Welcome to the Job Search Workshop

1
Welcome to the Job Search Workshop

• A Service of the
• Alabama Career Center System

2
Purpose of the Workshop

• The Job Search Workshop was designed to
• assist job seekers in their search for
• employment. The Workshop teaches much
• needed skills that can help the participant
• find and keep a good job. In this
• presentation, you will learn many skills that
• employers find valuable. Use this
• information to find and keep that great job!

3
Contents - Slide Numbers

• Job Search Skills Slides 4-15
• Filling out Applications
• Promoting your Abilities
• Successful Interviewing
• Job Retention Skills Slides 16-20
• Positive Attitudes
• Good Work Habits
• Employability Skills Slides 21-31
• Starting to Work
• Employer Desired Skills
• Workplace Behavior
• Productivity
• Work Ethics
• Interpersonal Skills
• Showing Initiative
• Be Dependable
• Adapting to Change

• Social Skills Slides 32-38
• Getting Along with Coworkers
• Conflict Resolution
• Anger Management
• Coworker Relations
• Understanding Personalities
• Slides 39-46
• Learning Styles
• Character Styles
• Life Skills Slides 47-53
• Goal Setting
• Stress Management
• Health Issues
• Family Issues
• To choose the slides you want to view, right
  click the mouse, choose GO from the list and
  then By Title and select from the list the
  slides you wish to skip to.

4
Job Search SkillsThe Application
5
Job Search Skills

• A COMPLETE APPLICATION IS ESSENTIAL.
• 1. Read the instructions closely.
• 2. Make sure every question is answered
  completely.
• 3. Make sure your writing is legible.
• 4. List all your skills.
• 5. Make sure you have permission from three
  references.
• 6. List your phone number.
• 7. Sell yourself.
• 8. Know the position you want.
• 9. Salary desired? Open is a good answer.
• 10. Sign your name.

6
Job Search Skills

• APPLICATION TIPS
• 1. Include your social security number.
• 2. Use your full, legal name.
• 3. If you think your age, sex, height or weight
  will screen you out, use dashes (---)
• 4. Marital Status? There are only two choices
  married or single. Dont elaborate further.
• 5. An address and contact phone number are
  absolutely necessary. Dont have a phone? List
  the number of a trusted friend.
• 6. Physical condition? Go for a job you can do
  and tell the employer you are capable of doing
  the job.
• 7. Crime Conviction. Lying on an application
  will catch up with you. Be honest and offer to
  explain. Indicate if your debt to society has
  been fulfilled.

7
Job Search Skills

• SELL YOUR STRENGTHS
• 1. Personal References Be sure to include
  people who will say positive things about your
  work skills, your character and make sure you
  have permission to use their names.
• 2. Testing - If an employer asks if you are
  willing to submit to a drug, alcohol or polygraph
  test, say yes. Why screen yourself out of the
  process by saying no?
• 3. Other experiences or skills. This is a
  great place to describe the skills youve picked
  up in the school of real life. List all of
  your abilities, anything that might be
  marketable.
• 4. Even if you have never worked outside the
  home, you still have skills that you have learned
  from hobbies, volunteer work, and day to day
  activities. Organizational skills, sewing,
  painting, computer use, financial activities,
  etc. are all marketable skills.

8
Job Search Skills

• After the Application
• whats next?

9
Job Search Skills

• FIRST IMPRESSIONS - The Interview
• You need to make a good impression by being
  prepared. Start
• with the presentation of yourself. Find out what
  clothing is
• appropriate for the position youre applying for
  and dress for the
• interview one step above. Dressing and grooming
  are very
• important. Here are some tips
• 1. Clothing should be appropriate, clean and
  pressed.
• 2. Make-up and jewelry are appropriate for the
  position.
• 3. Body scent is pleasant and not overwhelming.
• 4. Hair is clean and neatly brushed.
• 5. Hands and nails are clean and trimmed.
• 6. Breath is fresh. No gum.

