4.08 Understand procedures to obtain a job

A. Job leads – finding potential job openings 1. Cooperative education/Internship 2. Newspaper and trade magazines 3. Employment agencies Public – supported by state & federal $$; free service; Employment Security Commission Private – profit driven; fee charged to the employer or employee; Manpower, Kelly services

Job leads 4. Company personnel/human resources offices 5. Internet – Hotjobs.com; Monster.com; Careerbuilder.com Letters of inquiry – written to a company about potential job openings after other job leads have been exhausted

6. Networking a. Building relationships from people you know to people they know Not formal groups with formal rules “Word of mouth” Done through clubs, conferences, trade associations, church, community activities, athletic events

b. Obstacles in networking Personal barriers – uncomfortable reaching out to others; lack of trust Lack of knowledge – don’t understand the benefits or know how to find networks Lack of foresight – don’t look ahead to the future value; don’t have time & won’t make time Lack of work ethic – doing just enough to keep a job & going no further

B. Applying for a job? Step 1: Application Cover letter Résumé Application form Cover letter Résumé References Electronic résumé no notes yet

a. Application form – requested info. to be used in the hiring decision 1. Write clearly & spell correctly 2. Use blue or black ink 3. Full name, not nickname 4. Specific job title, not “any job” 5. Complete education info. Including years, concentrations 6. Complete employer info. – Including addresses, duties, time

Application form more on references later 7. Complete every section – n/a or “not applicable” in areas that don’t apply; _____________ will also work if neat 8. Get permission from references before using their names more on references later

b. Cover letter Personal business letter that accompanies a resume & introduces a person to the company (never send a resume without a cover letter) Get example & write scratch copy

Resume – a personal data sheet providing info about a person 6 sections 1. Heading – includes personal information (name, address, phone, email, fax) 2. Job Objective – Identifies the position to be considered

Resume 3. Education & training – formal education & additional training included; significant courses taken (can be switched with work experience) 4. Work experience – List all jobs in reverse chronological order; description of all jobs & specific skills; volunteer work can be included here

Resume scratch resume 5. Personal accomplishments – list activities, honors, interests, abilities 6. References – people (not relatives or friends your own age) who can give a positive recommendation Former employers, teachers counselors, business contacts (have list of all info) “References Available Upon Request”

d. Electronic resume Becoming very popular to send resume online Text only Avoid bold, italics & underlining Traditional fonts (size 12 or 14) Computer scans resume searching for key words/phrases (whatever the company is looking for) Spell out acronyms & use industry specific jargon Submit as an attachment; be sure email address is correct

Step 2: Prepare for the interview A. Dress professionally 1. DRESS AS IF YOU WORKED THERE - ONLY BETTER 2. NO JEANS 3. CONSERVATIVE HAIR 4. JEWELRY - “RULE OF 5” - CONSERVATIVE ONLY 5. NO TOBACCO, GUM, FOOD

Dress professionally 6. CLEAN HAIR, SKIN, NAILS 7. FRESH BREATH 8. NO COLOGNE

Prepare for the interview B. Arrive 10 minutes early C. Be knowledgeable about the company (look it up) D. Practice answering questions (get your list) E. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer (get your list)

Step 3: Make a good 1st impression APPEARANCE COUNTS!!!! SHAKE HANDS!!! – at the beginning & at the end of the interview ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE! – Separates winners from losers Smile Eye contact Enthusiastic & motivated

Step 4: Follow up the interview A. FOLLOW-UP LETTER – thank you letter stating your appreciation for the time they gave as well as reaffirming interest in the job B. PHONE CALL – if you have not heard the results, call 5-6 days later C. RESIGNATION LETTER – (IF YOU GET THE JOB); letter written to inform your employer that you are leaving Always follow company policy 2-week notice is common courtesy

Follow up D. REFERENCE LETTER – letter from a previous employer containing statements about your character, abilities, skills & attitudes Get one before you leave Make copies

E. After you’re hired 1. Thank all of the interviewers 2. Maintain a list of accomplishments 3. Keep learning new skills 4. Keep network contacts 5. Volunteer and be a team player

After you’re hired 6. LEARN THE COMPANY POLICIES WORK SCHEDULES HIRING PROCEDURES COMPENSATION BENEFITS 7. LEARN COMPANY REGULATIONS EMPLOYEE CONDUCT CUSTOMER TRANSACTIONS GENERAL WORKPLACE ISSUES