Transcript Job Seeker’s Workbook - Career Consulting Corner
Job Seeker’s Workbook
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Table of Contents
Section 1: Getting Started Section 2: Your Job Is Out There Section 3: Making a Good Impression Section 4: Success That Lasts
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Section 1: Getting Started
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Section 1: Getting Started Gather Information
Prepare a Budget Calculate Rates of Pay Take a Skills Inventory Demonstrate Your Skills Know Your Job Preferences and Interests Explore Your Career Options
Set Career Goals Organize Important Information in a Job Search Portfolio Manage Your Time Get Ready to Work Before You Find the Job Deal with the Stresses of Looking for a Job
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Calculate Rates of Pay
To calculate income, use the following methods:
Hourly Rate.
To find the hourly rate of pay needed, divide the amount of money you need each month by the number of working hours in the month (173). Using the example on the next page, divide $891 (the amount of money needed each month) by 173 (the number of working hours in the month). This shows that you would need to make $5.15 per hour.
Weekly Rate.
To find out the weekly pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of working hours in a week (40). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 40, you see that you need to make $206 per week.
Monthly Rate.
To find the monthly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of working hours in a month (173). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 173, you see that you need to make $891 per month.
Yearly Rate.
To find yearly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of working hours in a year (2,080). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 2,080, you see that you need to make $10,712 per year.
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Sample Monthly Budget and Goal
Expense Residence Food Transportation Insurance Personal Medical Entertainment Savings Total Payroll Deduction Total
Rent Utilities Phone Groceries Eating Out Public Health Household Hair Salon Toiletries Day Care Clothing, including laundry Doctor Dentist Pharmacy Movies, etc.
Before taxes and deductions Federal and state taxes, retirement, social security, etc.
Necessary Monthly Income
Expense Amount Needed to Get By
$100.00
Goal
200.00
35.00
40.00
20.00
30.00
250.00
20.00
20.00
12.00
20.00
10.00
$757.00
134.00
$891.00
$415.00
50.00
20.00
200.00
30.00
35.00
40.00
20.00
30.00
30.00
250.00
20.00
20.00
12.00
20.00
20.00
40.00
$1,252.00
220.00
$1,472.00
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Blank Budget
Expense Residence Food Transportation Insurance Personal Medical Entertainment Savings Total Payroll Deduction Total
Rent Utilities Phone Groceries Eating Out Public Health Household Hair Salon Toiletries Day Care Clothing, including laundry Doctor Dentist Pharmacy Movies, etc.
Before taxes and deductions Federal and state taxes, retirement, social security, etc.
Necessary Monthly Income © JIST Works
Expense Amount Needed to Get By Goal
Skills Inventory
Skill Area and Example Adapted
teaching styles/special tools
Administered
programs
Advised
people/peers/job seekers
Analyzed
data/blueprints/schematics/policies
Appraised
services/values
Arranged
meetings/events/training programs
Assembled
automobiles/computers/apparatus
Audited
financial records/accounts payable
Budgeted
expenses
Calculated
numerical data/annual costs/mileage
Catalogued
art collections/technical publication
Checked
accuracy/other’s work
Classified
documents/plants/animals
Cleaned
houses/auto parts
Coached
teams/students/athletes © JIST Works
Rating 1 2 3
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Interest
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Career Exploration Chart
Job Title Salary Range
$ ___________ to $ ___________ $ ___________ to $ ___________ $ ___________ to $ ___________ $ ___________ to $ ___________ $ ___________ to $ ___________
Skills Needed Training/Experience Needed
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Computer-Based Application
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Traditional Application
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Traditional Application (cont’d)
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Section 2: Your Job Is Out There
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Section 2: Your Job Is Out There Job Search Tools
Tool 1: An Effective Resume Tool 2: A List of Positive References Tool 3: An Accurate Salary History Tool 4: A Well-Written Cover Letter or E-mail Message Tool 5: An Attractive Application
Job Search Methods
Method 1: Create a Network of Contacts Method 2: Make Cold Calls to Find the Hidden Job Market Method 3: Keep Contact Records for Each Organization Method 4: Research Organizations on Your Own Method 5: Respond to Want Ads
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Tips on Resume Content
Follow these guidelines when you write the rough draft of your resume:
Begin with your contact information.
Use category headings such as Objective, Professional Highlights, Education, Training, Skills, Professional Associations and Organizations, and Honors and Awards.