10
Job Search Skills

• The interviewer will be evaluating how you
  present yourself the
• moment you walk through the door.
• ? Smile and make eye contact.
• ? Use the interviewers name.
• ? Introduce yourself and identify which position
  you are applying for.
• ? Shake hands firmly.
• ? Wait for an invitation to be seated.
• ? Have a strong opening statement such as Hello
  Mr. Smith. My name is Alice Brown and I am here
  to interview for the teller position in your
  company.
• ? Be prepared have work history information,
  reference information and transcripts handy.

11
Job Search SkillsThe Interview Checklist

• Appearance
• Besides the previously mentioned necessity
  of cleanliness and dressing appropriately, and
  eliminating any offensive odors, you should wear
  matching socks/hosiery wear subtle
  perfume/cologne if any if you have belt loops,
  wear a belt shave remove the sunglasses and
  hats, cover up tatoos and body piercings.

• Body Language
• Smile
• Shake hands firmly
• Sit when a seat is offered
• Use good posture
• Show you are listening by nodding and taking
  notes
• If you are taking notes, make sure to look up
  instead of down
• Make eye contact
• No yawning or time checking
• No fidgeting, biting nails or playing with hair.

12
Job Search Skills

• Responsiveness
• Be on time
• Use employers title and last name
• Show enthusiasm
• Speak clearly
• Use proper grammar
• Avoid slang, swearing, suggestive language
• Answer questions completely, honestly and clearly
• Focus on your strengths

• Attitude
• Show respect
• Be positive and enthusiastic
• Know about the company
• Know the interviewers name
• Have paperwork completed
• Ask questions that show your interest in the
  company

13
Job Search Skills

• Make sure the resume is
• typed on clean, plain white paper
• 1 or 2 pages in length
• Not folded or wrinkled
• Make sure the application is
• Filled out completely
• Neat and legible
• Completed with honest answers!

• Closing the Interview
• Stand and shake hands
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time
• Emphasize your interest in the job
• Ask when a decision might be made
• Use these interview tips to prepare for your next
  job interview

14
Job Search SkillsMore Interviewing Tips

• In the interview
• Be honest
• Be pleasant and courteous
• Be confident
• Stay alert
• Show enthusiasm
• Listen carefully
• Express willingness to work hard
• Indicate that you get along well with people

• Demonstrate knowledge of the job youre seeking
• Indicate interest in long range opportunity
• Be flexible and open-minded
• Let the interviewer know at the end of the
  appointment whether you are interested
• Ask for the job.
• Send a thank you note, even if youre not hired.

15
Job Search SkillsApplicant Mistakes

• Reasons employers dont hire applicants
• Not appropriately dressed
• Poor hygiene
• Overly aggressive, pushy or demanding
• Displays poor communication skills
• Seems to lack interest and enthusiasm
• Does not have a career goal or plan
• Appears nervous
• Only interested in salary
• Unwilling to start at the bottom.
• Fails to express appreciation for interviewers
  time.

• Makes excuses
• Lacks tact and courtesy
• Lacks maturity
• Condemns past employers
• Lacks genuine interest in the company
• Fails to look interviewer in the eye
• Fails to complete application completely and
  neatly
• Arrives late for interview
• Fails to ask questions about the job.
• Gives vague responses to questions

16
Job Retention

• Finding a job is often difficult. But
  sometimes, keeping the job is even more of a
  challenge!

17
Job Retention

• Attitudes
• Your attitude can affect your relationships at
  work, school or home, in sports and hobbies, with
  friends, coworkers and family members. Your
  mood, your outlook, the way you feel about
  yourself and the way you get along with others is
  an mportant part of the way you experience life.
  
• Everyone has different abilities, opportunities,
  talents and luck. You can make the most of what
  you have. You may be labeled as a person with a
  bad attitude if you
• Are hard to get along with
• Tend to pick fights
• Are easily offended or insulted
• Make negative comments
• This doesnt sound like someone who would be a
  good employee, friend or customer.

