Chapter 21: Getting a Job
Section 21.1 Qualifying for a Job
Finding a Job
Knowing What Employers Want and Need
Your Qualifications and Skills: what is important for one job might be less important for another. Employability skills are basic skills that you need to get a job, keep a job, and do it well.
Level of Education: most jobs require at least a high school diploma. The more skills and education you have the wider the job market will be for you. The income you make over the rest of your life will depend a lot on your level of education. (Figure 21.1, p.368)
Basic Skills: Reading and simple math are essential as well as communication skills. Basic computer skills such as accessing and entering data are necessary. Many jobs also require basic work-related skills such as operation of machinery and equipment.
Work Experience: those with experience need less training than those with no work experience. Jobs that require work experience usually pay more than jobs that don’t.
Character and Personality: Hard work, honesty, dependability, and the ability to finish tasks are highly valued. Attitude toward work is very important. Wanting to do the job well and working well with others as well as the ability to follow and carry out instructions and take initiative are all very important.
Body language often says more about you than spoken words. Your posture, eye contact facial expressions, and gestures can either add or detract from the impression you make.
School Performance: not only your grades, but also, potential employers also look at your attendance record. Even if you don’t have the best grades, having an excellent attendance record indicates to the employer that you are reliable and will show up for work on time.
Extracurricular Activities: Indicates to employers extra effort on your part, as well as possible leadership skills.
Your Overall Impression: Employers will take into consideration the way you dress and groom yourself. They will notice if you use slang instead of Standard English. You only get a chance to make a first impression once and good first impressions definitely increase your chances of getting a job.
Section 21.2 Getting the Job You Want
Beginning Your Job Search: Assess the job market objectively and avoid limiting your search to one type of job.
Preparing Your Resume: a summary of your skills, education, and work experience. Its purpose is to persuade employers to interview you. This is the first impression a potential employer gets so make sure your resume looks neat, has no mistakes and is limited to one page if possible. The most common form for a resume is in chronological format with your latest achievements listed first and then going back in time.
A chronological resume has five parts (Figure 21.2, p. 373)
- Heading: your name and all contact information
- Job Objective: the type of job you want
- Skills Summary: job-specific skills and transferable skills
- Work Experience: jobs you have had
- Education: secondary (high school) and postsecondary (beyond high school)
You can tailor your resume for each job you are trying for.
Contacting Potential Employers
Applying for a job usually requires submitting a cover letter, filling out a job application, taking an employment test, and being interviewed.
Cover Letter: Always include a cover letter with your resume. It tells the employer about you and why you are applying for a job. It can also be used to inquire about job openings. Just like your resume, your cover letter needs to make a good impression. (Figure 21.3, p.375)
Job Application: a printed sheet with blank spaces that must be completed. Many job applications require the same information and your resume can help to fill them out. It will also ask for references which you should have available.
Employment Testing: Before getting the job you may have to take a skills test i.e. truck drivers must take a driving test. Other jobs may require drug tests and lie-detector tests.
Interviewing for Jobs: a formal face-to-face discussion between an employer and potential employee. Make sure you are prepared to not only answer questions about your self but also ask questions about the company you are seeking employment with.
Job Interview Tips
- Do your homework: find out about the job
- Be on time: at least 5 minutes before time is on time
- Wear appropriate clothing: don’t wear your clubbing outfit
- Put your best foot forward: shake hands, make eye contact, be courteous and be aware of your body language
- Ask questions about the job: avoid questions about pay right off the bat and concentrate on what duties you will be expected to perform
- Ask about the next step: I am interested in the job and would like to know what the next step will be
Do not expect an answer right away: the employer needs time to decide
Always follow up an interview by calling or writing a letter thanking the interviewer. Make sure to restate your objective and describe how your skills and experience are well suited to the job. Even if you don’t get the job learn for your experiences and work on your weaknesses.