Transitioning to the World of Work

1. Transitioning to the World of Work Presented by: The PHS School Counseling Department Counselors: June Pernice Alan Feazelle Amy Tisdale

2. Overview • Career Exploration Basics • Job hunting know how • Creating a resume • Interviewing Skills

3. Career Exploration • Before you can begin searching for a job you will need to have an idea of what you would like to do. • Still unsure? Use a career interest inventory to learn more: • www.nycareerzone.org • How can a career interest inventory help?

4. What type of education is required for this job? Will I need to obtain special licenses or certification? What type of work environment will I be in & would I like to be in that environment? What are the typical job responsibilities? What is the salary for this job? Will this support my standard of living? Can I see myself doing this for many years? There will be others that come up while exploring, be sure to address them so that you make the best choice for yourself. What to ask yourself when exploring career/job possibilities… Exploring Careers Future

5. Job Hunting… Steps for success… • Step 1: BRAINSTORM: Begin thinking about job options that interest you or job options that you are prepared to apply for (ex: someone trained as an electrician would begin thinking about places to apply where electrician related skills are needed).

6. . • Step 2: PREPARE: Create your resume and cover letter. Be sure to have hardcopies and an electronic version (as some jobs require that you apply online). Also be sure to contact any references you plan to use to ask permission and to let them know that you are beginning the job search process. • Resume writing tips are to follow…

7. Step 3: DEFINE: Define your search criteria. Do you want small businesses or large corporations? Do you want to stay in the area, or move away? Do you prefer a rural or urban setting? What kind of work environment are you seeking? How far of a commute are you willing to make? What is the minimum salary you are willing to earn? These types of questions should be carefully considered before engaging in job searching.

8. Step 4: SEARCH: The main task begins when one starts sifting through the host of available job openings. Searching is about knowing your resources and utilizing each of those resources to provide opportunities for yourself. Here are some great places to begin your job search

9. Career Fairs Some local employers have offered these in the past You can search online for career fairs in other communities if you do not plan to stay in the area. Internet Search Engines www.careerbuilder.com www.monster.com www.usajobs.opm.gov http://www.thejobspider.com/ http://www.federaljobsearch.com/ Classified Ads Press Republican For classifieds in other areas, check online versions of newspapers in other communities. Employment Agencies Westaff: 307 West Bay Plaza, Plattsburgh, New York 12901 Phone number: (518) 566-6061 One Work Source: 194 Us Oval, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 Phone number: (518) 561-0430 Places to Search:

10. Step 5: Apply • Each employer will ask for specific requirements. Most likely there will be: • Application process • Cover letter/Resume requirement • Personal Interview

11. Step 6: FOLLOW UP: When interested in a position at a particular place of employment, it is a good idea to inquire about the closing date on the job. This will let you know when your application may be reviewed. It is also a good idea to check and see what procedure they would prefer you use to inquire about the status of your application (should you call them or should you wait until they call you). Nonetheless, it is important to make sure that you make a plan to follow-up as this is an indicator of your interest in the position.

12. Resume Writing: • Preparing a resume will allow you another way to boast about your accomplishments and training. • Resumes should be turned in with your job applications, so it is important to have a complete and accurate resume on hand. • Please follow along on the resume writing handout for details on how to write a resume.

13. Basic Resume Writing Rules: • Shorter is better • Stand out in the crowd! • Target your audience • Keep it professional • Show your classy side • Focus on formatting • PROOFREAD!!

14. The Interview Process: • Do your research - know your field and your employer. • Know what you bring to the employer’s workforce. • Come prepared- building a career portfolio. • Dress the part- recognize the power of first impressions . • Know the no-no’s of interviews. • General Etiquette Suggestions • The anatomy of the interview

15. Do Your Research: • Research the company you are applying to prior to the interview so that you can ask relevant questions about the job opportunity. • You can get information from the internet, brochures, and even past employees of the company. • While doing research, think about questions you have for the interviewer about the company or job position you are applying for.

16. Know what you bring to the table… • Ask yourself: what expertise can you bring to the job? • Assess your strengths and weaknesses (awareness is important). • Employers are famous for asking you about strengths and weaknesses during the interview process.

17. Preparation is key! • Consider bringing a career portfolio or bring any information that will enhance your appeal as a future employee. • Career portfolios typically include: • Cover letter or introductory letter • Resume writing tips • Sample resume • Information about past work experiences, volunteer activities and community projects • Academic Information • Learning style and career interest inventories

19. Dress the Part: First Impressions Tailor your interview attire to the job you are applying for.

20. General Rules: • Wear clean clothing that fits well (baggy clothes or wrinkled/dirty clothing does not always send the message that you are a serious candidate) • Never wear jeans or t-shirts to an interview. Dress pants/skirts and blouses or polo shirts are the minimum. • Simple is better. You do not have to wear loud colors or expensive clothing- just wear clothing that is simple, demure, and professional. • Avoid showing piercings or tattoos if possible • Do not go overboard on jewelry or perfume

21. The anatomy of the interview • Part 1: Introduction • This is the part of the interview where the first impression is important. • Use a firm handshake, make good eye contact, & exert confidence. • During the introduction the employer will most likely engage in small talk about a general topic. • It would be a great idea to initiate general discussion of your own during this time to let the employer get a glimpse of what you are like as a person.

22. Part 2: All about you!! • This is the part of the interview where you have a chance to tell the employer about your credentials, knowledge, and interest as related to the current job opening. • is the time to explain or go into further detail about items listed on the resume. • A discussion of strengths and weaknesses might be a part of this discussion.

23. Part 3: Peering into the past • Employers are likely to take a look at your past work history to get an indication of what preparation you may have gained from those jobs for the current position. • You should also be prepared to answer probing questions from the interviewer to see how your past experiences and education will be useful in the current position. http://www.theimageconsultants.co.uk/files/interview.jpg

24. Part 4: Your turn for questions • This is your chance to ask the employer questions about the company and the nature of the job that you are applying for. • Asking thoughtful, intelligent questions implies that you have prepared for the interview and that you are serious about the position. • If you are not given an opportunity to ask questions, feel free to politely inquire about an opportunity to do so.

25. Part 5: Closure • This is the portion where you tie up loose ends • Ask any lingering questions • The employer may ask you some final questions as well. • Be sure to thank the employer for his/her time. • Politely inquire about when the employer may be choosing a candidate to fill the position and how/when applicants will be notified. • Send a thank you card via regular mail when you get home.

26. Questions?

27. Resources: • Quintessential Careers, (2008). Job Interviewing Tutorial for Job Seekers. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from QuintCareers.com Web site: http://www.quintcareers.com/job_interviews/ • National Association of Colleges and Employers, (2008). Interviewing Tips. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from JobWeb.com Web site: • St. Lawrence University Career Services and Leadership Education (2008). The Interview. Retrieved September 28, 2008 from St. Lawrence University website • Developing Your Resume. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Adventures in Education Web site: http://www.aie.org/HighSchool/Jobs/Resumes/index.cfm • High School Student Resume Example. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Professional Resume Examples Web site: http://www.professional-resume-example.com/high-school-student-resume-example.html • Student Resume Examples. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Resume Resource Web site: http://www.resume-resource.com/examples-student.html • Resume Writing 101. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Collegeboard Web site: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/36957.html • Writing a High School Resume. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Sample Resumes Web site: http://www.gii.in/resumes/writing-a-high-school-student-resume • St. Lawrence University Career Services and Leadership Education. (2007). Career Guidebook Series: Resume Writing [Informational Booklet]. Canton, NY: Career Development Center.