18
Job RetentionAttitude

• On the other hand, a person with a good
  attitude is often described as
• Fun to be around
• Flexible
• Easy going
• Good natured
• Reliable
• Hard working
• Positive
• Likable

• Attitude is often shaped
• by a persons
• School/job experiences
• Social influences
• Home life
• Family history
• .as well as the personality and temperament you
  were born with. So where do you start to develop
  that winning attitude?

19
Job RetentionAttitude

• Here is where you start.
• Know and like yourself. When you realize you are
  becoming negative, or hopeless or too
  self-critical stop and think about your
  strengths and good points. Dont always put
  yourself down that invites others to do the
  same. A favorable self-image gives you an
  important start to having a healthy attitude.
• Reach out. Everybody needs a support group, made
  up of family and friends. Be a good friend and
  youll always have good friends.
• Keep moving. Feeling good physically is an
  important part of a good attitude. Exercise,
  walk, play.
• Have some fun. Do something that makes you feel
  good. Everyone needs a change of pace.
• Learn to be an optimist.
• Consider setbacks and disappointments as being
  temporary.
• Understand that everybody has a bad day sometimes
  and that doesnt make them bad people.
• Put a smile in your voice.

20
Job RetentionAttitude

• Show your attitude through
• your work habits.
• Get to work on time, be ready to work when you
  get there.
• Be aware of time limits and deadlines
• Take breaks and meals when instructed
• Understand and follow the rules
• Lend a hand
• Dont make changes without permission

• Do what youre told without being reminded.
• If you make a mistake, dont try to cover it up
  or blame someone else. Admit that you goofed,
  correct the mistake and learn from your errors.
• Be willing to adjust to changing needs at work.
• Be willing to learn new skills.
• Be careful with tools and equipment

21
Employability Skills

• Be a great employee

22
Employability SkillsFirst Day Checklist
Questions to ask your new employer

• Do I need a uniform?
• Where do I get it and how much does it cost?
• No uniform - what do I wear?
• What time should I arrive?
• Where should I report?
• To whom should I report?
• Do I need to bring any documentation or
  information?
• What is the timeframe for the day breaks,
  lunch, end of the day.
• What forms do I need to complete?

• What are the company policies and where can I
  find a copy?
• What is the correct procedure for reporting off?
• When is payday what is my rate of pay?
• Do we have insurance or other benefits?
• What are my duties?

23
Employability SkillsSkills Employers Want

• The ability to communicate with others
• The ability to listen
• Good reading comprehension
• Writing skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Creativity
• Math skills
• Computer skills

• The ability to work with others
• Personal management skills
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Responsibility accountability
• Initiative
• Willingness to learn
• Produce quality work
• Honorable work and personal ethics
• Flexibility and adaptability
• The ability to manage stress

24
Employability SkillsProper Workplace Behavior

• When talking, use a conversational tone of voice.
  Talking loudly or obnoxiously can be disruptive
  to other workers and customers. Maintain
  self-control from the time you arrive at work
  until you go home.
• Avoid pranks and jokes that disturb the work
  environment. Having fun is fine as long as it
  does not disrupt.
• Watch your language. Curse words, name calling
  and insulting words can be offensive to others.
  Avoid using slang that customers may not
  recognize.
• Silly or weird behavior toward customers is
• inappropriate. Use good manners and
• avoid sarcasm. Answer questions
  appropriately.

25
Employability SkillsProductivity and Quality

• Employers expect a perfect job
• at the fastest rate possible.
• What can you do to satisfy your
• employers expectations?
• Focus on the task completely.
• Do the job right review for mistakes.
• Correct mistakes as you go.
• Dont be distracted by food, radio, books, other
  people, etc.
• Ask questions and understand the instructions.

• Make a schedule of what you have to complete.
• Get all the necessary materials ready.
• Start the job soon after instructions.
• Do the work as fast as possible.

