a.p.p.l.i.e. - jobsmogov · 2018-10-17 · check your internet accounts and email addresses...

~To create a well prepared workforce that meets the needs of a responsible business community~

The Missouri Job Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids & services are available upon request to individuals

with disabilities. MO TTY Users can call (800) 735-2966 or dial 7-1-1. Revised 11/02/2016

A.P.P.L.I.E. ABOUT PERSONS with PAST LEGAL ISSUES in EMPLOYMENT

PREPARING FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

Presented by:

The Missouri Job Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids & services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. MO TTY Users can call (800) 735-2966 or dial 7-1-1.

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Contents Famous Failures/Motivational Quotes .................................................................................................................... 3

Missouri Job Center Services ................................................................................................................................. 4

jobs.mo.gov “How To’s” .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Conducting A Job Search ................................................................................................................................... 5

Adding “Desired Jobs” & “Skills” to Your Seeker Profile .................................................................................... 6

MOjobs: The mobile app for jobs.mo.gov ........................................................................................................... 7

Accessing the online study guide for NCRC: National Career Readiness Certificate ....................................... 8

O*Net..................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Missouri Connections ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Labor Market Information (LMI) ............................................................................................................................ 12

Things to Check, Gather, and Compile Before Getting Started ........................................................................... 14

Employment Background Checks and Credit Reports......................................................................................... 16

JOB SEARCH LOG .............................................................................................................................................. 18

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program .................................................................................................. 19

The Missouri Federal Bonding Program............................................................................................................... 20

MASTER APPLICATION ...................................................................................................................................... 21

FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION ...................................................................................................................... 23

ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 24

WHAT YOU WILL NEED ...................................................................................................................................... 25

QUALIFYING STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................. 26

INTERVIEW THINGS TO DO AND TO KNOW ................................................................................................... 27

TOP TEN COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS................................................................................................. 28

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND POSITIVE ....................................................................................................................... 32


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Famous Failures/Motivational Quotes

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created

them. Albert Einstein

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26

times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed

over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. Michael

Jordan

Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. Oprah Winfrey

My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content

with your failure. Abraham Lincoln

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to

success when they gave up. Thomas A. Edison


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Missouri Job Center Services


5

jobs.mo.gov “How To’s”

Conducting A Job Search


6

Adding “Desired Jobs” & “Skills” to Your Seeker Profile


7

MOjobs: The mobile app for jobs.mo.gov

MOjobs: jobs.mo.gov on the go!

Take Missouri’s premier job-matching system wherever you go. MOjobs allows you to

access your job search right on your smart phone! Create an account at jobs.mo.gov first to

experience the full app functionality.

• Job search by keyword or location

• Save your job search

• Access your job center messages

• Locate your local Missouri Job Center


8

Accessing the online study guide for NCRC: National Career Readiness

Certificate


9


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O*Net

O*Net What is O*Net? The O*NET program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. Central to the project is the O*NET database, containing information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database, which is available to the public at no cost, is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. Information from this database forms the heart of O*NET OnLine, an interactive application for exploring and searching occupations. The database also provides the basis for our Career Exploration Tools, a set of valuable assessment instruments for workers and students looking to find or change careers. http://www.onetonline.org/

O*Net Interest Profiler can help to recommend occupations you may be interested in pursuing based on

your interests and abilities. http://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip

http://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip


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Missouri Connections


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Labor Market Information (LMI)


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Things to Check, Gather, and Compile Before Getting Started

o Check your internet accounts and email addresses (professional)

• Check to make sure your email accounts are not suggestive of your age or sexually suggestive

• If you list an email, be sure to check it regularly (daily if possible)

• Check your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) pages; do they convey the first impression

an employer would want to have from you? If not, clean them up

o Check your Voicemail/Answering Machines

• Call your phone and listen to your answering message. Check for the following:

• Is your voicemail set up?

• Did you identify yourself by name and number?

• Is it possible for caller’s to leave a message (mailbox isn’t full and is set up)?

• No music of any type or “cute saying”—Be Professional. Here’s a couple of examples:

• “You have reached 888-8888 please leave your name and number and a brief message. I

will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.”

• “You have reached Jane Doe at 888-8888 please leave your name and number and a brief

message. I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.”

• Always answer the phone with a SMILE, even on “unidentified or unknown calls”

o Copy of Your Credit Report—know what’s on it, and that it is yours!

