Workplace Skills

Workplace Skills 2 Prepared by Martin Restoule Algonquin College Chapter 2

Objectives • Develop a personal employment plan. • Seek and apply for employment. • Prepare a résumé and cover letter. • Prepare for an employment interview. • Accept employment. • Understand how automotive technicians are compensated. continued… Chapter 2

Objectives • Understand the proper relationship between an employer and an employee. • Explain the key elements of on-the-job communications. • Be able to use critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. • Explain how you should look and act to be regarded as a professional. continued… Chapter 2

Objectives • Explain how fellow workers and customers should be treated. • Describe the information that should be included on a repair order. • Explain how repair costs are estimated. Chapter 2

Self-Appraisal Questions • Why am I looking for a job? • What specifically do I hope to gain by having a job? • What do I like to do? • What am I good at? • Which of my skills would I like to use at my job? Chapter 2

Locating a Job • Check the help-wanted ads of the local newspaper. • Check the school or college job posting board. • Check on-line job banks. • Check for job postings at government employment centres. • Ask people that work in the automotive trade. Chapter 2

Résumé Guidelines • Make sure it is neat and easy to read. • Use quality white paper. • Keep it short – one page if possible. • Use dynamic words to describe your skills and experience. • Choose your words carefully. • Make sure all information is accurate. • Put the most important information at the top of the page as shown in the next slide. continued… Chapter 2

Résumé Guidelines Your Name 1234 My Street Somewhere, NS A1B 2C3 123-456-7890 Performance-oriented student, with an excellent reputation as a responsible and hard-working achiever, seeking a position as an entry-level automotive technician in a new car dealership. Skills and Attributes • People oriented • Honest • Motivated • Reliable • Committed • Organized • Methodical • Good hand skills • Strong communication • Creative problem-solver and teamwork skills continued… Chapter 2

Résumé Guidelines • Design your résumé so it is easy to read. • List only jobs you have had that relate to the one you are applying for. • Do not repeat information. (An example is shown on the next slide) • Proofread the entire document. • Do not use “white-out.” • Make extra copies. continued… Chapter 2

Résumé Guidelines Work Experience 2005-2007 Somewhere Soccer Association (Assistant coach) • Instructed and supervised junior team • Performed administrative tasks as the Coach required 2003-2005 Carried out various odd jobs within the community • Washing and waxing cars, raking leaves, cutting grass Education Somewhere Senior High School, graduated in 2005 Somewhere Community College, currently enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program Extracurricular Activities 2001-2005 Active member of the video game club 2005-2007 Member of the varsity soccer team Hobbies and Interests Reading auto-related magazines, going to races, doing puzzles, working on cars with friends. References Available upon request. Chapter 2

Cover Letter Contents • First paragraph – Tell the employer you are interested in working for them. An example would be: Dear Contact person / Business name Your ad in the March 14 edition of Canadian Information Today for an automotive technician greatly interested me, as this position is very much in line with my immediate career objective – a career position as an automotive technician in a new car dealership. Because of the people and cars featured at your dealership, I know working there would be exciting. continued… Chapter 2

Cover Letter Contents • Second paragraph – Sell yourself by addressing one or two of your qualifications. An example would be: I have tinkered with cars for most of my life and am currently enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Somewhere Community College. I chose this program because you are on the advisory council and I knew it must be a good program. I have good hand skills and I work hard to be successful. My being on the varsity soccer team for four years should attest to that. I also enjoy working with people and have developed excellent communication skills. A resume detailing my skills and work experience is attached for your review. continued… Chapter 2

Cover Letter Contents • Third paragraph – Thank the employer for taking the time to review your résumé. An example would be: I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my qualifications. In the meantime, many thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I can be reached by phone at 123-456-7890, most weekdays after 2:30 PM. If I am unable to answer when you call, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I can. Thank you again. Sincerely, Your Name Chapter 2

Application Forms • These forms are legal documents that should be completed thoroughly and carefully. • Read over the entire application form before filling it out. • Completing the form carefully, neatly and honestly will tell the employer what kind of person you are. • Answer every question – write N/A (non-applicable) if the question does not apply. • Sign and attach your cover letter and résumé. Chapter 2

Job Interview • A job interview is a sign that the employer is interested in you. • Be prepared by gathering information about the company. Be on time and confident. • Some common interview questions are: • What can you tell me about yourself? • Why are you interested in the job? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • If we offer you a job, what can you offer us? • Do you have any questions about the job? Chapter 2

Employer Responsibilities • Instruction and supervision • A clean, safe place to work • Wages • Fringe benefits • Opportunity and fair treatment Chapter 2

Employee Responsibilities • Regular and on-time attendance • Following directions • Responsibility • Productivity • Loyalty Chapter 2

On-The-Job Tasks • Understanding and following repair orders • Performing basic repairs or service procedures • Diagnosing various mechanical, electrical and drivability problems • Maintaining a neat and tidy work station or service bay Chapter 2

Repair Order Contents • Information about the customer • Information about the vehicle • The customer’s concern or request • An estimate of the cost of the repairs • An estimated time of completion • The customer’s signature continued… Chapter 2

Repair Order continued… Chapter 2

Repair Order • This diagram shows the various paths that the information from a repair order can go. Chapter 2

Basic Repairs (Service Procedures) • Basic repairs or procedures are those performed on components or systems due to part failure or regular wear. • These can be performed by following service information system procedures. • Basic repairs may require little to no diagnosis skills and can be mastered through repetition. • Many electrical, intermittent, and noise- related repairs require good diagnosis skills. Chapter 2

Diagnostic Steps • Gather information about the problem. • Verify that the problem exists. • Define the problem and when it occurs. • Research all available information. • Isolate the problem by testing. • Pinpoint the cause of the problem. • Locate and repair the problem. • Verify the repair. Chapter 2

Summary • An employment plan is an honest appraisal of yourself and your career hopes. • A résumé and cover letter are personal marketing tools and may be the first look at you an employer has. • A successful job interview requires good preparation. continued… Chapter 2

Summary • As part of an employment agreement, your employer also has certain responsibilities to you, and you have responsibilities to the employer. • Critical thinking is the art of being able to judge or evaluate something without bias or prejudice. continued… Chapter 2

Summary • Professionalism is best displayed by having a positive attitude, displaying good behaviour, and accepting responsibility. • Good customer relations is a quality of good technicians and is based on respect. • A repair order (RO) is a legal document used for many purposes. Chapter 2

Workplace Skills