copyright © 2010 by tapestry press, ltd. chapter 12 planning for your career

Copyright © 2010 by Tapestry Press, Ltd.Copyright © 2010 by Tapestry Press, Ltd.

Chapter 12Chapter 12

Planning for Your Planning for Your CareerCareer


Purpose of This ChapterPurpose of This Chapter

This chapter will help you engage in:This chapter will help you engage in:

1.1. Self-assessment related to work attributesSelf-assessment related to work attributes2.2. Career explorationCareer exploration3.3. Planning skills Planning skills

. . . that will culminate in a successful career plan. . . . that will culminate in a successful career plan.


ARE

YOU

READY?


Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

1.1. Assess your work-related: values, Assess your work-related: values, interests, personality type, and skills.interests, personality type, and skills.

2.2. Investigate career options based on your Investigate career options based on your self-assessment.self-assessment.

3.3. Conduct a job informational interview.Conduct a job informational interview.4.4. Conduct job searches.Conduct job searches.5.5. Network.Network.6.6. Market yourself for a job via a résumé, Market yourself for a job via a résumé,

cover letter, application, portfolio, and job cover letter, application, portfolio, and job interview. interview.


CAREER DECISION-MAKING:CAREER DECISION-MAKING: A Life-Long ProcessA Life-Long Process

1.1. What you learn in this chapter will be repeated What you learn in this chapter will be repeated at various times throughout your life. at various times throughout your life.

2.2. You will continually upgrade your career You will continually upgrade your career decision-making skills to carry out realistic and decision-making skills to carry out realistic and fulfilling career and life plans. fulfilling career and life plans. Reflect on this Reflect on this—what does this mean to you?—what does this mean to you?


Career planning is . . .Career planning is . . .

. . . always subject to new learning . . . always subject to new learning about yourself about yourself

and about emerging careers.and about emerging careers.


Self-Assessment for Career ExplorationSelf-Assessment for Career Exploration

1.1. Values—what matters most to you Values—what matters most to you

2.2. Interests—what you enjoy doingInterests—what you enjoy doing

3.3. Personality Type—your character, traits, and Personality Type—your character, traits, and naturenature

4.4. Skills—what you are good atSkills—what you are good at

Knowing yourself can help you find a satisfying Knowing yourself can help you find a satisfying career.career.


Assess Your ValuesAssess Your Values

Work ValuesWork Values What you consider to be What you consider to be important, worthy, or meaningful for your job important, worthy, or meaningful for your job satisfaction.satisfaction.

A few examplesA few examples: helping others, managing : helping others, managing projects or people, becoming wealthy, using or projects or people, becoming wealthy, using or developing new technology, job or family developing new technology, job or family security, working with your hands or with nature, security, working with your hands or with nature, having a sedentary or a physical activity job, having a sedentary or a physical activity job, working independently or with a team, and many working independently or with a team, and many more.more.


Exercise 12-1: My Work ValuesExercise 12-1: My Work Values

1.1. Not everyone believes work and values Not everyone believes work and values must be aligned.must be aligned.

2.2. But values often influence the kind of But values often influence the kind of work you choose. work you choose.

3.3. Use your assessed work values from Use your assessed work values from Exercise 12-1: My Work ValuesExercise 12-1: My Work Values, to help , to help you consider what types of jobs match you consider what types of jobs match your values.your values.


JOB VALUES JOB VALUES What do you consider What do you consider to be important, worthy, or meaningful?to be important, worthy, or meaningful?

From From Exercise 12-1:Exercise 12-1: My Work ValuesMy Work Values

Discuss with your classmate Discuss with your classmate After determining After determining your top five work values your top five work values andand the types of jobs the types of jobs that are likely to satisfy those values, that are likely to satisfy those values, what what conclusions can you derive from Exercise 12-1?conclusions can you derive from Exercise 12-1?


Assess Your InterestsAssess Your Interests

1.1. Interests are reflected in the activities Interests are reflected in the activities you enjoy doing and in your affinities. you enjoy doing and in your affinities.

2.2. Identifying your interests and finding Identifying your interests and finding employment that matches your interests employment that matches your interests obviously provides greater work obviously provides greater work satisfaction.satisfaction.


Interest InterviewInterest Interview Use the following questions to interview a classmate.Use the following questions to interview a classmate.

