HOW TO BE A GOOD APPLICANT

1. HOW TO BE A GOOD APPLICANT

2. WAYS TO FIND A JOB • Networking/friends or family • Online job search engines • Newspapers • Employment agencies • “Help Wanted” signs up in stores

3. NARROW YOUR SEARCH • Know what your talents/skills and interests are • Find jobs that fit your skills and interests

4. So you found a job that interests you…Now what?

5. APPLY!

6. PREPARING TO APPLY • Employers are looking for the best person to fill the job. • They want to know whether or not you have the ability to do the work. • They will want to know everything about you that relates to the job. • They will be influenced by the way you present yourself. - The way you dress - How well you communicate

7. BE CONFIDENT • It is normal to feel anxious and insecure when applying for a job. • Do your best to convey confidence and a positive, professional image. • Display this image EVERY TIME you communicate with an employer over the phone, in writing, or in person.

8. BE PREPARED • To apply for a job you will need certain documents and information. • Having them with you when you apply for a job will show an employer that you are prepared.

9. INFORMATION TO HAVE AVAILABLE Preparing a “PERSONAL FACT SHEET” with the following information will help expedite the application process: • Social security number • Driver’s license (if applicable) • Work and/or volunteer experience • School and training experience – dates attended • References – Names, phone #’s, addresses • Names of clubs/organizations you belong to

10. HOW TO ACE THE APPLICATION • Read and follow directions exactly • Use Standard English • Answer all questions completely • If a question does not apply to you, print “N/A” to show that you did not skip it unintentionally • Use black ink • Print neatly • Check your spelling • Do NOT lie or omit information.

11. COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID • Don’t complete an application in pencil or a wacky colored pen • Don’t write “open” under position desired • Don’t list an outrageously high or low desired salary • Don’t forget to sign your application • Try not to make errors / Do write as neatly as possible • Don’t forget to sell yourself!!!

12. HANDLING DIFFICULT ?’s • Avoid writing “FIRED” -Instead try: seasonal/temp employee, moved, laid off, scheduling conflict • Legal matters - You do not have to tell them you have been arrested -If asked, you must disclose whether you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor

13. REFERENCES • Applications often request references • References are people who will recommend you to an employer • Choose references carefully – Make sure you ask permission to use people as references • Be prepared to list them on the application – • Correct spelling of their name • Address • Phone # • Title • # of years known

14. Samples of Bad Application Information "Skills: Microst word, excel, and power point. Mulitaks person, public speaking, and surveying.Professional AssociationsChairwomen of Studnts Teaching Awareness and Responsibility organizationResponsible for research of all 10 event topics, coordinating all campus chiarpersons."

15. Now it’s time to fill out a job application

16. HANDING IN YOUR APPLICATION • The employer will be influenced by the way you present yourself -The way you dress – Dress appropriately! -How well you communicate • Remember that you are being “interviewed” the moment you walk in the door -Not just by the manager - by the employees and customers

17. HANDING IN YOUR APPLICATION Communicate Effectively • The way you speak and write is one of the first and strongest impressions you will make on an employer • Use Standard English • Avoid slang • Avoid filler words such as “Um, Like, and You know”

18. HANDING IN YOUR APPLICATION • Ask to speak to the manager “Hi my name is Colby Wheeler. I’m here to turn in an application. May I please speak with the manager?”

19. HANDING IN YOUR APPLICATION • If the manager is not available - Turn in your application - Ask for the managers name and when he/she will be available - Follow up within that timeframe • If the manager is available - Shake hands and introduce yourself - Tell him/her that you are very interested in the “____ position” - Ask “When will you be reviewing applications?” - Follow up in within that timeframe

20. TAKE NOTES • Name of the business • Date you turned in the application • Who you spoke with • What they said • Next steps/Date to follow up

21. FOLLOW UP • Follow up on all applications in a timely manner - Following up shows initiative and determination - Convince the employer that you really want to work for that company - “The squeaky wheel gets the oil”

22. BE ACCESSABLE • Provide a reliable phone number - Answer the phone politely! - Return calls promptly! • Provide an email address - Check it regularly - Make sure it is appropriate! • Example: jjacky@gmail.com - GOOD boozyfloozy@gmail.com – BAD • Remember that a phone conversation, is part of the “interview” process

23. PERSEVERE • DON’T GIVE UP!!! • Keep searching, applying and following up • You will most likely need to apply to many jobs before landing one!