Download - Chapter 3 ppt
Chapter 3Preparing for Your Employment
Preparing for Your Employment Objectives
Locating Job Prospects Ethical Issues in Job Search Preparing Employment Documents Interviewing for Position Testing Composing Follow-up Letters Conducting Electronic Job Search Making Decisions Regarding Employment
Opportunities
Job Prospects—Networking
Exchange of information Discuss employment goals with instructors,
business friends, and family
Keep in touch to learn about employment opportunities
Attend functions such as career fairs Participate in seminars
Job Prospects—Networking (continued)
Share information to receive information Be a good listener Ways to improve networking skills:
Choose corporate mentor for information and advice about organization
Never limit your contacts Make yourself visible Increase your reading of business materials
Job Prospects—Electronic Social Networks
Participate in social networks such as blogs and FacebookConsider visibilityConsider image as viewed by potential
employers
Watch for employment Schedule appointment to talk about
specific interests, to ask questions, and to seek guidance
Job Prospects—Campus Career Centers
Attend job (career) fairs to learn about… Potential employment opportunities
Qualifications or requirements for available positions
Future employment opportunities
Job Prospects—Job Fairs
Job Prospects—Business News Items
Read business news appearing in newspaper in area where you plan to workLearn about news such as
Opening another branch or relocating
Any changes within organization that may indicate career opportunities
Job Prospects—Direct Application
Do not wait for job to be advertisedTake initiative and apply
Be optimistic – give impressive application
Job Prospects—Staffing Services
Jobs listed with public and private employment agenciesState supported employment offices and U. S.
Employment Service list openings for all kinds of work
Private staffing agencies charge fees to prospective employer
Both administer skills test, locate job openings, and send you on interview
Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment
Federal Employment Information Center for updated job vacancy listingshttp://www.usajobs.opm.govAnnouncements of jobsList of local government agenciesApplication forms
Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment (continued)
Contact regional or local personnel offices; request: Career opportunities brochures
Job announcements and information
Obtain local government field offices in telephone book’s blue pages
Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment (continued)
Visit local library for: United States Government Manual Federal Career Directory Occupational Outlook Quarterly Occupational
Handbook
Test required for some jobs Thorough check on background, work
experience, and education
Job Prospects—Newspaper Advertisements
Look for jobs listed under variety of headings
Study ads for information concerning trends in employment
Answer ads promptly Follow instructions Submit stated qualifications
with cover letter and resume
Job Prospects—Newspaper Advertisements (continued)
Blind advertisement Newspaper advertisement lists post office box number
or telephone number as contact
When contacted: Ask for company name and ask questions about job during
phone conversation
Job Prospects—In Other Geographic Areas
Use Internet to research city or company name
Ask career counselor at your school for help
Inquire at local public library for telephone directories and newspapers for city where you are seeking employment
Prospects in Other Geographic Areas (continued)
Write, e-mail, or fax Chamber of Commerce in desired locationState employment goals and ask about
opportunities in your fieldUnderstand list of prospective employers may
be limited only to Chamber of Commerce members
Stop and Check 1 List four sources you might check for job
prospects. Why is networking so important in your job hunt? How could a blind advertisement work to your
disadvantage? Suppose you and your family were moving to
another city within your state. Identify at least two sources you may use to locate potential employment opportunities in the new city.
Ethical Issues in Job Search
What are consequences of “stretching” truth or falsifying or misrepresenting information about yourSkills?Experience?Education?
Preparing Employment Documents—Resumes
Summary of applicant’s qualifications for job being sought
Must beWell writtenWell presentedWell organized
Resume should answer:
Who you areType of job you are seekingQualificationsExperience
Preparing Employment Documents—Resumes (continued)
Preparing Employment Documents (continued)
Resume softwareTakes hassle out of creating from scratchProvides tips, examples, and action wordsFormats information in style of choiceHelps you write application and follow-up
lettersSubmits resume to major career Web sites
in clear and readable format
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Resume stylesChronological
Most recent info presented firstFunctional
Points applicant’s skills, abilities, and accomplishments
TargetedFocuses on applicant’s achievements and
abilities related only to specific position.
