Title: FINDING%20AND%20APPLYING%20FOR%20A%20JOB
1FINDING AND APPLYING FOR A JOB
2HOW TO START
- Plan your career direction
- Who are you?
- What do you want to do?
- Why do you want to do it?
- Where do you want to work?
- What are your career goals?
- Personal goals?
3HOW TO START
- Determine the purpose of your job search
- Determine the type of job you are looking for
based on your goals - What skills do you have that the job market
would be interested in
4- What are some of the things you like to do?
- Are you looking for advancement opportunities?
- Find the types of jobs for which your skills
are needed.
5WHAT TO RESEARCH WHEN LOOKING FOR A JOB
6- Values Required
- Duties Responsibilities
- Work Environment
- Working Hours
7- Aptitudes and Abilities Required
- Education Training Required
- Data/People/Things
- Salary Fringe Benefits
- Career Outlook
8How to Research
- Library
- Books
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Magazines
- Career Consultants
- Part-time Work
9SO NOW WHAT.
10- Spend as much time as you can finding a job
- Find job leads
- Do your homework about the various companies
11WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB
- 85 of all job openings are not advertised,
posted or otherwise made available to the general
public. - J. Michael Farr, JIST Works, Indianapolis
12JOB FACTS
- 60 of all jobs are found by talking with
others - Only 15 of job openings ever make it to the want
ads - To heighten your chances of getting a job, visit
the place of work in person.
13WHERE CAN I GO FOR INFORMATION?
- School Counselors teachers
- Family friends
- Employment agencies
- Internet
14- Newspapers
- Government offices
- Direct calls
15- Use the back door
- Look at each job carefully
16WEBSITES TO CHECK
- http//www.learnmoreindiana.org
- http//www.ajb.dni.us
- http//www.monster.com
- http//careerbuilder.com
- http//walmart.com
- http//dellen.com
- http//draperinc.com
179 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKES
- Not taking action
- Not being committed to the job search
- Rememberthe employer needs come before your
needs - Not being positive
189 MOST COMMONJOB-HUNTING MISTAKES
- Not taking advantage of all potential resources
while searching - Not reflecting enough
- Not thinking about skills and experiences
- Not anticipating and practicing for the interview
- Not following-up in a professional manner
19APPLYING FOR A JOB
20APPLYING FOR A JOB
- What to do
- Have all necessary documents
- Social Security card
- Drivers License
- Birth Certificate
21Filling out application forms
- DO read the entire application first
- DO use a black pen
- DO print neatly and completely
- DO have a phone number
22- DO have permission from three references and have
their information with you. - DO use OPEN for salary desired
-
- DO know the position you want
- DO list ALL skills and abilities
23- DO sign your name where indicated
- DO SELL yourself
- DO use Standard English
2487 of all applications received by employers are
not filled out correctly, therefore, they go into
the wastebasket.
25THE ROLE OF THE APPLICATION FORM
- Becomes a calling card (Please look at me)
- Screens you IN or OUT
- Creates an agenda for the interview
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28RESUMES
- Always use a resume to apply for a job
- The average employer will spend 7-10 seconds
reading your resume
29Tips for Packaging Yourself On Paper
- Give yourself credit by including an accurate
description of your - Education
- Work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- After-work activities
- Skills you have acquired
30Tips for Packaging Yourself On Paper (cont.)
- Use action words.
- Interviewers look for individuals who are as
follows - Go-getters
- Hard workers
- Responsible workers
- Decisive workers
- Leaders (Use word such as manage, plan,
establish, create, supervise, direct, etc.)
31Tips for Packaging Yourself On Paper (cont.)
- Aim for the target!
- Customize your résumé to the position for which
you are applying. - This requires several versions of your résumé
and cover letter. - Your extra effort will pay off.
32The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes
- Not sending a cover letter with your résumé.
- Personalize your correspondence. Be sure to
confirm the name and correct spelling of the
interviewer. - Not establishing rapport with the interviewer in
the first paragraph of your letter. - Example It was a pleasure meeting you at the XYZ
Job Fair yesterday.
33The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes
(cont.)
- Including a photograph with your résumé.
- Your résumé is the picture of your professional
background. - You should be selected for an interview based on
your qualifications rather than your appearance
at this point.
34The Three Most Commonly Made Résumé Mistakes
(cont.)
- Not presenting yourself in a clean and crisp
manner. - Proof, proof, proof.
- Résumés should be picture perfect.
- No typos.
- Have a reliable person critique your
masterpiece.
35WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME
- Identifying information
- Job Objective, Employment Objective
- Educational Background
- Employment Background
- Military Service
36WHAT GOES ONTHE RESUME
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Interests
- References
- NO PERSONAL DATA
37- Consider how your résumé will look when it
arrives on an employer's desk. A carefully
prepared résumé enhances your image as a
prospective employee. If you are mailing your
résumé, be sure to - fold it in thirds, or use a larger envelope and
dont fold it at all, - address the envelope neatly, and
- seal it carefully.
- If you are faxing your résumé, be sure to set the
fax machine to fine printing mode. Always fax an
original. Your résumé may be copied several
times, so the original needs to be as clear as
possible.
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42COVER LETTERS
- When do you use it?
- Applying for a job out of town
- When answering a newspaper ad by mail
- When you wish to be interviewed by business
friends of your family - When an employer asks you to send a letter of
application
43- Paragraph 1
- The specific position the applicant seeks
- Where the applicant heard or read about the
opening - Why the applicant qualifies for the opening
44- Paragraph 2
- Parts of the resume that tells of qualifications
and skills which are required for the position - Tells unique capacities or qualities
- Paragraph 3
- A call to action
- The applicant requests an interview at a time and
place convenient to the employer
45THE INTERVIEW
46HOW TO DRESS
- The employers first impression of you will be
based on how you look. - Clean hair, clean nails, clean clothes
- No strong perfume or cologne
- Jewelry should be kept to a minimum
- Moderate makeup
47HOW TO DRESS (cont.)
- Typically, dress one step above what would be
worn on the job. - Shine your shoes.
- Men should wear socks and women should wear
coordinated socks or hosiery.
48Are You Really Ready For The Interview?
- The art of interviewing is simply putting your
best self forward. - And.
- Demonstrating how your skills blend with the
culture of the organization where you are
applying.
49Three Key Ways For LandingThat Interview
- Do your homework
- Get the organizations annual report from a
library, the Internet, the Chamber of Commerce,
and/or the Better Business Bureau.. - Gain insight about the organizations principals,
business philosophy, areas of expertise,
accomplishments, and financial stability.
50Three Key Ways For LandingThat Interview (cont.)
- Select organizations where you have an in.
- Sometimes it is who you know.
- If you have an in, use it.
- Studies show that mutual contacts can lend
instant credibility to you as an interviewee.
51Three Key Ways For LandingThat Interview (cont.)
- Recognize that a no today can mean a yes
tomorrow. - Remember that successful people are determined
and persistent. - If you do not get an interview, send a follow-up
letter to the person with whom you spoke. - Summarize what you were told.
- Share your continued interest in representing
that company.
52 Four Ways To Anticipate Interview Questions
- Review questions from previous interviews. For
example - Do you have managerial experience?
- Can you multi-task?
- How well do you handle stress?
53 Four Ways To Anticipate Interview Questions
(cont.)
- Ask family and friends what questions they
believe might be asked. - Arrange mock interviews.
- Ask to be critiqued.
- Accept constructive criticism.
54Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions
(cont.)
- Put yourself in the role of the interviewer.
- Think about what questions the interviewer and
the company would want to know about you. - Use a video or tape recorder to prepare your
answers. - Practice, practice, practice!
55Four Ways To AnticipateInterview Questions
(cont.)
- Read books and search the Internet.
- Find out what the experts say about interview
questions. - Find out the trends and latest information on
interviewing techniques. - Research information that provides guidelines for
interviewers.
56Possible Interview Questions
- What do you consider to be your greatest
strength/weakness?ideas? - How would you be described by a close friend?
- Tell me about yourself. Expand on your resume.
- What do you think is your greatest important
accomplishment? - Why are you interested in this company? This job?
57Possible Interview Questions
- What do you see yourself doing in five years?
- Tell me about your extra curricular activities
and interests. - Why should I hire you?
- How do you feel about authority?
- What have been your most satisfying and most
disappointing school or work experiences? - What salary do you expect?
58It takes an average of 5 years to change a
persons first impression of someone.
59In the first 4-7 minutes of an interview, the
employer has already made a hiring decision.
60Three Questions That You Should Ask
- What is the career path for this job?
- Was the person who had this job promoted?
- If it was a lateral move, perhaps the job is a
dead-end position. - Does the job appear to be a training ground for
other positions?
61Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)
- What is a typical day in this position?
- This question will provide details on what you
would actually do on the job. - It will help you determine if this job is the
right one for you.
62Three Questions That You Should Ask (cont.)
- What are the most important qualities necessary
for this job? - Do you need to be assertive?
- Do you need to be a leader?
- Do you need to be a workaholic?
- Do you need to be detail oriented?