26
Employability SkillsWork Ethic

• Work ethic advocates being personally accountable
  and responsible for
• the work that one does and is based on a belief
  that all work has value.
• Work ethic is usually associated with people who
  work hard and do a good
• job.
• Some attributes of a person with a strong work
  ethic include
• Is dependable and reliable
• Follows rules and instructions
• Works independently and shows initiative
• Is never tardy
• Is honest and responsible
• Is efficient and careful
• Adapts well to change
• Is patient and helpful
• Produces accurate work
• Continued on next slide

27
Employability SkillsWork Ethic

• More attributes of a person with a strong work
  ethic
• Pleasant and cooperative
• Hard working and orderly
• Courteous and friendly
• How is your work ethic? An instrument has been
  developed to measure work ethic the
  Occupational Work Ethic Inventory. The OWEI is
  available to provide a comparison of your work
  ethic to that of others. The inventory provides
  scores for interpersonal skills, initiative and
  being dependable and can help you determine areas
  in need of improvement. Click on this link Work
  Ethics to go to the online assessment. When
  finished with the test, click the back button and
  return to Slide 27.

28
Employability SkillsInterpersonal Skills

• Interpersonal skills include the habits,
  attitudes, manners, appearance and behaviors we
  use around other people which affect how we get
  along with other people. For us to improve our
  interpersonal skills, we must first be aware of
  what we are like from the perspective of other
  people. Habits we are unaware of, actions we
  think go unnoticed, and other things about us
  might affect other people and are impossible for
  us to change if we are not aware of them.
  Teachers in early grades try to help students
  recognize bad habits.
• As we become adults, it becomes our own
  responsibility to initiate changes to our
  interpersonal skills if needed. It is more
  important than ever and can greatly influence our
  opportunities and success.

29
Employability SkillsInitiative

• Initiative is a very important characteristic for
  information age workers. Direct
• supervision is often not a feature of the modern
  workplace. Without initiative,
• procrastination and missed opportunities can
  become a real problem.
• sometimes poor performance results and leads to
  loss of a job, without any
• second changes.
• Drive and effort are both components of
  initiative. No matter how gifted
• someone is, unless they work harder, longer and
  smarter than their coworkers,
• they will not be the best. Being successful in
  the activities
• you participate in is highly dependent on your
  skills
• and attitudes. However, the amount of drive and
• effort you put into it could make the difference
• between average performance and high
• performance.

30
Employability SkillsDependability

• Possibly the most important employability skill
  you can possess is dependability.
• Being dependable is one of the most highly sought
  after traits for workers in the modern workplace.
  This work ethic includes honesty, reliability
  and being on time. People who are not dependable
  often are very expensive to keep around because
  of the wasted time and resources their behavior
  causes. In some cases, even peoples lives can
  be lost if another person is not dependable.

31
Employability SkillsAdapting to Change

• Adapting to change and being flexible is best
  taught by being forced to change. A person who
  is rigid and concrete in his or her thinking
  tends to have the most difficulty in adapting to
  change.
• Communication is important during any changes at
  work, but it is most important that the worker is
  able to adapt to the change.
• Change should not always be viewed as a threat.
  Part of the battle is being aware that change
  happens often and that you should be prepared for
  change.
• Remember, if your boss asks you to make a change
  in your job, it is not because he is out to get
  you. There are always reasons for the change
  that management feels is best for the company,
  customers and workers.
• It is OK to ask about the reason for the change.
  The worker may not fully understand the reason,
  but at least the employee got the chance to
  discuss the issues.

