Lower Dauphin School District Lower Dauphin High School

Counseling Department 201 S. Hanover St

Hummelstown, PA 17036 717-566-5329

WHAT

HAPPENS

NEXT?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The GED

The Military

Job Corps

Job Hunting

Where to Look

Resume Writing

Cover Letters

Thank You

Letter

Applications

Interviewing

Keeping a job

Community Phone

Numbers

www.ldsd.org/highschool

In this packet you’ll find phone numbers and suggested businesses/job centers that may be helpful if you have chosen to leave LDHS. In the long run, your earning potential will be greater if you have done something to become an attractive employee (such as a GED, diploma or technical training). You can find information about post-secondary schools that offer all types of training from the Lower Dauphin High School’s Counseling Office (566-5329). Office hours are 7:30am –3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Many times the office secretaries can help you locate information and if you have greater need, they can help you to make an appointment with a School Counselor. We also encourage you to check our website for other links and information as needed.

Students are always welcome to come in and use our facility resources and talk to their former counselor. We are glad to help!!!

THE GED

Without a high school diploma, your future employment options may be limited. The military and most entry-level, full-time jobs require a high school diploma or an equivalent diploma. A GED or General Equivalency Diploma is available through a variety of local sites. The following people are eligible for testing:

A Pennsylvania resident, not enrolled in an approved or licensed secondary school

Anyone 18 years of age or older

People 16-18 years of age are eligible only if they fall under the following provisions: o At the written request of an employer who requires a high school equivalency for job

opportunities o At the written request of a college, trade/technical school or university official who will

accept applicants on the basis of GED test scores o At the written request of a recruiting officer for persons who wish to enter a branch of

the armed forces and who are required to have a high school equivalency o At the written request of the director of a state institution for residents, patients or

inmates before their anticipated release or discharge from the institution. The test itself consists of five parts and there is a fee to take each of the parts. An individual must pass all five tests in order to receive his/her GED certification. The exam extends over a two day period testing such areas as writing skills, social studies, science, reading skills and math skills. For more specific information about the test, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us. Locally, HACC is a test site and they offer a prep course as well to help individuals prepare for the exam. To learn more about GED test prep classes at HACC, contact the Office of Adult Education at 780-2619.

THE MILITARY

The military branches offer discipline, structure and specific training in a variety of career fields. They will require proof of either a high school diploma or a GED to follow through the recruitment process. At the time of this printing, the local recruiters are as follows:

ARMY 717-564-9391 NAVY 717-564-1873 or 1-800-742-2972 AIR FORCE 717-564-1498 MARINES 717-558-2044 COAST GUARD 1-800-438-8724 NATIONAL GUARD 717-787-2161 *Check the School Counseling Department’s website for the most current recruiter names/contact options.

JOB HUNTING

Where can you look for a job??? THE INTERNET EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

PA Careerlink Capitol Region 783-3270 TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES CAREER CENTERS COMMUNITY CENTERS NEWSPAPER WANT-ADS DAUPHIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

…and don’t forget: o STORES WHERE YOU HAVE DONE BUSINESS o SHOPPING CENTERS o RESTAURANTS o CATERING COMPANIES o NURSING HOMES o HOSPITALS o GARDEN CENTERS o HOTELS/ CONFERENCE CENTERS o LANDSCAPE/CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES o MOVIE THEATERS/MALLS

Helpful Websites to find a career direction or look for diploma options…. www.educationplanner.org Education Planner for career and post secondary searching www.pde.state.pa.us PA Department of Education (For GED and cyber school information) www.keystonehighschool.com Keystone National High School -- distance learning program www.careerbuilder.com Career and post secondary searching www.careerkey.org Career and post secondary searching www.bls.gov/oco Occupational Outlook Handbook – statistics on career and jobs www.monster.com Career and job searching www.pennlive.com/classifieds/ The Patriot News Classified ads www.craigslist.org Craig’s List career and job searching

Job Corps Job Corps (1-800-733-5627) is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 get a better job, make more money and take control of their lives. At Job Corps, students enroll to learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED and get help finding a good job. When you join the program, you will be paid a monthly allowance; the longer you stay with the program, the more your allowance will be. Job Corps supports its students for up to 12 months after they graduate from the program. See also: http://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx To enroll in Job Corps, students must meet the following requirements:

Be 16 through 24; Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident; Meet income requirements;

Be ready, willing and able to participate fully in an educational environment.

