Workforce Issues

Ch 7 & 8Speech

Respectful Communication

• Make direct eye contact when speaking to someone

• Offer a firm handshake when meeting someone

• Introduce friends to your family• When boss is ready to begin speaking, you

end your personal conversations

Courtesy and Tact• Courtesy: consideration, cooperation, and

generosity in providing something • Tact: a keen sense of what to do or say in

order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense

• Chain-of-Command: communicating with the correct people in the correct order.– Ex: student teacher counselor asst.principal

principal superintendent

• “Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

• “Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? If yes, ask: Is it hurtful? If yes, ask: Is it necessary?” ~ Vera Bradford

Appropriate Dress• Adapt to the occasion: always best to be as

dressed up as those around you OR just a little more nicely (everyone else is wearing slacks and a tie – don’t wear jeans… wear slacks and a tie or a suit)

• Do some research! (Company Expectations!)• Maintain Professionalism• Be neat and well-groomed• People should be impressed by what you do

and not by what you wear

Appropriate Tone ?• Aggressive Tone– Pushy and brash– Only considers own point-of-view– DON’T

• Nonassertive Tone– Lack of action or energy– Seems to lack self-confidence

• Assertive Tone– Direct, yet tactful

Assertive People Consider…

• Location: Is this the right place to talk?• Timing: Is this the right time to talk?• Intensity: What can I do to keep calm and not

be overbearing?• Relationships: How well do I know this

person? How is this conversation going to affect this person’s role & responsibility?

Networking

• Developing personal contacts you can use for information or tips on job-hunting

• Means you’re always thinking ahead!

People Skills

• Making Introductions• Conversations– Talking too much– Talking too little– Interrupting

• Offering and Receiving Criticism• Clear and Accurate Directions

Dossier

• Personal Inventory• 1) Personal Work History– Name, address & number– Supervisors & contact information– Dates of employment– Duties, responsibilities, and skills required for the

job– Recognitions, promotions or awards

• 2) Education– Schools attended (how long there)– Grade point average– Honors or awards– Activities, clubs, groups, or sports teams– Leadership positions

• 3) Self-assessment– What are you proudest of?– What mistakes have you made and what have you

learned?– How well do you interact with authority?

Résumé

• Formal, business version of your personal inventory

• Places to help on the world wide web:– http://resumizer.com/– http://www.collegegrad.com/resume/resumemak

er.shtml– http://www.howtowritearesume.net/– And many many others!

Parts of a résumé

• Identification– Name, address, contact information

• Objective or job goal– What is the purpose of this resume?– “Seek a hostess position at a fine dining

establishment”– “Win an academic scholarship from the Rotary

Club”

• Education and training– Put most impressive credentials first– Note any job related skills!

• Work History– Most recent to oldest

• Personal data– Clubs, organizations, volunteer work

• References!!!– 1. Full names – 2. Addresses and Phone numbers (current)– 3. Ask the person FIRST

Resume tips

• Be positive– Sell your good points!

• Be brief– Keep it to one page

• Stick to the facts– Can’t back it, don’t say it!

• Use clear language• Keep the goal in mind!

• Use ACTION words (see pg 211)• Research the school/job BEFORE you go!• Practice practice practice

Answering interview questions

• General questions:– Why do you want to work here? What are your

strengths/weaknesses? What would you like to do in the future?

• Educational:– What are your grades like? What are your favorite

or least favorite classes? What extracurriculars are you in and why?

• Job-related:– Why should I hire you? Are you committed to this

job/school for a period of time? What are responsibilities you are used to taking on?

• Personal:– Tell me about yourself. What are your

accomplishments? What are the things that are most important to you?

How to answer

• Be positive (sell yourself!)• Don’t be afraid to pause and think BEFORE

answering a question.• Rehearse the tough questions.

“Illegal” Questions

• Politics• Religion• Marital/dating situation• Physical/mental disabilities• Weight

• * Employers MAY ask about physical fitness or physical problems that may inhibit your ability to do the job.

Your turn!

• You can ask questions too!– Late in the interview– Can ask about specific duties of the job– Can ask about hours expected to be on the job– Can ask about projected salary

• Don’t ask about holidays, sick leave, personal days though. They’ll think you’re already preparing to get out of working.

Interview issues

• Be alert and project energy.• Pay close attention to the questions asked.• Could be one-on-one, could be a team or

panel interview• Dress in the clothes you would probably wear

on the job OR just a little nicer.• BE ON TIME or even a little early.

Interview Checklist1. Do I have copies of my resume?2. Do I have my references?3. Have I left time to be ON TIME?4. Am I dressed neatly and appropriately? Turned off

my cell phone or other electronics?5. Even if I don’t feel well, can I remember to sit up

and look alert?6. Can I remember not to criticize others (even past

employers)?7. Can I remember to make good eye contact? Use the

interviewer’s name? thank the interviewer at the end?

Follow up:

• Right after you get home, jot down notes of what you think you did well and where you could improve next time.

• Send a thank you note for the interviewer’s time. Restate your interest in the position.

• After a week or two, call to see if the job has been filled.