Career Orientation— 2 nd Edition Unit 4: Applying for a Job

Objective 1—Sources for Job Openings  Friends, family, acquaintances  Employment agencies  Private employment offices  School counselors, placement services  Classified ads  Government offices  Window signs  Direct calls  Networking  Internships, volunteering, community service  Internet resources  Job shadowing experiences

Objective 2—Job Application Documents  Social security card  Birth certificate (original copy)  Driver’s license or other photo ID  Work permit (if appropriate)  Resume  Letters of recommendation  Work samples  References list

Objective 3—Resume Information  Personal data  Career objective  Work experience  Education background  Personal skills, qualities  Honors, activities  References

Objective 5—Cover Letters  Brief—not more than 3-4 paragraphs  Identify the job, and how you found out about it  Education and experience relating to the job  Request interview  Proofread before sending!

Objective 7—Job Application Forms  Read it first  Follow directions  Be neat  Leave no blanks  Know what you want  Double-check when finished

Objective 9—Employment Tests  Performance tests  Aptitude tests  Personality tests  Civil service tests  Psychological profile  Drug test

Objective 11—Employer Looks For  Enthusiasm and interest  Dedication and dependability  Alertness, quickness of mind  Honesty and integrity  Desire to work  Desire to help  Desire to improve  Knowledge of required tasks  Eye contact

Objective 12—Dress for an Interview  Dress to fit the job  Select clothing that becomes you (looks good on you)  Dress conservatively  Be modest and well-groomed

Objective 13—Interview Information  Before the interview: Products, services How long in business Expansion, business changes Interviewer’s name, position, title Pronunciation of interviewer’s name Typical salary for the job  During the interview: Working conditions Security and safety precautions Public/customer relations Salary or wages Benefits Advancement opportunities

Objective 15—Interview Prep  Get application form(s)  Prepare resume and cover letter  Complete application form(s)  Mail forms, resume, and cover letter  Respond to requests for interviews  Prepare questions

Objective 16—Interview Practices  Necessary documents  Pen and small notebook  Early arrival  Alone  Introduction and purpose  Greet by name  Shake hands  Sit when and where indicated  Sit quietly  No signs of nervousness  Posture, eye contact  Listen  No smoking, chewing gum  Real interest  Good manners

Objective 16—Interview Practices  Brief, positive, honest  No slang, offensive language  Ready to talk about work experience, skills  Positives, not negatives  Ask questions at end  Thank the interviewer  Offer added information  Ready to test  Pleasant voice  Follow up

Career Orientation— 2 nd Edition Copyright 2007 Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education