Transcript Riverside County Office of Education Career Technical Education Job Search Handbook 2014 - 2015

Riverside County Office of
Education
Career Technical Education
Job Search Handbook
2014 - 2015
Outline
The Cover Letter
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Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Cover Letter Practice
Sample Cover Letters
Cover Letter Checklist
The Application
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The Application Process
Online Application Process
Application Checklist
Employment Application
Outline (continued)
The Résumé
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The Résumé
Résumé Headings
Résumé Worksheet
Contacting Employer by Phone
Employer Contact Sheet
Sample Résumés
Electronic Submission of Résumés
Résumé Check List
Online Résumé Submission
The Interview
• Interview Process
• Tips on Interview Questions
• Dress for Success
Outline (continued)
The Follow-Up
• How to Say Thank You
• Follow-Up Letter Practice
• Sample Follow-Up Letter
Keeping a Job
• Twenty-Five Tips to Keep a Job
Sources of Employment
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Resources for Job Search
Employment Background Checks
Resources for Job Training
CTE Information
The Job Search
Introduction
Five Steps to a successful job search:
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Self Evaluation – Learning about yourself
Research – Finding out what opportunities exist
Preparation – Creating a cover letter and résumé
The Job Search – Contacting employers, filling out
applications, going to interviews
• Follow-Up – Sending a thank-you letter
Who Am I?
• First and foremost, you need to explore who
you are and what you want to do.
• Think about what you like to do, how other
people describe you and what you are skilled
at doing.
• Completing the sentences on page 3 of the
Job Search Handbook will help you learn
about yourself.
Personal Skills Inventory
• Think of the skills that you possess.
• Create a Personal Skills Inventory for yourself.
• Carefully phrase your skills in order to
communicate your abilities to their fullest
extent.
• See page 4 of the Job Search Handbook for
examples.
The RIASEC Test
• Which career pathway is right for you?
• Take the RIASEC test on page 5 of the Job
Search Handbook.
• Check your results on page 6 and see which
career pathway best suits you!
The Cover Letter
Cover Letter Basics
There are three basic parts to a cover letter:
• Begin with an interesting first paragraph that
grabs your readers attention and tells the
employer which position you are applying for.
• Briefly summarize your skills and qualifications.
• End with a closing paragraph that asks for an
interview appointment.
Cover Letter Practice
• Complete the draft cover letter on page 9 of
the Job Search Handbook.
Sample Cover Letters
Here are some pointers when creating your cover letter:
• The letter is addressed to an individual
• Use the “you” approach
• Convey confidence and enthusiasm
• Be concise
• Refer to your résumé
• Be professional
• Be direct
• Write accurately using proper English
Use the cover letter check list on page 13 of the Job Search
Handbook to make sure you have included everything.
The Application
The Application Process
• Remember: The information you provide will tell the
employer your ability to follow instructions, your
character, professionalism and your thoroughness.
Job applications come in two types:
• Standard Paper Application
• Online Employment Application
Application Tips
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Be prepared
Read and follow instructions carefully
Complete the application neatly
Tailor your answers to fit the job
Don’t leave blanks (use “N/A” instead)
Leave negative information out
Answer truthfully
Don’t put specific salary information – “listed position pay”
Provide quality references
Proofread your application before submission
Application Pitfalls
Things to Avoid or Not Do
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Using colored ink (Black is the standard)
Messy, not legible
Misspelled words
Leaving blanks
Missing pertinent information
Missing signature
Not following directions
Inappropriate email address
Inappropriate voicemail/message/non-musical
Sample Employment Application
Application Check List
• Use the Application Check List on page 20 of
the Job Search Handbook to be sure you have
completed your application correctly before
submission.
The Résumé
Résumé Basics
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A résumé is a short summary of your qualifications.
Demonstrate that you are qualified for the position.
Build on your strengths and accomplishments.
Be concise, logical and to the point.
Exclude any personal and/or negative information.
Modify your résumé for each position that you are
applying.
• Note: The appearance of your résumé is your first
impression to the employer.
Résumé Types
Chronological Résumé – emphasizes dates
• Lists positions you have held by date, beginning with the most recent.
• Stresses organizations for which you have worked.
• Highlights strong, steady work background.
Functional Résumé – emphasizes skills
• Lists skills and abilities for those with limited work experience.
• Stresses professional or personal growth.
• Lessens impact of weak job history.
Scannable Résumé
• More businesses are requiring resumes to be formatted for scanning into
their computer systems.
• Omits features that make resumes more attractive such as graphics.
• Format for online submissions need to be submitted in a common
software such as, Word, PDF or plain text.