JOB HUNTING -- The Resume

There are some basics that are essential if you are looking for a job. Once you enter the adult world, employers have higher expectations of you and the way in which you present yourself. If you've already found jobs that you're interested in, the next step in apply for the job. There are several ways to apply for a job, whether it’s online, or picking up a paper copy at the job site in which you are applying. Besides from handing in an application, a resume, cover letter and interviewing skills are important for a good first impression.

WHY DO YOU NEED A RESUME? Employers expect you to have one. A good resume will show what you have to offer to an employer Employers use resumes to find out about your credentials and experiences

SOME HINTS: Use good, quality paper Use a computer and save it so you can update it regularly Use 1 inch margins at the top, bottom and sides of the paper Check and double check your spelling and have others proofread for errors Print several copies from your printer or take it to a professional printer so you can have multiple

copies Make it brief but thorough – it should give enough information that an employer can determine if you

have the experiences they are looking for Be truthful --- NEVER include information that cannot be verified by a previous employer or reference Use language that is interesting but not flowery or technical Avoid abbreviations

DO NOT: Include age, gender, national origin, religion or race Include personal information such as height, weight, health or marital status (these facts should not

have any bearing on your ability to do the job) List reasons for leaving past employment or other negative statements about yourself or past

employers Use “I”, “me”, or “my” in any part of the resume Use whiteout to make corrections or to change any information

JOB HUNTING -- The Cover Letter

WHY DO YOU NEED A COVER LETTER? It provides an opportunity for you to tell about yourself in a brief format It explains why you are sending a resume It initiates communication with a potential employer – with the objective being a personal meeting

with the employer! It convinces the reader to look at your resume

SOME HINTS Write to a specific person not to a company Call the company and ask for the correct spelling of an employer’s name along with his/her title and

address; your letter may need to go to someone in particular so that it receives proper attention Copy the letter on the same paper you used for your resume Keep it short (3 paragraphs) Remember that you are writing to a stranger about a subject that is serious to the both of you Avoid using slang words and ask someone to read it for you before making copies

WRITING SUGGESTIONS: Use 3 paragraph format Approximately 3 sentences per paragraph Three points to communicate

1. Introduce yourself – state your objective and how you learned of the job 2. Spark the employer’s interest – highlight specific skills and qualifications you can offer 3. State when you are available to work (full time, part time, seasonal) and communicate your

interest by asking for an interview and telling the employer how they can reach you

THIS MAY BE YOUR ONLY CHANCE TO SELL YOURSELF AND TO CATCH THE EMPLOYER’S ATTENTION!

The Thank You Letter

A thank you letter should always follow an interview – it is a courtesy to a potential employer and it makes a lasting impression. Mail it as soon as possible after returning home from the interview. Address the letter to the person with whom you interviewed. HINTS: Use the same paper as your resume and cover letter Keep is short and use simple language It should be typed, NOT hand written

The first paragraph should state that you are thankful they took the time to meet with you The second paragraph should repeat something that was specifically discussed in the interview (i.e.

you would enjoy the type of work, or you find the company fascinating, etc) The third paragraph should mention that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her about the

results of your interview and perhaps a number where you can be reached for further questions

JOB HUNTING -- The Application 10 Tips for Job Applications

1. Read all instructions before you begin to fill out the application.

2. Always use black or blue ink. Never use pencil. Don’t cross out information; ask for a fresh application

if you make a mistake. Be neat, the application is often your first impression on the employer and

determines if you get an interview.

3. Make sure your spelling is correct, use a dictionary if necessary.

4. Give honest complete answers to all questions.

5. Do not leave blank spaces. If a question does not apply to you, write N/A for not applicable

6. List the specific position or occupational area for which you are applying. Generally speaking,

employers react negatively to “anything” when written in the spaces reserved for the name of a job or

occupation.

7. Salary should usually be discussed in a personal interview with your employer. For this reason, it is best

to write “OPEN” in the space which requests the salary you expect to earn. If you put down too high a

salary, you might hurt your chance for a personal interview and a job.

8. Always make sure that your references are current and that all the information is complete including

name, address, telephone number, etc. Do not use family members as references unless the

application specifies otherwise.

9. Always make sure that your application is signed and dated.

10. Whenever you turn in your application, BE PREPARED TO BE INTERVIEWED. Be well groomed, dress to

impress, don’t tell employer “I don’t have time right now.” don’t bring people with you, etc.

