Employability Skills

1. Employability Skills Demonstrate the professional qualities of a health care worker Prepare for the world of work

2. Letter of Application • Send with resume’ • Goal=to get an interview • Typewritten on good quality paper • MUST be neat, complete, correct format, no errors • Address it to the correct individual-correct spelling of name- correct title • No name? Address it to “Personnel Director” or to the department head.

3. Contents… • Paragraph One -Purpose for writing -Interest in position -If advertisement, name & date of publication -If referred, name and title of the referring person

4. Contents cont. • Paragraph Two -Why you are qualified -Why you want to work there • Paragraph Three -State “resume’ included” -May reference features of resume’ • Final Paragraph -Your contact information (telephone # and times available) -Thank you

5. L E T T E R O F A P P L I C A T I O N

6. Resume’ • Thorough yet concise • Education, experience, abilities • Makes you appear qualified • Typed, attractive and well organized • Good quality paper • Straight, even margins • If copies, be sure they are clear and appealing in appearance • Format varies, find a style that fits • One page sufficient

7. Parts of a Resume’ • Personal Identification • Employment objective • Education Backround • Employment Experience • Skills • Other activities • References

8. Resume’: Points to Consider • Honesty the best policy • A or B average-include it….if lower, don’t mention it • Select format that fits your information • Look at sample resumes’ • Be sure envelope is typed- addressed correctly

10. Preparing for a Job Interview • Bring your wallet card and /or resume’ • Research the company/job so you’ll show knowledge of the position you seek. • Be sure you know the date and time of the interview, and the person’s name you’ll interview with.

11. Dress appropriately! A dark suit is usually a good idea. • Wear conservative makeup, hair • Be sure your teeth are clean, and wear antiperspirant. • Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

12. Job Interview • Greet by name, smile, introduce yourself, firm handshake • Use correct grammar • Speak slowly and clearly, don’t mumble • Be polite • Maintain eye contract • Answer questions thoroughly

13. Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat anything • Sit up straight (good posture) • Smile, but don’t giggle • Be yourself • Listen carefully to the interviewer and be sure you answer the questions asked, don’t interrupt the interviewer • Never discuss personal problems or finances • Do not criticize former employers

14. Answer questions truthfully • Think before you respond • Brag about yourself a little • Do not immediately ask about salary or benefits-usually the interviewer will bring up the subject • When asked if you have questions, you should ask about job responsibilities, career opportunities, continuing education, or job orientation • Don’t expect to know about the job at the end of the interview • At the end, thank the interviewer and shake hands • Send a thank-you note, indicating your continued interest in the job

15. Common Interview Questions….. • Why do you want to work here? • What makes you think you can do this job? • What work experience have you had? Why did you leave? • What subjects in school do you like best? Least? • Do you participate in extra-curricular activities? • What are your career goals? • What do you plan to be doing 5 years from now?

16. Questions cont. • What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? • What salary do you expect? • Have you ever had any serious illness? • Why should we hire you? • What questions do you want to ask?

17. Test your Gray matter.. • In the final paragraph for a letter of application, Mallory provides her contact information and willingness to be available for an interview. She should also include: Thanks for consideration of the application-A reminder of the position applied for- A repeat of her most impressive credentials – A deadline for the company to contact her. • All resumes’ should include: A list of references – A statement of current health status – Hobbies – Work experience. • When filling out a job application, be sure to: Use a pencil so you can correct mistakes – Write your name in all capital letters, - Write in cursive, even if the application says “type or print” – Write NA when the item does not apply to you.

18. When filling out a job application, be sure to: copy of your high school diploma – List of references – Picture of yourself – Copy of your birth certificate • During a job interview, you should always: Be aggressive – Expect to find out if you got the job – Speak candidly about your personal problems – Be yourself • What should you do the day after a job interview? Call the employer and ask if decision has been made about the position – If the employer was a female, send flowers with a note expressing your appreciation – Send a thank-you note, indicating your continued interest in the job – Have your references call the employer and say positive things about you • You have an interview at 1:30 p.m. and it is a 45 minute drive from your house. What time should you leave your home? 12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.

19. Ashley is applying at a health clinic for a job as a receptionist. What should Ashley wear to her interview? Jeans and a nice sweater – A white uniform – A scrub suit – A tailored dress • When you arrive at a job interview, greet the interviewer by name, shake hands and: Introduce yourself,- Maintain a serious facial expression- Avoid eye contact – Only smile if the interviewer is a woman • During a job interview, how should you respond to the inappropriate question, “Are you single and do you date much?” “Yes I am, but dating never interferes with my work.” – “Yes, I ‘m single. Are you?” – “No, I am not single. I have a significant other.” – “I prefer not to answer that question.” • You were an active member of HOSA in high school and now are preparing a resume’ for a job as a nursing assistant. Under what section would you list your HOSA involvement? Education, - Experience – References – or School Activities.