32
Social Skills

• Getting along with
• co-workers

33
Social SkillsGetting along with Co-workers

• There are many aspects to getting along with
  co-workers. It is necessary to master
• the art of anger management, conflict resolution,
  communication skills and
• employer expectations. A person possessing these
  skills should be able to get along
• with most people. A person does not have a
  choice about the people he works
• with, so they have to be understanding of the
  differences in other people. You may
• not like everyone you work with, but you have to
  work with them!
• Sometimes we dont like how our co-workers behave
  or what they believe in. It is
• possible to separate disliking someone because of
  what they do or because they
• belong to a certain group. Prejudice is a
  preconceived idea an opinion held in
• disregard of the facts that contradict it, an
  intolerance or hatred. Prejudices can be
• for many reasons. Tolerance is respecting the
  beliefs and practices of others.
• Therefore, when a person does something a
  different way, you do not condemn
• them. That doesnt mean you have to agree, it
  means that you are tolerant of their
• beliefs and actions.
• Continued on next slide

34
Social SkillsGetting along with Co-workers

• On the job there are going to be people who
  behave in a way that you
• do not agree with. If that behavior is
  interfering with your job or the
• company, you have the right to talk to that
  person or go to a supervisor.
• When we hold prejudices about certain people and
  are intolerant of their
• behavior, beliefs and practices, it makes it very
  difficult to get along with
• them. We should not dislike people who are
  different just because they
• have different beliefs or practices.
• If there is a co-worker you do not like, try to
  find the
• positive in the person and focus on the good
  points.

35
Social SkillsConflict Resolution

• Listen. Listen. Listen. Allow the other person
  to respond.
• Discuss the different alternatives for resolving
  the conflict.
• If the conflict is not easily resolved or if you
  are getting angry, take time away and talk again
  later.

• Steps to resolve conflict
• Control emotions relax and express your
  feelings assertively.
• Identify the reason for the conflict. Who is
  responsible?
• Take the time to talk to the person involved.
• Tell the person how you feel and why.

36
Social SkillsAnger Management

• Feelings and behaviors
• It is important to understand that all feelings
  are OK, but negative behaviors as a result of
  those feelings are not. It is OK to be angry.
  It is not OK to hit, call people names or yell at
  people. When engaged in a conflict with a
  co-worker, it is important to talk to the
  person.
• First, you should label your feelings assertively
  by saying I am angry or I am upset. It is
  never productive to be accusatory with statements
  that begin with You.
• Secondly, explain why you are upset. Allow the
  other person to do the same.
• It is sometimes better to wait until one has time
  to think about the situation and/or cool off.

37
Social SkillsHow to behave at work

• Around strangers
• Introduce yourself and get the other persons
  name.
• Say hello and be friendly.
• Get to know the person before you talk a lot to
  that person, ask that person personal questions,
  or tell that person personal things about you.
• Never hug or touch them in a friendly way.

• Around Acquaintances
• Get to know them better by engaging in small
  talk during breaks and social gatherings.
• Say hello and be friendly.
• Never hug or touch them in a friendly way.
• Never hang around them when you are off and that
  person is working.

38
Social SkillsHow to behave at work

• Around friends
• Spend time talking during breaks and after work.
• Understand the importance of people having
  friends outside of work.
• Hugs and friendly touches are OK at certain times
  such as when congratulations are in order, they
  have returned from a trip or illness, or a family
  member has died.
• Never hang around when you are off and that
  person is working.
• Do not expect a friend from work to want to do
• everything with you. Even friends need a
  break from
• each other.
• Solve interpersonal problems outside of work.

39
Personalities

• Understanding Differences

40
Personalities

• These are just a few examples of
• different personality types. You may
• recognize yourself in some of these
• descriptions. The point is, everyone is
• different, has a different way of thinking,
• planning, socializing, working and no one
• particular type is correct. Once we
• understand why people do what they do, we
• become better able to overlook differences.

41
PersonalitiesLearning Styles

• Reflective Learners
• Tend to retain and understand information best by
  thinking quietly about it first.
• Prefer to work alone and study alone.
• Must be careful not to spend too much time
  reflecting they often dont get much done.
• When studying, should stop periodically and
  review what they have read or learned.

• Active Learners
• Tend to retain and understand information best by
  doing something active with it -discussing it,
  applying it or explaining it to others.
• Tend to like group work more.
• Dislike taking notes.
• The active learners key phrase Lets try it
  out and see how it works.
• Prefer studying in a group.

