teacher instructions/ pre-unit info

Teacher Instructions/ Pre-Unit Info

Materials Needed for this unit: Careers and Employment Note Packet Index Cards or Individual White Boards Career Assignment Worksheets Resume Worksheet Computer lab for the resume & cover letter creation Email Worksheets or Scenarios Thank you scenarios or self-made list of thank yous to be sent Blank Thank You notecard for each student Commonly Asked Interview Questions List Interview Wars Scoresheets Job I Want Sheets for Interview Wars

Suggested Scope for Unit(Based on 90 minute class periods)

Objective A: Describe career opportunities in agricultural communication. Day 1: What are Agricultural communications career notes, formative

assessment activity, assign agricultural communication careers for activity Pre Class Prep: Guided note packet copies, PPT, index cards or white boards

for formative assessment available, career assignment copies, careers to choose from printed

Day 2: Student research day Pre Class Prep: Computer Lab needed, extra career assignment worksheets

Day 3: Student career presentations/Introduce Resume Guidelines No pre class prep

Objective B: Write appropriate personal correspondence related to employment including: résumés, cover letters, Emails, thank you notes. Day 4: Resume Notes, Cover Letter Notes, and Resume Worksheet

Pre Class Prep: unit powerpoint pulled up, Copies of resume worksheet Day 5-6: Resume and Cover Letter Workdays

Pre Class Prep: Computer Lab Needed Day 7: Emails and Thank you notes

Pre Class Prep: print email worksheets or scenarios, print thank you scenarios or make your own list of real thank yous which need sent, get one blank thank you notecard for each studentThis slide included thanks to the awesome idea of Mr. Cash Williams

Suggested Scope for Unit(Based on 90 minute class periods)

Objective C: Explain and practice effective job interviewing skills. Day 8: Interviewing Notes

Pre Class Prep: check the embedded stepbrothers video or pull up clip, make copies of the commonly asked questions list

Day 9-10: Interview Wars Pre Class Prep: Make Copies of Interview wars scoresheets and

“Job I Want” papers, set up room

This slide included thanks to the awesome idea of Mr. Cash Williams

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATION COURSE

Careers and Employment in Agricultural

Communications

Unit Objectives

By the end of the unit, you should be able to:

Describe career opportunities in agricultural communication.

Write appropriate personal correspondence related to employment including: résumés, cover letters, Emails, thank you notes.

Explain and practice effective job interviewing skills.

What Careers are there in Agricultural Communications?

Brainstorm!!!!

List all the careers you can think of that would fall into the agricultural communication

industry

A. Describe career opportunities in agricultural communication.


22 Million Jobs in agriculture 4.6 million production agriculturalists 9.6 million manufacturing, processing, transportation 3.5 million agricultural science 4.3 million agribusiness and agriculture

communications



Agricultural communications careers can be hard to define, because there are so many possibilities within the industry

Broad categories of careers in agricultural communications are careers in:

Public Relations

Marketing

Media


Marketing Careers

Managing an agricultural product or service from development through sales


Public Relations Careers

Managing public opinion

Broken down into three general categories: Publicity: changing and developing public opinion Communications: managing client image Training: coaching others to effectively handle the

press


Media Careers

Working in a journalistic field to investigate, analyze, and report information about agriculture

Categories include: Broadcast Journalism Print Media Graphic Design


What Careers are there in Agricultural Communications? (QUIZ)

1. Approximately how many careers are there in the US in agriculture?

a. 53 Millionb. 34 Millionc. 22 Milliond. 16 Million



2. Approximately how many careers are there in the US in agribusiness/agricultural communication?

a. 14 Millionb. 10.1 Millionc. 8.3 Milliond. 4.3 Million



3. The general categories of careers in agricultural communication are public relations, marketing, and ______.

a. Economicsb. Graphic Designc. Mediad. Processing



4. Which broad category of agricultural communication careers is managing an agricultural product or service from development through sales?

a. Businessb. Marketingc. Mediad. Public Relations



5. Which broad category of agricultural communication careers is working in a journalistic field to investigate, analyze, and report information about agriculture?




6. Which broad category of agricultural communication careers is managing public opinion?



What documents do you need to gain employment?