- (If you do not have these qualities, you
may need to reconsider this job.)
63WHAT ELSE COULD YOU ASK IN THE INTERVIEW?
- WHAT DO YOU STILL NEED TO KNOW?
64Ways To Stand Out During Interviews
- Dont be on time, be early.
- Recognize that less is more.
- Carry only what is essential for the interview
- Portfolio
- Pen
- Extra résumé
- Carry keys, money, etc. in a pocket.
65Ways To Stand Out DuringInterviews
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
- Do not put anything on the persons desk.
- Do not touch anything on the interviewers desk.
- Keep your hands still.
- Dont mess with your hair.
- Dont lean on the desk.
- Sit up in the chair.
66Ways To Stand Out During Interviews
- Be pleasant and professional to everyone you
meet. - The interview starts the minute you enter the
organizations premises. - Receptionists and security guards can influence
your interview success.
67Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- Use the employers/interviewers nameMr. or Ms.
- Introduce yourself and the position for which you
are applying. - Initiate the handshake.
- This demonstrates that you can take the lead.
- Keep your right hand free so that you can shake
hands at a moments notice. - Wait to be offered a seat.
68Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- Be prepared.
- Take an extra résumé.
- Take a portfolio with a legal pad and pen.
- Anticipate questions.
- Have questions to ask the interviewer.
- Research the company.
69Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- Let the interviewer(s) set the tone. He or she
should be the first to talk.
70Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- Realize that an interview is a two-way form of
communication. - Answer with more than yes or no.
- Ask appropriate questions.
- Display a sincere interest in the job.
- Make eye contact.
71Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- Be aware of the end of the interview.
- The interviewer closes a file or lays down a pen.
- A change in body language.
- Do not try to prolong the interview.
72Ways To Stand Out During Interviews (cont.)
- A strong end to the interview is just as
important as a strong beginning. - Exit on a positive note.
- Say, I look forward to hearing from you next
week. - Offer to shake hands again.
- Be sure to thank the interviewer for his/her
time. - I really want to work for you. (If it is the
truth.)
73SUCCESS IN AN INTERVIEW
74Absolutely Do Not
- Chew gum.
- Smoke.
- Be late.
- Interrupt the interviewer.
- Make derogatory comments about a previous
employer.
75Keep The Door Open After An Interview
- At the interview be sure to ask when a hiring
decision will be made. - Also, ask when you may follow-up with the
interviewing person.
76Keep The Door Open After An Interview (cont.)
- Contact the interviewer exactly on the date the
individual recommended because it - Shows gumption.
- Shows follow-through.
- Gives you a competitive edge.
- Indicates how you will treat customers/clients.
77Send A Thank-You Note
- Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. for
his/her time. - If you forgot to tell the interviewer something
important about yourself, then make a quick
reference to it in the follow-up letter.
78A survey of personnel executives at 200 of the
Fortune 1000 companies provided the following
true examples of job applicant behavior.
79- The reason the candidate was taking so long to
respond to a questions became apparent when he
began to snore. - When I asked the candidate to give a good
example of the organizational skills she was
boasting about, she said she was proud of her
ability to pack her suitcase real neat for her
vacations.
80- Why did the applicant go to college? His
reply To party and socialize. - When I gave him my business card at the
beginning of the interview, he immediately
crumpled it and tossed it in the wastebasket. - I received a resume and letter that said that
the recent high-school graduate wanted to earn
25 an hour and not a nickel less.
81- The applicant had arranged for a pizza to be
delivered to my office during the lunch-hour
interview. I asked him not to eat it until
later. - The applicant insisted on telling me that he
wasnt afraid of hard work. But insisted on
adding he was afraid of horses and didnt like
jazz, modern art or seafood.
82- She actually showed up for an interview during
the summer wearing a bathing suit. She said she
didnt think I would mind. - He sat down opposite me, made himself
comfortable and proceeded to put his foot up on
my desk. - The applicant applied for a customer service
position, although, as he confided, he really
wasnt a people person.
83- The interview had gone well, until he told me
that he and his friends wore my companys
clothing whenever they could. I told him that we
manufactured office products, not sportswear. - Without asking if I minded, he casually lit a
cigar and then tossed the match onto my carpet
and couldnt understand why I was upset.
84- On the phone, I had asked the candidate to bring
in his resume and a couple of references. He
arrived with the resume and two people.
85Remember!
- Most people do not receive a job offer after one
interview.e down all the questions you were
asked. You will be able to practice them for the
next interview. - Dont be discouragedinstead be politely
persistent.
