GETTING A JOB!

UNIT OBJECTIVES

• Students will identify factors that affect career choice.• Students will identify and use resources to assist

them in the career process.• Students will create a resume with references.• Students will create a cover letter.• Students will complete a job application.

• Note – you will have an application portion and a written “test” assessment over this unit.

JOB VS CAREER

• JOB – relatively short term work that pays the bills.• For example, I may have a job as a waitress while I am

going to school to get my degree.

• CAREER – usually a long term chosen profession or occupation that provides income and has opportunity for advancement.• For example, I have a career as a teacher.

FACTORS AFFECTING CAREER CHOICE

• Values• Ideals in life that are important to you

• Lifestyle• The way people choose to live their lives based

on their values

• Aptitudes• Natural physical or mental ability

• Interests• The things you like to do

• Personality• Individual qualities that make you unique

WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE• Occupational Outlook Handbook (click to link)• Yearly publication by US Department of Labor• Give the following information:• Nature of work• Working conditions• Training, education• Outlook for jobs• Salary – amount of monthly or annual pay you

earn

• ILP – Individual Learning Plan• Graduation requirement• Has career interest surveys, info on careers,

etcs.

HOW TO KNOW WHERE TO LOOK…

Job lead – information about an opening.• Networking – communicating with people you

know or can get to know to share information or advice• Career Service Programs• Internet sources• Newspaper Ads

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Post Secondary Education – any education after high school.• Associates Degree • – 2 yr degree usually obtained at technical college

• Bachelors Degree – 4 yr degree obtained at a University• Masters Degree – degree beyond bachelors.

Takes about one year or more to complete if going full-time.• All teachers must obtain a Master’s Degree

RESUME

• A brief summary of your personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests.• Object of a resume is to get you an Interview with the employer.• Types of Resumes• Chronological – list items in reverse date order

(meaning most recent jobs are first)• Scannable – scanned by machine for key words• Functional – lists key words or actions to

describe you.

VIDEO LINKS

A good resume can get you the interview.

SALLY A. EMPLOYABLE

• Notice name at top• Present vs. Permanent Address• Present might be your MSU address; Permanent would be

your parents/guardian’s home address where you could be reached when school is not in session.

• Notice the headings to separate out information• Objective• Education• Related Skills• Work Experience• Honors/Activities• References

OBJECTIVE

• One sentence summarizing what you want to do or what specific job you want to obtain.• Notice the wording.• Don’t use “I”• Start with actions like• “To obtain”• “To further my education and…..”• “To pursue a degree in …..”

EDUCATION

• List most recent first.• Notice format – school is bold and underlined• Tell when you attended.• What kind of diploma are you getting?• What is your GPA (grade point average)?• When are you scheduled to graduate?

RELATED SKILLS

• May also be called “Special Skills”• Include anything such as specific computer skills

you are proficient in (beyond basic use).• Can you speak any foreign languages?• Do you have any special certifications?• Do NOT include personality qualities such as hard

working, strong work ethic. These are subjective.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Include most recent first (chronological).• Notice format:

Name of company City, StateJob title• Descriptive bulleted list of responsibilities• Use action verbs – list included on my website• Have THREE bulleted items.

ABOUT WORK EXPERIENCE

• If you have not held a paying job, be sure to include unpaid and volunteer experience as well.• Anything you do on a regular basis would count –

babysitting, lawn mowing, dog walking.

HONORS/ACTIVITIES

• Need to list any activities you have been a part of at school or outside of school since HIGH SCHOOL.• Format should be in list form.• Write out any club names:• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

• Below each club, list any offices or awards related to that club or organization.• Don’t forget activities outside of school such as

church or community involvement.

REFERENCES• We will put all references on a separate page.• Name should be at the top of the reference

page in case they are separated from the other pages.• People who will recommend you to an employer.• Must be 18 years old and someone who has known you

at least one year.• Choose carefully• Teachers or former employers are best• Ask permission to use someone as a reference• DO NOT INCLUDE RELATIVES• Include all information for a reference – name, title,

company, address, phone, and email.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF A RESUME

• Do use a computer & laser printer• Do use a legible font• Don’t use colored or scented paper• Do be truthful• Do include all relevant information with clear

headings• Do use action verbs to describe your

responsibilities• Your name should be on every page.• Do not staple a resume when submitting to

a potential employer.

THE RESUME GUIDE• Complete the Resume Guide completely.• Be sure to include any unpaid or volunteer

experience if you have not had a job.• List honors, AP, and any special classes such as

foreign languages, Accounting, etc.• Be sure to look up any addresses for your references

you may need. (Hint: the phone book and Internet will have this information)• References should be over 18 and NOT related to

you.