Prepare BEFORE you want employment Cover Letter: formal letter of introduction

Resume: listing of your skills and qualifications

Prepare AS you want employment Job application: company generated

Thank you letters: to those who helped in the process

B. Write appropriate personal correspondence related to employment including: résumés, cover letters, Emails, thank you notes.

What is a Résumé?

Personal summary of your professional history and qualifications

A résumé (also spelled “resume”) includes anything a person wants to express about:

Career goals Education Experience Activities Honors


General Guidelines

Length: Limit résumé to one typed page

Font: Arial or Times New Roman Between 10-12 point font

Paper: Use 8 1/2” x 11” 20 lb paper White, light cream, or gray


Preliminary Resume Research

Find out: General job information Desired qualifications and skills Key values and word

Look on: Company website Job advertisement Any publications about the company (magazine

articles, etc.)


What should I include in a Resume?


Contact Information

Include: Name Permanent and/or campus addresses

Permanent and/or campus phone numbers

Email address


Contact Information

Cameo BohninoCampus Address: Permanent Address:227 Harrison, Apt. 5 5226

BuckbridgeWest Lafayette, IN 47906 Fort Wayne, IN 46815765.410.6283 260.482.670

[email protected] Cell: 765.410.6283


Contact Information Examples

Cameo Bohnino227 Harrison, Apt. 5

West Lafayette, IN 47906765.410.6283

[email protected]


Objective Statements

Two different approaches to objective statements Brief and to the point Detailed description of desired position and

qualificationsYou must decide which approach is best


First Approach: Brief

To obtain a summer internship insales/marketing at Owens Corning

A full-time position as a system analyst

A summer internship as a project engineer


A summer internship in a sales/marketing position at Owens Corning where I can employ my team building skills and versatility to create new ideas

A full-time position as a systems analyst which will allow me to use my programming, technical writing, and supervisory skills to lead a group of dynamic employees

A summer internship as a project engineer with a construction company that will utilize my experience in field engineering, cost controlling, and estimating

Second Approach: Descriptive


Education

Beginning with the highest level of educational achievement, include:School attendedClasses related to job applying forGPA (if 3.0 or above)Date of program completion

information


Bachelor of Science in Management December 2007

Purdue University, Krannert School of Management, West Lafayette, IN Minor: Marketing Current Overall GPA: 3.5/4.0

Education


Work Experience

Include positions you have held which are related, in some way, to the job you are seeking Can be both paid and volunteer positions

Be creative with this section of your résumé by describing and emphasizing your experiences in the most relevant way possible.


Work Experience

Server May 2003-June 2006

The Blu Tomato, Fort Wayne, Indiana- Provided customers with superior service and ensure their

comfort in an upscale restaurant environment- Achieved net sales averaging between $400 and $750 a night

Swim Coach Summers 2004-2005

Blackhawk Swim Team, Fort Wayne, Indiana- Improved the swimming skills of children ages 4-18 while

encouraging the children to stay on task- Constructed line-ups for a competitive advantage at swim

meetsB. Write appropriate personal correspondence related to employment including: résumés, cover letters, Emails, thank you notes.

Experience

Purdue Athletic Promotions, West Lafayette, IN April 2004-Present

Manager of Promotions for Purdue Swimming and Diving- Create and implement a promotional campaign to increase

attendance at swimming and diving events- Design advertisements for newspapers, radio, and campus

Blackhawk Swim Team, Fort Wayne, Indiana Summers 2004-2005

Swim Coach- Improved the swimming skills of children ages 4-18 while

encouraging the children to stay on task- Constructed line-ups for a competitive advantage at swim meets


Purdue Equestrian Team Women in BusinessBeta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta

SigmaBoiler Gold Rush Team Leader School of Management

Peer Mentor

Activities, Honors, Volunteer Experience

• Include relevant activities, honors, and volunteer experiences


Action Verb List

Action phrases will help you avoid being too brief and from understating your qualifications.