Include volunteer experiences, languages, internships, and certificates that relate to the position.
List your previous responsibilities and results that relate to the job you are seeking and the needs of the organization.
Give examples of your accomplishments and your ability to solve problems.
Provide statistics and numbers that prove your statements.
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Tips on Resume Content (cont’d)
Go back at least 10 years for both education and experience.
Research the industry and know what information or keywords would impress an employer in that industry.
Use industry terminology when applicable.
Leave off salary information. Provide it only when requested.
Do not provide names of references on the resume, but include this statement: References Available Upon Request.
Use incomplete sentences that have action verbs and other words with lots of impact.
Be honest, positive, realistic, and specific.
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Tips on Resume Appearance Follow these guidelines for formatting your resume:
Margins.
One inch at top, bottom, left, and right.
Text.
Left-justified with dates on the left.
Font.
Conservative, easy-to-read style at 10 or 12 point size.
Page layout.
Easy-to-locate information attractively arranged with plenty of white space.
Categories.
Written in paragraph form.
Lists.
Bulleted.
Length.
Preferably one page but never more than two pages.
Paper.
Neat and clean with no errors or corrections.
Ink color.
Black.
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Four Type of Resumes
TYPES OF RESUMES Type Functional
Organized by paragraphs.
Positive Points
Emphasizes skills rather than employment. Can include activities other than employment, such as volunteering and internships. Hides gaps in work record and frequent changes in jobs.
Negative Points
Makes employers suspicious because it doesn’t include specific employment. Hides skill development and job titles.
Best Used By
People with no previous employment history, with gaps in their employment, who frequently change jobs, or who have skills developed through activities other than employment.
Chronological
Organized by dates.
Combination
First lists skills and then lists work history by dates Is used my many people. Is clear and easy to read. Shows growth in skills and responsibility. Show job growth and advancements in job titles.
Show gaps in employment. Highlights frequent job changes. Shows lack of related experience and career changes. Points out career setbacks.
People with steady work record. People with experience that relates directly to the position they seek.
Shows most relevant skills. Combines skills developed in a variety of jobs or other activities. Takes the focus away from gaps in employment and lack of experience.
Can be confusing if it is no well organized. Requires more effort and creativity in writing.
People in transition or career changes. People re-entering the job market after being out for some time. People looking for work similar to what they have done in the past.
Targeted
Based on any of the other resume types.
Is specific to each organization. Shows that you have researched the organization. Is impressive to employers Time-consuming to write. Can be confusing if it is not well organized. Must be revised for each employer.
Everyone because any of the other resume types can be a targeted resume.
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Sample Functional Resume
Maria L. Griego 301 Pearl Street, #15 Denver, Colorado 80204 Telephone: (303) 555-1111 [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Administrative Assistant position where my coordinating, analyzing, planning, and budgeting skills would be utilized.
COORDINATING SKILLS
Coordinated fund-raising activities of 20 members of the local Parent Teacher Association (PTA), successfully raising $6,000 for playground facilities. As member of the Women s League of St. Matthew Catholic Church, initiated a relief center to meet clothing needs of the community. Also developed a schedule to meet demands of 5 busy household members, including arranging carpools, cleaning, cooking, and managing other general household duties.
BUDGETING SKILLS
As Treasurer of our local Civic Association, managed $10,000 budget for 2 years. Organized and managed family budget for 17 years. During this period, have accumulated savings necessary for 2 years of college for daughter. In addition to financial matters, have learned to budget time through efficient organization of community activities and family responsibilities.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Developed interpersonal skills during 10 years of experience with PTA and church members. Learned the subtleties of persuading adults to contribute time and money to community projects. Invested considerable time and effort in developing open communication between family members.
MEMBERSHIPS
Elected treasurer of local Civic Association, 3-year term.
Voted to Board of Directors for St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1-year term.
President of PTA, 2 consecutive years.
REFERENCES
References furnished upon request.
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Sample Chronological Resume
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Sample Combination Resume
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Sample Target Resume
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Sample Reference List
Juan Robart 123 Treefront Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 456-7899 REFERENCE SHEET
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Julia Silvers, Administrative Manager Kent Products, Inc.
