1. “Dissecting” the Employment Process (not Beef Hearts!) Presented June 21, 2006 Linda D. McClain, PHR Employment Manager

2. Today’s Goals Provide an overview of the employment process including:  Developing a resume  Completing Employment Applications  Applying for Positions  Interviewing  Follow-up  Being a Good Employee

3. Your First Resume  When it’s needed?  Will probably be short – that’s okay  Should look nice – be well formatted in readable font without pictures, etc.  Should contain an Objective of some sort or summary statement  Order? (Education vs. Experience)  Proofread, proofread, proofread!!!  Update as you gain more experience

4. What about a Cover Letter?  Email may suffice  Actual letter is more formal  Don’t use form letters and then forget to change position or employer information  Be direct; if you have a contact name, use it in the letter  Say why you’d like to work there  Don’t be too “fluffy”

5. Employment Application 101  Resume isn’t usually enough or you don’t have a resume  Be neat & complete; do it yourself  Tell the truth  Don’t leave blanks  How you complete the Application says something about you and how you complete work

6. More Tips on Applying for Jobs  If you come in person, look nice and come alone  Bring a pen & needed information  Remember the receptionist has more clout than you might think  Make sure your home phone and email are set up for messages

7. You Got An Interview!!!  Be on time!!  Dress appropriately - leave flip-flops, halter tops, jeans, etc. at home  Don’t have to wear a suit, but do need to look put together  Don’t smell like an ashtray  A word about tattoos & piercings  Bring extra copies of your resume  NO CELL PHONES, etc.

8. Remember…a 1 st impression only takes a moment to make  Studies show a first impression is made in the first 90 seconds you meet someone  What does this tell you???

9. Mutual Goals of the Interview  For the Employer: Gain information in a lawful manner that allows them to make the best possible decision as to the hiring of a potential candidate. Identify “red flags” that may be areas of concern.  For Employee: Determine is this a place where I would like to work? People I’d like to work for and with?

10. Many Styles of Interviewers  The Absentee – not really “there”  The Buddy – a “friend”  The Inquisitor – tough, “show me” style  The Laser Beam – focused  The Shotgun – fires all over  The Silver Bullet – one magic question Adapted from Monster Careers:Interviewing By Doug Hardy

11. General Guidelines  Don’t be Britney  Brain lapse… don’t panic.  Do your homework  Listen to the questions  Ask for clarification if necessary  Watch your body language  Maintain eye contact  Handshake

12. The Buzz is “Behavioral”  Behavioral interviewing is “in”  According to Prof. Herbert Heneman III of the Univ. of Wisconsin, behavior based interviewing is, “a thorough, planned, systematic way to gather & evaluate information about what candidates have done in the past to show how they would handle future situations.”  Assumes behavior will repeat in similar situations

13. What it means to you??  Tell me about a time when…”  Give me an example of…”  Example: Traditional Question: What would you do if you encounter a very rude customer? BI Question: Tell me about a time when you encountered a very rude customer. OR Give me an example of a rude customer who you handled effectively.

14. Off-Limits Interview Questions  Race /National Origin  Religion  Gender  Plans to have children  Sexual Preference  Height  Age  Arrest & Conviction Records  Financial Status  Military Record  Disability

15. The morning after…  Just say thanks  Be direct  Ask if you can provide additional information  Clarify if you feel you may not have been completely clear on an item, e.g. when you can work & what you’re willing to do

16. Why haven’t I heard??  Sometimes the process is slower than expected  Check in, but don’t be a pest  If not selected, reinforce interest and desire to be considered for future openings  Express willingness to do any job to get a foot in the door  Ask if there’s anything you could do better next time

17. Congratulations! You got the job!  Make all pre-employment appointments and scheduled orientations  Be on time  Don’t call in sick  Be professional