Landing a JobAnd Holding on To It

Applying for a Job

Applying for a job can seem to be a monumental task. In fact, some authorities say that a worker will change jobs an average of six times in his or her lifetime.

With competition for jobs heating up, people need to present the best picture possible of themselves in order to be hired.

Applying for a Job

The Application Form Filling out Forms

Read the entire form, including instructions, before putting pen to paper or filling it out online.

Print out a blank copy of the form to use as a rough draft before completing the final draft and submitting.

Don’t write or type in the spaces marked “For Office Use Only”. Type or print neatly with no errors. Don’t skip any sections. If the item does not apply to you put N/A. Answer questions honestly. Double-check and proofread all information. If appropriate, print the online application and deliver it to the company

in person and request an interview.

Applying for a Job

Ask for References An important part of the job-hunting process is asking

authority figures, like teachers, coordinators, counselors, or employers, to write recommendation/reference letters or to serve as references.

Give the people who are writing your recommendation or reference letters the names, addresses, and pertinent information to be included in the letters.

Resume—You on Paper

• Your resume is a vivid word picture of you. Its purpose is to interest the employer so he or she will call you for an interview. Your resume is NOT a brag sheet. Show what skills you have—don’t tell a story about yourself.

Resume—You on Paper

The content of resumes may vary slightly, but generally they contain the following information:

Personal data (name, address, phone, email) Career Objective (Open-ended statement

about what you can do now and that mentions what eventual career you want)

Education (high school with most recent first) Skills (should relate to your career objective) Awards/Activities (most recent first and

organized) Experience (volunteer and paid with most

recent first) References (have three not related to you)

Resume—You on paper

What is a skill? A skill is something you

can do well right now. Employer’s hire you

because of your skills. Skill lists tell the employer

if you have the background and experience to do a good job.

Resume—You on Paper

Three types of skills Job related--abilities learned in a job or project.

Data—related to numbers, research, codes, or surveysPeople—how you relate to co-workers or team members and

what you do for themThings—tools, machines, or equipment you know how to use Ideas—suggestions you came up with to make something

easier or more efficient

Resume—You on Paper

Transferable skills Skills that you can transfer from one job or career to another

without much training. Examples—writing clearly, listening, organizing tasks,

training, filing records, handling money, gathering information, teaching others

Resume—You on Paper

Self-Management Skills Skills that tell the employer if you would fit in with the

personality of the company.Examples—honesty, enthusiasm, responsibility, dependability,

dedication, adaptability, creativity, energy, sincerity, conscientiousness.

Resume—You on Paper

• Make a list of your skills in each category, then select the top three from each group.

• Top 10 Skills employers want:• Communication skills• Computer skills• Customer care skills• Team-working skills• Technical skills• Motivation skills• Quality control skills• Learning skills• Problem-solving skills

RUFUS RED DEVIL

2400 Champions Parkway

Phenix City, AL 36867

(334) 298-1234

reddevilsrule@pcboe.net

CAREER OBJECTIVE:

I am seeking an entry-level position using my business, computer, and language skills with the opportunity for advancement. I also plan to attend college to obtain a degree in business so that I can obtain a career utilizing my skills.

EDUCATION:

Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama. Major: Business. GPA: 3.5. Graduation Date: May 2015. Related Courses: Business Technology Applications, Multimedia Publications, Accounting, Commerce Communications, and Management Principles.

SKILLS:

General—Customer service, Filing, Answering the phone, Communication, Bookkeeping, Teamwork

Computer—Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Publisher 2010, Automated Accounting 8.2

AWARDS/ACTIVITIES:

National Honor Society—two years; National Technical Honor Society—two years; Beta Club—four years; Future Business Leaders of America—4 years; CHS Football Team—three years; CHS Red Devil Regiment Band—three years.

EXPERIENCE:

Volunteer—Clean the ‘Hooch, FBLA members, October 2014; Habitat for Humanity, FBLA members, November 2014

Paid—Central Bank, Co-op Student,. Duties: receptionist, loan processor, file clerk,. Supervisor: Mrs. Jane Moneybags. June 2014 to present.

