FINDING A JOB

GUIDED READING 1. What is a Resume? A written summary of a job seeker’s work experience, education, skills and interest

GUIDED READING 2. Why is it a good idea to prepare your resume before you start to look for a job? So that it can be prepared carefully, or so its ready when you do your job search

GUIDED READING 3. What two steps in job hunting can resumes help you with? Filling out applications Preparing for interviews

GUIDED READING 4. Why is it important to take your time when preparing your resume? It can determine whether or not you will be interviewed

GUIDED READING 5. What are the advantages of simply saying “References available upon request” instead of listing them on the resume? Saves space Enables you to choose different references for different jobs

GUIDED READING 6. To make sure your resume is free of errors, is it enough to run a spell-check program? Why or why not? No, They can’t detect words that are used incorrectly or the misspelling of names

GUIDED READING 7. What is a portfolio? A collection of work samples that demonstrate a person’s skills

GUIDED READING 8. What are job leads? Information about specific job openings Employers come to the school to give information and application to interested students Job Fairs

GUIDED READING 9. How do employment agencies work? They bring together employers and job seekers by matching job seekers qualifications and goal to employers’ needs

GUIDED READING 10. What should a cover letter include? Why you are interested in a job A summary of your qualifications

GUIDED READING 11. What does the first paragraph of the sample cover letter (on page 174) achieve? Introduces Emily to the addressee Explains how she learned about the job

GUIDED READING 12. What information do job applications ask for? Personal information such as name, address, phone number, social security number Detail about education and work experience

GUIDED READING 13. What does “N/A” stand for? “Not Applicable” When should you use it on a job application? When a question on the job application does not apply to you

GUIDED READING 14. Why is the interview the most important part of applying for a job? Because you can more effectively sell yourself face to face Because hiring decisions are often made on the basis of an interview

GUIDED READING 15. Suppose you’ve applied for a job working in a store. How can you find out about the store before your interview? Visit the store to see what merchandise is sold and how customers and workers interact Talk to people who shop in the store Talk to people who work there

GUIDED READING 16. Why bring a pen and a notepad to an interview? What else should you bring? So you can write down the interviewer’s name and take note on what the interview says Copies of your resume and references Copy of your application Samples of your work

GUIDED READING 17. What is included in a compensation package? What might be included in benefits? Salary or pay rate and other benefits, such as paid vacations, paid sick days, personal days and health insurance, pension or match contributions to retirement benefits

GUIDED READING 18. Some stores give discounts to employees on merchandise they buy. Is that a good benefit? Why or why not? It is if the store offers merchandise that you are interested in purchasing.

GUIDED READING 19. Why should you send a follow-up letter? When should you write it? To make a good impression, to be polite and to follow social norms Within 24 hours of the interview or handwritten thank you card

Write 5 headings on a piece of paper: work experience, education, skills, interests, and other. Under each heading, write details that might be included in their resume. Review the resume on page 171 and compare to your list. Make a list of the similarities and differences. What additional items does the sample list include?

Look at the “resume writing tips for success.” List a reason why each suggestion is a good one. A Resume is a tool for selling yourself Keep it brief—ideally one page Include an employment objective that fits the job you’re applying for When listing work experience and education, start with the most recent experience and work backwards If you have never been employed, highlight experiences such as volunteer work, school activities and neighborhood jobs. Focus on your strengths. Include any awards or honors you have received. Above all, make sure everything on your resume is accurate and honest