1.1. What are your favorite hobbies?What are your favorite hobbies?2.2. What are your favorite recreation activities?What are your favorite recreation activities?3.3. What political causes are important to you?What political causes are important to you?4.4. What are your scientific, artistic, and/or other What are your scientific, artistic, and/or other

subject area interests?subject area interests?5.5. What other activities do you enjoy?What other activities do you enjoy?

6.6. See any “interest” theme from your responses?See any “interest” theme from your responses?7.7. Any conclusions about jobs that may match Any conclusions about jobs that may match

your interests?your interests?


Personality Types Personality Types

and Aligned and Aligned

Work EnvironmentsWork Environments


John Holland’s Theory of Career ChoiceJohn Holland’s Theory of Career Choice

1.1. Holland’s theory states that Holland’s theory states that “the choice “the choice of a vocation is an expression of of a vocation is an expression of personalitypersonality.”.”

2.2. Career choices consistent with your Career choices consistent with your personality are likely to lead to job personality are likely to lead to job success and satisfaction. success and satisfaction.

3.3. Holland developed a six factor typology Holland developed a six factor typology to describe both to describe both personspersons and and work work environmentsenvironments..


John Holland’s Theory of Career Choice John Holland’s Theory of Career Choice continuedcontinued

4.4. This theory is the best known and most This theory is the best known and most widely researched theory on this topic widely researched theory on this topic and is used by most career counselors and is used by most career counselors and the U.S. Department of Labor. and the U.S. Department of Labor.

5.5. The next slides display and explain the The next slides display and explain the six personality types and work six personality types and work environments.environments.


The six personality and work environment The six personality and work environment types described by Holland are as follows:types described by Holland are as follows:

1.1. RealisticRealistic—practical, physical, hands-on, tool-—practical, physical, hands-on, tool-oriented (Doer)oriented (Doer)

2.2. InvestigativeInvestigative—analytical, intellectual, scientific, —analytical, intellectual, scientific, explorative (Thinker)explorative (Thinker)

3.3. ArtisticArtistic—creative, original, independent, chaotic —creative, original, independent, chaotic (Creator) (Creator)

4.4. SocialSocial—cooperative, supporting, helping, —cooperative, supporting, helping, healing/nurturing (Helper)healing/nurturing (Helper)

5.5. EnterprisingEnterprising—competitive environments, —competitive environments, leadership, persuading (Persuader)leadership, persuading (Persuader)

6.6. Conventional—Conventional—detail-oriented, organizing, detail-oriented, organizing, clerical (Organizer)clerical (Organizer)

Wikipedia Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Codes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Codes


John Holland's Theory of Career Choice John Holland's Theory of Career Choice continuedcontinued

6.6. You are a combination of all six You are a combination of all six personality types.personality types.

7.7. However, you are likely to be dominant in However, you are likely to be dominant in three personality types.three personality types.

8.8. Holland classifies occupations using the Holland classifies occupations using the three highest or dominant personality three highest or dominant personality types.types.


Your “Holland Personality” ResultsYour “Holland Personality” Results

Discuss with your classmate:Discuss with your classmate:

1.1. Based on the textbook’s John Holland Based on the textbook’s John Holland Occupational Personality Assessment, Occupational Personality Assessment, what were your top three personality what were your top three personality types? types?

2.2. andand corresponding scores? corresponding scores?


John Holland’s Hexagon model shows John Holland’s Hexagon model shows relationships between the personality types/ relationships between the personality types/

work environments.work environments.

Note personality types closest to each other are more alike than those farther away.


Personality TypesPersonality Types

____________________________

1.1. RealisticRealistic

2.2. InvestigativeInvestigative

3.3. ArtisticArtistic

4.4. SocialSocial

5.5. EnterprisingEnterprising

6.6. ConventionalConventional

Compatible Work Compatible Work EnvironmentsEnvironments

________________________________________________________________1.1. Realistic, Investigative, ConventionalRealistic, Investigative, Conventional2.2. Investigative, Realistic, ArtisticInvestigative, Realistic, Artistic3.3. Artistic, investigative, SocialArtistic, investigative, Social4.4. Social, Artistic, EnterprisingSocial, Artistic, Enterprising5.5. Enterprising, Social, ConventionalEnterprising, Social, Conventional6.6. Conventional, Enterprising, RealisticConventional, Enterprising, Realistic

Relationship between the personality types Relationship between the personality types

and work environments.and work environments.


Continue to discuss with your Continue to discuss with your classmate. . .classmate. . .