Example: Before: Planned activities After: Planned arts and crafts activities for

preschool aged children


Action Verb Activity

Original Statement #1: “Answered the phone and related messages”

Original Statement #2: “Planned activities”

Original Statement #3: “Made change”

Original Statement #4: “Talked to customers”


What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter expresses interest and qualifications for a particular position

Personal but professionalTailored to position/companyExplains how you fit with organization and

how you will help themExpands main points from your resume“Sells” qualifications to the prospective

employer



Stacy Lolkus222 Harrison DrApartment 5West Lafayette, IN [email protected]

October 16, 2006

Jenny LockUline — HR Recruiting Center2105 S. Lakeside DriveWaukegan, IL 60085

Dear Ms. Lockridge: After speaking with Emily Richards about her past summer in the internship program, I am very interested in yourHuman Resources Summer Internship position. I worked with employee benefits this past summer and becamevery interested in the human resources aspect. I have obtained many leadership opportunities while working as a Business Writing Consultant Assistant Coordinator at Purdue’s Writing Lab that would be valuable in a career at Uline.

As Business Writing Consultant Assistant Coordinator at Purdue’s Writing Lab, my primary role is to help trainnew tutors for the Writing Lab. I work directly with the Business Writing Coordinator teaching classes andparticipating in mock tutorials to allow students to obtain hands-on experience tutoring business documents. Ialso organize educational workshops to refresh the skills of current Business Writing Consultants. My position asa Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader also challenged me to use my enthusiastic personality to motivate incomingfreshmen to be involved in campus activities. As a Human Resources Intern at Uline, I could use all of theseleadership skills while learning more about recruiting and hiring practices. Thank you for considering me for this position. I would love to discuss these and other qualifications with you. Ifyou have any questions, please call me at 765-450-7583 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Sincerely

Stacy Lolkus,Stacy Lolkus

Enclosure: Résumé

Student Address

Date

Salutation

Middle Paragraph

Employer Address

First Paragraph

Conclusion

Closing

What is Included in a Cover Letter?

Header

Make sure you address the letter to a specific person if possible (preferably the interviewer)

Your NameYour Street AddressCity, State, Zip Code

Date

Name of Contact PersonTitle OrganizationStreet AddressCity, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., Dr., (etc):


More Examples

Date

Name of Contact PersonTitle OrganizationStreet AddressCity, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms., Mr., Dr. (etc):

October 4, 2006

Stacy LoCEOLo Labs300 State St.Chicago, IL, 60611

Dear Ms. Lo:


First Paragraph

Purpose:Get the reader’s attentionIntroduce yourselfExplain purpose of letter Explain why interested in the position or

the company Culture? Approach?

Explain how you will help the organizationPreview the rest of the letter


After speaking with Emily Richards about her past summer in the internship program, I am interested in your Human Resources Summer Internship position. I worked with employee benefits this summer and became interested in the human resources aspect of the position. In addition to the leadership opportunities I obtained while working as a Business Writing Consultant Assistant Coordinator for Purdue’s Writing Lab, I have also developed my communication skills during my summer internship. I believe my skills will help your Human Resources department maintain its excellent track record.


Middle Paragraphs

Highlight skills and benefits to the companyEmphasize interest in the companyProvide concrete evidence

Show don’t tell (use information from resume) Include specific, credible examples of qualifications

for the positionBegin paragraphs with topic sentences


As a banking representative at Chase, I provided quality customer service while promoting the sale of products to customers. I also handled close to $20,000 each day and was responsible for balancing the bank’s ATM machine. My experience with customer relations and money management can help your accounting firm expand its Middle East division located in Dubai.


Conclusion

Conclude with next stepProvide contact information

I would like to discuss these and other qualifications with you to further explain how I can contribute to your Middle East operations. I look forward to meeting you soon. If you have any questions, please call me at 555-555-5555 or e-mail me at [email protected].


Closing Formats

Sincerely,

Simon Smith

Enclosure: Resume

Sincerely,

Simon Smith5886 Tunbridge CrossingFort Wayne, IN [email protected]

Enclosure: Resume


Look for:

Language: Weak Language:

I worked as a ramp agent at Comair.

Strong Language:

As a ramp agent, I assisted in loading baggage, oversaw fueling the aircraft, and stocked commissary items on the aircraft.


Extra Tips

Unprofessional languageLength

Letter should only be one pageStrongest and most relevant qualifications

should be highlighted Limit to a few qualifications

Easy to read Begin with topic sentences


Extra Tips

Appeal to company values, attitudes, goals, projects, etc.