42
PersonalitiesLearning Styles

• Sensing Learners
• Tend to like learning facts.
• Like solving problems with well-established
  methods.
• Dislike complications and surprises.
• Are patient with details and good at memorizing
  facts.
• Enjoy hands-on work.
• Are more practical and careful.
• Prefer to learn about tangible things that have a
  place in the real world.

• Intuitive Learners
• Prefer discovering possibilities and
  relationships.
• Like innovation and dislike repetition.
• Often tend to resent being tested on materials
  not covered in class.
• Are better at grasping new concepts.
• Are comfortable with abstract ideas and
  mathematical formulations.
• Tend to work quickly.
• Dislike memorization and routine calculations.

43
PersonalitiesLearning Styles

• Learners are also broken
• down in other categories
• such as
• Visual learners remember best what they see while
  verbal learners remember best what they are told.
• Sequential learners tend to learn things in
  order, with steps that are in a logical sequence.
  Global learners learn in large jumps, absorbing
  materials randomly.

• The point is, there are many
• different ways to learn and no
• particular way is the right
• way. People are different.
• Different is good!
• To assess your own personal
• learning style, click on this link
• learning styles and take the
• Index of Learning Styles Self Test.
• When finished, click the back button and return
  to Slide 43.

44
PersonalitiesCharacter Types

• Guardians make up about 40-45 of the population.
  They are the cornerstone of society. They have
  natural talent in managing and organizing and use
  all their skills to keep things running smoothly.
  They are quite serious about their duties and
  responsibilities. They take pride in being
  dependable and trustworthy. They are often
  down-to-earth and believe in loyalty, discipline
  and teamwork.

• Idealists make up about 25-30 of the population.
  But their ability to inspire people with their
  enthusiasm and their idealism has given them
  influence far beyond their numbers. They believe
  in giving of themselves to help others, always on
  a quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement.
  They work well with other people and are gifted
  at helping others.

45
Personalities Character Types

• Rationals make up about 5-10 of the
  population. They are the problem solvers. They
  are very interested in what makes things work.
  Rationals try to find solutions and are
  interested in efficiency. They work tirelessly,
  are logical and fiercely independent. They often
  seem cold and distant, but its because they are
  usually in absorbed concentration.

• Directors are bold, demanding risk takers.
  They tend to be competitive, work fast, prefer to
  be in control and rarely waste time. They are
  results oriented and take charge when the
  situation calls for it. They are very forceful
  and tend to be impatient. Expect them to be the
  competitors in all things.

46
PersonalitiesCharacter types

• Entertainers are very talkative, spontaneous,
  creative, optimistic and emotional. They work
  quickly, love being around people, fear rejection
  and hate repetition. Their space is often
  cluttered and unorganized. However, they are
  very energetic, animated, amiable and
  enthusiastic.

• Perfectionists are analytical, systematic,
  diplomatic and sensitive. They work at a
  deliberate pace, and fear criticism. Their
  primary irritation is disorder and they focus on
  accuracy. They are often withdrawn and reserved,
  preferring to analyze situations quietly. They
  tend to be objective and methodical.

47
Life Skills

• Can you cope?

48
Life SkillsGoal Setting

• Life is a journey. Not just any journey, but the
  most fantastic journey in the universe. Life is
  a journey from where you are to where you want to
  be. You can choose your own destination. Not
  only that, you can choose how you are going to
  get there. Goal setting will help you end up
  where you want to be.
• Sit quietly and on a piece of paper, make a list
  of the things you want to accomplish that day,
  that week, that month, or even during your
  lifetime. You may want to categorize your goals
  family, social, career, hobbies, etc.
• Next, sort those goals by priority. Once you
  determine whats most important and what can
  wait, youll have a good list to follow. Every
  time you check off a goal that has been reached,
  youll feel good about yourself!