123 West 32nd Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 111-2222
Robert Williams, Department Manager Spruce Electronics
1234 Jefferson Avenue Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 998-7654
Joseph Mitchell, Director of Marketing Jones Imports
12 Wheeling Circle Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 222-1111
PERSONAL REFERENCES
Joy Smith 2345 East Park Hanover, IA 12345 (111) 131-3131 Jason McMurphey 11 Market Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 554-9901 © JIST Works
Salary History
Juan Robart 123 Treefront Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 456-7899
SALARY HISTORY Grazier International
123 Alameda Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX Position Range: $21,500 $24,000/year, plus excellent benefits
Balvin Corporation
456 Westcliff Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX Position Range: $20,000 $21,000/year, plus health & vacation benefits
Computer Resources, Inc.
135 Jenson Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX $20,000/year © JIST Works
General Cover Letter Outline
[Your Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, ZIP Code] [Date of Letter] [Employer’s Name] [Employer’s Title] [Organization Name] [Organization Street Address] [Organization City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Employer s Name]:
[INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
Get the reader’s attention and tell why you are writing and which position you are applying for. Mention how you heard about the organization or the opening. Name someone the reader and you both know or someone in the organization who knows you. Show you’ve researched the organization. Talk about new projects the organization has taken on, or its management philosophy, or cite something you’ve read about the organization.]
[BODY:
Use this section to build a connection between your background and the organization s needs. Sum up your related experience or education so the reader can look for it in your resume. If you have skills or accomplishments that relate to the job, mention them here. You are effectively summarizing your skills as they relate to the organization. Do this with confidence.]
[CONCLUDING INFORMATION:
and consideration.] State your interest in working for the organization and hearing from the reader. Thank the reader for his or her time Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Name Typed] Enclosure © JIST Works
Job Search Methods
How Most People Look for Work How Most Employers Look for Applicants
Want Ads Employment Agencies Internal Networks Job Postings Placement Agencies Word of Mouth Direct Employer Contact
Compare How Most People Look for Work with How Employers Look for Applicants
External Networks Placement Agencies Want Ads
The Problem
Most job seekers spend their time checking and responding to want ads, yet employers hire the least number of people through want ads.
The Solution
Identify companies you want to work for, try to get informational interviews, leave a resume, fill out a job application, and check back periodically. Show enthusiasm but do not be a pest.
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Networking Contacts Record
Step 1:
To begin building your network of contacts, make a list of individuals who can help you learn about companies and obtain job leads.
Step 2:
In the left column of the record, write the names and phone numbers of individuals and associations you know and will contact.
Step 3:
In the right column, write the names of people, companies, and organizations your contact referred you to, as shown in the Example.
Example
Personal Contact
Jim Johnson at Elks Club (808) 123-7890
Organization(s) and People This Person Referred Me To
Sue Peterson at Kacey Electrical Contractors (808) 123-4567 © JIST Works
Networking Contacts Record
Organization: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Web Site Address:____________________________________ Contact Person and Title: _________________________________________________________ E-Mail address: _________________________________________________________________
Date Activity/Results Follow-Up
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ © JIST Works
Organization Contact Record
Date Activity/Results Follow-Up
4/01 Cold call at 10 a.m. Receptionist said organization has 300 employees. Spoke with Human Resources. They told me to speak to Mr. Jamison, Design Department Supervisor.
Need to call Mr. Jamison on 4/03.
4/03 4/10 4/15 Spoke with Mr. Jamison. Set up informational interview. Personable, but very busy. Spoke for only 5 minutes.
Informational interview 7:30 a.m. 4/10.
Need to call Carol Dey. Met with Mr. Jamison. He said that in the next 3 months the industry will need many smog-certified mechanics due to new laws. Must be certified! Recommended I call Carol Dey, Installation Supervisor at Air Quality, Inc.
Spoke to Carol Dey. She said to send her a resume. Sent resume and cover letter today.
Need to check back with Carol on 4/20.
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Organization Contact Record
Personal Contact
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Organization(s) and People This Person Referred Me To
________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ © JIST Works
Sample Organization Information Record
equipment.
