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.


Purpose of resumeTo obtain interview

Self-appraisal inventoryDetails your educational background, work

experience, and personal qualities and interests


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


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


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


Job objective State type of position you are seeking and name

of organization with which you are seeking employment


Education List degree (certificate or license), major, and name of

college conferring latest degree

List skills

Bilingual

High keyboarding speed

Software proficiency


Experience List most recent position first and employment

experience

If limited, include part-time, summer, and volunteer work

Use separate entry for each job


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


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


Appearance of resume Print with quality bond paper

Use one-inch margins

Use short phrases

Explain any unfamiliar abbreviations or acronyms


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


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


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


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


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.

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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


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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


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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


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


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)


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