• Call 1-877-322-8228 or go online at www.annualcreditreport.com

• You are entitled to one report from the three major credit bureau’s each year

• Be prepared to talk about what is on your report in an interview if asked

o Copy of your Criminal Background Record

• Online at www.machs.mshp.dps.mo.gov it will show Missouri Open record criminal history

• MACHS Name Search Portal, cost is $12.00 plus a $1.25 processing fee. Individuals can

conduct a background check by name, date of birth, and/or social security number

• MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal, $20 plus additional fees. Please note that only qualified

entities are entitled to request a search through FBI files, call (573) 526-6312 or email

[email protected] for questions

• If your felony or legal issue occurred outside of Missouri, Google that state’s home page to

find out how to get a copy of your record

o Copy of your Driving Record

• Obtain from a license bureau • In Missouri call (573) 526-2407 or http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/records.php

• Cost $2.82 (addtn’l fees may apply)

http://www.annualcreditreport.com/

http://www.machs.mshp.dps.mo.gov/

mailto:[email protected]

http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/records.php


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o Copy of your High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate (HiSet/GED), and

transcripts from college

• Make copies of your HS Diploma or Equivalency Certificate. If you need to request a copy, Google

“How to obtain a copy of your HS or Equivalency Cert in (and the state in which you acquired the

certificate)”

• If college student/graduate, copy of your transcripts

• Know the address (Street, City, and State) of the last high school and/or college you attended

o Compiled a complete list of your work history

• Company Name (Full Name), if prison experience use institution’s initials

• Address (including city, state, and zip code)

• Phone number (including area code)

• Dates of employment (month/year to month/year)

• Your Job Title

• Supervisor’s Name

• Departments worked in and your duties

• Salary (minimum wage while incarcerated)

• A thought out reason for leaving (relocated)

o A completed Master Application

• Have a correctly, completely filled out application that you always carry with you

• OR a paper (fact sheet) listing all your work history and information you would need to complete

any application

o People You Can Contact to Be Your References

• Ideas of People to Call?

• Ask their permission to list them as references

• Obtain their addresses, email, and phone number

• Let them know the company name of where you have applied and for what position

• Ask/Coach them on what to tell prospective employers about you

• Compile the same information from all references

• Make sure you know they will be a positive reference


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Excerpt from FTC Facts for Consumers (May 2010, http://www.precheck.com):

Employment Background Checks and Credit Reports

You’ve applied for a job. You sent a letter, made a phone call, submitted your resume. Perhaps you’ve had an

interview. Did you know that when you apply for a job, an employer may ask your permission to do a

background check before hiring your? Depending on the employer and the job, that background information

might include your employment history, your driving record, criminal records, and your credit report.

Your credit report has information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you have field for

bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies and other businesses that provide background information sell your file

to employers that, in turn, use it to evaluate you applications for employment. Employers also are allowed to

use these reports to consider you for retention, promotion, or reassignment.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Credit

Reporting Act (FCRA), a law that protects the privacy and accuracy of the information in your credit report. The

FCRA spells out your rights as a job applicant and an employer’s responsibilities when using credit reports and

other background information to assess your application.

Key Employment Provisions

If you don’t get the job because of information in your report, the employer has some legal obligation:

First, the employer must show you the report; second the employer must tell you how to get your own copy.

The report is free if you ask for it within 60 days of learning the bad news.

If you get a notice that a company has provided incorrect negative public record information to an employer,

you may have a chance to correct or clarify it, which, in turn, may help you get or keep a job. For more

information about this, see How to Dispute Credit Report Errors at www.ftc.gov/credit

If Employers Don’t Comply with the FCRA

There are legal consequences for employers who don’t comply with the FCRA, whether they fail to get an

applicant’s okay before getting a copy of their credit or other background report, fail to provide the appropriate

disclosures in a timely way, or fail to provide adverse action notices to unsuccessful job applicants. If you think

an employer has violated the FCRA, report it to the FTC.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and provides

information to help consumer’s spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on

consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY 1-866-653-4261

Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-

complaint-ftc to learn more.

http://www.precheck.com/

http://www.ftc.gov/credit


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Information for your Employment Folder

o File Folder or other Type of Organizer • This can be anything from a simple manila folder to a briefcase. It is your preference, just keep

everything neat, together, and organized

o Your own pen • This shows you have come prepared and have common sense. What message might it send to a

potential employer if you don’t even have a pen to complete your application?