REFERENCES:

Mr. Joe Smith, Teacher, Central High School, 2400 Dobbs Drive, Phenix City, Alabama (334) 298-3626

Mrs. Virginia Johnson, Bank Teller, Central Bank, 1301 13 th Street, Phenix City, Alabama (334) 291-1111

Mrs. Sandy Williams, Coordinator, Central High School, 2400 Dobbs Drive, Phenix City, Alabama (334) 298-3626

Letter of Application

A letter of application (for a specific job opening) or cover letter (for any job opening that fits your skill set) introduces you to the employer and often highlights information on an accompanying resumé. Write a business letter that is enthusiastic about possible job availability showing your qualifications for the job and asking for an interview.

Letter of Application

2400 Champions Parkway

Phenix City, AL 36867

April 29, 2015

Ms. Joyce Deisenko

CB&T of East Alabama

1570 13th Street

Phenix City, AL 36867

Dear Ms. Deisenko:

In response to your newspaper advertisement, I am writing to apply for the position of teller with your bank. The enclosed resumé will show you the experience I have already had in the banking industry.

Any bank needs dedicated and trained employees. I not only have previous experience in the banking industry through my co-op job in high school at Central Bank, but I also have taken classes in high school to prepare me for my career in business. The banking industry is where I feel that my skills in bookkeeping and my communication skills will best utilized.

I would be happy to come in for an interview at any time. You can contact me at (334) 298-1234 after 4:00 p.m. or be leaving a message on my cell phone. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Rufus Red Devil

Interview

Your letter of application and resumé are pictures of you. If the employer likes the pictures and wants a closer look at the real thing, he or she will ask you to come for an interview. BE PREPARED!

Interview

What to do before the interview Think about yourself

What are your goals? Strengths? Weaknesses?

Think about the employer Why should they be interested in you? What are the business’s goals, size, services, and reputation?

Think about the interview What questions can you expect? What materials may the employer want to see?

Think about the job What does the job involve? What are the hours? What does the job pay? Are there any chances for advancement?

Interview—Dress for Success

Grooming and Accessorizing Hair—Clean, trimmed, and

neatly arranged Facial Hair—freshly shaved;

beard etc… trimmed Fingernails—Neat, clean,

trimmed; if polished, one color Teeth—Brushed and fresh

breath Body—Bathed; use deodorant Make-up—Not too much;

neutral colors Perfume—Use sparingly or not

at all

Interview--Before

Do’s Get a good night’s sleep Dress professionally Bring extra copies of

your resumé Arrive about 15

minutes early Turn off your cell

phone Do not bring food or

drink into the office Smile when you greet

the receptionist

Interview--During

Do’s and Don’tsSmile and shake hands when meeting the interviewerMaintain good eye contactDo not watch the clockDo not discuss illegal subjects (such as race, religion, age, gender)Be aware of nonverbal body language

Interview--After

Do’sSmile and shake hands when leavingWrite a follow-up/thank you letterThink about the interview and evaluate yourself and answersMake a list of improvements for your next interview

Interview

How to Respond During the Interview Be attentive

Introduce yourself to the office staff/receptionist Complete forms neatly and quietly Shake hands and look the interviewer in the eye Listen carefully

Be clear Answer questions clearly and briefly Restate questions in your own words if you are unsure what the

interviewer means State your strengths and how you use them

Ask about the job What is the job description? Salary? Benefits? Opportunities?

Work Schedule? Starting date?

Interview

What to Do After the Interview Tell when and where you can

reached Thank each person involved with

the interview Write a follow-up letter

Follow-up Letter

Your application and resumé have gotten you an interview, and that interview went well. Now what? Pace the floor, chew your nails, or eat a doughnut? No! Put your hands to work. A day or two after the interview you should send a follow-up letter.

Follow-up Letter

2400 Champions Parkway

Phenix City, AL 36867

May 1, 2015

Ms. Joyce Deisenko

CB&T Bank of East Alabama

1570 13th Street

Phenix City, AL 36867

Dear Ms. Deisenko:

Thank you for the interview yesterday. I enjoyed meeting you and the other bank employees.