Explain how you will help organization

Elaborate on the information in your resume

Provide evidence of your qualifications

Proofread carefully for grammatical and typographical errors


What should I put in MY Cover letter and resume?

Find your strengthsAnalyze your accomplishmentsIdentify your skills

Take a few moments to complete the “Resume Worksheet”


Activity

Now its your turn! Create a resume which is current, and write a cover letter for a job that you currently possess the skills for.


Why is writing a professional email important?

Approximately 294 billion email messages are sent per day!

That means more than 2.8 million emails are sent every second and some 90 trillion emails are sent per year.

Around 90% of these millions and trillions of message are spam and viruses.

There are around 1.9 billion registered email users worldwide

Source: 2010 Radicati Group Technology market research firm


Why is writing a professional email important?

Knowing how to write a professional email is essential in today’s world

The biggest mistake when sending a professional email is being too casual!


How Do I Send a Proper Email?

Begin with a greeting Formality based on your relationship with the

recipientThank -or- State your purpose

The second line of the email should be a thank you for something previously done by the recipient

-OR- a clear statement of the purpose for sending the

email.Closing Remarks

Be courteous, thank them in advance for action (“thank you for your consideration”), or give an idea of their next action (“I look forward to hearing from you”)


How Do I Send a Proper Email?

End with a Closing The same type of ending you would in a formal letter

(i.e. Sincerely, Best regards, then include your name (even if it is in the signature line)


What are the Biggest Email Mistakes?

Being TOO casualNot proofreading and/or spell checking

DO BOTH!!! Rambling

Most readers will not read an email more than 12 lines longHaving an unclear purpose

The reader should know why the email was sent within the first 3 sentences

Having an unprofessional signature line or address Your PROFESSIONAL email should be straightforward.

[email protected] is not nearly as likely to be taken seriously as [email protected]

Its ok to think that “Powerstrokes RULE!!!” not cool to have it on a professional email signature


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Proper Emailing Activity

Using the email scenario you draw, please draft and send an email that follows the proper emailing guidelines.

Your score will be based on: Proper greeting 5 pts. Thank you/Clearly stating purpose 10pts Closing remarks 5 pts Grammar, punctuation, spelling 10 pts

Total 30pts


Why should I write thank you notes?

People who send thank you notes after an interview are up to 1/3 more likely to be hired – www.monster.com

Studies show that people who express gratitude are more likely to live longer and have better health – The Wall Street Journal

It’s the RIGHT THING to do!!!


http://www.monster.com/

How do I write a great thank you note?

Step 1: Greet the recipient

Dear Aunt Sally, Mr. Smith,



Step 2: Express Your Gratitude Note: always list the SPECIFIC thing you are thankful

for , unless its cash!

Dear Aunt Sally,

Thank you for the new slippers.

Mr. Smith,

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you yesterday regarding an internship.



Step 3: Discuss Use

Dear Aunt Sally,

Thank you for the new slippers. They will be great to keep my feet warm on chilly Utah evenings.

Mr. Smith,

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you regarding the open sales position. After speaking with you, I am confident that I can fill the company needs.



Step 4: Mention the past, allude to the future

Dear Aunt Sally,

Thank you for the new slippers. They will be great to keep my feet warm on chilly Utah evenings. It was wonderful to see you and catch up on how your children are doing. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Mr. Smith,

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you regarding the open sales position. After speaking with you, I am confident that I can fill the company needs. As I mentioned in the interview, I am excited for a summer internship. If I can provide you with any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.



Step 5: Grace (optional on professional thank yous)

Dear Aunt Sally,

Thank you for the new slippers. They will be great to keep my feet warm on chilly Utah evenings. It was wonderful to see you and catch up on how your children are doing. I look forward to seeing you again soon! Thank you again.

Mr. Smith,




Step 6: Regards

Dear Aunt Sally,

Thank you for the new slippers. They will be great to keep my feet warm on chilly Utah evenings. It was wonderful to see you and catch up on how your children are doing. I look forward to seeing you again soon! Thank you again.

Love,Billy

Mr. Smith,


Sincerely,William L. Jensen


Thank You Note Activity

Using your thank you note scenario, please hand write a thank you note to the recipient.