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Purpose of resumeTo obtain interview
Self-appraisal inventoryDetails your educational background, work
experience, and personal qualities and interests
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Points of emphasisList qualifications in first line of each
sectionGet most essential data on first pageKeep resume to two pagesDecide which is most persuasive – work or
education, and place after objective
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Suggested outline for chronological resume Plan resume to present qualifications and highlight
strongest points Be consistent in verb usage
Bad Example Keying documents Manage electronic databases Plan meetings and conferences
Good Example Keying documents Managing databases Planning meetings and conferences
Use lists to describe duties or skills
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Headings Name Address
Provide permanent address to ensure you will receive any documentation sent
Telephone number Use answering system to avoid missed calls
Fax number E-mail address
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Job objective State type of position you are seeking and name
of organization with which you are seeking employment
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Education List degree (certificate or license), major, and name of
college conferring latest degree
List skills
Bilingual
High keyboarding speed
Software proficiency
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Experience List most recent position first and employment
experience
If limited, include part-time, summer, and volunteer work
Use separate entry for each job
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Interests and activities Not required to add personal data
If you believe certain personal data may be to your benefit, include it
Add whatever you believe will support application, such as honors received, extracurricular activities, and professional associations
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
References List three or more former employers and
teachers who can provide specific evaluation of competence, work habits, and attitude toward work
For character references – do not give name of relative
Ask permission of each person before including his or her name
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Appearance of resume Print with quality bond paper
Use one-inch margins
Use short phrases
Explain any unfamiliar abbreviations or acronyms
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Appearance of resume (continued) Print heading at top of first page, centered, and in format
that is eye-catching and easy to read
Use side headings
Use heading on second page – your name and page number
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Appearance of resume (continued) To ensure your resume is not filtered out:
Clearly state skills
Follow instructions of how ad states company wants to receive resume
Concentrate on every detail – avoid errors
Respect ads that request applicants not to telephone company
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Faxing your resume Time spent printing on bond paper and/or using
color ink, and then faxing may be wasted effort
Include cover letter with fax, just like resumes mailed or delivered
If resume is attractive enough to earn points, mail original in addition to fax
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
E-mailing your resume Keeps it confidential
No guarantee that recipient’s screen or printer will maintain format
Send backup copy in postal mail
Applying for Jobs—ResumesScanning (continued)
Scanning your resume Recruiters use key words to search database of
resumes
Within minutes list of applicants whose resumes match stated criteria is brought to screen
Saves lots of time
Scanning can dramatically change appearance of resume
Applying for Jobs—Resumes Scanning (continued)
When submitting resume, use caution in preparing information
Omit special formats Don’t use bullets,
italics, underline, bold, center or indent, or include graphics
Use multiple pages Use white paper Use key words Include specific
software names Use common resume
headings: Objective, Education,
Experience, and Interests
Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued)
Resume remindersBefore submitting resume, check following
to ensureAppearance
Content
Accuracy
Delivery in appropriate/requested way
Stop and Check 2
What are some consequences of stretching the truth or falsifying or misrepresenting information about your skills? Experience? Education?
What questions should your resume address? Given the descriptions in this section, which
resume format would be the most appropriate for you?
List guidelines to follow in preparing your resume to be certain it will not be filtered out of the job competition.
EXIT TICKET on EDMODO
DUE TODAY!
!
Cover Letters—Prospecting Letter
Written by applicant who does not know job opening exists Represents initial effort at locating an employer to
consider qualifications Use interesting opening
Focus on facts
Make brief reference to enclosed resume
Use closing that requests action
Cover Letters—Solicited Letter
More specific than prospecting letter because applicant knows job opening exists First paragraph refers to job Ask to be considered for job Discuss every requirement mentioned Enclose resume and refer to it Close letter by requesting action
Cover Letters— Appearance
Use good bond paper—8 1/2 by 11 inches Match paper with resume paper Address letter to specific person Limit letter to one page
Keep font and format conservative Keep appearance professional Keep information balanced on page Time its arrival – Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday
Cover Letters—Reminders
Cover letter is window to resume Provides best view of skills
Serves as a marketing tool
EXIT TICKET on EDMODO
DUE TODAY!
!