Résumé Headings and
Action Words
A résumé should have categories tailored to your
background and experience, some of them may include:
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Education
Work Experience
Certificates
Volunteer Work
• Be sure to use action words to make your résumé
stand out. See page 23 of the Job Search Handbook
for suggestions.
Common Core Vocabulary
• You can use some common professional vocabulary
when developing a résumé.
The four categories are:
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Factual (i.e. access, locate, recall, select)
Conceptual (i.e. adhere, demonstrate, infer, promote)
Procedural (i.e. comply, differentiate, evaluate, solve)
Metacognitive (i.e. build, create, produce, synthesize)
Job Objective for the
Résumé
When choosing a job objective for your résumé,
carefully write one that:
• Meets the employers needs
• Outlines the position you are seeking
Sample Job Objectives:
• Seeking a position as a medical receptionist to utilize my
excellent people and organizational skills.
• To utilize my business, communication, and human
relation skills to sell products/services for your
organization.
Résumé Worksheet
• A great start for someone who has never created a
résumé before is to use the résumé worksheet on
pages 26 & 27 of the Job Search Handbook.
• You can also view some of the sample résumés on
pages 28 – 31 of the Job Search Handbook.
Scannable Résumés
• Many employers in today’s society are using scannable
résumés. The purpose of this is to compare the applicants
résumé with the job opening possibilities.
• Keywords are often placed at the top of a résumé because
many programs will only scan the first 50 words on a
résumé.
• These keywords are nouns that label you and they increase
the chances of a job interview.
• Include job titles, department names, organizations,
degrees, skills or knowledge. See the examples of
keywords on page 32 of the Job Search Handbook.
Résumé Check List
• Don’t forget to use the résumé check list on page 33
of the Job Search Handbook to make sure you
included everything.
Phone Contact with
Future Employers
Telephone Calling Script:
• Speak clearly; use good grammar and articulation.
• If you have a contact name and extension, have the information
on-hand. If not, ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring or
the contact person from the employment ad.
• State the purpose of your call and reference the specific position.
• Ask if the position has been filled. If not, describe your
qualifications and request an interview.
• If the position is already filled, express interest in future
openings and offer to send a résumé.
• Get the name and job title of the person you are speaking with, if
it is unknown to you.
• Be pleasant and positive, always say thank you before hanging
up.
• Use the Employer Contact Sheet on page 35 of the Job Search
Handbook when making phone calls to future employers.
The Interview
Before the Interview
Before the Interview:
• Do your homework, practice answers to questions that might
be asked.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
• Visit the site prior to the interview to determine location,
parking and travel time.
• Have a copy of your resumé ready.
• Develop and prepare your career portfolio to take with you.
• Take time for good grooming and hygiene.
• Go alone and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
During the Interview
During the Interview:
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Do not chew gum or smoke.
Relax, be yourself, and demonstrate self-confidence.
Don’t tell hard luck stories or appear desperate.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Demonstrate good posture and mannerisms.
Be enthusiastic, not negative, impatient or hostile.
Stress your qualities and skills.
Don’t speak unkindly of former employers or teachers.
Keep a businesslike attitude.
Ask questions about the job or company.
Use proper language, such as, “yes” in reply to a question.
Do not ask about salary, unless the interviewer brings it up or you are
offered the job.
• Once you have been offered the job, you can negotiate salary.
After the Interview
• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time; smile and
shake hands.
• Thank the receptionist for his/her courtesy, and ask
for the interviewer’s business card for the thank you
card or letter.
• Send a thank-you card or letter within 24 hours of the
interview.
Answering Interview
Questions
• Review pages 38 – 40 of the Job Search Handbook for
tips on answering common questions you might hear
on an interview. Reading these tips will help you give
the best response at your interview.
• Have someone practice with you prior to the
interview.
Pointers for
Group Interviews
How To Stand Out In A Crowd
• Be ready to focus on your strengths
• Get the lay of the land
• Assert yourself
• Show grace under pressure
• Expect the unexpected
• Play up your people skills
• Up the ante
• Panel interviews
• Phone interviews
See pages 40 & 41 of the Job Search Handbook for a short
description on how to carry out these tips.
Dress for Success –
What Not To Do
What Not To Wear:
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Floppy, slipper type shoes.
Well worn pants or jeans.
Spandex, or other body-hugging fabrics.
Anything that bares too much skin; cover any tattoos.
Anything ripped or tattered.
Mini skirts; skirts should be of an appropriate length.
Excessive jewelry (gaudy, nose rings, 10 rings in your ear).
Loud, expensive, artistic nail polish or long acrylic nails.
Decorated designer hosiery.
Clothes that are too tight or short; don’t wear baggy clothes.
See through fabrics.
Ties that are too loud, cartoonish, or too busy in design.
Don’t display body piercings.