• It shows you have the ability to think ahead and get organized.

• Keep extra pens in your car, notebook, bag, and anywhere that may be convenient

o Job Search Log • It is VITAL to be organized in your search. Job logs include:

Where and when you have applied/submitted your application and/or resume What was the “legal question” on the application? When did the employer state was a good time to follow up on the status of your application?

o Complete list of your work history • It is recommended you have your complete history from the beginning:

Company Name (Full Name), if prison experience use institution’s initials Address (including city, state, and zip code) Phone number (including area code) Dates of employment (month/year to month/year) Your Job Title Supervisor’s Name Departments worked in and your duties Salary (minimum wage while incarcerated) A thought out reason for leaving (relocated)

o A completed Master Application/Fact Sheet • Have a correctly, completely filled out application that you always carry with you

• OR a paper (fact sheet) listing all your work history and information you would need to complete any application

• Digital “plain text” version available in your email or flash drive to upload for online apps

o Copy of your High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate (HiSet/GED), and transcripts from college • Make copies of your HS Diploma or Equivalency Certificate. If you need to request a copy, Google

“How to obtain a copy of your HS or Equivalency Cert in (and the state in which you acquired the certificate)”

• If college student/graduate, copy of your transcripts

• Know the address (Street, City, and State) of the last high school and/or college you attended

o Extra Copies of your Resume and Reference Page to Provide Upon Request


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JOB SEARCH LOG

DATE

APPLIED

EMPLOYER NAME &

CONTACT INFO

APPLICATION

METHOD

(ONLINE,

PAPER, EMAIL)

POSITION

APPLIED FOR

(USE THEIR

TITLE)

THE NEXT STEP:

CALL? SCHEDULE

FOLLOW -UP?

LEGAL? HOW DID

YOU ANSWER IT?

WOTC

SCREENING?

YES OR NO?


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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program


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The Missouri Federal Bonding Program


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MASTER APPLICATION

NOTICE: This generic job application complies with federal and state laws against discrimination; however, employers using this form should check

local ordinances.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name (Last) (First) (Middle Initial) Home Telephone

( ) -

Cell Phone

( ) - Address (Mailing) (Address 2) (City) (State) (Zip) Other Telephone

( ) -

Email Address Are you authorized to work in the U.S.A. Yes No

Can you be sponsored to work in the U.S.A. Yes No

POSITION Position or Type of Employment Desired Will Accept:

Part-Time

Full-Time

Temporary

Shift:

1st

2nd

3rd

Rotating

Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job you are applying for, with

or without reasonable accommodation? . Yes No

Salary Desired Date Available

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

High School Graduate or General Educational Development (GED) or HiSET Test Passed? Yes No

If no, list the highest grade completed

College, Business School, Military (Most recent first)

Name and Location Dates Attended

Month/Year

Credits Earned

Graduate Degree & Year Major or Subject Quarterly or

Semester

Hours

Other (Specify)

From

Yes

No

To

From

Yes

No

To

From

Yes

No

To

Occupational License, Certificate, or Registration Number Where Issued Expiration Date

Languages Read, Written or Spoken Fluently Other Than English

REFERENCES (Do not include relatives)

Name Address, City and State Telephone Email Profession

VETERAN INFORMATION (Most recent)

Branch of Service Date of Entry Date of Discharge

SPECIAL SKILLS (List all pertinent skills and equipment that you can operate)

TYPING/KEYBOARDING WPM: 10-KEY SPM:


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I certify the information contained in this application is true, correct, and complete, to the best of my memory. I understand that, if employed, false statements

reported on this application may be considered sufficient cause for dismissal.

Signature of Applicant____________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________

WORK EXPERIENCE (Most Recent First) (Include voluntary work and military experience)

Employer Telephone Number ( ) - From (Month/Year)

Address

Job Title To (Month/Year)

Specific Duties

Hours Per Week

Last Salary

Supervisor

Reason For Leaving May We Contact This Employer Yes No


Address


Specific Duties

Hours Per Week

Last Salary

Supervisor



Address


Specific Duties

Hours Per Week

Last Salary

Supervisor



Address


Specific Duties

Hours Per Week

Last Salary

Supervisor


BACKGROUND (Arrests and/or Convictions-do not include traffic violations)

Have you ever been

convicted of any

misdemeanors or

felonies?

