GETTING THE JOB &WORK FORMS

Getting an Interview

Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up

Work Related Forms

Getting the Job & Work LawsOBJECTIVES

Prepare an application letter. (cover letter)

Prepare a resume based on guidelines.

Create a list of three (3) references.

Obtain a Letter of Reference

Fill out a Job Application form

Fill out a W-4 form.

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The Application LetterThe application letter, or cover letter,

introduces you to a potential employer.

It should accompany your resume.

The application letter is a sales letter. “Sell” your qualifications.Create interest in the enclosed resume. Make a good impression.

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Contents of the Application Letter

1. Identify purpose

2. Draw interest to yourself

3. Direct by asking for an interview

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Application Letter— First Paragraph Identify the purpose of the letter—why

you are writing.

Be specific.

Tell the employer what job you want.

Tell the employer how you heard about an opening.

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Application Letter— Middle Paragraph(s)

Give reasons why you are a good choice for the job.

Explain your key qualifications—those that best fit the job.

Express interest in the company.

Describe experiences, classes, or skills that relate to the job.

Be enthusiastic.

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Application Letter— Closing Paragraph

Wrap up the letter in a friendly yet assertive manner.

Thank employer for time and consideration.

Be direct. Ask for an interview. Give the employer your phone number and e-

mail.Make it clear that you want an opportunity to

discuss the open position.

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Preparing of the Application LetterWhite, standard size (8½ × 11-inch) paper

of good quality

Mailing envelope of the same color and quality

Clear, crisp printout

Standard 12-point font, such as Arial or Times Roman

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Parts of an Application LetterReturn address

The return address is the first thing to appear at the top of the letter.

It contains your complete mailing address and the date.

Letter addressThe letter address contains the name and

address of the person or company to whom you are writing.

It is also called the inside address.

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Parts of an Application LetterSalutation

The salutation is the greeting that begins your letter.

BodyThe body is the message section of the letter.

Complimentary closeThe complimentary close is a courteous phrase

used to end a letter. Phrases commonly used in business are

“Sincerely” and “Cordially.”

(continued)

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Return Address

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Letter Address

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Salutation

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Body

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Complimentary Close

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The ResumeA resume describes your work

experience, education, abilities, interests, and other information that may be of interest to an employer.

Other namesPersonal data sheetBiographical summaryProfessional profileVita

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Purpose of the ResumeThe resume tells the employer

Who you areWhat you can doWhat your special interests are

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General Guidelines for a ResumeKeep resume to one page.

Include all information pertinent to the job for which you are applying.

Choose a format that is attractive, professional looking, and easy to read.

Proofread thoroughly.

Use a high-resolution printer and good quality paper.

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Parts of the Resume

Personal informationCareer objectiveEducationExperienceAdditional

qualificationsReferences

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Getting a Job

Parts of the Resume

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Parts of the Resume

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Parts of the Resume

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Parts of the Resume

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ReferencesReferences are people who have known you for

at least a year and can provide information about your skills, character, and achievements.

References should be over age 18 and not related to you.

The best types of references include teachers, advisors, current and former employers, counselors, coaches, and adults in business.

Be sure to ask permission before listing people on your resume.

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Reference ListIf you choose not to list references on your

resume, state “references available on request.”

Then have a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers available for employers who ask for them.

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Reference Letters

A reference letter is a statement attesting to your character, abilities, and experience, written by someone who can be relied upon to give a sincere report.

It is helpful to give those writing a reference letter a copy of your current resume or a short summary of your accomplishments and background.

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The Job Interview

A job interview is a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer to discuss a job opening.

You should spend at least as much time preparing for the interview as you did getting the interview.

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Preparing for the Job InterviewLearn about the company.

Be prepared to answer questions.

Review your resume so that all your qualifications will be fresh in your mind.

Be prepared to answer open-ended questions, which require you to respond in paragraphs (rather than “yes” or “no”) and talk about yourself.

Be prepared to ask questions.

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Things to Take to an InterviewBring copies of your resume, reference letters,

and transcripts.Transcripts are school records that include a

listing of courses you have taken along with the credits and grades you’ve received for them.

Bring a pad of paper, a pen, and any information you may need.

Use a briefcase or folder to keep your papers organized.

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Making a Good First ImpressionArrive on time.Dress appropriately.Go alone.Be prepared.Appear self-confident.Be courteous.

Think before you speak.

Emphasize your strong points.

Be enthusiastic.Look for cues.

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The Follow-Up

Follow-up is contact with the employer after the interview but before hiring occurs.

It reminds the employer of who you are and could improve your chance of getting the job.

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The Application Form

An employment application, or job application, is a form that asks questions of people who apply for a job.

Ways to complete an application formUse pen to fill out paper formComplete form online at company web siteDownload form and submit electronically

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Completing an Employment ApplicationWrite neatly using a black or dark blue pen.

Fill in all blanks appropriately.

Be truthful.

Have all necessary information with you.

Proofread carefully.

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Work Permit

W-4 Form

W-2 Form

I-9 Form

WORK-RELATED FORMS

Required Work FormsWhen you get a job, the government will require a

number of forms containing information about you.

You will fill out some.

Others, your employer will complete.

If you are under age 16, you may also need a work permit.

Some forms, such as Forms W-2 and W-4, are part of the income tax process.

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Form W-4: Employee’s Withholding Allowance Form W-4 asks for your name, address, Social Security

number, marital status, and the number of exemptions you are claiming for income tax purposes.

The information determines the amount your employer will withhold from your paycheck for income taxes. Allowances are reductions in the amount of tax

withheld from your paycheck.

The more allowances you claim, the less tax you will have withheld each pay period.

This does not decrease your tax liability. It will all equal on April 15.

Exempt status is available only to people who will not earn enough in the year to owe any federal income tax.

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Social Security Taxes and Benefits Employers withhold Social Security taxes from your pay

and contribute matching amounts.

Social Security is equal to approximately 6.25% of your earnings.

The amounts you earn and the amounts contributed for Social Security throughout your work life are credited to your Social Security account number.

When you become eligible, usually at retirement, benefits are paid to you monthly, based upon how much you have paid into your account.

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Social Security FormsSocial Security Number

Your Social Security number is your permanent work identification number.

You only get one Social Security number.

Social Security Card Receive a SS card when you are bornApply for a replacement card if it is lost

Social Security Statement of EarningsRequest for Social Security Statement of

Earnings

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Work Permit ApplicationMany states require minors—people under

the age of legal adulthood—to obtain a work permit before they are allowed to work.

Where to get a work permit application:Pennsylvania Department of LaborHigh School officeWork experience coordinator

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Work Permit ApplicationWhat you need in order to apply for a

work permit:Social Security numberProof of agePermission from your parent or legal

guardian

Apply early to allow time for processing

There is usually no charge.

(continued)

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Form W-2: Wage and Tax StatementForm W-2 is a summary of the income you

earned during the year and all amounts the employer withheld for taxes.

Each of your employers must provide you with a Form W-2 for the previous tax year no later than January 31 of the current year.

W-2 will be used to complete your Federal Income Tax return.

Each of your employers sends a copy of your Form W-2 to the government.

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Form I-9Before you start working, you and your employer

must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form, or Form I-9.

The purpose of this form is to verify the employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Along with the form, you will be required to present forms of identification, which could include a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate.

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