Mechanic pollution
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Organization Information Record
Organization Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Web Site Address:_______________________________________________________ Type of Services and/or Products Offered: _________________________________________________________ Position of Interest: ___________________________________________________________________________ Required Skills, Certification, Education, Work Experience: ____________________________________________ Names, E-mail Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Possible Contact people: Owner/President: __________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Foreman/Supervisor: _______________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Manager: ________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Human Resources Contact: __________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: _____________ Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone:______________ Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ General Reputation of Industry: _________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Source of Information: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Person Phoned: ______________________ Results: _______________________ Additional Information About the Organization (Recent Contracts or Products, Expansions, Employments, Layoffs, Lawsuits, Competitors, Stock Prices, Plans for the Future, and Number of Employees: ______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ © JIST Works
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
a/p a/r AA acctg accts ad admin ben bkpg cap (or cap inv) cert co comm deg dev dir div educ empl engr EOE
accounts payable accounts receivable Affirmative Action accounting accounts advertisement administrative benefits bookkeeping capital investment certificate/certified company Commission degree develop/developed/developing director division education employment engineer Equal Opportunity Employer
adv agen appl appt ASAP asst avail bkpr comp compat conf corp del DOE DP exc exec exp/exper
© JIST Works advertise/advertising agency application appointment as soon as possible assistant available bookkeeper computer compatible conference corporation delivered depends on experience data processing excellent executive experience
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
flex gen/genl ofc hosp HS immed incl ind/indust info lab ldscpg mach maint mech med mdse/merch mfg negot oper PC perm persn’l
flexible general office hospital high school immediate includes/including industrial information laboratory landscaping machine maintenance mechanic/mechanical medical merchandise manufacturing negotiable operate/operator personal computer permanent personnel
FT grad hskpg inq ins inst install lic lndry mfgr mgmt mgr min mkt mtg pres proc prof
© JIST Works full-time graduate housekeeping inquire insurance institute installation licensed laundry manufacturer management manager minimum market mortgage president process/processing/processor professional
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
phone/ph pos PR/pub rel prefd qual recept refs sal SASE secy ship/rec shnd tech temp univ voc whse yrs
phone/phones position public relations prefer/preferred qualify receptionist references salary self-addressed stamped envelope secretary shipping and receiving shorthand technical/technician temporary university vocational warehouse years
prog PT purch reqd std ste steno supvr transp whsle
wholesale programmer part-time purchasing required standard suite stenographer supervisor transportation © JIST Works
Section 3: Making a Good Impression
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Section 3: Making a Good Impression Prepare for an Interview
Know What You Should Do at the Interview Look Your Best Practice Answering Typical Interview Questions Expect Questions About Not Having a Job Prepare Your Own Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
Follow Up After an Interview
Send a Thank-You Note or E-mail Message Record Information After the Interview Learn from Experience
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Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Bring only essential items to the interview: for example, resume, references, portfolio, licenses, and planner or small calendar.
Be on time or a few minutes early so you can relax and review what you want to say.
Be pleasant and friendly but businesslike to everyone you meet.
Shake hands firmly. Be yourself. Use natural gestures and movements.
Stress your qualifications and emphasize experience and training related to the job opening.
Refer to the organization’s products and services as you answer questions, if you know about them. Your positive knowledge of the organization will be impressive.
Bring anything unrelated to the job into the interview: for example, your children, pets, friends, pager, cell phone, gum, or cigarettes.
Be more than 20 minutes early or to be late.
Call if you run late.
Be rude or ill-mannered toward anyone.
Any person in the building could be the boss!
Pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t laugh too hard or try too hard to please.
Exaggerate or lie about your skills or experience. Doing so will only come back to haunt you.
Mention problems the organization may be having.
If any legal, financial, or personnel topics do come up, talk positively and optimistically about the organization’s future.
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Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Pause and think about your answer after being asked a question. Answer questions with more than a yes or no. A successful interview occurs if the interviewer talks 50 percent of the time.
Ramble on about a question you’ve already answered. Give thoughtful answers, but don’t waste the interviewer’s time with information that’s not relevant to the interview.
Speak positively about past employers.
Stress what was good about previous work experiences, even if you were unhappy with the way things turned out.
Talk positively about what you have done and the skills you have. Remember that the tasks you do at home, at church, and as a volunteer all count.
Know your salary range. When asked “What are your ideas on salary?” answer with a question for the interviewer, such as “What do you pay people with my skills and experience?” Bring up past squabbles or problems with other employers or co-workers. If the inter viewer asks about your previous employment, be as positive as you can, without lying.
Mention that you have been on public assistance unless it’s relevant or the employer mentions it. Talk about your strengths and experience instead.
