Students will be able to understand procedures for

Students will be able to understand procedures for a successful job search.

What procedures should be followed to locate job openings? What procedures should be followed to prepare a résumé, application, and cover letter? What procedures should be followed when interviewing and following up? How has technology influenced job search procedures?

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Locating job openings Preparing a résumé Completing an application Writing a cover letter Interview attire Interview Etiquette Thank you notes

Newspapers---want ads in Classifieds Schools---bulletin boards, websites Employment agencies Internet leads Networking

Identifying information needed for résumé Writing work objectives Outlining education experiences and accomplishments Outlining work experience, paid and volunteer Listing activities, honors, and awards Special skills Acquiring permission to contact for references Never list a reference without asking permission

Prior tasks Collect records on previous work experience Get permission to use names for references Identify skills needed for the position Standards for applications Typed or printed with black or blue ink Free of grammatical or spelling errors Answer all relevant questions Give specific, accurate information Answer with action verbs where appropriate BE HONEST in all answers provided List any honors, awards, and volunteer services that highlight general employability or specific skills needed for the position.

Refer to Sample form provided in Your Notebook Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

Purposes To get an interview To introduce you To state type of position(s) you are seeking To demonstrate writing and organizational skills Format Typed on business quality paper Contains addresses; introductory, body, and closing paragraphs; signature, and enclosure (refers to résumé)

One step above required attire for the position Dark neutral colors with white, cream, or light blue shirt Clean and well pressed Closed toed, polished shoes, with socks or hose Simple, conservative jewelry Well groomed hair worn off the face Avoid cologne and perfumes

Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

Before the interview During the interview Plan and check condition of attire Confirm location, directions, and travel time Research the company and the job opening Prepare answers for typical interview questions Prepare a list of questions about the job opening and work environment Arrive about 15 minutes early Carry a notebook with your résumé, cover letter, job application, references, pen, and paper to take notes Be cordial to everyone from arrival until you leave Greet interviewer by name with a firm handshake and smile Wait for the interviewer to direct you to a seat Sit straight and slightly forward with hands ready to take notes and ankles crossed or feet flat on the floor Think before answering Maintain eye contact, good posture, and avoid fidgeting DO NOT smoke, chew gum, lie, or use slang Be honest After an interview Evaluate where you need improvement Send a thank you note immediately Follow up several days later with a phone call Continue the job search

Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

Send a thank you note to a person who: referred you to an employer interviewed you for employment offered you a position rejected you for employment provided you with general information wrote a recommendation Contents Addresses Date Salutation with title and last name Body with at least three sentences Typed DO NOT start first sentence with Thank you Mention something specific about the person or the interview Mention what your grateful for Proofread for appropriate content, spelling, and grammar Sign and type name

Complete Adobe PDF file ACTIVITY

Technology is changing job search procedures Examples: “Social” networking now used in both work & professional settings Posting availability & openings on the Internet Obtaining & submitting job applications electronically Using electronic portfolios, including résumés and work samples

BE SAFE! Think before you share! Use a “strong” password that is difficult to guess Avoid sharing full date of birth Use privacy controls Avoid posting names with photos, especially of children Avoid posting photos that could damage your credibility Avoid stating when you will be away from home Avoid checking the box for public search results; select “Only Friends”

Tips for sending materials electronically Label attachments appropriately with your name, purpose of file, and date Make E-mail messages concise, but have proper word usage, no acronyms Use a businesslike, professional tone in all written or verbal correspondence