guest speaker. chapter 4 career planning employment application what do employers look for? –gives...

Guest Speaker

Chapter 4

Career Planning

Employment Application

• What do employers look for?– Gives the employer facts about you which can

be kept on file

– What you say, how you say it, and how you put the facts down will usually tell the employer things about you

• How well you follow instructions

• What type of character you have

• What you have achieved

• How well you hold a job

• How thorough are you

• ALWAYS include a copy of your resume with your employment application!

Application Tips

• Study the application thoroughly

• Complete a trial run, if possible

• Use an erasable black ink pen

• Carry a minimum of two pens in case one stops writing

• Tell the truth

• Spell and use words correctly

Application Tips cont…

• Avoid abbreviations• Answer all questions completely• Use all the space- include only appropriate

data• Never write “see resume” on the

application• Choose an appropriate job title when asked

for which “position desired”

Application Tips cont…

• Write “prevailing wage” when asked for salary wanted

• Eliminate religious referenced, unless related to the employer or job

• Review your personal checklist

• Sign and date

• ALWAYS attach your resume

Working Hours

• Build flexibility into your answers

• Don’t eliminate yourself before you get the interview

• Working hours are often negotiable, just get the interview first

Start Date

• If currently employed write “employer notification of two weeks requested”

• If unemployed write “immediately” or “at completion of school term”

Criminal Record

• Study the small print in this area, some jobs require this information

• Depending on your records there may be some jobs you should not apply for – Example: if convicted of embezzlement you may not

want to apply for a job involving money

• Employers do hire applicants with criminal records, just not for areas connected with the conviction- BE OPEN AND HONEST!

Sample Application

• Resume Packet:– Fill out sample application on page 4-7 - 4-9

Test Taking in the Workplace

• What kinds of tests maybe given?

• How important is the test in relation to other factors (experience, education, personality)?

Pre-employment testing

• Job related requirements

• Physical Ability Testing

• Intelligence tests

• Personality test

• Polygraph testing

Post offer testing

• Medical Testing – only if required to perform the job responsibilities– CAN NOT test for HIV/AIDS!

• Drug Testing – VERY COMMON!

Drug Testing

• Companies can test for drugs because of the Drug-Free Workplace Act in 1988 passed under the Bush administration

• 87% of major companies now test employees and job applications

Tips:

• OF COURSE: Don’t take drugs before an interview but also don’t take:– Cough Syrup– Drinking Gin– Poppy Seeds

References

References

• Do not include on your resume

• Use same paper stock as your resume

• Give to an employer only upon request

• Keep reference page to one page

• List three professional and two personal references

Professional References

• Past employers

• Instructors

• Academic Counselors

• Professionals in the industry

• Mentors

Personal References

• Long term neighbor

• Family friend

• Member of your church or club

• When choosing: be sure they will be able to communicate effectively and someone you are in contact with on a regular basis

Four Steps for References

• Ask people for permission to use them as references

• Think of people who would be able to talk about your skills and your integrity

• Think of people who will describe you favorably

• Double-check the contact information for each reference

TIP:

• Audit your References:– You may think someone will speak positively

about you, when in reality they may say something that would hurt your changes

– Have someone else call them, who you know will give accurate feedback, and ask them to do a reference check

– Most cases it will be what is expected, however sometimes you will get a surprise

What are employers looking for?

• Employers want to discover your:– Abilities– Potentials– Personal qualities

Keep a Personal Portfolio

• Keep a list of people who you have used or thinking of using on a reference page.

• Ensure they know who you are and what your intention are when a potential employer calls them

• Example Reference Page 4-16

Chapter 5

The Job Search and Where and How to Look, Networking, Detecting

Hiring Trends, World Wide Web, and Community Resources

Finding Meaningful Work

• You can expect your work search to be a roller coaster of emotions

• Most of the time you will have self confidence, but then you will feel anxious and frantic

• Take your job search seriously!

Tip:

• The more precisely you define what you are looking for, the easier it is to find work

• If you have a clear focus on what you want, you can do research and preparation that will help you stand out from other applicants

Preparing for your work search

• Analyze your skills

• Research your career field

• Learn how to communicate your value

• Develop a resume

• Stay focused on your goal

Hidden Job Market

• Advertised positions count for 15% of all job openings, yet 90% of all job seekers apply for these openings

Hidden Job Market

• Most employers prefer to hire someone they know or someone who has been recommended by someone they know

• 7 out of 10 jobs come from personal contacts

Strategies for a Successful Job Hunt

• Know what you want• Be proactive- take initiative• Focus on the needs of the employer• Conduct information interviews• Contact individuals who can hire your directly• Target your resume and cover letter• Be persistent and don’t give up• Remain positive and confident

The Work Search Process

State Your Goal

• Be Realistic

• Make achievable now

Identify Target Organizations

• List companies and positions that you would like to target

• Find out their corporate culture– Private Industry– Public Industry– Nonprofit organization

Research Your Targets

• Know what the company does!

