6.02 Understand procedures for gaining employment. 6.02 PowerPoint 6.02 Understand procedures for gaining employment.

5 steps for obtaining a job! Complete a résumé Write a cover letter (or Letter of Application) Complete a job application Interview with the potential employer Send a thank-you letter

The Résumé

Purposes of a Résumé Provide a summary of the applicant’s qualifications Stimulate interest of an employer Save time in the interview process

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé One page, if possible Be honest Reverse chronological order Use “action verbs” (created, designed)

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé Use present tense and past tense Get permission to use names as references Key and proofread carefully – no errors!

Contents of a Résumé Personal data- Name, address, phone number, and e-mail address Job Objective- state the job you are applying for Education background- schools you have attended or are currently attending and any subjects or programs in which you are specialized. Work experience/volunteer work- list your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Also, include volunteer work.

Contents of a Résumé Special skills and abilities- list any job-related skills and abilities. NOT: for a web designer – “can function without additional oxygen at 24,000 feet”. Honors and Activities- List any honors or awards you have received that relate to the job References available upon request- people who will recommend you to an employer. Should not be family members. Teachers, club leaders, neighbors, and anyone you’ve worked for before make good references.

The Cover Letter

Purposes of a Cover Letter Sent in addition to your résumé. A MUST when responding to want ads

Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter Neatly type Address to a specific person Keep it brief & concise 1 page Personal business letter format

Contents of a Cover Letter First paragraph tells the position you are interested in and where you found out about the position Middle or second paragraph stimulates interest in your qualifications and refers to your résumé Last paragraph should cause the reader to contact the applicant to arrange for an interview

The Job Application

Purposes of a Job Application Indicates an applicant’s abilities Determines how well you can understand and follow directions Indicates neatness, thoroughness, spelling, and writing abilities

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application Bring with you: pen social security number Résumé names and addresses of former employers references Read entire form FIRST Complete all blanks write “NA” if an item does not apply to you Provide honest, complete and accurate information.

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application Be neat; ask for another form if necessary Use black or blue ink ONLY Key an application if possible. Sign properly Review form completely

The Interview

Interview Techniques Preparation Interview Etiquette Following the Interview

Interview Preparation Research the Company Practice Dress the Part Take Résumé and References

Proper Interview Etiquette Be on time No gum Go alone Show self-confidence Give Introduction and handshake Maintain good posture Use appropriate body language (Including eye contact, gestures, etc,) Speak clearly Be a good listener Sell yourself and your qualifications Show interest in advancement Tell the truth Show a positive attitude and enthusiasm Be prepared to answer questions Do not criticize other employees Thank the interviewer for their time

Interview Don’ts Chew gum Smoke beforehand Rely on your résumé to sell you Tell jokes during the interview Act desperate Say anything negative about former colleagues Answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no” Discuss personal issues Answer cell phone calls Ask about salary

Following the Interview Send a thank- you letter Be Persistent

The Thank-you Letter

Purposes of a Thank-you Letter Shows that you are still interested Allows you to clarify something said in the interview or mention something that may have occurred to you later

Guidelines for Writing a Thank-you Letter Thank the interviewer Let the employer know that you want the job Be brief and polite Send no later than two days following the interview Proof the letter to make sure there are no mistakes

Other Methods of Follow-up Telephone call E-mail