10/22/20151 Career Planning & Development

10/22/20152 Career Planning Process Process of studying careers, assessing yourself in terms of careers, & making decisions about a future career Career – goal for work that is fulfilled through an occupation or series of occupations Your study of careers – early career planning will help you choose the right courses in school

10/22/20153 Career training Many careers require education & training beyond high school  Educational alternatives: Two-year schools Four-year colleges & universities Private business schools Consider the cost for further schooling as an investment in your future that will help you earn higher wages & expand your potential.

10/22/20154 Career information resources Print & media sources  Occupational outlook quarterly  Occupational outlook handbook  Career World Magazine  Encyclopedia of Careers & Vocational Guidance Online sources Informational interviews – planned discussion with a worker who is willing to help you find out about the work that a person does, preparation needed for a career, & person’s feelings about the career  Help you gain insight into what actually happens in a specific career area.

10/22/20155 Suggested Questions How did you get your current job? In what ways do you find your work most satisfying? What are your main frustrations? What tasks & activities are required in your work? What are the most important qualifications for working in this field? What advice would you give a young person who is thinking about this type of work?

10/22/20156 Keep notes on what you learn in your informational interviews Experiences of others can provide key career planning information Job shadow- allows you to spend time with a worker for a day or week to learn about a certain occupation (ask your guidance counselor or teacher)

10/22/20157 Business contacts Networking – process of talking to other people about their jobs  Every person that you meet is a potential contact and can provide support when you start work later in life

10/22/20158 Growth career areas Future employment opportunities are influenced by geography & business trends Geographic influences – there may be reasons why you would prefer to live & work near your home  Mobility – willingness & ability of a person to move to where jobs are located Lack of mobility could lead to unemployment

10/22/20159 Economic & industry trends Consumer demand, changing demographic trends & new technology are factors that often affect career opportunities Service industries are expected to have the greatest employment potential Think about your personal interests & abilities in addition to economic & business trends

10/22/ Planning your career Personal assessments give you a better understanding of the careers that will be best for you  With a thorough self-assessment, you will be more likely to have a satisfying & successful career Interests Values – things that are important to you Talents & abilities  Talent – natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things  Ability – quality of being able to perform a mental or physical task

10/22/ Employment experience Work-study programs – combines school with work-related experience  Internships- work experience in organizations while learning about a career field. Part-time employment – gives you a chance to see if you enjoy a particular career field and helps you make contacts Volunteer activities – involvement in community service School activities – school clubs & organizations can result in a range of valuable skills. Goal setting, planning, supervising, & delegating responsibility are activities needed in many employment settings.

10/22/ Sources of available jobs The media Personal contacts Business contacts Career fairs Governmental employment offices

10/22/ Applying for employment Application activities  Personal data sheet- summary of your important job-related information. List education & work experience as well as your references  Application form – asks for information related to employment  Resume- tool that provides information about you to a potential employer Personal information Career objective – personal employment goal Education Experience Career-related honors & other activities Be sure your resume is presented in a professional manner – clean, organized, with no errors. Limit your resume to one page.

10/22/ References List of people who can give a report about your character, education, & work habits Teachers, previous employers, supervisors, or co workers. Be sure to obtain permission from the people who you plan to use as references

10/22/ Career portfolio Tangible evidence of your ability & skills Include the following: resume, sample reports, presentation materials from school projects, articles of community activities you have participated in, & letters of recommendation

10/22/ Application cover letter Expresses your interest in the job Draw attention & interest from the reader Introduction – indicate reason for writing, brief summary of your experience & qualifications Development – highlight background & experiences that specifically qualify you for the job Conclusion - ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail

Targeted letter Quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of an organization Emphasize achievements & skills so you will be invited for an interview. 10/22/201517

10/22/ Online application process Online applications  May also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the position available  Avoid bold, underline, and italics  Do not use attached files that may be difficult to open  Online resumes are scanned for keywords to identify candidates with necessary job qualifications

Cyber interviewing Screening interview using video conferencing Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online May also be used to test a person’s ability in job-related situations. 10/22/201519

10/22/ Securing a job Interview process  Employment interview- two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you & you learn about the job & the company  Before you interview Prepare by obtaining more information about your prospective employer & the job for which you’re applying

Typical questions that you should ask What training opportunities are available to employees? What qualities do your most successful employees possess? What new opportunities are your company considering in the next few years? 10/22/201521

During the interview Appearance, manners, use of language, & general ability for the job are things they’re looking at Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact Stay calm & thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job & your qualifications 10/22/201522

After the interview Send a follow-up letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview Evaluate your interview performance Write notes about areas in which you need improvement Be patient after the interview. It may take a couple weeks for them to complete all their interviews & make a selection 10/22/201523

10/22/ Job offers Consider several factors before accepting or declining the position Salary & financial factors – the type of work & your experience will affect your rate of pay  Position may also include employee benefits (insurance, vacation time, & retirement programs)  Part-time or seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits

Organizational environment Leadership style, dress code, the physical workspace, & social atmosphere should be explored as well when making a decision Advancement potential & training programs should be assessed also 10/22/201525

10/22/ On-the-job behavior Job success strategies – Things to consider as you prepare for the first day of work  Ask questions  Avoid complaining  Honor the time for breaks  Consider your appearance  Be on time  Be friendly with everyone  Show you are dependable  Follow the rules

Mentor Experienced employee who serves as counselor to a person with less experience Frequently offer specific advice related to work assignments as well as general career guidance 10/22/201527

10/22/ Leaving a job Depart on good terms Give at least two-weeks notice Try to finish all current projects Exit interview- employer asks you questions about your work, be constructive & cooperative