CRITICAL SKILLS
Unit 4: Marketing Yourself for a Job
Getting a job can be a lot of work. In this unit you will learn how to search for, apply to and interview for a job.
Section / Assignments / Page / Point Value1) Searching for Job Opportunities / q Job Search Assignment / 2 – 4 / 10
2) Completing Applications / q What’s Wrong With That?
q Completed Application / 7 – 9
10 / 15
25
3) Creating a Resume / q Dos and Don’ts
q Resume Critique
q Your Resume / 14
15 – 16
17 / 10
10
40
4) Writing a Cover Letter / q Cover Letter / 23 / 20
5) Interviewing / q Interviewing Power Point
q Mock Interview / 26
27 / 25
50
Section 1: Searching for a Job
There are many ways to find a job. In this section you will practice your job finding skills.
Assignments
q Searching for a Job Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Searching For A Job Worksheet (2 pages)
Your assignment is to use any resource you choose (phonebook, internet, phone calls, etc) to provide the following information!
1. List 3 local employment agencies found in Fort Collins. List website address and phone number for each.
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2. List 4 websites that serve as job opening databases (ie www.monster.com, which you cannot use). List one job that looks appealing to you from each website.
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3. List 3 job openings that you have found on any corporate/business website. List the business, name of opening and web link of the openings.
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- List 3 other sources for finding job openings.
- List 2 people who could act as networking individuals to you, who are not family. Complete the following:
1. Name: ______
Company: ______
How they will be a resource to you?
How do you know them?
What is your action plan for maintaining a good relationship with them?
2. Name: ______
Company: ______
How they will be a resource to you?
How do you know them?
What is your action plan for maintaining a good relationship with them?
6. Using the resources above, find 3 job openings that you would consider applying for. For each job opening, provide a copy of the opening or print it from the web. If the job was not advertized, write out the job details. For each job opening, write a short paragraph explaining why you would apply for this job (what makes it sound appealing to you?) Attach your 3 jobs and the paragraphs to this worksheet.
Showing Interest in a Job
When you find a job that you are interested in you will need to make an initial contact with the company. First impressions are a BIG DEAL! Like it or not, most employers will judge you on your appearance, social skills, and attitude. Here are some things you can do to make a good first impression:
ON THE PHONE
ü Speak clearly and introduce yourself
ü Let the person know why you are calling
ü Limit your questions about the job you are interested in
ü Thank the person for his or her time
IN PERSON
ü Dress neatly
ü Introduce yourself and offer a firm handshake
ü Smile and be polite no matter what happens
ü Ask your questions about the job to a manager
ü Be sure to find out who you should send your resume and application to
ü Thank them for their time
E-MAIL or LETTER
ü Do your best to find out who is hiring so you can address the e-mail to that person
ü Be clear in your writing
ü Don’t use slang
ü Check for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
ü Include contact information so the person can reply to you
Section 2: Completing an Application
Any time you are interested in a job, one of the first things the employer will do is ask you to complete an application. Many applications are completed online or on a computer and submitted electronically. Some are given as a hard copy that must be hand written, or better yet, typed. In this section you will read some tips about filling out a resume correctly and then complete the assignments below.
Assignments
q What’s Wrong With That?
q Complete Application
What’s Wrong With That?
Objective
Find mistakes in a completed application
Resources
q Tips For Filling Out Applications (in this section)
q http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
q Any other reliable sources related to application completion
Directions
Find the 2-page application on the next page titled “What’s Wrong”. This application has at least 45 errors. On a separate piece of paper make a list of at least 15 of the errors. For each error tell what is wrong and how it should be fixed.
Wrong App PDF
Wrong APP
Completed Application
Objective
Correctly fill out an application for employment
Resources
q Tips For Filling Out Applications (in this section)
q http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
q Any other reliable sources
Directions
Earlier in this section you found 3 jobs that you would be willing to apply for as part of the “Searching for a Job” assignment. Now choose one of those jobs and get an application from the employer. If you are unable to obtain an application that can be written on from the openings you chose, you may get an application from any other location (i.e. fast food, supermarket, retail stores, etc.). Complete the application accurately using the resources provided for support.
TIPS FOR FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS
Before You Fill Out The Application:
· Read it thoroughly and ask the employer to explain any questions you don’t understand.
· Write up a “fact sheet” (or use your resume) with all of the information that you will need, such as your social security number, the names, dates, addresses, and phone numbers of previous employers, personal references, and schools attended.
· Make sure you have a pen in blue or black ink. If you are hired, the application will become part of your permanent record and therefore must be filled out in ink.
· Ask for two applications.
When You Fill Out The Application:
Print.
Be careful to spell every word correctly and do not use abbreviations if possible. Misspellings and
uncommon or incorrect abbreviations make it difficult to read your application.
Fill in every section. If a question does not apply to you, write N/A in the blank. When there is a
lot of “blank space” on an application, the interviewer wonders if the applicant can follow
directions, if he/she can read, or is he/she hiding something?
If you make a mistake, you should draw one line through it rather than try to erase it. If the
application looks messy as a result of mistakes, get another application and start over.
Use the word “open” or “negotiable” to answer the question “WAGE DESIRED” or
“EXPECTED STARTING RATE”, know the starting salary. Even if you know the wage range,
you may want to be “open” as to what pay you might be offered.
The space for “ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” is your opportunity to list any skills, abilities,
or experience that might interest the interviewer, and demonstrates additional qualifications you
have for the job. Even if you’ve had no work experience or skills training, you can list such
abilities as “work well under pressure”, “am a fast learner”, or “am responsible and reliable”.
