Career Orientation— 2nd Edition Applying for a Job Unit 4

Objective 1 - Sources for Job Openings Friends, family, acquaintances Employment agencies Private employment offices School counselors, placement services Classified ads Government offices Window signs Direct calls Networking Internships, volunteering, community service Internet resources Job shadowing experiences

Words You Should Know: Networking: creating links from people you know to people they know, for a specific purpose (such as to find a job); making yourself known by meeting with people formally or informally, in groups or one-on-one Internship: an outside-the-classroom work experience that is related to your career major or interests

Benefits of an Internship Focus your career interests and objectives Build your skills for success in the workplace and in a particular job! Enhance your qualifications and confidence for an interview May contribute to course credit! Can often lead directly to a job offer from the internship employer! Other benefits?

Objective 2 - Job Application Documents Social security card Birth certificate (original copy) Driver’s license or other photo ID Work permit (if appropriate) Resume Letters of recommendation Work samples Reference list

Objective 3 - Resume Information Personal data Career objective Work experience Education background Personal skills, qualities Honors, activities References

Objective 5 - Cover Letters Brief - not more than 3-4 paragraphs Identify the job, and how you found out about it Education and experience relating to the job Request interview Type letter and proofread before sending

Objective 7 - Job Application Forms Read it first Follow directions Be neat Leave no blanks Know what position you want Double-check when finished

Objective 9 - Employment Tests Performance tests Aptitude tests Personality tests Civil service tests Psychological profile Drug test

Objective 11 - Employer Looks For Enthusiasm and interest Dedication and dependability Alertness, quickness of mind Honesty and integrity Desire to work Desire to help Desire to improve Knowledge of required tasks Eye contact

Objective 12 - Dress for an Interview Dress to fit the job Select clothing that becomes you (looks good on you) Dress conservatively Be modest and well-groomed

Did You Know? Most interviewers form an opinion within the first 90 seconds of the interview.

Objective 13 - Interview Information to Obtain During the interview: Before the interview: Products, services How long in business Expansion, business changes Interviewer’s name, position, title Pronunciation of interviewer’s name Typical salary for the job Working conditions Security and safety precautions Public/customer relations Salary or wages Fringe benefits Advancement opportunities

Objective 15 - Interview Prep Obtain application form(s) Prepare resume and cover letter Complete application form(s) Mail forms, resume, and cover letter Respond to requests for interviews Prepare questions about job and employer

Making an appointment by phone: Plan what you will say before you call State your name and reason for calling Ask when would be the best time to come for an interview Do not ask over the telephone how much job pays Be polite and courteous Ask if you should pick up an application or if one will be sent to you before the interview

Objective 16 - Interview Practices Necessary documents Pen and small notebook Arrive early Go alone Introduction and purpose Greet by name Shake hands Sit when and where indicated Sit quietly Try not to show nervousness Maintain good posture and eye contact Listen carefully Do not smoke or chew gum Show real interest Use good manners

Objective 16 - Interview Practices Thank the interviewer Offer added information Be ready to take a performance test Use a pleasant speaking voice Follow up with thank you letter Be brief, positive, honest Avoid slang, offensive language Be ready to talk about work experience, skills Discuss positives, not negatives Ask questions you have at end of interview

Unit Review 1. Identify eight sources for learning about job openings. 2. List five document to take when you apply for a job. 3. List the types of information you should include in a resume.

Unit Review cont. 4. How long should a cover letter be? What should it include? 5. What are guidelines for filling out an application? 6. List four of the types of employment tests. 7. What are seven of the personal characteristics that an employer looks for during an interview?

Unit Review cont. 8. Should you get the following information before or during an interview? Working conditions Pronunciation of interviewers name Company’s products/services Salary or wages Opportunity for advancement Length of time company in business Fringe benefits Company operations/expansion

Unit Review cont. 9. Complete the steps to prepare for an interview: Obtain _______________________________ Prepare a ____________________________ Complete ____________________________ Mail ________________________________ Respond ____________________________ Prepare questions _____________________

Unit Review cont. 10. List ten recommended practices for interviewing. 11. Match the following terms with their definitions: internship networking A. creating links from people you know to people they know, for a specific purpose (such as to find a job) making yourself known B. an outside-the-classroom work experience that is related to your career major or interests

Career Orientation— 2nd Edition Copyright 2007 Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education