Your score will be based on: Proper greeting 5 pts. Expressing Gratitude 5 pts Discussing Use 5 pts Mention the past, allude to the future 5 pts Grace and Regards 5 pts Grammar, punctuation, spelling 5 pts

Total 30 pts


Why are Interview Skills Important?

Statistically, employers are 70% more likely to hire a less qualified candidate that interviews well than a more qualified candidate who interviews poorly. (www.forbes.com)

(So, no pressure or anything)

C. Explain and practice effective job interviewing skills.

What Should You Do Prior to the Interview?

Research the company Google the person you will interview with Know exactly what the position is and how you can

help the companyMake copies of resume and cover letterTime how long it will take you to drive to the

interview



Select the appropriate wardrobe Keep jewelry to a minimum Dress one step nicer than the daily outfit for working

in that position It’s ok to be professional AND yourself

http://pinterest.com/panashstyle/alternative-job-interview-attire/



Practice answering questions!!!! Make sure you are ready to give the best answer to all

types of questionsTypes of questions

Direct Questions- ask for information What is your biggest strength?

Scenario Questions- ask for examples Tell me a time when you resolved a conflict with a

coworker. Questions YOU ask

When do you anticipate making a decision?


What questions cannot be asked in an interview?

Employers should not ask about any of the following, because to not hire a candidate because of any one of them is discriminatory: Race Color Gender Association/Sexual Orientation Religion National origin Birthplace Age Disability Marital/family status


How do I Answer an Interview Question?

Restate the question Ex. If the question is: “What skills do you have?” the answer

should begin with a restatement “The skills I have include . . .”Give enough info but don’t ramble

The best answers are typically 15-30 seconds per questionUse a strong voice

Not too fast or too quiet Avoid filler words like “um” “aaahh” or “er”

Use confident body language Maintain eye contact Don’t fidget Sit up tall

Be sincere


Your turn to practice!!!

With a partner, refer to the common interview questions handout

Take turns asking and answering the questions

Give your partner pointers on Restating the question Giving enough info without rambling Using a strong voice Using confident body language


What Should You Do the day of the Interview?

Arrive 10-15 minutes early Find a restroom and freshen up

Turn OFF your phone Even on vibrate it can disrupt the interview

Go in calmSMILE


What Should You NOT Do During the Interview?


What should you do DURING the interview?

First Impression

What to do How to do itInitiate conversation politely •Smile, be polite , greet the

interviewer and give them your name•Wait to be asked to sit, or ask them if you can be seated

Clearly introduce yourself •Give them your name using good voice

Have confident body language •Use great posture, make and keep eye contact



Make a Connection

What to do How to do itShow interest in the interviewer and company

•Tell them things you know about the company (from pre-research)

Find commonalities •Show them that you like the same things or know the same things as the company/person

Ask questions •Look for opportunities to ask about the company or position

Be positive •Make positive comments about the company or person, without flattery



Conclusion

What to do How to do itExchange contact information •Make sure they know how to get

in contact with you, ask for their business card

Ask about follow-up options •Ask what you should do next in the process

Thanks and exit •Thank them and leave with a smile


CDE Moment- Job Interview

FFA has a competition to test your ability to present yourself for a job.

Competition includes: Resume scoring Cover letter scoring Initial job contact Job applications Interview and follow-up skills Networking activity

Now that you have all the skills required, ask your ag. teacher about competing in the CDE!!!


Activity- Interview Wars

You will be split into two groups, group A & group B

Each of these groups will be split into 2 more groups (1 & 2) so you will have a letter and a number

You will take turns interviewing and being interviewed by members of your group

Scores will be averaged and the winners of each group will compete in a finals round



Scoring- (adapted from National FFA Job Interview CDE)



Setup On the back of your worksheet, think up the 5

questions you want to ask when you are the interviewer

Fill out the “Job I Want” paper. This is the job you will give to the interviewer before your interviewer



Round 1: If you are a #1 (in group A or group B), set up 2

chairs facing each other. You will be interviewing first If you are a #2 (in group A or group B), come to the

“holding area” you will be interviewed first You will rotate through the members of your group,

until you have interviewed with each oneRound 2

The roles will reverse and the #2 people will interview the #1 people


teacher instructions/ pre-unit info

Documents

agricultural science4

resume worksheetpre

career opportunities

activity pre class prep

interview warspre class

resume notes

career assignment copies

cover letter notes