Preparing for the World of Work Chapter 18 Preparing for the World of Work

18:1 Developing Job-Keeping Skills Externships Often required by health science education program Internships Bridge between training program and professional life

Preparing for a Job Assess strengths and weaknesses Determine type of job desired, hours, location, potential health care agencies, positions Develop a positive attitude Do a job search

Characteristics of a Good Employee Use correct grammar at all times Report to work on time and when scheduled Be prepared to work when you arrive Practice teamwork

Characteristics of a Good Employee Promote a positive attitude Accept responsibility for your actions Be willing to learn Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job

Resigning from a Job Reasons Better job offer Job better suited to your skills/interests Personal reasons Best to have a new position before resigning

Resigning from a Job When resigning Always give notice Notify your supervisor first Be positive about reasons for leaving Work at your best level until resignation date Offer to train replacement Ask for a letter of recommendation

Resigning from a Job If fired/laid off Stay positive Don’t blame others Do not criticize your health care facility to others Ask if a letter of resignation would be accepted rather than being fired

18:2 Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé Evaluate your interests and abilities Sources of job openings Newspaper ads and Internet job search sites Job fairs Recommendations from friends/relatives Employment agencies, professional organizations

Cover Letter Purpose of a cover letter or letter of application is to obtain an interview Create a good impression Completed on computer If possible, address letter to the correct individual

Cover Letter Paragraph one: purpose Paragraph two: qualifications Paragraph three: note résumé included Paragraph four: closing request for interview Refer to Figure 18-2 in text

Résumé Record of information Thorough, concise summary of education, skills, accomplishments, work experience Should make you appear qualified as an employee Prepared on computer and attractive in appearance

Résumé Format for résumé can vary One-page résumé is usually sufficient Parts include Personal identification Employment objective Educational background

Résumé Parts Work or employment experience Skills Other activities References Three references should be printed on separate page

Résumé Honesty is always the best policy List all information before preparing your résumé Use correct size envelope Use same stationery for cover letter, résumé, envelope, and references

Career Passport or Portfolio Professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills Allows for presentation in an organized and efficient manner Final content varies by individual

Career Passport or Portfolio Includes Introductory letter Résumé Skill list and competency level Letter(s) of recommendation Copies of work evaluations

Career Passport or Portfolio Includes Credentials Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills Leadership and organization abilities

Career Passport or Portfolio Organize information in a binder or portfolio Use tab dividers to create organized sections Use correct grammar and punctuation in all written information Your efforts will pay off at interview

18:3 Completing Job Application Forms Used by employers to collect specific information Vary from employer to employer Most request similar information Read entire form before completing information

18:3 Completing Job Application Forms Have all required information when you go to an interview Follow rules for completing application forms Carry a wallet card for easy access Remember, employers use application forms as a screening tool

18:4 Participating in a Job Interview Usually last step before getting or being denied a job You are selected based on résumé/application Purposes of interview Personal evaluation Detailed information on position

18:4 Participating in a Job Interview Careful preparation is needed before an interview Bring your career passport or portfolio Be certain of the date and time of interview Dress carefully Check entire appearance

18:4 Participating in a Job Interview Arrive early for the interview Review points to remember during interview Send a follow-up thank-you note, letter, or e-mail after the interview

18:4 Participating in a Job Interview Practice possible questions and answers before the interview Federal law prohibits discrimination by age, cultural/ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, disability, religion, race, or sex You may need proof of eligibility to work

18:5 Determining Net Income Money you earn or that is available to you Amount you earn and amount you spend may vary Gross income Total amount earned for hours worked

18:5 Determining Net Income Net income (take-home pay) Amount of money available to you after all deductions Use tax charts to calculate net monthly pay Know what amount of money you have to spend Manage your money more effectively

18:6 Calculating a Budget Budget Fixed expenses Variable expenses Itemized list of living expenses Fixed expenses House payment, utilities, car payments, insurance Variable expenses Entertainment, clothing, donations

18:6 Calculating a Budget Calculate a budget using percentage ranges Incorporate savings into your budget Calculating monthly payments Consider Money Management International (MMI) guidelines for expense percentages

18:6 Calculating a Budget Important that budget expenses not exceed your net monthly income Final step is to live by your budget and avoid overspending Creation of a budget leads to careful management of hard-earned money