Hats or sunglasses.
Dress for Success –
What To Do
What to Wear:
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Neat, clean ironed clothing.
Items that match.
Comfortable & moderate jewelry & accessories.
Blazer or jacket.
Socks.
Clean and manicured nails.
Moderately applied cosmetics/makeup (for day wear).
If new shoes aren’t in your budget, keep your shoes polished
and have run over heels redone at a shoe repair shop.
Think quality, comfort and a successful image.
Your smile and positive attitude.
Get dressed for work, not a fashion show or barbeque.
Remove body piercings, including tongue piercings.
Cover all tattoos with sleeves or other articles of clothing.
The Follow-Up
How to Say Thank You
After leaving the interview:
• Record the names and titles of the people you met.
• List the key points about the job.
• List questions you did not answer very well.
• Write and send a follow-up letter. This helps you
stand out from the competition and it also keeps your
name in the hiring manager’s mind.
• You can also phone the company to find out their
hiring decision. Refer to page 44 of the Job Search
Handbook for a short script.
Interview Follow-Up Tips
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Purchase a box of thank you cards in advance.
Follow-up after both in-person and phone interviews.
Send a personal hand written note or email to everyone you met.
Email is the fastest way to say thank you.
Ensure that your response is within 24 hours of the interview.
Reiterate your interest in the job and company.
Highlight your relevant skills.
Mention anything you wished you had said, but didn’t, in your interview.
Keep your correspondence short.
Proofread your email and notes before sending them.
Review sample thank you notes online if you are not sure what to write.
Follow-Up Letter Practice
• See pages 45 & 46 of the Job Search Handbook for
sample letters.
Keeping a Job
25 Tips on How To Keep A Job
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Get off to a good start.
Follow the rules.
Keep a learning attitude.
Find out where you fit.
Work smoothly with others.
Be aware of the grapevine.
Respect others.
Be loyal – but be true to yourself.
Show strength of character.
Develop positive traits.
Eliminate negative traits.
Communicate.
Professional phone etiquette.
Create a businesslike image.
Plan your work.
25 Tips on How to Keep a Job
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Increase your efficiency.
Employment policy on sensitivity to others.
Take advantage of in-service training.
Challenge yourself.
Think about your management potential.
Personal phone use at work.
Internet use at work.
Social responsibilities.
What to do when you make a mistake.
You are the deciding factor.
See pages 48 – 52 of the Job Search Handbook for a short
description on these tips.
Sources of Employment
Resources
• Networking: With this method, you tell people you know
that you are looking for a job.
• Internet: You search various websites to look for job
openings and résumé help.
• Advertisements: Check advertisements for job openings.
• Broadcasting: This method utilizes a mass mailing to
companies that you are interested in. Mail each company a
letter asking for a job interview.
• Placement Services: You can use Private Employment
Agencies for permanent and temporary jobs.
• Miscellaneous: Checking with county agencies or other
professional associations is another way to search for job
opportunities.
Volunteer Services
For volunteer services you could contact:
• Volunteer Center of Riverside
2060 University Avenue, Room 212
Riverside, CA 92507
• California Municipal Services
1450 University Avenue Riverside, CA 92507
Similar agencies will be available in your area, check
your local listings.
Career Technical Education
Training
• CTE offers career preparation training to high school
and adult students. CTE offers trainings in over 40
career areas based upon current and future labor
market demands.
• This is a great opportunity to get the skills you need.
• Upon successful completion of the course, you will
receive a Certificate of Training.
• See page 56 of the Job Search Handbook for a listing
of the industry courses.
Employment Background
Checks
Ready for Employment? Expect background checks. Once
you authorize your potential employer to do a background
check, they can pull the following information:
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FICO Score
Employment History
Credit History
Education
Criminal Activity
Online Activity
DMV Record
All About High School CTE
Who can enroll?
• Students 14 years of age or older.
How much does it cost?
• There is no tuition for high school students.
How are CTE classes taught?
• Classes are a combination of classroom instruction and onthe-job training.
Will I get a job?
• Your CTE course includes job search skills. While you are
not assured a job, our placement rate is generally very
high.
School of Career Education
“Connected To the World of Work”
Affordable courses are offered to adults in the following subject areas:
• Acute Care for Nursing
• Banking & Financial Services
Call (951) 826-4723 to register today!
• Child Care Occupations
or visit our website:
• Dental Assisting
www.riversidesce.org
• Dental Continuing Education Courses
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Home Health Aide
• Medical Assisting/Clinical
• Medical Clinical Administrative Professional
• Medical Office Professional
• Nursing Assistant
• Nursing Services & Support Occupations
• Pharmacy Technician
• Registered Dental Assistant
• Welding