how do i get there? 4.00 – understand job search techniques. 4.02 – understand how to apply,...

How Do I Get There?

4.00 – Understand job search techniques.4.02 – Understand how to apply, interview, and make a plan

for employment.

4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future. 2

Employment Documents

Job Application Resume Cover Letter Thank you letter


Job Application Why is it important?

A Job Application is more than just a piece of paper. It provides employers with the first impression of a potential employee. An application that is sloppy or contains inaccurate information will always end up in the trash.


Job Application What is the purpose?

Provides personal data, education, and work history

Demonstrates ability to read and follow simple directions

Demonstrates ability to write neatly, spell, and provide clear and concise descriptions of work history and education

To verify honesty


Job Application Guidelines for Completing

Read entire form first

Application Tool Box:

Pen with blue or black ink, preferably blue

Social security number

Work history including dates, addresses, phone numbers

References

Answer all questions completely and honestly

Write “NA” (not applicable) if an item does not apply to you


Job Application Components Personal information – name, social security number,

address, phone number(s)

Position applied for – list the specific job applying for

Education – schools and colleges attended, degrees and certifications earned, dates

Work experience – job titles and descriptions, employers, hours, and wages

Criminal history – applicants arrest record, if any

Signature – Full name, not nickname. Signature implies that information on application is true and complete

References – former employers, teachers, and advisors


Reference Guidelines

Use references who:

Know your character, experience, skills and work ethics

Will give you a positive recommendation

Always ask permission before using someone as a reference


Résumé – What is the purpose?

Summarizes applicant’s qualifications

Provides personal data, education, work history, and reference information

Stimulates interest of employer

Determines if applicant is worth interviewing


Résumé Guidelines for Keying

Limit it to one page, if possible

Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest

Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience

Use “action verbs” such as created, designed

Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others

Get permission to use names as references

Key and proofread carefully


Résumé Components Personal Data – Name, address, phone number, e-mail Objective – Position applied for Education – Schools attended or currently attending,

specialized subjects or programs, graduation dates (or expected graduation date)

Work experience/volunteer work – Employment history, volunteer positions, apprenticeships

Skills and abilities – Job-related skills and abilities Honors and Activities – Honors, awards, activities that

indicate leadership and teamwork ability or relate to position References – May include statement indicating that

references are available upon request


Cover Letter What is the purpose?

To introduce the applicant to the potential employer

To explain reason for applying To describe qualifications To request an interview To complement the résumé


Cover Letter Guidelines for Keying

Must be keyed in 11 or 12 pt font

Must be error-free

Address to a specific person, avoid Dear Sir

Content should be clear and concise

Letter should be brief

Use personal business letter format

Use high quality paper


Cover Letter Components

Paragraph 1 – What position you are applying for and how you found out about the job

Paragraph 2 – Why you should be hired. Information about your qualifications and experience.

Paragraph 3 – Request an interview and provide contact information


The Interview What is the purpose?

Most important step in the employment process Applicant’s opportunity to

Showcase self and qualifications Learn about opportunities for advancement Learn about the employer’s management style Learn about the expectations of the job

Employer’s opportunity to: Assess the applicant’s personality, motivation, knowledge,

and work ethic Determine if the applicant is a “right fit” for the company


Types of Interviews Formal – Face-to-face (F2F) meeting of applicant and

employer Group - Sometimes called a panel or “tag team” interview

Conducted by an employer and one or more staff members Applicant is asked questions by all team members Measures how applicant interacts with different people Tests how applicant handles stress

Informational - Initiated by the jobseeker Get advice/information from employer people in career field Network for job leads and referrals Make first impression with employer

Telephone – Often used to screen applicants and determine which applicants warrant a F2F interview


Before the interview… Research the company and industry Plan and practice:

an introduction of yourself what to say about your skills, knowledge, abilities,

experience and goals a list of questions to ask

Select appropriate attire Prepare a résumé (if needed) Make a list of references (with permission) Plan to go alone Print directions (if needed)


During the interview… Arrive on time – not too early or late Exhibit confidence and positive attitude Speak clearly Give firm handshake Display appropriate body language

eye contact hand gestures active listening

Sell yourself and qualifications Be truthful Answer and ask questions Thank the interviewer for the interview


After the interview Follow up with a thank you letter

Shows employer that you are interested in the job Opportunity to clarify something you said or forgot to say

during the interview Guidelines

Keep it short and error free Thank interviewer for taking time to talk with you Restate your interest in the job and why you’d be an asset

to the company Use personal business letter format Send no later than two days after the interview

Be persistent, but not a pest