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Career Planning & Development

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Career Planning Process

Process of studying careers, assessing yourself in terms of careers, & making decisions about a future career

Career – goal for work that is fulfilled through an occupation or series of occupations

Your study of careers – early career planning will help you choose the right courses in school

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Career training

Many careers require education & training beyond high school Educational alternatives:

Two-year schools Four-year colleges & universities Private business schools

Consider the cost for further schooling as an investment in your future that will help you earn higher wages & expand your potential.

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Career information resources

Print & media sources Occupational outlook quarterly Occupational outlook handbook Career World Magazine Encyclopedia of Careers & Vocational Guidance

Online sources

Informational interviews – planned discussion with a worker who is willing to help you find out about the work that a person does, preparation needed for a career, & person’s feelings about the career

Help you gain insight into what actually happens in a specific career area.

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Suggested Questions

How did you get your current job?

In what ways do you find your work most satisfying? What are your main frustrations?

What tasks & activities are required in your work?

What are the most important qualifications for working in this field?

What advice would you give a young person who is thinking about this type of work?

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Keep notes on what you learn in your informational interviews

Experiences of others can provide key career planning information

Job shadow- allows you to spend time with a worker for a day or week to learn about a certain occupation (ask your guidance counselor or teacher)

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Business contacts

Networking – process of talking to other people about their jobs

Every person that you meet is a potential contact and can provide support when you start work later in life

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Growth career areas

Future employment opportunities are influenced by geography & business trends

Geographic influences – there may be reasons why you would prefer to live & work near your home

Mobility – willingness & ability of a person to move to where jobs are located

Lack of mobility could lead to unemployment

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Economic & industry trends

Consumer demand, changing demographic trends & new technology are factors that often affect career opportunities

Service industries are expected to have the greatest employment potential

Think about your personal interests & abilities in addition to economic & business trends

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Planning your career

Personal assessments give you a better understanding of the careers that will be best for you

With a thorough self-assessment, you will be more likely to have a satisfying & successful career

Interests

Values – things that are important to you

Talents & abilities

Talent – natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things Ability – quality of being able to perform a mental or physical task

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Employment experience

Work-study programs – combines school with work-related experience

Internships- work experience in organizations while learning about a career field.

Part-time employment – gives you a chance to see if you enjoy a particular career field and helps you make contacts

Volunteer activities – involvement in community service

School activities – school clubs & organizations can result in a range of valuable skills. Goal setting, planning, supervising, & delegating responsibility are activities needed in many employment settings.

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Sources of available jobs

The media

Personal contacts

Business contacts

Career fairs

Governmental employment offices

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Applying for employment

Application activities

Personal data sheet- summary of your important job-related information. List education & work experience as well as your references

Application form – asks for information related to employment

Resume- tool that provides information about you to a potential employer Personal information Career objective – personal employment goal Education Experience Career-related honors & other activities

Be sure your resume is presented in a professional manner – clean, organized, with no errors. Limit your resume to one page.

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References

List of people who can give a report about your character, education, & work habits

Teachers, previous employers, supervisors, or co workers.

Be sure to obtain permission from the people who you plan to use as references

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Career portfolio

Tangible evidence of your ability & skills

Include the following: resume, sample reports, presentation materials from school projects, articles of community activities you have participated in, & letters of recommendation

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Application cover letter

Expresses your interest in the job

Draw attention & interest from the reader

Introduction – indicate reason for writing, brief summary of your experience & qualifications

Development – highlight background & experiences that specifically qualify you for the job

Conclusion - ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail

Targeted letter

Quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of an organization

Emphasize achievements & skills so you will be invited for an interview.

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Online application process

Online applications

May also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the position available

Avoid bold, underline, and italics

Do not use attached files that may be difficult to open

Online resumes are scanned for keywords to identify candidates with necessary job qualifications

Cyber interviewing

Screening interview using video conferencing

Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online

May also be used to test a person’s ability in job-related situations.

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Securing a job

Interview process

Employment interview- two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you & you learn about the job & the company

Before you interview Prepare by obtaining more information about

your prospective employer & the job for which you’re applying

Typical questions that you should ask

What training opportunities are available to employees?

What qualities do your most successful employees possess?

What new opportunities are your company considering in the next few years?

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During the interview

Appearance, manners, use of language, & general ability for the job are things they’re looking at

Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact

Stay calm & thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job & your qualifications

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After the interview

Send a follow-up letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview

Evaluate your interview performance

Write notes about areas in which you need improvement

Be patient after the interview. It may take a couple weeks for them to complete all their interviews & make a selection

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Job offers

Consider several factors before accepting or declining the position

Salary & financial factors – the type of work & your experience will affect your rate of pay

Position may also include employee benefits (insurance, vacation time, & retirement programs)

Part-time or seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits

Organizational environment

Leadership style, dress code, the physical workspace, & social atmosphere should be explored as well when making a decision

Advancement potential & training programs should be assessed also

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On-the-job behavior

Job success strategies – Things to consider as you prepare for the first day of work

Ask questions Avoid complaining Honor the time for breaks Consider your appearance Be on time Be friendly with everyone Show you are dependable Follow the rules

Mentor

Experienced employee who serves as counselor to a person with less experience

Frequently offer specific advice related to work assignments as well as general career guidance

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Leaving a job

Depart on good terms

Give at least two-weeks notice

Try to finish all current projects

Exit interview- employer asks you questions about your work, be constructive & cooperative