Say a number or a salary range before the interviewer does. After the employer makes the first move and states a salary range or a specific number, you can respond to it. This helps ensure that you get a fair offer.
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Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Ask questions about the organization’s plans and the nature of the job. Your questions will indicate interest and motivation.
Be prepared for the interviewer to say, “You’re perfect for this job. When can you start?” Planning what to say will keep you from making a snap decision. Most employers will allow you time to make this decision.
Thank the interviewer even if it is clear that you are not right for the job. Ask about other companies that might be hiring.
Get the name of someone else to see.
Send a brief thank-you note the day after the interview. Write or type neatly, and briefly restate your interest in the position.
Call a few days after the interview to see whether a hiring decision has been made.
Remind the person what job you inter viewed for and when he or she spoke with you. Remember to be patient.
Ask about salary and benefits. Doing so gives the impression that you’re only interested in money.
Accept a job immediately if it is offered to you at an interview, unless work needs to begin immediately. Ask if you can think about the offer, talk to your family, and get back with the interviewer the next day. This helps you make a decision you will be happy with.
Get angry or unpleasant if the employer tells you that you didn’t get the job.
Be positive and thankful anyway. You may want to apply for a job with the same employer again later!
Forget about the interview and assume you didn’t get the job, even if you feel it didn’t go well.
Be a pest by calling several times over several days. Call once and then wait. If you still don’t hear after several more days, call again.
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Tips on Grooming Before the Interview
Women Should
Bathe and shampoo your hair Use deodorant and only a little perfume, if any Brush your teeth and use mouthwash Apply natural makeup, including matching lipstick Arrange your hair conservatively: not too high or too far out on the sides
Men Should
Bathe and shampoo your hair Use deodorant and only a little cologne, if any Brush your teeth and use mouthwash Shave, or wear a neatly trimmed mustache or beard Choose a conservative haircut © JIST Works
Tips on What to Wear to the Interview
Women Should Wear
Clothes that are clean, free of wrinkles, and fit you well Solid, conservative colors A skirt, business dress, pant suit, or blouse and slacks Conservative jewelry: for example, no dangling earrings and only one ring on each hand Conservative shoes that are polished and clean Conservative accessories: for example, a purse or briefcase
Men Should Wear
Clothes that are clean, free of wrinkles, and fit you well Solid, conservative colors A suit or a blazer/sports jacket A dress shirt that has a collar and a tie that is darker than the shirt Dress shoes that are polished and clean A belt that matches the shoes © JIST Works
More Than 20 Interview Questions
1. What do you know about our organization? (Use what you learned when you researched the organization.) 2. What qualifications do you have for this job? (Match what you know about the job and organization to your experience.) 3. What is your greatest strength? (Relate your strengths to the job description.) 4. What is your greatest weakness? (Show how your weaknesses can be positives; for example, indicate that you are a perfectionist with high self-expectations. Admit a past problem and what you learned from it.) 5. What can you tell me about yourself? (Reveal something that is somewhat personal but still professional.) 6. Why did you leave your previous job(s)? (Turn this into a positive.) 7. If you were hired, what ideas and talents could you contribute to the position or to our organization?
8. What would you do if _____? (Imagine situations that test your knowledge of the job.) 9. Can you give an example of how you have demonstrated _________skill? (Think first. Be specific. Speak only long enough to answer the question.) 10. What example can you give me of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job?
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More Than 20 Interview Questions (Cont’d)
11. Why are you interested in working for this organization? (Relate your skills to what you know about the organization.) 12. What related education do you have? (Use examples that show how your education relates to the position.) 13. Why have you chosen this particular field?
14. How would you describe your best/worst boss? (Be positive, not critical.) 15. In a job, what interests you most/least? (Show how your interests are related to the position.) 16. How do others describe you? (Keep your response positive.) 17. What do you consider the single most important idea you contributed or your most noteworthy accomplishment in your last job?
18. Where do you see yourself in three years? (Demonstrate ambition and flexibility.) 19. How does this position fit into your future plans? (Demonstrate potential and ambition.) 20. What could you have done better on your last job? (Be positive.) 21. What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to work?
22. How would you describe yourself to others? (Be positive and brief.) © JIST Works
Questions You Might Want to Ask
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What are your organization’s short- and long-term objectives?
How would you describe your organization’s personality and management style?
What do you see as the organization’s strengths and weaknesses?
