FINDING%20AND%20APPLYING%20FOR%20A%20JOB

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FINDING AND APPLYING FOR A JOB
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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?

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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

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• 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.

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WHAT TO RESEARCH WHEN LOOKING FOR A JOB
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• Values Required
• Duties Responsibilities
• Work Environment
• Working Hours

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• Aptitudes and Abilities Required
• Education Training Required
• Data/People/Things
• Salary Fringe Benefits
• Career Outlook

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How to Research

• Library
• Books
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Magazines
• Career Consultants
• Part-time Work

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SO NOW WHAT.
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• Spend as much time as you can finding a job
• Find job leads
• Do your homework about the various companies

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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

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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.

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WHERE CAN I GO FOR INFORMATION?

• School Counselors teachers
• Family friends
• Employment agencies
• Internet

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• Newspapers
• Government offices
• Direct calls

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• Use the back door
• Look at each job carefully

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WEBSITES TO CHECK

• http//www.learnmoreindiana.org
• http//www.ajb.dni.us
• http//www.monster.com
• http//careerbuilder.com
• http//walmart.com
• http//dellen.com
• http//draperinc.com

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9 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKES

• Not taking action
• Not being committed to the job search
• Rememberthe employer needs come before your
  needs
• Not being positive

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9 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKES

• Not taking advantage of all potential resources
  while searching
• Not reflecting enough
• Not thinking about skills and experiences
• Not anticipating and practicing for the interview
• Not following-up in a professional manner

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APPLYING FOR A JOB
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APPLYING FOR A JOB

• What to do
• Have all necessary documents
• Social Security card
• Drivers License
• Birth Certificate

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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

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• 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

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• DO sign your name where indicated
• DO SELL yourself
• DO use Standard English

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87 of all applications received by employers are
not filled out correctly, therefore, they go into
the wastebasket.
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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

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RESUMES

• Always use a resume to apply for a job
• The average employer will spend 7-10 seconds
  reading your resume

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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

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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.)

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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.

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The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes

• Not sending a cover letter with your résumé.
• Personalize your correspondence. Be sure to
  confirm the name and correct spelling of the
  interviewer.
• Not establishing rapport with the interviewer in
  the first paragraph of your letter.
• Example It was a pleasure meeting you at the XYZ
  Job Fair yesterday.

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The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes
(cont.)

• Including a photograph with your résumé.
• Your résumé is the picture of your professional
  background.
• You should be selected for an interview based on
  your qualifications rather than your appearance
  at this point.

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The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes
(cont.)

• 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.

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WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME

• Identifying information
• Job Objective, Employment Objective
• Educational Background
• Employment Background
• Military Service

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WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME

• Extra Curricular Activities
• Interests
• References
• NO PERSONAL DATA

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• 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
  dont 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.

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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

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• Paragraph 1
• The specific position the applicant seeks
• Where the applicant heard or read about the
  opening
• Why the applicant qualifies for the opening

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• 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

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THE INTERVIEW
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HOW TO DRESS

• The employers 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

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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.

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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.

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Three Key Ways For LandingThat Interview

• Do your homework
• Get the organizations annual report from a
  library, the Internet, the Chamber of Commerce,
  and/or the Better Business Bureau..
• Gain insight about the organizations principals,
  business philosophy, areas of expertise,
  accomplishments, and financial stability.

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Three Key Ways For LandingThat Interview (cont.)

• Select organizations where you have an in.
• Sometimes it is who you know.
• If you have an in, use it.
• Studies show that mutual contacts can lend
  instant credibility to you as an interviewee.

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Three 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.

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Four Ways To Anticipate Interview Questions

• Review questions from previous interviews. For
  example
• Do you have managerial experience?
• Can you multi-task?
• How well do you handle stress?

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Four Ways To Anticipate Interview Questions
(cont.)

• Ask family and friends what questions they
  believe might be asked.
• Arrange mock interviews.
• Ask to be critiqued.
• Accept constructive criticism.

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Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions
(cont.)

• 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!

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Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions
(cont.)

• 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.

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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?

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Possible Interview Questions

• 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?

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It takes an average of 5 years to change a
persons first impression of someone.
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In the first 4-7 minutes of an interview, the
employer has already made a hiring decision.
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Three Questions That You Should Ask

• 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?

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Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)

• 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.

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Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)

• 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.)

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WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK IN THE INTERVIEW?

• WHAT DO YOU STILL NEED TO KNOW?

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews

• Dont 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.

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Ways To Stand Out DuringInterviews

• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
• Do not put anything on the persons desk.
• Do not touch anything on the interviewers desk.
• Keep your hands still.
• Dont mess with your hair.
• Dont lean on the desk.
• Sit up in the chair.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews

• Be pleasant and professional to everyone you
  meet.
• The interview starts the minute you enter the
  organizations premises.
• Receptionists and security guards can influence
  your interview success.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

• Use the employers/interviewers nameMr. 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 moments notice.
• Wait to be offered a seat.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

• 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.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

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

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

• 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.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

• 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.