**Some employers will have applications online or at a computer station in the store/office. Have you information handy when you go in to request an application in case paper copies are not available. This information might include social security number, information about past employment (including the name and telephone number of employer, salary and date of employment). Also bring the name and phone numbers of your references.

JOB HUNTING -- The Interview

Interviewing for a job can be the hardest part of the job searching process. It is natural to be nervous – but the best way to combat those feelings of anxiety is to prepare yourself for the experience. Employers use the interview to evaluate you – will you be able to do the job or is someone else better suited? This is your chance to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job! Employers have some expectations outlined before they even meet you. The following are expectations set forth by most employers: 1. Do you LOOK like the right person?

Appearance and first impressions may have the most impact on an interviewer. This includes physical appearance, mannerisms, politeness and paper work (such as your resume, cover letter and/or application).

2. Can you be counted on?

Are you on time to work? Do you get things done on time? Can you be trusted with important assignments? How well do you get along with others? Are you a hard worker?

3. Can you do the job?

Do you have the necessary skills to perform the duties of this job? What education or training do you have? What are your interests and hobbies? Have you ever had experience in this field before? What is your ability level in this field?

In one way or another, an interviewer must discover all of these things. At every point in the interview process, they are evaluating you – even when you least expect it! This includes the telephone conversation with the assistant or secretary who made the appointment, the first handshake, what you did while you were waiting to be seen and whether or not you were precisely on time for the interview!!!

FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Tell me about yourself. Why should I hire you? What are some of your strengths? What are some of your weaknesses? What sort of pay do you expect to receive? Why are you looking for this type of position? Tell me about the skills you can bring to this job. How do you spend your spare time, beyond the workday? How might you deal with a stressful situation on the job? What have you learned from other jobs you have held?

YOU MUST THINK AHEAD!

How would you answer these questions? Run through your answers with someone who can give you constructive feedback. Practice makes perfect!

Which of your school subjects did you like the best and why? How does your previous experience relate to the jobs we have here? What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why? What are your plans for the future – where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you know about our organization?

Is this the job for you? Keep in mind that an interview is your opportunity to make sure the job is the right fit for YOU! Will you be happy there? Is it in the pay range you need? Will it give you an opportunity to advance? Coming to an interview prepared with questions to ask shows the potential employer you are prepared, capable and truly interested.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS What would a typical day look like? What is the turnover rate for this position? What are the benefits that accompany this job? Are there opportunities to advance within the company? Are there opportunities for professional development and is it encouraged? What is the chain of command? OR Who would I report to?

Interview Dos and Don’ts… Dress conservatively, NOT trendy Carefully groom before the interview (you should be clean shaven and your hair should be pulled back

if it is long) Invest in an interviewing “outfit” (this could be a dark colored suit with a conservative tie or

conservative length to the skirt … discuss your apparel with someone else to get a second opinion) Arrive early (approximately 10 minutes early is best) Shake hands firmly SMILE! Use eye contact Sit alertly and show interest Answer questions completely – and ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you don’t understand

what s/he is asking Wait until your interviewer sits before you do – wait for them to offer you a chair Be aware of your hands and the way in which you fidget – it will be even more obvious to someone

who doesn’t know you Be kind to the secretary or the first person you make contact with when you walk in the door …

secretaries can and do give information to the interviewer about your behavior while you were waiting to be seen

Understand that it’s OK to be nervous! Try not to give a yes or no answer to a question but don’t ramble on and on Do not chew gum Do not smoke just before entering the office – the smell of cigarettes may offend your

interviewer

Do not discuss past employers in negative terms Do not boast or be overly aggressive Do not use slang words in your speech and try to avoid fillers such as “um”, “like”, “uh”, “you know

what I mean” – these are not professional terms

OK … YOU HAVE BEEN HIRED… NOW WHAT?

There are a number of reasons why people are fired from jobs, but why do employers KEEP employees? Here is a list of suggestions to help you keep a job that you have worked hard to get.

1. There’s no such thing as a “dead end job”. Learn all you can in the work place. The more you learn now, the more you can take with you when it’s time for you to move on to another employment opportunity. Show some initiative when working on projects by asking if there is anything you could be doing.