Review the occupations listed in your text that are listed in Review the occupations listed in your text that are listed in each of your top three personality types.each of your top three personality types.

1.1. What occupations listed in your top three personality What occupations listed in your top three personality types are of strong interest to you?types are of strong interest to you?

2.2. What What new job titlesnew job titles have recently been developed (but have recently been developed (but not listed in the text) and are likely to be listed in these not listed in the text) and are likely to be listed in these personality types? personality types?

Note: New and emerging jobs are continually added as new Note: New and emerging jobs are continually added as new fields and technologies emerge.fields and technologies emerge.


Assess Your SkillsAssess Your Skills

1.1. The skills you have strongly influence The skills you have strongly influence your career options. your career options.

2.2. Skills are abilities you can immediately Skills are abilities you can immediately apply in specific tasks or functions.apply in specific tasks or functions.

3.3. Marketable skills are key selling points Marketable skills are key selling points on your résumé—they’re the skills your on your résumé—they’re the skills your employer hired you for.employer hired you for.


Three Types of SkillsThree Types of Skills

1.1. Transferrable skillsTransferrable skills are competencies you learn in are competencies you learn in one environment that can easily be employed in one environment that can easily be employed in other settings.other settings.

2.2. Work-specific skillsWork-specific skills are abilities you have learned are abilities you have learned specifically for the job.specifically for the job.

3.3. Self-management skillsSelf-management skills relate to how you manage relate to how you manage yourself, how well you perform, and your yourself, how well you perform, and your temperament. temperament.

Give examples of each of the three skills above Give examples of each of the three skills above which you possess.which you possess.


Go to theGo to the O*NET ConnectorO*NET Connector

http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/

. . . to learn what skills are required for a job in . . . to learn what skills are required for a job in which you have an interest. which you have an interest.

Note:Note: At this website, the At this website, the work-specific skillswork-specific skills are called, “Detailed Work Activities.”are called, “Detailed Work Activities.”

Go to theGo to the O*NET ConnectorO*NET Connector

http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/


Job Search StrategiesJob Search Strategies

Class Brainstorm:Class Brainstorm:

Let’s list all the ways we can think of Let’s list all the ways we can think of to search for a job.to search for a job.


Informational InterviewsInformational Interviews

1.1. Talking to people about their jobs/careers, Talking to people about their jobs/careers, without an expectation of a job offer, is a without an expectation of a job offer, is a fantastic way to investigate career options.fantastic way to investigate career options.

2.2. It is less stressful than a job interview and you It is less stressful than a job interview and you are asking the questions because you want to are asking the questions because you want to learn about the job.learn about the job.

3.3. You can learn about the pros and cons of a job You can learn about the pros and cons of a job as well as the workplace.as well as the workplace.


Informational Interviews Informational Interviews continuedcontinued

4.4. It’s always good to talk to several individuals to It’s always good to talk to several individuals to get different takes on the job/career.get different takes on the job/career.

5.5. Send a thank you note.Send a thank you note.

6.6. You could ignite the interest of a perspective You could ignite the interest of a perspective employer—employer—it happens occasionally!it happens occasionally!


IInformational nformational IInterviews nterviews QQuestionsuestions

Discuss in small groups and record:Discuss in small groups and record:

What questions you would like to ask to What questions you would like to ask to learn about the job and workplace.learn about the job and workplace.

Share your questions with the class.Share your questions with the class.


College Placement ServicesCollege Placement Services

What kind of career and placement services What kind of career and placement services

does our College provide?does our College provide?


Networking Networking to help you identify job openings to help you identify job openings

and make job contacts.and make job contacts.

Some of the best jobs aren’t listed Some of the best jobs aren’t listed anywhere except in the mental anywhere except in the mental

catalogues of CEOs, managers, and catalogues of CEOs, managers, and others in the know!others in the know!


Group Group BrainstormBrainstorm/Group Share/Group Share

1.1. List possible networking contacts.List possible networking contacts.2.2. List possible places to network.List possible places to network.3.3. How can you prepare for networking? How can you prepare for networking?

How would you approach individuals? How would you approach individuals? What kinds of information will you seek?What kinds of information will you seek? . . . and provide?. . . and provide?

4.4. How would you recommend following up your How would you recommend following up your networking?networking?


Investigating Investigating

Career Career

OptionsOptions


O*NET O*NET Resource Center Resource Center http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/

1.1. Is the nation’s primary source of occupational Is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. information.

