Chapter Three Getting the Job

1
Chapter ThreeGetting the Job
2
How do you get the job?

• Competition for jobs can be fierce!
• You have to be a salesperson and your product is
  YOU!
• You need the tools to properly advertise
• Your work experience
• Your education
• Your ability to do the job

3
The Letter of Application

• To apply for a job opening, or to inform a
  prospective employer of your interest in a job
  opening, applicants often send a letter of
  application, together with a résumé.
• The letter of application introduces you to the
  potential employer and gives you a chance to sell
  your qualifications.
• Contents of an application letter
• Should be specific, interesting and direct
• Tell why you are writing and how you heard about
  the job opening. Give reasons why you should be
  considered for the job.
• Use full sentences which explain your
  qualifications and interest in the company.
• Writing style should be conversational but
  professional!
• Check out the following link for examples!
• http//jobsearch.about.com/od/morejobletters/a/job
  appletter.htm

4
Letter of Application

• Use proper letter formatting
• Letter address make sure it gets to the right
  place!
• Salutation also known as the greeting. Make
  sure you know who you are writing to!
• Body the body of the letter contains four basic
  parts and should be between three and four
  paragraphs long.
• Should attract attention, state your interest,
  make them want to interview you, and request that
  the employer take action.
• AIDA ATTENTION, INTEREST, DESIRE, ACTION!
• Complimentary Close Sincerely yours or some
  other appropriate phrase courteously ends your
  letter.

5
The Résumé

• The résumé is a concise summary of personal
  information of interest to a prospective
  employer.
• Should describe your work experience, education,
  abilities, interests, and other information such
  as awards, activities and references.
• Although there are no set rules for preparing a
  résumé there are some general guidelines
• Keep it to one page
• Edit existing resume to fit each job
• Put on GOOD quality paper
• Proofread carefully
• Choose a style that is attractive and easy to
  read

6
Parts of the Résumé

• Can be arranged to suit personal preferences.
  Typically includes
• Personal Information name, address, contact
  information
• Job Objective short, assertive statement
  indication your job/career goal. Make it forward
  looking, interesting, and specific.
• Avoid weak and unimpressive statements such as
  Any type of work in an office or Sales Clerk
• Education start with high school. Use most
  recent and move backwards. May wish to include
  major areas of study (especially as it relates to
  the job youre applying for), grade point
  average, extracurricular activities and
  scholastic honors.
• Work Experience List all jobs, paid or unpaid.
  Can include assisting at school functions,
  working as a teachers aide, and any part-time or
  full-time jobs. Include CONTACT INFORMATION, job
  title and job duties.
• Additional Qualifications You may have
  additional skills you want to bring to the
  employers attention. For instance, if its a job
  that requires computer skills you may want to
  list classes youve taken, software you know how
  to use etc
• References are persons who have known you for at
  least one year and can provide information about
  your character and achievements. References
  should be over 18 and should NOT be related to
  you.
• Best reference are teachers, school counselors,
  former employers and adults in business.
• Be sure to ask the permission of anybody you are
  going to use as a reference
• If you dont have room for references on your
  resume, you should have a separate page prepared
  OR have a few letters of reference stashed away!

7
Job Application

• When you visit a company to interview or inquire
  about a job you will probably be asked to fill
  out a job application!
• Do
• Print neatly
• Keep your responses within the space allotted
• Fill in all the blanks (if you cannot answer its
  better to use N/A then to leave the section
  blank)
• Be truthful
• Have all the information that is requested
  available.

8
The Job Interview

• The job interview is a procedure in which you are
  questioned about the statements youve made AND
  about your qualifications for employment with
  that company.
• You should spend time preparing for an interview
• Be prepared for open-ended questions like Tell
  me about yourself and Why do you want to work
  for us or What do you see yourself doing in
  five years
• Avoid rambling on BUT dont give one-word answers
• Emphasize your skills, achievements, and career
  plans
• It helps if you learn something about your
  potential employer. Think of a question or two to
  ask the interviewer.
• Arrive on time, dress appropriately, go alone,
  appear poised and self-confident, be courteous,
  be polite, accurate and honest!
• Afterwards, FOLLOW-UP is essential. Positive
  contact with the employer after the interview
  will remind the employer of your personality and
  qualifications.
• One of the best ways to accomplish this is
  through a Thank You Letter. Writing a short
  letter expressing your appreciation for the
  interview is an awesome idea!
• Click on this link for examples of a thank you
  letter!
• http//www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_lette
  rs.html