The “EMPLOYMENT RECORD” or “PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE” portion is extremely important. There are several things to keep in mind:
· Do not omit jobs that are in different occupations than the position for which you are applying. All of your jobs are “work experience” and should be listed.
· If you have been fired from a job, you may want to put “will discuss in interview” in the space asking “REASON FOR LEAVING” rather than “fired” or “quit”. Personnel people tend to screen out applicants who repeatedly quit jobs, or have been fired several times. “Will discuss in interview” looks better on your application.
Some acceptable reasons for leaving jobs are:
-moved
-to take a better job
-seasonal position
-returned to school
-injury
-maternity leave
-lay-off
-company out of business
-company moved out of state
You will find that almost all applications ask you to list “PERSONAL REFERENCES”. Contact people who are familiar with your work habits and/or skills and abilities. Before you list anyone as a reference, make sure he/she is willing and available to provide a reference for you. Employers do check references, so make sure you list people who can be called during the day.
YOU SHOULD EXPECT AN EMPLOYER TO CONTACT THE COMPANIES LISTED IN YOUR WORK HISTORY FOR REFERENCES AS WELL.
After Filling Out The Application:
· At the bottom of most applications is a statement such as:
“I verify that all information on this application is accurate, and recognize it is subject to verification and that my employment and/or continuance thereof may be contingent upon its accuracy.”
Regardless of how it is stated, the message is basically the same. By signing your name after the
statement, you are saying that the information you put on the application is true. If you sign your
name and have “lied” on the application, either on purpose or by carelessness, you may be fired
once the “inaccuracies” are discovered.
· Before giving the employer your completed application, re-read it. Check it thoroughly to make sure all your dates, addresses, phone numbers, and spelling is correct. Look at the application as if you were the employer. Would you interview you on the basis of the application?
CARRY A FACT SHEET WITH YOU TO FILL OUT APPLICATIONS WITH ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED. YOU CAN COPY YOU DATES, NAMEDS, ADDRESSES, ETC., DIRECTLY ONTO THE APPLICATION WHICH WILL MAKE FILLING IT OUT MUCH EASIER.
Section 3: Writing a Resume
A resume is typically submitted with a job application. It is a 1-2 page document summarizing your skills and experience. Employers use resumes to choose who to interview for the job. A good resume and application is the first step to getting a job.
Assignments:
q Do’s and Don’ts Assignment
q Resume Critique
q Your Resume
Dos and Don’ts Assignment
Objective
Your goal for this assignment is to research how to write a good resume and develop a list of “dos and don’ts”.
Resources
q Sample Resumes (in this section)
q http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
q http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResumeW/index.html
q http://www.jobbankusa.com/resumewrite/howtowritearesume/
q You may use any other reliable resources for your research
Directions
As you research how to write a good resume keep your eyes open for do’s: things you should do on a resume, and don’ts: things you should not do.
§ Make a list of 15 do’s and 15 don’ts
§ Put your name, date and assignment name on the document
§ Type your lists in Word or Excel and print them on a single sheet of paper
§ Do not cut and paste! Your work must be original!
Submit your Do’s and Don’ts assignment and your Resume Critique to your instructor with your name, date and class.
Resume Critique
Objective
To have the ability to point out the positives and negatives of a given resume
Directions
On the following page you will find a resume for Casey Grown. This resume has many positive characteristics, but it also has a lot of things wrong with it. Find 7 things that make this a good resume and 7 things that should be changed. For each thing you point out describe it specifically and tell why it is good or bad. If it is bad, describe how it should be changed.
Submit your Do’s and Don’ts assignment and your Resume Critique to your instructor with your name, date and class.
Casey Grown
221 West Canyon Road
Fort Collins, CO
Objective I would like a job where I can use the skills I have.
Education Thompson Valley High Schol Loveland, CO Aug 2004 – present
Expected Graduation May 2008
· English 9
· Environmental Science
Cumulative GPA: 2.1
Front Range Community College Ft Collins, CO Aug 2007 - present
High School Scholarhip Program Certificate of Completion May 2009
· Welding and Design
Experience: Chili’s Bar and Grill Ft Collins, CO Aug 2007 – present
Waiter
Greated customers, Took orders by memory, Managed multiple parties simultaneously, Handled customer complaints appropriately, Cleaned tables and dining area, Handled money and ran credit cards
Jimmy’s Lawn Care Ft Collins, CO summers 2006 – 2007
Lawn care specialist
I mowed lawns, I trimmed and edged lawns a lot, I planted flowers, I watered flower beds, I trimmed trees and bushes using chainsaw, I managed my own schedule to be sure all work was completed each week, worked independantly
Personal Skills: I am on time
I work hard
I am a team player
Creating Your Resume
Objective
Develop a functional or chronological resume to give to an employer.
Resources
q Boston College Acton Verbs list (in this section)
q http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/
q Using the resume wizard in Word
- Open Word
- Go to File, New
- Click on the Other Documents tab
- Choose a template or use the wizard
Directions
Choose a job that you would like to apply for now or in the summer. Use a word processor to develop a resume that includes the following sections:
ü Your contact information
ü Objective
ü Work experience
ü Skills and/or qualifications
ü Education
You may include other sections if you wish. Your Resume should be formatted to look attractive and easy to read. You need to use action words when describing activities, skills etc. Use the rubric in this section to help you create a good resume.
Submit your resume to your instructor.
Cindy Smith
325 Canyon Road
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 555-7843
OBJECTIVE To gain practical work experience, which will lead to a career in business management.