What is the overall structure of the department that includes this position?
What characteristics does a successful person within your organization possess?
Where are the opportunities for advancement within this organization, assuming I meet or exceed the job’s responsibilities?
What are the opportunities here for personal growth?
When will a decision be made about this position?
What makes your organization different from others?
10. What are the key challenges or problems of this position?
11. What aspects of this job could be performed better in the future than they have been in the past?
12. How do you feel about working in this organization?
13. What do you see as my greatest strengths and weaknesses pertaining to this position?
14.
Were there any questions that I didn’t adequately answer?
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Sample Thank-You Note
Raul Flores 123 Main Street, Apt. C-3 St.Paul, MN 55050 January 19, XXXX Mr. Vincent Kelger Research and Development Manager Computers International 11234 West Ivanto Avenue St. Paul, MN 55051 Dear Mr. Kelger: Thank you for the time you spent reviewing and discussing my skills in relation to the Computer Analyst position. I enjoyed learning more about your organization and your plans for the future.
The position sounds very interesting, particularly because it would give me an opportunity to use my abilities and experience in computer programming and troubleshooting.
I will call you in a few days in the hope that you have reached a decision favorable to both of us.
Sincerely, Raul Flores © JIST Works
After the Interview Checklist
Organization Name:______________________________ Date of Interview: ________________________ Interviewer’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Interviewer’s E-mail Address: ______________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Date to Call Back: ________________________________ Date of Decision: ________________________ Did I:
Arrive on time?
Dress appropriately?
Appropriately indicate my interest in the job?
Mention who referred me?
Do I need to send additional information?
Resume or application Reference list/reference letters Work samples Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No © JIST Works
After the Interview Checklist (Cont’d)
What was the interviewer’s general impression of my resume? ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What was discussed the most? ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What did the employer seem particularly interested in? _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What questions did I have the most difficulty answering? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What questions did I answer most effectively? _______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What further information did I obtain about the organization by asking questions? ____________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What can I do to improve my effort? ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ © JIST Works
Section 4: Success That Lasts
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Section 4: Success That Lasts Get Ready to Work Make Wise Decisions Succeed at Work
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Checklist for Your First Day at Work
Know when and where you are to report for work.
Set your alarm clock.
Choose a clean, professional outfit to wear for the first day and make sure that you have at least a week’s worth of other clothing.
Make transportation plans, including getting a bus pass, setting aside money for gas and parking, or making carpool arrangements.
Make a backup transportation plan.
Arrange for child care needs.
Make a backup child care plan.
Decide how your children will get home from school or child care.
Make a backup plan for how your children will get home.
Prepare a sack lunch or set aside money for lunch.
Gather the paperwork and forms that you will need, such as Social Security card, birth certificate, and so on.
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Make Wise Decisions
List all the Choices available to you.
List the positive and negative Consequences that result from each choice you listed.
Choose the consequence that will give you the results you truly want, not necessarily what you feel like doing.
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Tips for Lasting Success on the Job
Know your work schedule.
Have a backup plan for personal and family emergencies.
Call your employer if you know you are going to be late or if you have a conflict.
Be sure you get to work and get there on time.
Pay special attention to being early (or at least prompt) for the first six months.
Try to see things from your employer’s point of view.
Don’t steal from your employer by taking equipment or supplies, long lunches, wasting time talking to others, or using the computer for personal business or entertainment.
Repeat to your supervisor what your supervisor asks you to do to be sure you under stand what the task is and how to do it.
Ask questions about what you do not understand.
You are not the only person who can do your job, so do your very best work.
Be a team player. Listen more and talk less.
Be willing to share your ideas and opinions.
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Tips for Lasting Success on the Job (Cont’d)
Know when it is appropriate to offer suggestions and give input.
Ask for more work when your work is complete.
Treat everyone with respect.
Remember that you are at work. Watch your language, your attitude, and your actions.
Know what is and is not appropriate to talk about in the work place.
Keep personal phone calls brief.
Be careful with your e-mail messages at work.
Avoid office politics. Keep information confidential and don’t gossip.
Learn all you can from the job.
Learn on your own, especially computer and technical skills.
Think of ways for avoid emergencies at work before they occur and keep handy a list of solutions to ones that are likely to occur.
Have fun! Doing so helps you remain interested, positive, and excited about your work and makes you a better worker and a happier person.
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