes did I use What is the purpose of the

exercise/assignment What problems did I encounter in

doing the exercise/assignment

What feedback did I receive What did I learn Why did I learn it Are my strengths demonstrated

Suggestions for the Portfolio COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Oral Skills Written Skills

Term Papers English Compositions Article Summaries

SKILL SAMPLES Word Processing Spreadsheet Database Class Exercises Research

ACADEMIC SAMPLES Exams Transcripts

High School Vocational

VOCATIONAL ACHIEVMENT SAMPLES Competencies

REFERENCE LETTERS Supervisors Teachers Counselors

SKILL ASSESSMENT Job Performance Reviews

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Honors/Awards

Attendance Vocational Club Awards

BPA District/State Special Training Certificates

WORK SAMPLES

FINDING AND APPLYING FOR A JOB

Documents

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