I would enjoy contributing to the important work that you the the other bank employees do in this community. After touring the bank, I’m convinced that my experience at Central Bank would make me an asset to your team.

I appreciate your considering me for the position of teller. If you have any further questions, I am available at (334) 298-1234 after 4:00 p.m., or you may leave a message any time. Thank you, again, for your consideration and time.

Sincerely,

Rufus Red Devil

Acceptance Letter

Once you have been offered a job, your task is pretty simple, right?

You just say yes or no.

But how you communicate your decision is important for starting a job well.

Acceptance Letter

2400 Champions Parkway

Phenix City, AL 36867

May 5, 2015

Ms. Joyce Deisenko

CB&T Bank of East Alabama

1570 13th Street

Phenix City, AL 36867

Dear Ms. Deisenko:

I am pleased to accept the position of teller with CB&T Bank of East Alabama at the entry-level wage of $9.00 an hour for a probationary period of three months. After successfully completing my probationary period, I understand that I will receive a raise to $11.00 an hour with additional raises possible after receiving satisfactory evaluations.

As we discussed on the phone, a starting date of June 1 works well for me. Before then, I will complete the forms you sent and return them. I also will forward my final high school transcript and other certification documents that you requested.

I’m looking forward to working with you and all of the other wonderful people at CB&T. Thank you for this great opportunity.

Sincerely,

Rufus Red Devil

Successful Employment

Traits of a Successful WorkerResponsible

Work hard for excellence, even if a task is unpleasant. Pay attention to detail. Work toward high standards of attendance, punctuality, and

attitude.

Successful Worker

Confident Believe in your own self-worth, skills, and abilities. Be aware of how your emotions, behavior, and attitude can

affect others, and take responsibility for your actions.Sociable

Be friendly, sensitive, and polite to others. Be interested in what others say and do. Be flexible so you can interact with people from different

backgrounds.

Successful Worker

Self-Managing Know your own abilities, skills, and knowledge. Set realistic personal goals and be self-motivated to achieve

them. Use others’ criticism and feedback to improve yourself.

Honest/Ethical Know your community’s and organization’s code of ethics. Know how behavior that violates these codes hurts

individuals and organization. Be committed to ethical behavior in the workplace.

Career Portfolio

The career portfolio is a tool that you use to get a job and to keep updated material in relating to your certifications and new skills for future career opportunities.

Career Portfolio

Like a career plan, you must prepare the career portfolio carefully and update it regularly. Your portfolio should include: Resumé Transcripts Letters of recommendation List of references Diplomas and certificates/credentials Awards Appropriate projects and publications (samples of work)

CHS Credentials

• Central High School• Career Technical Education• Career Readiness Indicator Offerings•  • Career Readiness Indicators (CRI) are credentials/certifications made available

to all students enrolled in a program where career and technical skill proficiencies are aligned with industry-recognized standards. The credential provides proof that the student possesses the minimum skills required for entry-level employment. CRIs will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript and testing will occur at the discretion of the Career Technical Education instructor. Pre-assessments may be required. CRIs are one indicator utilized in the new Alabama State Department of Education accountability model to show that a student is College and Career Ready upon graduation.

CHS Credentials

Carpentry—NCCER Core (All modules) Masonry—NCCER Core (All modules) Welding—NCCER Core (All modules) and/or AWS Certifcations HVAC—NCCER Core (All modules) and/or EPA Card Business Management, Finance, Marketing—Microsoft Office (Excel Expert, Word Expert) or MOS

(Two of the following areas: Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) Teaching and Training—Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program: Basic Skills (AECTP) Naval JROTC—Naval JROTC Certificate Health Science—Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cosmetology—Barbering Licensure, Barbicide: Infection Control Certification, Cosmetology Licensure,

Nail Care Licensure Automotive Services—ASE Student Maintenance and Light Repair, ASE Student Suspension and Steering,

ASE Student Brakes, ASE Student Engine Performance, ASE Student Engine Repair, ASE Student Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, ASE Student Manual Drive Train and Axles, ASE Student Heating and Air Conditioning

Culinary Arts--ServSafe

Hot 40 Jobs

• http://www2.labor.alabama.gov/OES/OES_Posters/hotjobs.pdf