49
Life SkillsStress Management

• There are many possible causes of stress such as
  death
• of a family member, divorce, illness,
  difficulties at work,
• financial problems, etc. When faced with a
  stressful
• situation, pay attention to your body and
  behavior.
• Changes can be cues to engage in coping
  strategies.
• Here are ways to cope with stress
• v Identify the cause of stress
• v Avoid stressful situations
• v Rest and get plenty of sleep
• v Use relaxation techniques to control breathing
• v Think positive
• v Be flexible
• v Eat properly and exercise
• v Do something fun
• v Read to take your mind off the cause of the
  stress

50
Life SkillsHealth

• Avoid destructive behaviors. Most people
  understand that drugs are bad, but do not always
  think about how the consequences of drug use
  affect their work.
• Employers have the right to test for illegal drug
  use. These
• statistics, provided by the Department of Labor,
  support the need for drug screening
• 71 of illegal drug users are employed
• 75 of people who call a cocaine help line say
  they use drugs while working
• 64 say the drugs adversely affect their job
  performance
• 18 have stolen from employers to support their
  habit.
• Drug-using employees at GM average 40 sick days
  per year compared to 4/5 of that for nonusers.
• Employees who tested positive on a pre-employment
  screening at a company in Utah were five times
  more likely to be involved in a workplace
  accident.
• The Institute for Health Policy found that
  substance abuse is the number one health problem
  in the country.
• Substance abuse is estimated to cost U.S.
  Businesses more than 100 billion each year.

51
Life SkillsHealth

• Destructive behavior. How substance abuse costs
  employers so
• much money
• When workers miss work, they need to pay sick
  days and overtime for replacement workers.
• Poor performance leads to work not getting done
  on time and poor quality. When products and
  services are not done correctly, they need to be
  done over. Repeating any process costs money.
• Workplace injuries cost companies a lot of money
  in prevention programs, workers compensation and
  replacement workers.
• All of these factors result in high turnover,
  which leads to money being spent on training new
  employees.
• Long term abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs is
  linked to health
• problems such as heart disease, cancer and liver
  disease.

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Life SkillsHealth

• Adopt Good Personal Health Habits. A person can
  prevent illness by staying physically fit, eating
  right, managing stress, avoiding destructive
  behaviors, and following the advice of a doctor.
  Some healthy habit tips
• Get plenty of sleep. Six to eight hours of
  sleep is generally a good amount. Sleeping
  allows the body to recover from physical and
  mental exhaustion. A rested body is more likely
  to fend off germs.
• Wash your hands frequently. Door knobs,
  telephones, faucets and computer keyboards can
  get germs on your hands. Touching your eyes and
  mouth puts you at risk for exposure to germs.
• Maintain good hygiene. Take regular
  baths/showers, wash your hair and brush your
  teeth regularly.
• Wear clothes appropriate for the weather,
  especially in winter months. Being cold and wet
  makes you more likely to be exposed to viruses.

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Life SkillsFamily Issues

• Sometimes family obligations and work obligations
  conflict. Your family is important, but should
  not conflict with your job. Your employer is
  dependent on your attendance and full
  performance. Here are a few tips on the subject
• Companies usually have a policy for time off for
  funerals of immediate family such as spouse,
  child, parent, grandparent or siblings. Some
  companies only grant time for you to attend the
  funeral. Talk with your supervisor if this comes
  up. Friends and cousins are usually not covered.
• If you are responsible for the care of a sick
  relative, your first responsibility is to your
  employer have a backup plan for the care of
  loved ones.
• Have child-care back up. Being absent because
  you have babysitter problems is not something an
  employer wants to hear.
• It is normally not appropriate for family members
  to visit you at work.
• Personal phone calls can also cause problems
  with your employer.
• Taking care of family problems while at work is
  also frowned upon.
• Have dependable transportation. Employers expect
  you to be at work.
• Remember if you are a conscientious and
  dependable employee and something unforeseeable
  comes up, your employer will be more
  understanding and willing to work with you.
  Always discuss barriers with your supervisor.
  Always follow company policy for reporting off.

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