Workforce Issues Ch 7 & 8 Speech

Respectful Communication Make direct eye contact when speaking to someone Offer a firm handshake when meeting someone Introduce friends to your family When boss is ready to begin speaking, you end your personal conversations

Courtesy and Tact Courtesy: consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing something Tact: a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense Chain-of-Command: communicating with the correct people in the correct order. – Ex: student teacher counselor asst.principal principal superintendent

“Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.” ~ Benjamin Franklin “Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? If yes, ask: Is it hurtful? If yes, ask: Is it necessary?” ~ Vera Bradford

Appropriate Dress Adapt to the occasion: always best to be as dressed up as those around you OR just a little more nicely (everyone else is wearing slacks and a tie – don’t wear jeans… wear slacks and a tie or a suit) Do some research! (Company Expectations!) Maintain Professionalism Be neat and well-groomed People should be impressed by what you do and not by what you wear

Appropriate Tone ? Aggressive Tone – Pushy and brash – Only considers own point-of-view – DON’T Nonassertive Tone – Lack of action or energy – Seems to lack self-confidence Assertive Tone – Direct, yet tactful

Assertive People Consider… Location: Is this the right place to talk? Timing: Is this the right time to talk? Intensity: What can I do to keep calm and not be overbearing? Relationships: How well do I know this person? How is this conversation going to affect this person’s role & responsibility?

Networking Developing personal contacts you can use for information or tips on job-hunting Means you’re always thinking ahead!

People Skills Making Introductions Conversations – Talking too much – Talking too little – Interrupting Offering and Receiving Criticism Clear and Accurate Directions

Dossier Personal Inventory 1) Personal Work History – Name, address & number – Supervisors & contact information – Dates of employment – Duties, responsibilities, and skills required for the job – Recognitions, promotions or awards

2) Education – Schools attended (how long there) – Grade point average – Honors or awards – Activities, clubs, groups, or sports teams – Leadership positions

3) Self-assessment – What are you proudest of? – What mistakes have you made and what have you learned? – How well do you interact with authority?

Résumé Formal, business version of your personal inventory Places to help on the world wide web: – – er.shtml er.shtml – – And many many others!

Parts of a résumé Identification – Name, address, contact information Objective or job goal – What is the purpose of this resume? – “Seek a hostess position at a fine dining establishment” – “Win an academic scholarship from the Rotary Club”

Education and training – Put most impressive credentials first – Note any job related skills! Work History – Most recent to oldest Personal data – Clubs, organizations, volunteer work References!!! – 1. Full names – 2. Addresses and Phone numbers (current) – 3. Ask the person FIRST

Resume tips Be positive – Sell your good points! Be brief – Keep it to one page Stick to the facts – Can’t back it, don’t say it! Use clear language Keep the goal in mind!

Use ACTION words (see pg 211) Research the school/job BEFORE you go! Practice practice practice

Answering interview questions General questions: – Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What would you like to do in the future? Educational: – What are your grades like? What are your favorite or least favorite classes? What extracurriculars are you in and why?

Job-related: – Why should I hire you? Are you committed to this job/school for a period of time? What are responsibilities you are used to taking on? Personal: – Tell me about yourself. What are your accomplishments? What are the things that are most important to you?

How to answer Be positive (sell yourself!) Don’t be afraid to pause and think BEFORE answering a question. Rehearse the tough questions.

“Illegal” Questions Politics Religion Marital/dating situation Physical/mental disabilities Weight * Employers MAY ask about physical fitness or physical problems that may inhibit your ability to do the job.

Your turn! You can ask questions too! – Late in the interview – Can ask about specific duties of the job – Can ask about hours expected to be on the job – Can ask about projected salary Don’t ask about holidays, sick leave, personal days though. They’ll think you’re already preparing to get out of working.

Interview issues Be alert and project energy. Pay close attention to the questions asked. Could be one-on-one, could be a team or panel interview Dress in the clothes you would probably wear on the job OR just a little nicer. BE ON TIME or even a little early.

Interview Checklist 1.Do I have copies of my resume? 2.Do I have my references? 3.Have I left time to be ON TIME? 4.Am I dressed neatly and appropriately? Turned off my cell phone or other electronics? 5.Even if I don’t feel well, can I remember to sit up and look alert? 6.Can I remember not to criticize others (even past employers)? 7.Can I remember to make good eye contact? Use the interviewer’s name? thank the interviewer at the end?

Follow up: Right after you get home, jot down notes of what you think you did well and where you could improve next time. Send a thank you note for the interviewer’s time. Restate your interest in the position. After a week or two, call to see if the job has been filled.