Yes

No

Type Offense Year

Felony

Misdemeanor


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FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION

DO’S DO NOT’S

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS: READ THE

INSTRUCTIONS AND ENTIRE APPLICATION

BEFORE STARTING TO FILL IT OUT

LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK: USE N/A OR A DASH

(-) IF THE QUESTION DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION TO THE JOB

POSTING/ADVERTISEMENT: USE THEIR

WORDS, NOT YOURS

LIE OR PURPOSELY OMIT INFORMATION:

EMPLOYERS REPORT 40% OF APPLICANTS

PROVIDE FALSE OR EXAGGERATED

INFORMATION

USE ACTION VERBS: THESE DESCRIBE YOUR

JOB DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS

USE “RED FLAG” WORDS: ANYTHING THAT

MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION/GET

YOU SCREENED OUT

ENCLOSE YOUR RESUME: AS A SUPPLEMENT

TO THE APPLICATION

SUBSTITUTE YOUR RESUME IN PLACE OF

FILLING OUT THE “WORK HISTORY” SECTION:

WORK HISTORY SECTION MUST BE

COMPLETED

USE POSITIVE OR NEUTRAL REASONS FOR

LEAVING A JOB: SAVE THE EXPLANATIONS

FOR THE INTERVIEW

MENTION PERSONAL PROBLEMS: HEALTH,

MENTAL, OR LEARNINGISSUES, MARITAL,

LEGAL, OR FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, ETC

BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT: SALARY REQUIREMENTS,

HOURS, AND LOCATIONS WILLING TO WORK AS

MUCH AS POSSIBLE

LIST YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AS A LICENSE

(UNLESS SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR)

BE NEAT, LEGIBLE, AND PRINT WHEN

COMPLETING HAND WRITTEN APPLICATIONS:

THE APPLICATION IS A FIRST IMPRESSION

MARK “NO” ON THE “CAN WE CONTACT YOU

PAST EMPLOYERS” QUESTION: LET THEM,

UNLESS IT IS YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER AND

IT MIGHT COST YOU YOUR JOB

ACCOUNT FOR GAPS IN YOUR WORK HISTORY:

FAILURE TO DO SO COULD CAUSE A NEGATIVE

IMPRESSION

USE ABBREVIATIONS: EXCEPT FOR “N/A” OR

TO INDICATE A STATE OF THE UNITED STATES

(LIKE MO IS FINE)

BE HONEST: BUT NOT TOO OPEN

INCLUDE ANYTHING NEGATIVE: ON THE

APPLICATION FORM TRY TO EXPLAIN PAST

CONVICTIONS/TERMINATIONS IN THE

INTERVIEW

REVIEW FOR MISTAKES: BEFORE TURNING

IN/SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION; USE

CORRECTION FLUID SPARINGLY

PRICE YOUR SALARY TOO HIGH: USE THE

SALARY IN THE JOB AD OR PUT “NEGOTIABLE”

OR “OPEN”


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ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS

TIPS FOR ONLINE APPLICATIONS

CREATE AN EMAIL ACCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE. EMPLOYERS USING ONLINE

APPLICATIONS TYPICALLY FIRST CORRESPOND WITH YOU VIA EMAIL.

CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY, DAILY IF POSSIBLE. EMPLOYERS WHO SEND YOU AN EMAIL

AND EXPECT A RESPONSE MAY BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT VERY INTERESTED IN THE POSITION IF

THEY DO NOT HEAR BACK FROM YOU WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THEIR CORRESPONDENCE.

KEEP A FILE OF SIGN-IN/LOG ON INFORMATION. THESE WILL BE THE USER NAME AND

PASSWORDS YOU CREATE FOR EACH SITE WHER YOU ARE APPLYING.

