Chapter 17 Preparing for the World of Work

Chapter 17 Preparing for the World of Work © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 1 Developing Job-Keeping Skills • Must develop good characteristics to be a good employee • Use correct grammar at all times • Report to work on time and when scheduled • Be prepared to work when you arrive • Practice teamwork (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Developing Job-Keeping Skills (continued) • • Promote a positive attitude Accept responsibility for your actions Be willing to learn Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 2 Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé • Job seeking: – – – Evaluate your abilities Decide on the type of job Explore job sources Identify places of employment Prepare to apply for the position (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé (continued) • Cover letter • Purpose of a cover letter is to obtain an interview • Must create a good impression • Well organized • If possible, address letter to the correct individual © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Cover Letter Format • • • Usually contains 3– 4 paragraphs Paragraph one contents Paragraph two contents Paragraph three contents Paragraph four contents © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Résumé • • Record of information Thorough, concise summary Basic information for the employer Computer printed or typed and attractive in appearance • Format for résumé can vary • References are separate and not part of the résumé (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Résumé (continued) • Honesty is always the best policy • List all information before preparing your résumé • Keep résumé to one page • Use correct size envelope • Same stationery for cover letter, résumé, envelope, and references © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Parts of a Résumé • Personal identification • Employee objective, job desired, or career goal • Educational background • Work or employment experience • Skills • Other activities © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Career Passports or Portfolios • Professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills • Allows for presentation in an organized and efficient manner • Introductory letter • Résumé • Skill list and competency level (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Career Passports or Portfolios (continued) • Letters of recommendation • Copies of work evaluations • Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills • Organize information in a neat binder or portfolio (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Career Passports or Portfolios (continued) • Use tab dividers to separate into organized sections • Use correct grammar and punctuation on all written information • Effort will pay off at interview © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 3 Completing Job Application Forms • Used by employers to collect specific information • Vary between employers • Most request similar information • Read entire form first before completing information (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Completing Job Application Forms (continued) • Have all required information when you go to an interview • Basic principles for completing application forms • Wallet card • Remember, employers use application forms as a screening tool © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 4 Participating in a Job Interview • Usually last step before getting or being denied a particular job • You have been selected based on your résumé and/or application • Purposes of interview • Careful preparation is needed • Careful attention to the date and time of interview (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Participating in a Job Interview (continued) • • • Dress appropriately Check entire appearance Leave early for the interview Points to remember during interview Send a follow-up note or letter after the interview (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Participating in a Job Interview (continued) • Many difficult questions can be asked during an interview • Federal law prohibits discrimination in regard to age, cultural or ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, religion, race, or sex • You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 5 Determining Net Income • Income: money you are earning that is available to you • Amount you earn and amount you spend may vary • Gross income • Net income (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Determining Net Income (continued) • • Calculation of gross income Calculation of net monthly pay Essential to calculate your net income: – Know what amount of money you have to spend – Determine your lifestyle – Manage your money more effectively © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17: 6 Calculating a Budget • • Budget is an itemized list of living expenses Must be realistic to be effective Types of expenses: fixed and variable Way to calculate a budget using percentage ranges • Incorporate savings into a budget • Calculating monthly payments (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Calculating a Budget (continued) • Important that budget amounts do not exceed amount of net monthly income • Final step is to live by your budget • Creation of a budget leads to careful management of hard-earned money © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning