Careers Part 2

1. CareersPart 2

2. Job Search Procedures Unit 1 Objective 3.03

3. Procedures for a Successful Job Search • Locating job openings • Newspapers-want ads in Classifieds (Winston-Salem Journal, Lexington Dispatch) • Schools-bulletin boards, websites (WSSU, WFU, Forsyth Tech) • Employment agencies (Employment Security Commission) • Internet leads (job search sites and company websites) • Networking (Word of Mouth, Who you know) • Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter)

4. Technology and Job Search Procedures • Examples to illustrate how technology is changing job search procedures • “Social” networking used in work/professional settings • Posting availability and openings on the Internet • Obtaining and submitting job applications electronically • Using electronic portfolios, including resumés and work samples

5. Technology and Job Search Procedures • Tips for networking safely on “social” networks • 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”

6. Technology and Job Search Procedures • 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

7. Job Search Assignment Complete in a Word Document • For each of the three careers you have researched you are to find 2 job postings using 2 different resources listed below: • Newspaper online (Winston-Salem Journal, Lexington Dispatch, Charlotte Observer, etc) • Schools (ASU, WFU, Forsyth Tech, DCC, UNCG, etc) • Employment Agencies (NC Employment Security Commission) • Company Websites (Coca-cola, Bank of America, etc) • Networking (Heard from friends and family) • Social Networking (Facebook and Twitter) • For each job posting answer the following: • Resource used to find this posting • Date posted and job description • Required Education • Experience needed • Salary/Wage • Benefits

8. Preparing a Successful Resume • Information to Include on a Resume: • Heading: name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the individual • Objective: clearly describes the position one would like to attain • Education: history of educational background • Experience: describes work responsibilities at each job

9. Preparing a Successful Resume • Information to Include on a Resume: • Skills: list skills related to a desired job (how did you acquire them, use them?) (ex: Proficient in all Microsoft and Adobe software) • Honors, Awards, Activities, Volunteer Services: list any accomplishment or leadership experience related to these fields • References: never list them directly on resume but should state “References available upon request”

10. Preparing a Successful Resume • Information to NOT include on a Resume: • Height • Weight • Social Security Number • Birth Date • Marital Status • Photos • Salary History • Reasons for leaving past jobs • Hobbies, activities, and memberships not related to desired job

11. Preparing a Successful Resume • How a Resume should look: • Placed on 8.5” x 11” white or off white colored paper • One to two pages in length • Neat and easy to read • Have all the required components • Free of staples and folds

12. Preparing a Successful Resume • General Tips: • Be honest – never stretch the truth • Never list exact dates, just month and year • Do not used “I” statements (ex: I can type 75 words a minute) • Use acronyms only after defining them

13. Preparing a Successful Resume • Using Action Words in Statements: • Action words are used to emphasize responsibilities related to work experience: • Examples: • Clubs: Conducted weekly meetings, utilizing parliamentary procedure • Part-Time Job: Assisted in training three new employees • Farm-Hand: Managed and maintained the feed for 100 animals • Sports: Communicated effectively with 35 football teammates

14. Resume Assignment Complete in a Word Document • Use the “Basic Sample Resume” on the website to construct your own personal resume to use to find a job in high school or college. • Within the template type in your personal information and use the “Developing a Resume” guide to assist you with your resume and finding action words. • You may look at “Coach Stewart’s Resume” to get additional ideas as to how to use action words or categories.

15. Application Completion Procedures • Completing an application • 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 • List any honors, awards, and volunteer services that highlight general employability or specific skills needed for the position. • Review “Job Application Example” located in Unit 1, Objective 3.03

16. Cover Letter Essentials • What is a Cover Letter? • A cover letter is a personalized, three to four paragraph business communication which generally accompanies a candidate’s resume. • What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter? • To get an Interview • What is the Goal of a Cover Letter? • To convince your potential employer you are a candidate worthy of serious consideration • A well written cover letter presents your ability to communicate in writing, as well as your organizational ability

17. Cover Letter Components • 3 Critical Parts of a Cover Letter: • 1) Introduction – introduces yourself to the prospective employers • 2) Body – your sales pitch, why you are the best candidate for the job • 3) Conclusion – Politely indicate your desire for an interview

18. Cover Letter Tips • Advice when writing Cover Letters: • Should accompany every Resume • Should be typed and font same as Resume • Cover Letter should be addressed to a specific individual, particular the hiring manager • Proofread several times • Use “I” statements sparingly • Be sure to sign Cover Letters in Black Ink • Cover Letters should never be longer than 1 page • Review “Cover Letter Tips” located in Unit 1, Objective 3.03

19. Cover Letter Assignment Complete in a Word Document • Open “Developing a Cover Letter” from the website and read, then use this along with the “Sample Cover Letter” to create a cover letter for a job you have in mind or may some day.

20. Proper Interview Dress • Interview attire • 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

21. Preparing for the Interview • Interview Etiquette • Before 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

22. Preparing for the Interview • Interview Etiquette: • During the interview • Arrive about 15 minutes early • Carry a notebook with your resumé, cover letter, job application, references, pen, and paper to take notes on • 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

23. Preparing for the Interview • 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

24. Interview Follow-Up • Thank you notes • 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

25. Interview Follow-Up • Thank You Notes: • 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

26. Interview Assignment Complete in a Word Document • On the website, open up “Interview Etiquette Tips”. Read the entire document. • Once read, write a 5 paragraph essay on what you have learned about interviews and the process. Each sentence should be at least 5 full sentences.