2.2. Contains information on hundreds of Contains information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific standardized and occupation-specific descriptors.descriptors.

3.3. Is continually updated by surveying a broad Is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. range of workers from each occupation.

4.4. Is an interactive application for exploring and Is an interactive application for exploring and searching occupations. searching occupations.

5.5. Has career exploration tools and assessment Has career exploration tools and assessment instruments for workers and students looking to instruments for workers and students looking to find or change careers. find or change careers.


Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)(U.S. Dept of Labor) (U.S. Dept of Labor) http://www.bls.gov/oco/http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Use to investigate occupational information on:

1.1. Training and education needed Training and education needed 2.2. Earnings Earnings 3.3. Expected job prospects Expected job prospects 4.4. What workers do on the job What workers do on the job 5.5. Working conditions Working conditions 6.6. In addition, the In addition, the HandbookHandbook gives you job search gives you job search

tips, links to information about the job market in tips, links to information about the job market in each state, and more.each state, and more.

Note: the OOH is revised every two years.Note: the OOH is revised every two years.


CareerOneStopCareerOneStop (CareerInfoNet) (CareerInfoNet) http://www.careeronestop.org/http://www.careeronestop.org/

Another comprehensive career resource library Another comprehensive career resource library containing:containing:

1.1. Career exploration resourcesCareer exploration resources2.2. Salary and benefit informationSalary and benefit information3.3. Education and training informationEducation and training information4.4. Job search sites for each stateJob search sites for each state5.5. Occupational profiles by stateOccupational profiles by state6.6. Résumé and interview helpRésumé and interview help7.7. Other related services and moreOther related services and more


Marketing Yourself Marketing Yourself for the Jobfor the Job

RésuméRésuméCover LetterCover LetterApplicationApplicationPortfolio Portfolio

Job InterviewJob Interview


The RésuméThe Résumé1.1. Is the first step in marketing you for the job—concisely Is the first step in marketing you for the job—concisely

listing your contact information, credentials, listing your contact information, credentials, achievements, work and educational background.achievements, work and educational background.

2.2. Purpose—to get the prospective employer interested in Purpose—to get the prospective employer interested in interviewing you. interviewing you.

3.3. Employers want a résumé to show a clear match Employers want a résumé to show a clear match between the applicant and the job.between the applicant and the job.

4.4. Note—there are many and varied approaches to Note—there are many and varied approaches to constructing a résumé. constructing a résumé.

5.5. Give yourself plenty of time to construct your résumé Give yourself plenty of time to construct your résumé and get a competent proofreader to check it.and get a competent proofreader to check it.


The Résumé The Résumé How to Instantly Catch the Reader’s EyeHow to Instantly Catch the Reader’s Eye

1.1. Identify the area(s) in which you can make a contribution.Identify the area(s) in which you can make a contribution.

2.2. Can take one of several—or a combination—of forms: Can take one of several—or a combination—of forms:

a.a. Professional Objective statement:Professional Objective statement:

Should state the position you are applying for.Should state the position you are applying for. Can include a strong and concise statement that shows Can include a strong and concise statement that shows

the employer how you meet their needs.the employer how you meet their needs. May also follow with a list of qualifications you bring to May also follow with a list of qualifications you bring to

the position.the position. Can also show that you can bring added value. Can also show that you can bring added value. Should persuade the employer to read the rest of your Should persuade the employer to read the rest of your

résumé.résumé.


To Include or Not to Include a To Include or Not to Include a Professional Objective Statement?Professional Objective Statement?

•• Some people choose to omit the objective Some people choose to omit the objective statement because they believe it is limiting. statement because they believe it is limiting.

•• Some employers want to see an objective to Some employers want to see an objective to size up your intentions.size up your intentions.

•• Other employers say objectives are often Other employers say objectives are often poorly written and waste space.poorly written and waste space.

Discuss reasons you may or may not want Discuss reasons you may or may not want to include an objective on your résumé. to include an objective on your résumé.


Other Other RésuméRésumé Openers Openers

1.1. Headline statementHeadline statement—simply the title of the —simply the title of the position you’re applying for (and adjusted for position you’re applying for (and adjusted for every job you apply for). every job you apply for).

2.2. Branding statementBranding statement—ad-like statement that —ad-like statement that tells immediately what you can bring to the tells immediately what you can bring to the employer.employer.