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Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)

• 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.)

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SUCCESS IN AN INTERVIEW
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Absolutely Do Not

• Chew gum.
• Smoke.
• Be late.
• Interrupt the interviewer.
• Make derogatory comments about a previous
  employer.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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• 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.

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• 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
  wasnt afraid of hard work. But insisted on
  adding he was afraid of horses and didnt like
  jazz, modern art or seafood.

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• She actually showed up for an interview during
  the summer wearing a bathing suit. She said she
  didnt 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
  wasnt a people person.

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• The interview had gone well, until he told me
  that he and his friends wore my companys
  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 couldnt understand why I was upset.

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• 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.

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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.
• Dont be discouragedinstead be politely
  persistent.

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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.

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Keep The Door Open After An Interview (cont.)

• Employers want to hire people with initiative.

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Questions For A Follow-Up Call

• May I call you the last week of the month?
• Write down the response.
• It tells the interviewer you are committed to
  calling back.
• Shows initiative.

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Questions For A Follow-Up Call (cont.)

• If you are not available, do you prefer that I
  leave a voice-mail or an e-mail?
• Mention the response in your follow-up letter.
• If your schedule does not permit us to speak, I
  will leave a message on your voice-mail including
  how I can be reached.

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How To Remain In Control

• Scenario You left a voice-mail message asking
  about the hiring decision and the interviewer
  does not call back.

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How To Remain In Control (cont.)

• You wonder
• Did the person receive my call?
• Was the call erased by mistake?
• Did I forget to leave my telephone number?
• Did the person call back, and I didnt get the
  message?

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How To Remain In Control (cont.)

• Chances are the interviewer did receive your
  call.
• Encourage a call-back by being specific about
  when you can be reached.
• Also give your voice-mail and e-mail address.
• Let the interviewer know that you will call back
  at a specific time.

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How To Remain In Control (cont.)

• Scenario Youve left a voice mail for the
  interviewer. Two days and three telephone calls
  later, you have not received a reply.

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How To Remain In Control (cont.)

• Should you leave another message?
• Should you assume that no response means We are
  not interested in hiring you?

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How To Remain In Control (cont.)

• Remember
• The hiring process can take a long time.
• The decision could be a political one.
• Perhaps the interviewer has not been given
  permission to hire.
• The larger the organization, the longer the
  hiring process can take.

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When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls

• Go to Plan B
• Write a follow-up letter
• Thank the person for taking time to read the
  letter.
• Mention you have left two voice messages.
• Recognize the person is very busy.

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When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls
(cont.)

• Plan B (cont.)
• Tell the person you are still very interested in
  the positionbe sure to mention the exact
  position and the date you were interviewed.
• Remind the interviewer that he/she told you the
  date the hiring decision would be made.

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When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls
(cont.)

• Does this seem too bold?
• It does take courage.
• However, your messages and letters will
  demonstrate your continued interest in landing
  the job.

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When You Get A Rejection Letter

• When someone else has been offered the job, you
  will come across as a potential employee for the
  future if you thank the employer for letting you
  know.
• Whatever happens, dont be discouraged.
• It takes time and effort to land a good job.

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The Acceptance Letter

• Once you have been offered a job, send an
  official acceptance letter to the firm.
• Refer to the call or letter you received with the
  offer.
• This letter once again shows a touch of class.
• Your new employer will know that an excellent
  hiring decision was made.

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Notifying Other Interviewers

• Once you have accepted another job, you should
  notify other company interviewers that you have
  accepted another position.

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Notifying Other Interviewers (cont.)

• Its a small world, and your paths will probably
  cross again. Show everyone you have what it takes
  to succeed in the business world.

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Advice For Your Career

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

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A Portfolio is a collection of Evidence of a
persons work over time
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• 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

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WHAT TO INCLUDE?

• Documents such as
• Letters
• Memos
• Reports
• Group projects
• Term Papers
• Letters of Recommendations from past employers

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STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIO

• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Divider Pages
• Should be in a 3-ring binder and use plastic
  cover pages

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

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

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Suggestions for the Portfolio

• COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• Oral Skills
• Written Skills
• Term Papers
• English Compositions
• Article Summaries

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• SKILL SAMPLES
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheet
• Database
• Class Exercises
• Research

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• ACADEMIC SAMPLES
• Exams
• Transcripts
• High School
• Vocational
• VOCATIONAL ACHIEVMENT SAMPLES
• Competencies

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• REFERENCE LETTERS
• Supervisors
• Teachers
• Counselors
• SKILL ASSESSMENT
• Job Performance Reviews

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• ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Honors/Awards
• Attendance
• Vocational Club Awards
• BPA District/State
• Special Training Certificates
• WORK SAMPLES