ALLOW AT LEAST AN HOUR TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION AND REMOVE AS MANY

DISTRACTIONS AS POSSIBLE. MANY ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE TIMED. IF YOU TAKE TOO LONG

TO COMPLETE IT, THIS MAY COST YOU THE JOB. HAVE A QUIET PLACE TO WORK NAD CONTINUE

THROUGH THE APPLICATION WITHOUT INTERRUPTION

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS PROVIDED BY THE JOB WEBSITE TO COMPLETE THE

APPLICATION CORRECTLY. MOST OF THE TIME YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE BACK OR

FORWARD BUTTON ON THE INTERNET AS IT MAY CANCEL YOU APPLICATION/TAKE YOU OUT OF

THE APPLIACTION. THE APPLICATION SHOULD HAVE A FUNTION THAT LETS YOU MOVE

FORWARD AND BACKWARD. BE SURE TO SAVE INFORMATION AS YOU GO ALONG. MANY SITES

WILL DO THIS FOR YOU PER PAGE YOU COMPLETE. AVOID OVER-CLICKING AS THIS MAY CAUSE

YOUR APPLICATION TO “LOCK-UP” OR LOSE YOUR INFORMATION.

DOWNLOAD THE ELECTRONIC JOB APPLICATION AND REVIEW IT IF POSSIBLE. IF YOU NEED TO

WORK THROUGH IT A PAGE AT A TIME; DO LOOK FOR A PLACE TO UPLOAD YOUR RESUME AND

COVER LETTER. DOING THIS EARLY ON MAY POPULATE SOME FIELDS IN THE APPLICATION FOR

YOU. YOU MAY ALSO USE YOUR TEXT VERSION OF YOUR APPLICATION INFORMATION TO COPY

AND PASTE YOUR DATE INTO FIELDS NOT POPULATED.

PROOFREAD YOUR APPLICATION. YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE ERROR FREE. IT IS EASY TO BE

TEMPTED TO SEND YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE YOU’VE FOCUSED AND CHECKED IT. CHECK IT,

SAVE IT, AND PRINT IT BEFORE SENDING.

SOME ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS INCLUDE A TEST (APTITUDE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND/OR

SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS) AND THE APPLICATION IS FINALLY SUBMITTED AFTER COMPLETING

THE TESTS.


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WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

RESUME: A brief written account of your personal,

educational, and professional qualifications and

experience, as prepared by you for a job.

COVER LETTER: A document sent with your resume to provide

additional information on your skills and

experience. It provides detailed information on

why you are qualified for the job you are applying

for. Use the same font, style, and basic formatting

for this document as you do for your resume.

REFERENCE PAGE: A document separate and apart from your

resume and cover letter. It provides a listing of

individuals serving as the point of contact for

employers seeking to verify or ask questions

about your background, work experience, or work

ethic. You may provide both professional and

personal references if not specified by the

employer.

Use the same font, style, and basic formatting for

this document as you do for your resume and

your cover letter.


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THANK YOU LETTER OR

CARD: A hand-written, typed, or emailed letter or card sent to the interviewer(s) directly after an interview by you. You can mail, leave at the front desk, or email it (if you have already had email communication with at least one of the interviewers). A strong thank you will address the content of the interview:

• Highlight what the employer liked about you.

• Cover positive information you wish you had said in the interview.

• Express your skill in areas that the employer showed concern over.

• Keep the message short - not more than one page and a couple of paragraphs.

• PROOFREAD VERY CAREFULLY; preferably have someone else proofread it before you send it.

QUALIFYING STATEMENT HARD AND SOFT SKILLS ARE TWO TYPES OF SKILLS YOU WILL NEED TO IDENTIFY IN YOUR

ANSWER. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE SKILLS:

HARD: SOFT:

Computer Literate Communication skills

Auto Repair Problem-solving

Welding Decision-making

Operating Cash Register Creativity

Data Entry Team-work

Forklift Operation Time management skills

Food Service Adaptability and flexibility

Food Handling Safety Practices Leadership skills

REMEMBER:

THERE ARE NO WRONG ANSWERS, BUT COULD YOU HAVE A STRONGER ANSWER?

YOUR ANSWER WILL CHANGE WITH EACH INTERVIEW, BASED ON WHAT YOU HAVE

TO OFFER THAT THE EMPLOYER NEEDS/WANTS

MAKE SURE TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU BRING TO THE EMPLOYER


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1. START YOUR ANSWER WITH: YOUR TANGIBLE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD/AREA OR WHERE YOU ACQUIRED THE SKILLS IF NOT FROM PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT (I.E. VOLUNTEER TIME)

“My _?_ years of experience in _?_ make me a great fit for this position.”

OR “I believe the skills I learned while _?_ make me a perfect fit for this type of work.”