2. Don’t miss work. A minor illness, like a simple cold is not a good reason for missing work. Even if you

get sick time, you can call attention to yourself by using all of it for any reason. A new employee cannot afford this kind of attention.

3. Always be on time. There are very few acceptable reasons for being late.

4. Call if you will be absent or late. If you will be later than a few minutes or absent for any reason, call in

as early as possible in the workday.

5. Be neat and clean. Be careful about your grooming. Be aware of how others are dressing in comparison to you. Those who are most successful in the organization or those who have been there the longest often set the style and trend.

6. Find a “buddy” or mentor who can guide you. Search for someone with whom you get along well.

They should be able to answer your questions about the work you are doing.

7. Read personnel and procedure manual carefully. Follow the rules and regulations as outlined by these materials or by your supervisor. Ask questions – especially when you don’t understand procedures or policies.

8. Stay away from “problem” employees. There are always a few people in an organization who are

negative about their jobs. There are also those who break the rules and waste or abuse time at work. If you are affiliated with the “problem” employees, your co-workers and/or boss may begin to think that you agree with the negative behaviors and this may not help your chances for advancement or favorable treatment!

9. Keep personal problems at home. You are being paid to get a job done – do not spend work time on personal concerns. Socializing on the job can also be a difficult situation – some socializing is common but you can easily overdo it!

10. Work fast but carefully. It is important to work at a steady and quick pace. Find a pace that you can

maintain all day without making errors. Correcting mistakes just wastes time later!

REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN ALWAYS RETURN TO LOWER DAUPHIN FOR HELP OR GUIDANCE… YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO ALL OF THIS ALONE!

A SAMPLE RESUME

JOE STUDENT 123 School Road

Hummelstown, Pennsylvania (717) 898-0011

EXPERIENCE

LANCASTER GENERAL HOSPITAL, Lancaster, PA

April 2012 to Present Dietary Assistant Duties are: food preparation, displaying prepared meals in the food line, using a computerized cash register, delivering meals to patients, distributing menus to patients T.G.I. FRIDAYS, Harrisburg, PA January 2012 to March 2012 Busboy Responsibilities included: clearing tables, stocking wait stations, some dish washing, cleaning at the end of the shift TACO BELL, Lancaster, PA September 2011 to December 2011 Cashier Responsibilities included: customer service, using computerized cash register, cooking food products, counting money at the end of the shift

SKILLS Knowledge in customer relations Accomplished in food preparation Excellent communication skills Flexible

Bold! You want your

name to stand out!

This may be

centered or

aligned with

the left or right

side

Spacing should be

exactly the same

between headings Employment

should be

ordered by

most recent

job first then

the other

following in

order.

The position for

which you were

hired your “title”

Dates should contain months and

year(s) only

Entries are not complete sentences – it should simply list

your responsibilities

You may wish to include very specific skills

which you have been trained to use –

depending on how they relate to the job for

which you are applying for.

Responsible EDUCATION

General Equivalency Diploma – 2012 Lower Dauphin High School 2009-2011

*This is not the only kind of resume! For other styles see examples in the career center or your local library/bookstore.

Format for Cover Letter Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your E-mail Date Name (Employer’s name) Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: First Paragraph: Why are you writing? Remember to include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Middle Paragraphs: What you have to offer. Convince the readers that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph. Make connections between your abilities and their needs or your need for information and their ability to provide it. Final Paragraph: How you will follow up. Remember, it is your responsibility to follow up; this relates to your job search. State that you will do so and provide the professional courtesy of indicating when (one week is typical). Sincerely, Your Signature

Your Typed Name *Some Hints - Write to a specific person, not a company - Call the company and ask for the correct spelling of the employer’s name along with his/her title and address - Type the letter on the same paper that you used for your resume

- Keep it short (3 paragraphs) - Remember that you are writing to a stranger about a subject that is serious to both of you - Avoid using slang words

Format for Thank You Letter After Interview Address Date Name (Employer’s name) Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: First Paragraph: Should state that you wish to thank him/her for taking the time to meet with you. Second Paragraph: Should repeat either your possible contribution to the company or some other topic you felt was an important part of your interview (for example a particular issue regarding the work that you would be doing that you discussed). Final Paragraph: Should mention that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her about the results of your interview. * Some Hints - Use the same paper you used for your resume - Keep it short and use simple language as well as correct grammar - The thank you letter should be mailed as soon as possible, after returning home from the interview