Students will be able to understand procedures for a successful job search.

 What procedures should be followed to locate job openings?  What procedures should be followed to prepare a résumé, application, and cover letter?  What procedures should be followed when interviewing and following up?  How has technology influenced job search procedures?

A. Locating job openings B. Preparing a résumé C. Completing an application D. Writing a cover letter E. Interview attire F. Interview Etiquette G. Thank you notes

 Newspapers---want ads in Classifieds  Schools---bulletin boards, websites  Employment agencies  Internet leads  Networking

 Identifying information needed for résumé  Writing work objectives  Outlining education experiences and accomplishments  Outlining work experience, paid and volunteer  Listing activities, honors, and awards  Special skills  Acquiring permission to contact for references  Never list a reference without asking permission

 Prior tasks  Collect records on previous work experience  Get permission to use names for references  Identify skills needed for the position  Standards for applications  Typed or printed with black or blue ink  Free of grammatical or spelling errors  Answer all relevant questions  Give specific, accurate information  Answer with action verbs where appropriate  BE HONEST in all answers provided  List any honors, awards, and volunteer services that highlight general employability or specific skills needed for the position.

 Refer to Sample form provided in Your Notebook  Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

 Purposes  To get an interview  To introduce you  To state type of position(s) you are seeking  To demonstrate writing and organizational skills  Format  Typed on business quality paper  Contains addresses; introductory, body, and closing paragraphs; signature, and enclosure (refers to résumé)

 One step above required attire for the position  Dark neutral colors with white, cream, or light blue shirt  Clean and well pressed  Closed toed, polished shoes, with socks or hose  Simple, conservative jewelry  Well groomed hair worn off the face  Avoid cologne and perfumes

 Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

 Before the interview  Plan and check condition of attire  Confirm location, directions, and travel time  Research the company and the job opening  Prepare answers for typical interview questions  Prepare a list of questions about the job opening and work environment  During the interview  Arrive about 15 minutes early  Carry a notebook with your résumé, cover letter, job application, references, pen, and paper to take notes  Be cordial to everyone from arrival until you leave  Greet interviewer by name with a firm handshake and smile  Wait for the interviewer to direct you to a seat  Sit straight and slightly forward with hands ready to take notes and ankles crossed or feet flat on the floor  Think before answering  Maintain eye contact, good posture, and avoid fidgeting  DO NOT smoke, chew gum, lie, or use slang  Be honest  After an interview  Evaluate where you need improvement  Send a thank you note immediately  Follow up several days later with a phone call  Continue the job search

 Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

 Send a thank you note to a person who:  referred you to an employer  interviewed you for employment  offered you a position  rejected you for employment  provided you with general information  wrote a recommendation  Contents  Addresses  Date  Salutation with title and last name  Body with at least three sentences  Typed  DO NOT start first sentence with Thank you  Mention something specific about the person or the interview  Mention what your grateful for  Proofread for appropriate content, spelling, and grammar  Sign and type name

 Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

 Technology is changing job search procedures  Examples:  “Social” networking now used in both work & professional settings  Posting availability & openings on the Internet  Obtaining & submitting job applications electronically  Using electronic portfolios, including résumés and work samples

 BE SAFE! Think before you share!  Use a “strong” password that is difficult to guess  Avoid sharing full date of birth  Use privacy controls  Avoid posting names with photos, especially of children  Avoid posting photos that could damage your credibility  Avoid stating when you will be away from home  Avoid checking the box for public search results; select “Only Friends”

 Tips for sending materials electronically  Label attachments appropriately with your name, purpose of file, and date  Make messages concise, but have proper word usage, no acronyms  Use a businesslike, professional tone in all written or verbal correspondence