• Gather specific information about the company

• Tools to use: Internet, stock quotes, printed resources, and members of your network

Internet Research

• The employers website• American Stock Exchange• America’s job bank• Companies Online Search• Company Profiles• Employers Directory• Fortune 500• Getting a job (sponsored by studentcenter.com• Hoover’s Online• Social-services.com• Wall Street Research Net• Yahoo!’s Corporate Directories

Make Contacts

• Make a list of everyone you know who can possible help you and send them your resume

• Go to industry events and meetings

Follow Up

• ALWAYS follow up with every contact and possible lead.

• The job is NOT going to fall into your lap without follow up

CHAPTER 5: Get Out There

Ways to generate interviews

Online Resources

• www.careerbrain.com• www.careercity.com• www.careerweb.com• www.headhunter.net• www.hotjobs.com• www.monstor.com• www.jobgusher.com (Texas Based)

• www.houstonemployment.com• www.houstonjobs.com

Review Several Websites

Section on:

The Joys of online Job Hunting

5-35 – 5-61

Culinary Useful Websites

• American Culinary Federation – www.acfchefs.org

• American Personal Chef Association– www.personalchef.com

• International Association of Culinary Professionals

– www.iacp.com • The James Beard Foundation

– www.jamesbeard.org


Newspaper Ads• Employers are receiving 100s of resumes

and therefore you need to stand out:• Make sure your cover letter is customized

• Follow up your inquiry with a phone call


Networking:

• This should be your ultimate goal!• Make a list

• Who do you know?

• Who do people you know, know?

• If you are looking for a job, let people know

• If you are looking for an internship, let people know


• Networking is not about short term contacts, it is about building relationships.

• Think of each person you meet as a potential contact– Grocery Stores– Elevators – If you have rapport, get a business card.

• Do you have a card to exchange?


• Typical networks we can all tap into– Family and Relatives– Friends– Co-workers or Classmates– Manager, (past and present)– Instructors– Other job hunters– Other professionals in your field

Asking for Assistance

• Establish connectivity

• Tell why you are writing or calling

• Ask for advise and guidance about your tactics

• Don’t rely on a contact with a particular company to get you into that company

• Let contacts know what you are open for

Asking for Assistance cont…

• Discuss the profession, the industry, the areas of opportunity and the people worthwhile to contact

• Let them know how to get in touch with you• When you get help, say Thank You• Keep an open mind• Whether your contact helped you get a job or not,

let them know when you do get a job


• Four categories of Employment Agencies

State Employment Agencies

• Funded by the state labor department

• Free service to the job hunter

• Will carry names typically like– State Division of Employment Security– State Job Service– Manpower Services– Work Source (Local)

Private Employment Agencies

• Commonly called “Headhunters”

• Three types of employment services– Permanent employment agencies where you

pay a fee– Permanent agencies where the employer pays

a fee– Contingency and retained search firms


Temporary Agencies• Temporary agencies can get you in front of the right

people. This is valuable experience for your resume and could turn into a full time job.

• Great for part time work or if your skills are a bit rusty

• Local Agencies:• Majesty Staffing 713 682-1828• Addecco Staffing 281 444-5505• Host Staff Hospitality Staffing 281 208-4678


• Career Counselors:– Charge for their services– Can be as little as $200 up to $10,000

depending on what type and how much services they provide

– They DO NOT guarantee employment


College Placement Office and Alumni Association

• Career Services Advisors are available to you free of charge upon completion of this course. They can assist you with:

• Internships• Interview Practice, Resume Critique• Job Fairs• Graduate Employment


Career Services• Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, and

Restaurant & Catering Management

– Angela Miller


• Job Fairs and Career Days– Do not miss out when they occur on campus

or local area venues– Look for them in the paper– They are often FREE and attract large

numbers of employers– You may find someone there you did not even

knew existed


• When you go job/career fairs:– Bring your resume– Bring pad and pen, preferable in a folder– Visit every booth and speak to someone– Collect business cards from everyone you speak with – Dress for business – Make arrangements to meet with each employer you

are interested in finding out more details.– Review all notes of each employer as soon as you

leave-while it is still fresh in your mind


• Alumni Associations– JOIN! Stay in touch with your classmates– You may find your “dream” job right out of

school, but you also maybe looking in several years too


Professional and Trade Associations• They know everyone in your field of study• Ask to be mentored• Join before graduation• Have a business card and portfolio• Attend often• Faculty members can advise you

Homework:

Resume Packet DUE at the start of class!!

NO late packets will be accepted!!

Organize Notebook for Mid-Term

guest speaker. chapter 4 career planning employment application what do employers look for? –gives...

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