1. Preparing for the World of Work
Chapter 17
Dynamics of Healthcare in
Society

2. Developing Job-Keeping Skills
To obtain and KEEP a job, you must develop certain characteristics to be a good employee
The most frequent complaints employers have about high school graduates are:
Poor written grammar
Poor spelling and speech
Poor math skills
Lack of respect for work
Poor appearance

3. Job skills Lack of self-initiative Poor personal appearance
Not accepting responsibility or accountability
Excessive tardiness and attendance
Inability to accept constructive criticism

4. Job Keeping Skills
It is essential to develop good job keeping skills to be successful in a health care career
Being aware of and striving to achieve this skills is needed for employment
It is as important as acquiring the knowledge and skills for the job

5. Use correct grammar at all times
Includes both the written and spoken word
Patients often judge ability on how well a person speaks or writes information
Use of words like ain’t indicates a lack of education
Does not create a favorable or professional image
Strive to use correct grammar
Listen how other healthcare professionals speak

6. Correct grammar
Because you will complete legal written records, the use of correct spelling, punctuation and sentence structure is essential
Use a dictionary, use spell check
Refer to standard English books or manuals on sentence structure and punctuation
Constantly strive to improve these skills

7. Report to work on time Healthcare facilities provide 24 hr care
Being late can cause a major disruption in schedule and patient care
Healthcare facilities have a strict policy and tardiness
Chronic tardiness will result in job loss
BE ON TIME !!!

8. Be prepared to work when you arrive at work
An employer does not pay a worker to socialize
When you arrive for work, be prepared to being work
Develop good work ethics
Observe all legal and ethical responsibilities
Follow policies and procedures
Have self initiative…. Know you have to do and DO IT!

9. Practice teamwork You must be willing to work with others
Providing care involves a team of healthcare professionals
If you are willing to help others when they need it, they will likely be wiling to help you
Two or three people working together can easily lift a heavy patient more readily than can one.

10. Promote a positive attitude
Being positive creates a good impression and encourages the same attitude in others
Every job has bad points. Do not dwell on them
This leads to a negative attitude and creates poor morale
Concentrate on the good aspects of a job
Work will seem more pleasant and promotes good moral in the workplace

11. Accept responsibility for your actions
Most people are very willing to take credit for the good things they’ve done
In the same way, it is essential to take credit for our mistakes
Report your mistakes to your supervisor
Make every effort to correct them
Learn from your mistakes
Honesty is essential in healthcare
Not accepting responsibility for your actions is dishonest

12. Remember
Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job
It is essential for you to develop the qualities that employers need in workers
Be courteous, responsible, enthusiastic
Cooperative, reliable, punctual and efficient
Be the best you can be
If you do this, you will retain your job and achieve success

13. Writing a cover letter & Preparing a resume’
Introduction

14. Be willing to learn
Healthcare changes constantly due to advances in technology and research
Every healthcare worker must be willing to learn new things and adapt to change
Participating in professional development programs is essential
Take courses… attend workshops
Employers recognize these efforts
Ambition is often rewarded with higher salary and job advancement

15. Introduction
Before you look for a job, evaluate your interests and abilities
Decide what type of job you would like
Make sure you obtain the education needed to perform the job
Then look at different job sources to find a position you will like

16. Sources for jobs searching
Newspaper advertisements
Job fairs
Recommendations for friends, relatives, or co-workers, and teachers
School counselors or bulletin boards
Employment agencies
Professional organizations
Job listing posted at healthcare facilities

17. Cover letter Purpose is to obtain an interview
You want to create a good impression so the employer will be interested in you
The letter should be computer generated and printed on good quality paper
It must be neat, complete, and done according to correct form of letters
Grammar, punctuation, and good sentence structure should be accurate

18. Cover letter Letter should be addressed to the correct individual.
Make sure you have the correct spelling of the persons’ name and title
Find out if you are not sure
The letter usually contains three to four paragraphs

19. Paragraph one State your purpose in writing
Express interest in the position
If you are responding to an advertisement, state the name and date of the publication
If you were referred by someone, give this person’s name and title

20. Paragraph two State why you believe you are qualified for the position
It may also state why you want to work for this particular employer
Information should be brief because most of the information will be included on your resume’

21. Paragraph three State that a resume is included
Draw the employer’s attention to one or two important features on your resume.
If you are not including a resume’, state one will be forthcoming on request
Whenever possible, it is best to always include your resume with your cover letter

22. Paragraph four Close the letter with a request for an interview
Be sure you clearly state how the employer can contact you for additional information
Include a telephone number and the times you can be reached
In addition, include a thank you to the potential employer for considering your application

23. Resume’ Is a record of information about an individual
It is thorough yet concise summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and work experience
It is used to provide an employer with basic information that makes you appear qualified as an employee
A good resume’ will help you to clarify your job objective and be better prepared for an interview

24. Resume’
It should be computer printed or typed and attractive in appearance
Like a cover letter, it creates an impression on the employer
Information should be presented in an organized and professional manner
Good quality paper, correct spelling and punctuation
Use straight even margins and an attractive style

25. Resume’ A one-page resume’ is sufficient Parts of the resume’ can vary
Personal identification should include your name, address, and phone number. Be sure to include your area code
Employer objective, job desired, or career goal should state the job title you are applying for
Educational background should include the name and address of your high school

26. Resume’
If you have taken additional courses or special training, list them
Work or employment experience should include any previous employment
Always state with most recent and work backwards
Each entry should include name and address of the employer, dates of employment, job title, and duties

27. Resume’ Avoid using the work “I”
Instead of stating, “I sterilized supplies”
State “sterilized supplies” using action verbs to describe duties
Skills should be listed. Any special knowledge. Be specific
Indicate your qualifications and ability to perform work
This shows you are qualified for the positiion

28. Resume’
List other activities such as organizations you have a membership
Community service/volunteering
Special awards and interests
Participation in school activities, church functions
This shows the employer you are a well rounded person and practices good citizenship
Write out full names of organizations, etc.

