Job Application Process Understand procedures for gaining employment.

The procedures to follow when looking for a job include: 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 Keep it to one page, if possible Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience Use “action verbs” such as, created, designed

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others Get permission to use names as references Make it neat and spell everything correctly Key and proofread carefully

Contents of a Résumé Personal data- Name, address, phone number (where you can be reached), and e-mail address. Job Objective- the job you are applying for. Education background-list the schools you have attended or are currently attending. Also, includes 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. Honors and Activities- List any honors or awards you have received. Name activities you have participated in that relate to the job you want. 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 (or Letter of Application)

Purposes of a Cover Letter Serves as a cover letter when mailing the résumé. Sent in response to want ads

Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter Neatly type it Address to a specific person Keep the letter brief, clear, and businesslike (1 page) Use 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 an individual can follow directions, understands questions, and organizes answers Indicates neatness, thoroughness, spelling, and writing abilities

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application Have necessary materials on hand – pen, social security number, résumé, names and addresses of former employers and references. Read entire form thoroughly before answering any questions. Complete all blanks; write “NA” or draw a line 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. Spell words correctly and fully. Print legibly with black or blue ink. Keying an application is also a professional way to complete an application. Sign properly, if requested. Review form completely.

6.02 PowerPoint 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 during or 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 1.  Shows that you are still interested in the job 2.  Allows you a chance to clarify something you said in the interview or mention something that may have occurred to you later

Guidelines for Writing a Thank-you Letter Thank the interviewer for talking to you 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 Visit to the company E-mail