Finding a Job and Applying Unit 1 Employability 2017 Finding a Job and Applying

Introduction If you know what kind of job that you want, the exploration can begin. Half of the battle of job hunting is finding openings. The other half is getting interviews with employers.

Finding Leads Job hunting takes work. Therefore, job openings will not wait for you. YOU must find them. Sources of job leads include: school placement services direct employer contact want ads; newspaper ads Friends and relatives trade and professional journals state and private employment services Internet Social media Remember: The more sources you use, the more job openings you will likely find.

Things to Consider When Job Hunting Transportation Location Preferences Meeting the requirements Education

Job Lead A job lead is information about a job opening. It can be a tip from a friend, a classified ad in the newspaper of information from a teacher or school guidance counselor.

Methods of Finding a Job Job Lead Networking Job Fairs School Resources/School Placement Services Direct Employer Contact Newspaper Ads (want ads or Classified ads) Blind Ad Employment Agencies Internet/Social Media linkedIn

Methods Terminology Networking – is talking with people and establishing relationships that can lead to more information or business opportunities. Both social and professional networks can help you find a job. Human resources department – handles various responsibilities in an organization related to employment which includes screening potential job candidates, interviewing applicants, filing the necessary employee paperwork, and overseeing company benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time.

Blind ad – a job advertisement that does not include the name of a company or contact person for the position; only wants you to respond to a post office box, fax number or e- mail address. Job search websites – sites designed to find job openings posted at a variety of locations which includes websites for companies, newspapers (ex. Monster.com, LinkedIN, SimplyHired.com & Indeed.cm) This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Networking Family, Friends, Teachers, Acquaintances Getting “the hook-up” Inside Knowledge

Job Fairs Gathering of employers and job hunters Dress professionally What to bring Resume Blue or black pen Know your social security number Reference information

School Resources Your school counselor may be able to help you get into a school-to-work program. School-to-work program – students gain work experience and training while in school and when they graduate, they usually get preference for jobs at the businesses brings schools and local businesses together.

Newspaper Ads Jobs will be advertised in local newspapers Many jobs can be applied for online Don’t just apply, be persistent Follow up on your lead, don’t just wait on them to call you. Give them 48 hours and then call them to check in if they have not called.

Employment Agencies Employment agencies – a matchmaker between job seekers and companies with job openings. Job seekers fill out applications at the agency; businesses call the agency when they have openings; agency brings the two together. Two kinds of agencies: public and private. Public agencies provide free placement services. Private agencies charge a fee, which may be paid by either the job seeker or the employer. Private agencies give more personal services and list jobs not on file with the public agency.

Internet/Social Media Internet – is a worldwide electronic community that links millions of computers and computer users. Jobs will be advertised in the Internet using various websites LinkedIn, Department of Labor, USA Jobs, Job Hunter, etc. You can contact hundreds of potential employers using the Internet and many jobs can be applied for online Don’t just apply, be persistent Follow up on your lead, don’t just wait on them to call you. Give them 48 hours and then call them to check in if they have not called.

Applying for a Job Unit 1 Employability This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Job Search Terminology Personal fact sheet- a brief written summary of key facts that helps a person write letters of application, prepare job resumes and fill out applications. Letter of reference – a recommendation from somebody you have worked for describing your qualities and work abilities. Video resume – a short one to three minute video presentation used to reinforce the material present on your resume. This can be posted on your personal website or networking sites.

Portfolio- a well-organized collection of materials that provides solid evidence of your qualifications. Can be used during an interview to show your talents. Letter of application (or cover letter) – to get an employer interested in your qualifications so he or she will ask for an interview.

Job Application Form about your personal, educational, and work experience characteristics as a person & prospective employee 2 types: paper & online

Parts of A Job Application Personal Information Employment Desired Education History References General Information Former Employers

Complete a Job Application Job application aka (application for employment, application form (often simply called an application) is a form(s) that individuals seeking a job and/or employment must complete for a company in which they have interest. It informs the employer of the applicant's availability and desire to be employed, and persuading the employer to offer the applicant employment. Whether online or on paper, you must fill out the application completely!!! Always be neat, use only dark blue or black ink. Do not complete applications in pencil!! Always sign the application to make it official!

Part One: Personal Info. Print today’s date Print your name and social security number Print your present address/ Print your regular address if your present address is TEMPORARY. If not print “Same” on the line. Print your phone number (where you can be reached)

Part Two: Employment Desired List the job you are asking for, when you can start, and the pay you expect Check yes or no here Put previous dates and locations if you have applied here before

Part Three: Education Name the schools you have attended the years you attended when you graduated the main subjects you studied

Part Four: General Info. Name any special subject you have studied Name if any the branch of service you have been in and your rank.

Part Five: Former Employers Starting with your last job name the company and address List what you were paid and your position Your reason for leaving.

Part Six: References Name 3 adults who can say what type of worker you are Fill out (completely) addresses and how long you have known each person.

Part Seven: Authorization This statement is written for you! Use today’s date and sign your name

Points to Remember Read the entire application before you begin writing any information. Carefully follow the instructions for filling out the form. Compete every question on both sides of the form. You may wish to omit your social security number and write “will provide if hired”. Write “open” or “negotiable” for any question regarding salary requirements. In the job section “reason for leaving” avoid writing negative comments about yourself or a former employer. Be neat as possible. Do not get the form dirty or stained and do not scribble out words. Draw a neat line through it.

Paper Job Applications Cons Pros More diverse pool of applicants Personal connection between employer & applicant No ability to update after submitted Wastes paper

What to bring! A blue or black pen Your I.D. Your Social Security Card Insurance Card Work Permit if under 18- work permit shows that you have been advised of laws restricting the hours young people can work and the kinds of jobs they can hold. (get from school’s counseling office)

Online Job application Pros Cons More popular Easier Speeds it up the hiring process Favors the youth Overwhelming number of applicants Only gives people with computers a chance

The Do’s & Don’ts of Job Applications Read application & directions carefully Be truthful Turn it in on time Fill it out yourself Double check it Complete at job site Use correction fluid (paper) Write in script (cursive) Leave blank spaces Be unclear Scribbled out words

Quick Tips for a Successful Job Search

Network! Communicating with people you know or that you can get to know that you are looking for employment. Research shows that most people find jobs through networking and applying directly to an employer.

Make a "To Do" list each day. Follow up on any leads you have immediately and, if possible, apply for jobs as soon as they are posted and early in the day. This makes a good impression.

Keep an organized list of employers Keep an organized list of employers contacted, dates of contact, and people with whom you've talked to about employment. Be sure and keep the list current and to keep in touch with potential employers and related contacts.

Create a resume. Resume is a written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience, that is prepared by and applicant for a job.

Send a cover letter when inquiring about or applying to job. Letters should be typed, have good grammar and spelling. Give basic information such as your name, address, phone number and job skills. Contain a request for a job interview.

Research potential employers Research potential employers before applying for or interviewing for a position so that you know more about the company. Call employers to find out the best days and times to make job applications. Consider applying to several companies in the same area to save time and money.

Be prepared. Show up to your interview on time and have everything you need for your job search and interviews. This includes your: resume References any professional certificates or school records (especially important if this is your first job) pens, writing paper identification (such as your driver's license and/or social security card).