29. Resume’ References usually are not listed on the resume’
State references available upon request
Always be sure you have the person’s permission to use as a reference
List their full name, title, address, and phone number
It is best not to use relatives, or high school friends
Select professionals in your field, clergy, or teachers

30. Honesty Honesty is always the best policy
Never give information that you think will look good but is exaggerated or only part true
Inaccurate of false information can cost you a job

31. The Envelope It should be the correct size for the letter and resume’
Do not fold the letter into small sections and put it in a undersized envelope
This creates a sloppy impression
Buy standard envelopes that match your paper
A 9 x 12 envelope eliminates the need to fold your cover letter and resume’
Be sure it is addressed correctly and neatly

32. Career Passport or Portfolio
This is a professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills
It allows you to present yourself in a organized and efficient manner
Most contain an introductory letter
Resume’ with skills list and competency level
Letters of recommendation
Copies of work evaluations
Documentation of mastering job seeking skills and leadership/organization abilities

33. Introductory letter
Provides a brief synopsis of yourself including your:
Background
Education
Future goals

34. Resume’ An organized record of information on: Education
Employment experience
Special skills and activities

35. Skills list and competency
Provides a list of skills you have mastered
Includes the level of competency of each skill
Skills transcripts
Copies of certifications or licenses

36. Letters of recommendation
Include letters from teachers, guidance counselors, supervisors
Agencies where you perform volunteer work
Respected members of organizations

37. Work evaluations
Include copies of evaluations you receive at job-training sites
Volunteer activities
Paid work experiences

38. Leadership/organizational abilities
Include information that demonstrates leadership and organizational skills you have mastered
Participation in HOSA or SkillsUSA should be included

39. Documentation of job-seeking skills
Write brief paragraphs to document how you have mastered skills such as teamwork;
Self-motivation
Leadership
Willingness to learn
Responsibility
Organization
Problem solving
Creative thinking

40. Organization of portfolio
Organize your information in a neat binder or portfolio
Use tab dividers to separate the sections
Make sure you use correct grammar, punctuation an all written work
Your portfolio will give the potential employer a good impression

41. Completing a job application
Even though you have completed a resume’, most employers will also require you to complete a job application
Forms vary from employer to employer
Read the entire form before you begin to complete it
Note where certain information should be placed
Read instructions and follow them
Some facilities use online applications

42. Basic rules for completing a job application
Fill it out neatly and completely
Do not leave any blanks. Put “none” or “NA” meaning not applicable
Be sure addresses include zip codes and other information
Watch spelling and punctuation
Type or print neatly
Use a black pen
Use spell check if done on computer

43. More basic rules Make sure all information is legible
Do not write in spaces that state “Office use only”
Employers often judge how you follow directions
Be sure all information is correct
Be truthful and honest
Proofread your completed application
If references are requested, be sure to include all information

44. Preparing for Job Interview
A job interview is what you are seeking when you send a letter of application and resume’
You must prepare for an interview just as hard as you did when you composed your resume
A poor interview means a lost job !

45. Job interview
This is the last step before getting or being denied a position
Usually you are screened by the employer and selected as a result of your resume and application

46. To the employer, your interview serves two main purposes
Provides opportunity to evaluate you in person
Obtain additional information and ascertain you meet the qualifications
Allows the employer to tell you about the position in more detail

47. Your appearance Hair should be neat, clean, and styled attractively
Nails should be clean. Avoid wearing bright nail polish, too much make-up
Men should be clean shaven
Be sure your teeth are clean and breath is fresh
Limit your jewelry.
Look professional

48. Points of interest Arrive 5-10 minutes early
Late arrival means a lost job
Allow time for traffic and other complications

49. During your interview, observe the following points
Greet the interviewer by name and introduce yourself
Shake hands and SMILE !
Remain standing until the interviewer asks you to sit Be aware of your posture and sit straight
Use correct grammar. Avoid using slang
Speak slowly, clearly. Don’t mumble
Be polite. Practice good manners
Maintain eye contact

50. More points of interest
Listen closely to interviewer
Answer all questions thoroughly
Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat candy
Smile but avoid excessive laughter or giggling
Be yourself. Do not try to assume a different personality or mannerisms
Be enthusiastic. Display a positive attitude
Avoid awkward habits such as swinging your legs, playing with hair.

51. After the interview
Follow up with a note, letter, or thanking the employer for the interview
Indicate if you are still interested in the position
A thank you note could be the deciding factor in who gets the job

52. Potential questions and your response
Tell me a little about yourself?
Stick to job related information
What are your strong/weak points?
Be sure to turn a weakness into a positive point
For example say, “One of my weaknesses is poor spelling,, but I use a dictionary to check spelling and try to learn to spell ten new words each week.”
See page 541 in your text for more

53. At the end of the interview
You may be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work
Under the Bureau of Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employers are not required by federal law to ask you to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form
Called an I-9
This form helps to verify that you are legally entitled to work in the US

54. I – 9 Form
To complete this form, you must provide documentation on your identify
Birth certificate, passport, or immigration card
Photo ID
Driver’s license
Social security card
The employers make copies to include in your file

55. Workbook Assignments Chapter 17:3 Chapter 17:4
Complete these worksheets on
Job applications
Sample application form
Participating in a job interview