2. NEXT: IDENTIFY THE HARD SKILLS YOU HAVE THAT MATCH THE POSITION OR WOULD BE A

BENEFIT TO THE SPECIFIC EMPLOYER:

SO FOR A FOOD PREP/COOKING POSITION SAYING: “I worked the fry line and grill in

addition to doing portion bags for preparation and set-up and break-down of the line”

3. LAST: IDENTIFY THE SOFT SKILLS THAT MATCH AND THE EMPLOYER WOULD WANT/OR NEED.

WHAT KIND OF WORKER ARE YOU?

“I can work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. I make good decisions under pressure and in the moment.”

Practice Qualifying Statements by using the space provided below to write it out.

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

INTERVIEW THINGS TO DO AND TO KNOW

o I KNOW PHONE INTERVIEWS CAN BE MY FIRST IMPRESSION WITH AN EMPLOYER. *

o I REMOVE ALL DISTRACTIONS FROM THE AREA I AM IN WHEN I AM ON THE PHONE

WITH AN EMPLOYER.

o I PLAN IN ADVANCE AND KNOW THE TIME IT WILL TAKE TO GET TO THE INTERVIEW

LOCATION.

o I AM 10-15 MINUTES EARLY FOR THE INTERVIEW.

o I AM DRESSED A LITTLE BETTER THAN IF I WAS WORKING FOR THE PLACE WHERE I

AM INTERVIEWING.

o I CAN VERBALLY SUMARIZE MY SKILLS AND STRENGTHS THAT ARE A MATCH FOR

THE POSITION I AM INTERVIEWING FOR.

o BEFORE THE INTERVIEW, I RESEARCH AND LEARN ABOUT THE

BUSINESS/COMPANY. I USE THIS INFORMATION TO FORMULATE 2 TO 4 STRONG


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QUESTIONS TO ASK OF THE EMPLOYER (AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW). I ALSO

USE THIS INFORMATION TO TAILOR MY ANSWERS TO THEIR CULTURE/NEEDS.

o I DON’T SPEAK NEGATIVELY ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING.

o I DON’T SPEAK POORLY OF MY PAST EMPLOYER.

o MY BODY LANGUAGE IS POSTIVE AND OPEN.

o I SPEAK CONFIDENTLY, NOT ARROGANTLY, IN AN INTERVIEW.

o I PREPARE BEFORE EACH INTERVIEW.

o I TAKE MY EMPLOYMENT FOLDER WITH ME TO EACH INTERVIEW.

o I DISCUSS THE LEGAL ISSUE WITH THE EMPLOYER WHEN IT IS BROUGHT UP. *

o IF THE LEGAL ISSUE IS NOT BROUGHT UP IN THE NATURAL COURSE OF THE

INTERVIEW, I ASK ABOUT BACKGROUND CHECKS AT THE POINT IN THE INTERVIEW

WHEN I AM ASKED IF I “HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.” I DISCUSS THE LEGAL ISSUE THEN.

THE IDEA IS TO PROVIDE ENOUGH INFORMATION SO THE EMPLOYER IS NOT

SURPRISED WHEN THEY SEE WHAT’S ON YOUR BACKGROUND, BUT NOT SO MUCH

THAT IT IS TOO MUCH INFORMATION (OVER-SHARING). *

TOP TEN COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.

2. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

3. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?

4. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?


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5. WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?

6. WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST JOB?

7. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

8. DESCRIBE A DIFFICULT WORK SITUATION AND WHAT YOU DID TO OVERCOME IT.

9. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

10. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?


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HOW IN THE WORLD DO I TALK ABOUT MY OFFENSE?

A GUIDE TO “SOFTENING” THE OFFENSE IN AN INTERVIEW

WILL AN EMPLOYER HIRE ME?

Yes, in most cases! Most employers will look at the hiring decision on a case-by-case basis. They will typically

look at 3 things:

1. Type of offense

2. How long ago was the offense?

3. How many offenses are there? (One crime is definitely better than multiple violations, even if the crime

is a violent one. With one offense, you can claim an isolated event, whereas a string of offenses

indicates a pattern of behavior)

WHICH CRIMES CREATE THE MOST DIFFICULTY IN GETTING HIRED?

