© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 17 Preparing for the World of Work

© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Chapter 17

Preparing for theWorld of Work


17:1 Developing Job-Keeping Skills

• Must develop good characteristics to be a good employee

• Use correct grammar at all times

• Report to work on time and when scheduled

• Be prepared to work when you arrive

• Practice teamwork

(continues)


Developing Job-Keeping Skills(continued)

• Promote a positive attitude

• Accept responsibility for your actions

• Be willing to learn

• Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job


17:2 Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé

• Job seeking:– Evaluate your abilities

– Decide on the type of job

– Explore job sources

– Identify places of employment

– Prepare to apply for the position

(continues)


Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé

(continued)

• Cover letter

• Purpose of a cover letter is to obtain an interview

• Must create a good impression

• Well organized

• If possible, address letter to the correct individual


Cover Letter Format

• Usually contains 3–4 paragraphs

• Paragraph one contents

• Paragraph two contents

• Paragraph three contents

• Paragraph four contents


Résumé

• Record of information • Thorough, concise summary• Basic information for the employer• Computer printed or typed and attractive

in appearance• Format for résumé can vary• References are separate and not part of

the résumé

(continues)


Résumé(continued)

• Honesty is always the best policy

• List all information before preparing your résumé

• Keep résumé to one page

• Use correct size envelope

• Same stationery for cover letter, résumé, envelope, and references


Parts of a Résumé

• Personal identification

• Employee objective, job desired, or career goal

• Educational background

• Work or employment experience

• Skills

• Other activities


Career Passports or Portfolios

• Professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills

• Allows for presentation in an organized and efficient manner

• Introductory letter

• Résumé

• Skill list and competency level

(continues)


Career Passports or Portfolios(continued)

• Letters of recommendation

• Copies of work evaluations

• Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills

• Organize information in a neat binder or portfolio

(continues)


Career Passports or Portfolios (continued)

• Use tab dividers to separate into organized sections

• Use correct grammar and punctuation on all written information

• Effort will pay off at interview


17:3 Completing Job Application Forms

• Used by employers to collect specific information

• Vary between employers

• Most request similar information

• Read entire form first before completing information

(continues)


Completing Job Application Forms(continued)

• Have all required information when you go to an interview

• Basic principles for completing application forms

• Wallet card

• Remember, employers use application forms as a screening tool


17:4 Participating in a Job Interview

• Usually last step before getting or being denied a particular job

• You have been selected based on your résumé and/or application

• Purposes of interview

• Careful preparation is needed

• Careful attention to the date and time of interview

(continues)


Participating in a Job Interview(continued)

• Dress appropriately

• Check entire appearance

• Leave early for the interview

• Points to remember during interview

• Send a follow-up note or letter after the interview

(continues)


Participating in a Job Interview(continued)

• Many difficult questions can be asked during an interview

• Federal law prohibits discrimination in regard to age, cultural or ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, religion, race, or sex

• You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work


17:5 Determining Net Income

• Income: money you are earning that is available to you

• Amount you earn and amount you spend may vary

• Gross income

• Net income

(continues)


Determining Net Income(continued)

• Calculation of gross income

• Calculation of net income

• Calculation of net monthly pay

• Essential to calculate your net income:– Know what amount of money you have to spend

– Determine your lifestyle

– Manage your money more effectively


(continues)

17:6 Calculating a Budget

• Budget is an itemized list of living expenses

• Must be realistic to be effective

• Types of expenses: fixed and variable

• Way to calculate a budget using percentage ranges

• Incorporate savings into a budget

• Calculating monthly payments


Calculating a Budget(continued)

• Important that budget amounts do not exceed amount of net monthly income

• Final step is to live by your budget

• Creation of a budget leads to careful management of hard-earned money

Documents

© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 17 Preparing for the World of Work