Headline and Branding Statement Headline and Branding Statement Used in CombinationUsed in Combination

ExampleExample: :

PROJECT MANAGERPROJECT MANAGERSpecialize in upgrading business information Specialize in upgrading business information systems, designing strategy, managing risk, systems, designing strategy, managing risk, implementing training, and improving the quality implementing training, and improving the quality and caliber of operations. and caliber of operations.


Another Approach Another Approach (from Monster.com)(from Monster.com)

Dedicated health information technician (HIT) with seven Dedicated health information technician (HIT) with seven years of acute-care hospital medical records coding years of acute-care hospital medical records coding experience. Additional four years of experience as a experience. Additional four years of experience as a medical office administrative manager in a rehabilitation medical office administrative manager in a rehabilitation setting. Completed full-time HIT program in 2002. setting. Completed full-time HIT program in 2002. Qualifications include: Qualifications include:

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification AAS degree in Health Information Technology AAS degree in Health Information Technology Expertise in ICD-9-CM and CPT coding Expertise in ICD-9-CM and CPT coding Knowledge of licensing, reimbursement and accreditation Knowledge of licensing, reimbursement and accreditation

standards standards


Include Accomplishments Include Accomplishments on Your Résuméon Your Résumé

1.1. Focus on accomplishments that set you apart from Focus on accomplishments that set you apart from other job candidates. other job candidates.

2.2. In each job, what special things did you do to set In each job, what special things did you do to set yourself apart? yourself apart?

3.3. How did you do the job better than anyone else or than How did you do the job better than anyone else or than anyone else could have done? anyone else could have done?

4.4. What were the problems or challenges that you or the What were the problems or challenges that you or the organization faced? What did you do to overcome the organization faced? What did you do to overcome the problems? problems?

5.5. What were the results of your efforts? What were the results of your efforts? 6.6. How did the organization benefit from your How did the organization benefit from your

performance? performance? 7.7. How did you leave your employers better off than How did you leave your employers better off than

before you worked for them? before you worked for them?


Résumé Résumé Group Discussion Group Discussion

There are many possible ways to construct There are many possible ways to construct a résumé, so let’s first discuss category a résumé, so let’s first discuss category headings.headings.

1.1. Think of all the possible category Think of all the possible category headings you could put on a resume.headings you could put on a resume.

2.2. What will you name these categories?What will you name these categories?

3.3. How will you order your categories?How will you order your categories?


Résumé TipsRésumé Tips

1.1. When you see descriptions of jobs you When you see descriptions of jobs you want, pay close attention to the skills the want, pay close attention to the skills the employer wants, and make sure you employer wants, and make sure you address them in your résumé.address them in your résumé.

2.2. Always portray your skills in your résumé Always portray your skills in your résumé as applicable to the job you seek. as applicable to the job you seek.


Which will you choose? Why?Which will you choose? Why?

1.1. Functional RésuméFunctional Résumé——highlights an applicant’shighlights an applicant’s specific experience and skills rather than a chronological listing of specific experience and skills rather than a chronological listing of

work history experience.work history experience. 2.2. Chronological RésuméChronological Résumé——highlights an applicant’s highlights an applicant’s

work history starting from the most recent work experience listed work history starting from the most recent work experience listed in reverse chronological order. in reverse chronological order.

3.3. Combination of bothCombination of both——describe this combo.describe this combo.

4.4. Which type would you choose?Which type would you choose?


ReferencesReferences

Who should you select for references?Who should you select for references?


Reference TipsReference Tips1.1. ““References furnished upon request” is not References furnished upon request” is not

essential on the bottom of your résumé.essential on the bottom of your résumé.

It may be eliminated, especially if space is needed It may be eliminated, especially if space is needed for pertinent information.for pertinent information.

2.2. Have references available on another typed Have references available on another typed sheet of paper for the interview. sheet of paper for the interview.

3.3. List at least three people (not relatives) who List at least three people (not relatives) who have recognized your skills, accomplishments, have recognized your skills, accomplishments, or performance.or performance.


Cover LettersCover Letters

1.1. It is important to remember that cover It is important to remember that cover letters are sales letters, and you are the letters are sales letters, and you are the product. product.

2.2. Cover letters serve to introduce you to an Cover letters serve to introduce you to an employer, and résumés tell about you.employer, and résumés tell about you.

3.3. Like the résumé, the cover letter is an Like the résumé, the cover letter is an important marketing tool. important marketing tool.


