Tips for Getting a Job

1. Tips for Getting a Job Applications and Interviews

2. Applications • Students have the opportunity to fill out several applications. • This gives the student a chance to become familiar with different questions and formats. • Student gather information that is needed for applications. They have a chance to get references and their information.

3. Filling Out Applications • 1. Always use back or blue ink when filling out an application • 2. Check your directions carefully. Does the application ask you to “print”? • 3. Read all the instructions before you fill out the application. • 4. Give honest and complete answers to all items. • 5. Answer all items that apply to you. • 6. Do not leave blank spaces. If an item does not apply to you write N/A, which means not applicable. This will indicate to the employer that you did not forget to answer the question. • 7. Spell all words correctly. • 8. Job titles are very important list the specific position for which you are applying. Employers react negatively to the word “anything”. • 9. Salary should usually be discussed in a personal interview. For that reason it is best to write “scale or commensurate with experience” in the space that request the salary you expect to earn. • 10. Practice filling out a number of different types of applications. You will become familiar with the information required and increase your neatness and accuracy.

4. Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews • Get to the interview a little early. Never be late • Know the interviewer’s full name. Introduce yourself and give a firm handshake. • Ask questions, This gives you a chance to learn about the company and show the employer that you are interested. • Make sure you have good eye contact, posture, alertness, and body positioning. • A positive attitude is essential. Try to be friendly and enter every interview with an open mind. • Listen and be ready to answer the questions. • Dwell on the positive. If an employer asks about shortcoming explain and state how you can turn them around. • Learn how to relax during the interview. The more you practice and become familiar with the questions the easier this will get.

5. Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews • Don’t chew gum during the interview. • Avoid simple yes or no answers. Make you answers meaningful. • Don’t lie. Be honest when you answer your questions. • Don’t keep stressing you need for a job. • Don’t discuss past experiences that have no application to the job. • Don’t display overconfidence. • Don’t ask questions early in the interview about hours or pay. • Don’t be a know-it-all or a person that can’t take instructions. • Don’t be untidy in appearance.

6. Interview Questions Students should have answers prepared for the following questions: • What are your strengths? • Do you work better in a group or alone? Why? • How would you describe yourself? • Why should I hire you instead of another candidate? • How do you handle pressure? • What motivates you to put forth you greatest effort on the job? • Do you have dependable transportation and what is it? • What do you see yourself doing in the next five years? • If you have a problem with a coworker how would you handle it?

7. Interview Skills • Students participate in mock interview. • The more practice they get the more the become confident with the process. • The students are critiqued during the mock interview on the following: Eye contact Posture Voice tone Body movement