Application Forms
Complete form at company’s request Complete each section
Write “Not Applicable” (N/A) or “Does Not Apply” when area doesn’t apply—do not leave blank
Application Forms (continued)
Follow instructionsUse inkKnow important dates, phone numbers, and
addresses for referencesUse exact title of position you are applying
forComplete form as requested
May staple resume to back of application form
Portfolios Decide whether to use paper or electronic Provide collection of best work
Organize samples into sections
Include table of contents and title page Package attractively Introduce portfolio during interview
Purpose of interview Gives interviewer opportunity to evaluate application
Personality, attitudes, professional appearance, and communication skills
Provides opportunity for applicant to appraise position and organization
Interviewing for Position
Applying for Jobs—Before the Interview—Prepare
Research organization
Practice run to location
Learn current salaries for similar jobs in community
Summarize qualifications
Dress appropriately
Decide which qualification to emphasize
Anticipate questions
Formulate answers to questions
Schedule ample time for getting ready and arriving for interview
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Research
Use Internet or library to study organization Products or services Profitability Number of employees Years in business Recent expansions Any mergers Competitive standing in industry Hiring practices
Regarding Job objective and why you feel qualified
Personal interests or opinion on latest current events
Questions to gain insight into your personality
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—
Research (continued)
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Behavioral Questions
When question asked leads to next and probes deeper into experience or scenario described by applicant
Be honest if no experience in area asked about But, ask if you have related experience, see if you can
share situation
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Legal Questions
Shouldn’t be asked about: Marital status, age, smoking habits, race, or native
tongue
Can ask: If you have valid driver’s license
Been convicted of crime Cannot ask if you’ve been arrested
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Ask Intelligent Questions
Mention that you did research and have few questions. Refer to sheet of questions you brought into interview
Good questions you can ask: To whom would I report?
What personal qualities improve likelihood for success in this position?
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview– Appearance Makes Statement
Look professional Dress conservatively Whatever you decide will be your image,
consider strong nonverbal message your image will send
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Be Punctual
Know exact locationArrive 10 to 15 minutes earlyNever schedule two interviews in same
morning or afternoonYou have no control over length of an
interviewYou cannot feel at ease if concerned about
time
Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—What to Take to Interview
Portfolio Pen and paper Extra copies of resume List of three of more references Job ad Typed list of questions Business card
Applying for Jobs—During Interview
May be one interviewer or panel of interviewers Interviewer controls interview
May ask “Tell me about yourself” or ask specific questions
When asked question, give full answer Ask for clarification on questions not understood
Applying for Jobs—During Interview—What About Salary?
Never ask during interview Reserve these questions when offered job
If interviewer asks, Be prepared to state range
Don’t sell yourself short when salary is discussed
Applying for Jobs—Closing the Interview
Watch for cues interview is coming to an end Offer firm hand shake Restate interest in position Check follow-up procedure Leave business card If offered position:
Say you want to take time to consider it, or If you have no doubt, accept at once
Applying for Jobs—After Interview
Make each interview learning experience— Were qualifications presented well? Were qualifications overlooked? Was I tense or too aggressive? Did I talk too much? Did I ask enough questions? How can I improve on next interview?
Applying for Jobs—Campus Interview Many organizations actively recruit
postsecondary graduates –on campus Dress for interview – not class Stress strong points Listen attentively Respond to questions / ask questions Project your personality If asked for follow-up interview or to take test – get
necessary information
EXIT TICKET on EDMODO
DUE TODAY!
!
Testing May cover
Software applications Written communication, including spelling and
punctuation Math Personality tests and mental ability tests
May have time limits
Composing Follow-up Letters Thank-you
Courtesy letter restating interest in position
Reminder After few weeks, if you have not received response, remind
interviewer of interest Include another resume
Inquiry If you have not heard anything by time indicated, write or
call, indicating interest if position is still available
Composing Follow-up Letters (continued)
Job acceptance Follow up even if you accept job, or are asked to call to accept Repeat report-to-work information about date, time, and place
Job refusal Be prompt in refusing Begin with favorable statement about contact with interviewer or
organization Indicate if accepted another job or if continuing search for
particular job Close with pleasant comment
Conducting an Electronic Job Search Use for job searching and sending resume to
online career services Use online resume builder or send resume
Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued)
Resume becomes part of database accessible to employers looking for employees with required skills Personal information is kept confidential
When employer believes you have credentials they need, you must give permission for information to be released to company
To ensure resume is scanner friendly Describe personal traits in nouns, not verbs
Use key words found in job ad
Use common resume headings
Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued)
To keep resume clean and simpleDon’t use italics or bulletsDon’t use bold or underlineDon’t use indents or centeringDon’t use colored paper
Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued)
Making Decisions
What happens if you are offered several positions of which any one would be ideal for you?Which one do you choose?
How do you learn to make good decisions?Use decision-making steps (refer to
Chapter 2)
EXIT TICKET on EDMODO
DUE TODAY!
!