Chapter 9

Career Portfolio  Provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills Resume, cover letter, and answers to sample interview questions Samples reports, presentation materials and research findings from school projects Creative works from school activities New articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have participated Letters of recommendation

The Career Planning Process  Occupation– task or series of tasks that is performed to provide a good or service  Career– goal for work that is fulfilled through an occupation or series of occupations  Career Planning– process of studying careers, assessing yourself in terms of careers and making decisions about a future career

Steps to Career Planning  Personal Assessment  Employment Market Analysis  Application Process  Interview Process  Employment Acceptance  Career Development and Advancement

Career Information Sources  Print Media Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics Magazines Newspapers  Online Sources  Informational Interviews (Job Shadowing)  Business Contacts Networking—process of talking to other people about their jobs

Personal Assessment  Interests Provide a basis for your employment goals and possible career paths  Values Things that are important to you  Talents and Abilities Talent– a natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things Ability– quality of being able to perform a mental or physical task ○ Do “What Kind of Job are You Looking For?”

Employment Experience  Work-Study Programs Internships– involve work experience in organizations while learning about a career field  Part-time Employment  Volunteer Activities  School Activities “Show the Employer that you have the “right stuff””

Sources of Available Jobs  The Media  Personal Contacts  Business Contacts  Career Fairs  Employment Agencies

Application Activities  Application Form– asks for information related to employment “How to fill out a job application”

Application Activities  Resume– tool that provides information about you to a potential employer No Work Experience Only Classroom Experience Work Experience Resume Sections ○ Personal information ○ Goal/Objective ○ Education ○ Experience ○ Skills ○ Additional Use the “Right Stuff” to build a powerful resume, Samples Resumes and Resume Worksheet

Cover Letter  Expresses your interests in a specific job Introduction/Attention Interest Desire Action ○ How to Write a Better Cover Letter, Sample Letter and Worksheet

Online Application Process  Use a simple format  Avoid bold, underline, italics and tabs  Do not use attached files that may be difficult to open

Interview Process  Employment Interview– a two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and the company  An interviewer cannot ask: Where you were born Your age If you have any disabilities Your marital status Your religion If you have children

Interview Process  An interviewer can ask: If you are a US citizen Proof that you are over 18 If you have the physical ability to perform the job If there are any days or times when you can’t work ○ “13 proven ways to get a job interview”

Before you Interview  Obtain information about your prospective employer and the job for which you are applying  Prepare questions to ask in the interview  Practice how you will answer questions  Be on time and dress properly “What to wear to a job interview”

During the Interview  May include situations  Questions to determine how you react under pressure  Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact “Enthusiasm, the key to a great interview”, “How to ace your job interview”, and Fifty questions to expect during a job interview”

After the Interview  “Four things you need to do after every interview”

Job Offer Comparison  Salary and Financial Factors  Organizational Environment Leadership Style Dress Code Social Atmosphere Advancement Potential

Job Success Strategies  Ask questions  Avoid complaining  Honor the time for breaks  Consider your appearance  Be on time  Be friendly with everyone  Show you are dependable  Follow the rules  Get assistance from a mentor

Leaving a Job  Give at least two-week notice  Write a short, polite letter of resignation and include the date of the last day you will be working  Try to finish all current project you are working on  If there is an exit interview, be constructive and cooperative  Let co-workers know that you appreciated working with them