1. Sex Offenses

2. Violent Offenses

3. Drug Sales/theft/receiving stolen property

4. Drug Possession

5. DUI

HOW DO I TALK ABOUT MY OFFENSE?

BE SINCERE! You can say the words, but if you don’t mean it, it will show through. You can tell when

someone is not sincere with you, and so can the employer.

Don’t volunteer details, unless it is something that will help you.

APPROACHES to use (if they apply):

1. Young and stupid (highlight the “young”—tell them you’ve had a chance to do a lot of growing up since

then)

2. Isolated incident

3. Distance (how long ago)

4. If all else fails and this one is good for more middle-aged offenders: “I’m just too old for this.”

PHRASES TO AVOID

• Addict

• Alcoholic

• Anger Management: Say you “took an

effective communication course to help me

communicate better in my relationships with

other people. I learned how to effectively

handle negative situations.

• Recovery

Treatment: Use the past tense if you have to discuss it. Tell them you were struggling at the time, and got

involved in programs to help you refocus your life to get back on track


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AND don’t, DON’T, DON’T EVER SAY!:

1. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time (excuses, excuses, excuses)

2. I was influenced by bad people (You made the choice).

3. I’ll try… (To stay out of prison). What you are really saying here is “I’ll try to NOT GET CAUGHT this time!”

4. I think I can. (Come on... you either can or you can’t. Speak confidently.)

HOW CAN I EXPLAIN MY OFFENSE?

Which sounds better to you? “I am a thief…” OR:

• THEFT—I took something that did not belong to me.

• SEX OFFENSE—I did something inappropriate with someone who was not yet of age.

• PROSTITUTION—I used my body as a way to support myself.

• POSSESSION—I had some _____ (marijuana is usually okay to mention, cocaine is not) in my

possession for my own personal use. That’s beside the point, it was illegal, and I should not have done it.

• SALES—I was looking for some fast, easy money.

• TERRORISTIC THREAT—I got angry and said things I should not have said.

• DUI—I drove my car when I shouldn’t have.

• VIOLENT—I was involved in a situation that got out of hand and someone ended up getting hurt. I am

very sorry for what happened. You might volunteer gang activity by saying, “I got involved in a group of

people that I never should have.”

REMEMBER “RSLA” FOR YOUR DISCUSSION:

R—RIGHT TO KNOW—The employer has a right to know about your incarceration. They are the one’s paying

your wages

S—SINCERE—Be sincere. The employer wants to know that you take responsibility for your actions and that

you are sorry for what you did. This shows them that you are on the path to rehabilitation.

L—LEARN—What have you learned from your experience? List the positive things you have done and the

changes you have made in your thinking about life as a result of your past choices.

A—ACTION—What actions are you taking now in your life?

INTERVIEWING

Negative answers should be VERY brief and covered in this way:

1. Take responsibility for what happened. State the situation VERY briefly and to the point (see “How can I

explain my offense” above).

2. Add what you learned from the negative situation and why it won’t happen again. Tell what you have done

and are doing about it.

3. State what you want for your future and how this job can be part of that.

4. Reiterate your skills and why you are right for the job (good place to work in incentives of Federal Bonding

and WOTC). End with what YOU want to leave them remembering about you, not what you don’t.


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KEEP IT SIMPLE AND POSITIVE GO THROUGH AND THINK OF YOUR ANSWERS (PREFERABLY WRITE THEM OUT) TO THE QUESTIONS

BELOW. PRACTICE THESE AND TALK TO BELINDA OR GINA ABOUT YOUR ANSWERS OR IF YOU NEED

ASSISTANCE. THE MORE YOU PRACTICE IT, THE MORE COMFORTABLE YOU CAN BECOME AT SPEAKING

TO IT.

YOU ARE NOT YOUR PAST, BUT WHO YOU ARE TODAY SHOULD BE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM IT!

HOW TO ANSWER THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

1. State very briefly, to the point, and using regular words (I took some things vs. felony stealing) what you’ve done and take responsibility for it.

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2. What did you learn from it that motivates you to NEVER find yourself being in that position to make the same decision EVER again (What is different about you now?)? Tell what you are doing about it.

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3. What do you want for your future? Tie this answer in to how this job can be a part of this future?

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4. What are your skills? Why are you the right one for this job?

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a.p.p.l.i.e. - jobsmogov · 2018-10-17 · check your internet accounts and email addresses...

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