86Do You Know That
- The interview is only the beginning of the job
search process. - Your follow-through can sway a hiring decision in
your favor. - Rather than stressing out as you wait to hear
if you were the chosen job candidate, stay in
control by knowing what to do.
87Keep The Door Open After An Interview (cont.)
- Employers want to hire people with initiative.
88Questions For A Follow-Up Call
- May I call you the last week of the month?
- Write down the response.
- It tells the interviewer you are committed to
calling back. - Shows initiative.
89Questions For A Follow-Up Call (cont.)
- If you are not available, do you prefer that I
leave a voice-mail or an e-mail? - Mention the response in your follow-up letter.
- If your schedule does not permit us to speak, I
will leave a message on your voice-mail including
how I can be reached.
90How To Remain In Control
- Scenario You left a voice-mail message asking
about the hiring decision and the interviewer
does not call back.
91How To Remain In Control (cont.)
- You wonder
- Did the person receive my call?
- Was the call erased by mistake?
- Did I forget to leave my telephone number?
- Did the person call back, and I didnt get the
message?
92How To Remain In Control (cont.)
- Chances are the interviewer did receive your
call. - Encourage a call-back by being specific about
when you can be reached. - Also give your voice-mail and e-mail address.
- Let the interviewer know that you will call back
at a specific time.
93How To Remain In Control (cont.)
- Scenario Youve left a voice mail for the
interviewer. Two days and three telephone calls
later, you have not received a reply.
94How To Remain In Control (cont.)
- Should you leave another message?
- Should you assume that no response means We are
not interested in hiring you?
95How To Remain In Control (cont.)
- Remember
- The hiring process can take a long time.
- The decision could be a political one.
- Perhaps the interviewer has not been given
permission to hire. - The larger the organization, the longer the
hiring process can take.
96When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls
- Go to Plan B
- Write a follow-up letter
- Thank the person for taking time to read the
letter. - Mention you have left two voice messages.
- Recognize the person is very busy.
97When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls
(cont.)
- Plan B (cont.)
- Tell the person you are still very interested in
the positionbe sure to mention the exact
position and the date you were interviewed. - Remind the interviewer that he/she told you the
date the hiring decision would be made.
98When An Employer Does Not Return Your Calls
(cont.)
- Does this seem too bold?
- It does take courage.
- However, your messages and letters will
demonstrate your continued interest in landing
the job.
99When You Get A Rejection Letter
- When someone else has been offered the job, you
will come across as a potential employee for the
future if you thank the employer for letting you
know. - Whatever happens, dont be discouraged.
- It takes time and effort to land a good job.
100The Acceptance Letter
- Once you have been offered a job, send an
official acceptance letter to the firm. - Refer to the call or letter you received with the
offer. - This letter once again shows a touch of class.
- Your new employer will know that an excellent
hiring decision was made.
101Notifying Other Interviewers
- Once you have accepted another job, you should
notify other company interviewers that you have
accepted another position.
102Notifying Other Interviewers (cont.)
- Its a small world, and your paths will probably
cross again. Show everyone you have what it takes
to succeed in the business world.
103Advice For Your Career
- Interview for positions within your reach.
- Also identify positions that you aspire to have.
- This gives you career direction.
104A Portfolio is a collection of Evidence of a
persons work over time
105- It is a sample collection of documents which
demonstrates the student's skills in areas such
as - Written communications skills
- Oral communications skills
- Organization
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
-
106WHAT TO INCLUDE?
- Documents such as
- Letters
- Memos
- Reports
- Group projects
- Term Papers
- Letters of Recommendations from past employers
107STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIO
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Divider Pages
- Should be in a 3-ring binder and use plastic
cover pages
108A short explanation should be included for each
item in the portfolio.
109- What skills have I developed
- What processes did I use
- What is the purpose of the exercise/assignment
- What problems did I encounter in doing the
exercise/assignment
110- What feedback did I receive
- What did I learn
- Why did I learn it
- Are my strengths demonstrated
111Suggestions for the Portfolio
- COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Oral Skills
- Written Skills
- Term Papers
- English Compositions
- Article Summaries
112- SKILL SAMPLES
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheet
- Database
- Class Exercises
- Research
113- ACADEMIC SAMPLES
- Exams
- Transcripts
- High School
- Vocational
- VOCATIONAL ACHIEVMENT SAMPLES
- Competencies
114- REFERENCE LETTERS
- Supervisors
- Teachers
- Counselors
- SKILL ASSESSMENT
- Job Performance Reviews
115- ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Honors/Awards
- Attendance
- Vocational Club Awards
- BPA District/State
- Special Training Certificates
- WORK SAMPLES