Cover Letter Format TipsCover Letter Format Tips

1.1. Make every effort to address your cover letter to a specific Make every effort to address your cover letter to a specific person—avoid the “Dear Sir or Madam.” person—avoid the “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Search the “about us” pages on the company web site for names Search the “about us” pages on the company web site for names of individuals to address. of individuals to address.

Use “Dear Employer” as a last resort.Use “Dear Employer” as a last resort.

2.2. Use your first paragraph to:Use your first paragraph to:

State the name of the position and include the name of a mutual State the name of the position and include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. contact, if you have one.

State where you heard about the job.State where you heard about the job. Create interest and focus on what you have to offer relative to the Create interest and focus on what you have to offer relative to the

employer’s needs.employer’s needs. Refer to your attached/enclosed résumé.Refer to your attached/enclosed résumé.


Cover Letter Cover Letter continuedcontinued

3.3. Use the next paragraph(s) of the letter to Use the next paragraph(s) of the letter to address why you are the best candidate for the address why you are the best candidate for the company and specific position. company and specific position.

You can also communicate that you match or You can also communicate that you match or exceed the qualifications/requirements listed in exceed the qualifications/requirements listed in the job description.the job description.

Note:Note: Try not to repeat your résumé—just Try not to repeat your résumé—just introduce the highlights that encourage them to introduce the highlights that encourage them to read your résumé thoroughly.read your résumé thoroughly.



4.4. Conclude your cover letter by thanking the Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. employer for considering you for the position.

Include information on how you will follow up. Include information on how you will follow up.

I will contact you the week of ____________.I will contact you the week of ____________.

to inquire about an interview.to inquire about an interview.

OR . . . what other clever statement/reasons OR . . . what other clever statement/reasons could you pose for a follow-up call? could you pose for a follow-up call?



Like a résumé . . .Like a résumé . . .

There are many and varied approaches There are many and varied approaches to constructing a cover letter. to constructing a cover letter.

Give yourself plenty of time to construct Give yourself plenty of time to construct your cover letter and get a competent your cover letter and get a competent proofreader to check it.proofreader to check it.


Do you need a Job Portfolio?Do you need a Job Portfolio?

No—a job portfolio is not necessary, but it can:No—a job portfolio is not necessary, but it can:

1.1. Make a good impression on an employer or an Make a good impression on an employer or an interview team.interview team.

2.2. Set you apart from other job candidates—Set you apart from other job candidates—giving you a competitive edge.giving you a competitive edge.

3.3. Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and your quality.your quality.


Portfolio TipsPortfolio Tips

1.1. Use a three-ring binder so you can add Use a three-ring binder so you can add and subtract documents. and subtract documents.

2.2. The first page of the portfolio should be The first page of the portfolio should be your index/overview of what is contained your index/overview of what is contained in the portfolio. in the portfolio.

3.3. Documents to include Documents to include next slide next slide


Portfolio DocumentsPortfolio Documents

1.1. Résumé or vitaeRésumé or vitae2.2. Most recent licenses, certificates, professional Most recent licenses, certificates, professional

registrations, or other credentialsregistrations, or other credentials3.3. Degrees and training completion certificationsDegrees and training completion certifications4.4. Achievements and recognitions/awardsAchievements and recognitions/awards5.5. Evidence of creative projectsEvidence of creative projects6.6. Writing samples and/or publicationsWriting samples and/or publications7.7. Letters of recognitionLetters of recognition8.8. Evidence of presentations at conferences, etc.Evidence of presentations at conferences, etc.9.9. Photos that showcase accomplishmentsPhotos that showcase accomplishments10.10. Memberships and offices held in professional Memberships and offices held in professional

organizationsorganizations11.11. What else?What else?


Completing a Job Application— Completing a Job Application— Another Piece of Self-MarketingAnother Piece of Self-Marketing

Tell me some Tell me some

Do’sDo’s and and

Don’ts Don’ts for for

completing completing

a job a job

application.application.


The Job InterviewThe Job Interview

1.1. Interviewing also varies widely, based on Interviewing also varies widely, based on industry, occupation, employer, and industry, occupation, employer, and position. position.

2.2. Generally, the higher paid the job, the Generally, the higher paid the job, the longer and more rigorous the selection longer and more rigorous the selection process. process.


Interview VariancesInterview Variances

Some Interviews include:Some Interviews include: Interview committees—then meet the CEO.Interview committees—then meet the CEO.