MORE SAMPLE RESUMES AND REFERENCES

• Keep these samples and the other handouts to use as references for this unit AND when you begin looking for a job.

• My sample

HOW TO GET STARTED

• Start in a blank word document.• Set a left tab at .5 and at 5.5 to help align items.• Use your handouts to guide you on format.• Use your resume guide for the information.• Proofread several times.

• Create a folder on your Z: drive called Business Principles.• Make a folder in Business Principles called Career

Unit.• Save all files from this unit in that folder.

COVER LETTER

• One page letter telling the employer who you are and why you are sending your resume.• Never send your resume by itself. Always send

with a cover letter.• Sell yourself in this letter.• Video

FORMAT

• Follow correct professional personal business letter format.• See handout

1ST PARAGRAPH

• What job are you applying for?• Where did you hear about the job?• Refer to enclosed resume.

• Example:• I would like to apply for the accounting clerk position that

was advertised in the Murray Ledger and Times. I have enclosed my resume for you to review.

2ND PARAGRAPH

• What experiences and skills do you have that make you the best candidate.• Don’t just repeat what is on your resume, but do

refer to how those experiences have helped you.• Tell them things not listed on your resume that

make you qualified such as your work ethic, ability to work on a team…etc.

3RD & 4TH PARAGRAPHS

• Can combine this information into one paragraph.• Refer to research you have done on the potential

employer and how you would be a good fit for the job.• Request an interview.• Thank them for their consideration and tell them

how to reach you.

FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS• Use blue or black pen.• Take home and type if possible.• Be neat.• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread.• Bring resume, SS#, reference information, addresses

of former employers, etc.• Be truthful!• Use N/A to indicate the question does not apply but to

show you have not skipped the question.

CAREER PORTFOLIO

• Assemble this throughout your education.• Include the following:• Resume• Cover Letter• Letters of Recommendation• References• Sample work• Transcript• Copies of certifications, awards, etc.

THE JOB INTERVIEWTIPS AND GUIDELINES TO

GET THE JOB!

WHAT TO WEAR

• Dress appropriately – as if you already have the job.• Don’t overuse perfume or cologne.• Be conservative in dress, hair, makeup, etc.• Be neat and clean.• Be sure your clothes don’t look slept in.• It’s best to be overdressed than

underdressed.• Video - What to wear to the interview

ARRIVE EARLY

• Be at least 15 minutes early.• Time your travel the day before the interview.•Make sure you know how to get there.• Allow time for traffic, construction, and parking.•Go Alone!!!

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Take time to freshen up in front of the mirror.• Take a moment to catch your breath.• Take a moment to check your breath.•Get rid of any gum or candy.• Turn off your cell phone.

WHO REALLY MATTERS

•Be courteous to all office staff – they are the “front line” and have a great deal of input.• Introduce yourself and thank them for their help.•Use “Please” and “Thank You”.

BE PREPARED

• Take at least one copy of your resume and references.• Take a nice professional looking notebook and pen to take notes, write down names, and make a list of questions for your interviewers.•Do your homework and research about the company.• Take your career portfolio.

MEETING THE INTERVIEWERS

• Remember the Magic 4 Hello•Make eye contact• Introduce yourself• Shake their hands• Smile• ***Use the acronym MISS – you don’t want

to MISS out on the job!

• Learn the interviewer’s name.

NON VERBAL CUES

• First impressions are made within the first 30 seconds to 5 minutes.•Maintain eye contact and give nonverbal feedback that you are interested.•Don’t cross arms or lean back in your chair.

QUESTIONS

• Be prepared for their questions but don’t be too rehearsed.• Think before you answer each question.• Emphasize your strong points.• Sell yourself.• Be sincere and honest. • Be prepared to ask the interviewer questions.• Video – What questions to ask?

INTERVIEW DON’TS

•Don’t ask how much the job pays.•Don’t answer questions with a simple yes or no if possible.•Don’t give out personal information.•Don’t talk too much or too little.• Video – Common interview mistakes• Video – What Not to Do

SAMPLE QUESTIONS - CLASS DISCUSSION

1. Tell me about yourself.2. What are your strong/weak points?3. What leadership positions have you

held?4. Is your grade point average a true

indication of your ability?5. Tell me about your work and

extracurricular experience.

HANDOUT – COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Complete the 8 Common Interview Questions on the handout. Use a separate piece of paper to answer the questions.• Remember – you are answering the questions to

a potential employer. Be truthful!

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Thank the interviewers for their time.• Send a “thank-you” immediately after your interview so they are reminded of you before they make their decision.• Be patient – sometimes it takes a while to hear back from an interview.• Video – following up after the interview