On rare occasions, all candidates are On rare occasions, all candidates are interviewed in the same room, same time.interviewed in the same room, same time.

May require a writing sample, presentation, or May require a writing sample, presentation, or test during the interview process.test during the interview process.

Any other experiences?Any other experiences?


Interview PreparationInterview Preparation

1.1. Learn everything you can about the Learn everything you can about the employer, the position, and employer, the position, and business/industry—including the major business/industry—including the major competitors in the field. competitors in the field.

Go to the employer’s Web site and study Go to the employer’s Web site and study every page. You will likely pick up some every page. You will likely pick up some information and language that you can use information and language that you can use in the interview. in the interview.


Interview Preparation Interview Preparation continuedcontinued

2.2. When you set up the interview schedule, ask When you set up the interview schedule, ask who you will be talking to and how best to who you will be talking to and how best to prepare.prepare.

3.3. Practice responding to potential questions— Practice responding to potential questions— even the tough questions like: “Where do you even the tough questions like: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” OR “Why are you see yourself in five years?” OR “Why are you unemployed?”unemployed?”

4.4. Prepare questions to ask during interviews— Prepare questions to ask during interviews— for example: for example:

““Is there any qualification for this position that you Is there any qualification for this position that you think I am missing?”think I am missing?”

This gives you clues about concerns you could This gives you clues about concerns you could address further.address further.


And don’t forget to bathe nicely for the interview!


Class ShareClass Share

1.1. Let’s hear about some of your Let’s hear about some of your experiences with interviews.experiences with interviews.

2.2. Based on your experiences, is there any Based on your experiences, is there any advice you have about interview advice you have about interview preparation?preparation?


Don’t ForgetDon’t Forget

Send a thank you e-mail after your interview.Send a thank you e-mail after your interview.

What should you say?What should you say?


Discussion: Career ChangesDiscussion: Career Changes

1.1. Does anyone remember the days when Does anyone remember the days when workers and employers remained loyal to workers and employers remained loyal to one another for 30 or more years? one another for 30 or more years?

2.2. Why are job and career changes more Why are job and career changes more frequent today? frequent today?

3.3. How can you thoughtfully plan for job How can you thoughtfully plan for job and career change that will lead you to and career change that will lead you to the next position?the next position?


Career ChangesCareer Changes

More often than not, the need for job or More often than not, the need for job or career change happens unexpectedly, when career change happens unexpectedly, when one is least prepared, and so it carries with it one is least prepared, and so it carries with it fear, frustration, and immobilization. fear, frustration, and immobilization.

Reflect on this.Reflect on this.


Key Chapter PointsKey Chapter Points

1.1. Knowing your work-related values, interests, Knowing your work-related values, interests, personality type, and skills can help you find a personality type, and skills can help you find a satisfying career.satisfying career.

2.2. According to John Holland, “the choice of a According to John Holland, “the choice of a vocation is an expression of personality.”vocation is an expression of personality.”

3.3. Talking to people about their jobs/careers, Talking to people about their jobs/careers, without an expectation of a job offer, is a without an expectation of a job offer, is a fantastic way to investigate career options.fantastic way to investigate career options.

4.4. Some of the best jobs aren’t listed anywhere Some of the best jobs aren’t listed anywhere except in the mental catalogues of CEOs and except in the mental catalogues of CEOs and managers—and networking helps you uncover managers—and networking helps you uncover jobs openings and good contacts.jobs openings and good contacts.


Key Chapter PointsKey Chapter Points continuedcontinued

5.5. There are many and varied approaches to There are many and varied approaches to constructing a résumé and cover letter. constructing a résumé and cover letter.

6.6. Give yourself plenty of time to construct your Give yourself plenty of time to construct your résumé and cover letter and get a competent résumé and cover letter and get a competent proofreader to check it.proofreader to check it.

7.7. Prepare for your interview by researching the Prepare for your interview by researching the job and company as well as practicing job and company as well as practicing responses to questions.responses to questions.

8.8. Do your homework Do your homework assess your work assess your work values, interests, personality type, and skills; values, interests, personality type, and skills; and then investigate jobs that match you.and then investigate jobs that match you.


This is my attentive interview face.This is my attentive interview face.

copyright © 2010 by tapestry press, ltd. chapter 12 planning for your career

Documents

tapestry press

career slide

job values

assessed work values

career planning

career exploration

job interview

career options