Riverside County Office of Education Career Technical Education Job Search Handbook 2014 - 2015.

Riverside County Office of Education

Career Technical Education Job Search Handbook

2014 - 2015

The Cover Letter• Cover Letter/Letter of Application• Cover Letter Practice• Sample Cover Letters• Cover Letter Checklist

The Application • The Application Process• Online Application Process• Application Checklist• Employment Application

Outline

The Résumé• The Résumé• Résumé Headings• Résumé Worksheet• Contacting Employer by Phone• Employer Contact Sheet• Sample Résumés• Electronic Submission of Résumés• Résumé Check List• Online Résumé Submission

The Interview• Interview Process• Tips on Interview Questions• Dress for Success

Outline (continued)

The Follow-Up• How to Say Thank You• Follow-Up Letter Practice• Sample Follow-Up Letter

Keeping a Job• Twenty-Five Tips to Keep a Job

Sources of Employment• Resources for Job Search• Employment Background Checks• Resources for Job Training• CTE Information

Outline (continued)

The Job Search

Five Steps to a successful job search:• Self Evaluation – Learning about yourself• Research – Finding out what opportunities

exist• Preparation – Creating a cover letter and

résumé• The Job Search – Contacting employers,

filling out applications, going to interviews• Follow-Up – Sending a thank-you letter

Introduction

• First and foremost, you need to explore who you are and what you want to do.

• Think about what you like to do, how other people describe you and what you are skilled at doing.

• Completing the sentences on page 3 of the Job Search Handbook will help you learn about yourself.

Who Am I?

• Think of the skills that you possess.

• Create a Personal Skills Inventory for yourself.

• Carefully phrase your skills in order to communicate your abilities to their fullest extent.

• See page 4 of the Job Search Handbook for examples.

Personal Skills Inventory

• Which career pathway is right for you?

• Take the RIASEC test on page 5 of the Job Search Handbook.

• Check your results on page 6 and see which career pathway best suits you!

The RIASEC Test

The Cover Letter

There are three basic parts to a cover letter:• Begin with an interesting first paragraph that

grabs your readers attention and tells the employer which position you are applying for.

• Briefly summarize your skills and qualifications.

• End with a closing paragraph that asks for an interview appointment.

Cover Letter Basics

• Complete the draft cover letter on page 9 of the Job Search Handbook.

Cover Letter Practice

Here are some pointers when creating your cover letter:• The letter is addressed to an individual• Use the “you” approach• Convey confidence and enthusiasm• Be concise• Refer to your résumé• Be professional• Be direct• Write accurately using proper English

Use the cover letter check list on page 13 of the Job Search Handbook to make sure you have included everything.

Sample Cover Letters

The Application

• Remember: The information you provide will tell the employer your ability to follow instructions, your character, professionalism and your thoroughness.

Job applications come in two types:• Standard Paper Application• Online Employment Application

The Application Process

• Be prepared• Read and follow instructions carefully• Complete the application neatly• Tailor your answers to fit the job• Don’t leave blanks (use “N/A” instead)• Leave negative information out• Answer truthfully• Don’t put specific salary information – “listed

position pay”• Provide quality references• Proofread your application before submission

Application Tips

Things to Avoid or Not Do• Using colored ink (Black is the standard)• Messy, not legible• Misspelled words• Leaving blanks• Missing pertinent information• Missing signature• Not following directions• Inappropriate email address• Inappropriate voicemail/message/non-musical

Application Pitfalls

Sample Employment Application

• Use the Application Check List on page 20 of the Job Search Handbook to be sure you have completed your application correctly before submission.

Application Check List

The Résumé

• A résumé is a short summary of your qualifications.• Demonstrate that you are qualified for the position.• Build on your strengths and accomplishments.• Be concise, logical and to the point.• Exclude any personal and/or negative information.• Modify your résumé for each position that you are

applying.• Note: The appearance of your résumé is your first

impression to the employer.

Résumé Basics

Chronological Résumé – emphasizes dates• Lists positions you have held by date, beginning with the most recent.• Stresses organizations for which you have worked.• Highlights strong, steady work background.

Functional Résumé – emphasizes skills• Lists skills and abilities for those with limited work experience.• Stresses professional or personal growth.• Lessens impact of weak job history.

Scannable Résumé• More businesses are requiring resumes to be formatted for scanning

into their computer systems.• Omits features that make resumes more attractive such as graphics.• Format for online submissions need to be submitted in a common

software such as, Word, PDF or plain text.

Résumé Types

A résumé should have categories tailored to your background and experience, some of them may include:• Education• Work Experience• Certificates• Volunteer Work

• Be sure to use action words to make your résumé stand out. See page 23 of the Job Search Handbook for suggestions.

Résumé Headings and Action Words

• You can use some common professional vocabulary when developing a résumé.

The four categories are:• Factual (i.e. access, locate, recall, select)• Conceptual (i.e. adhere, demonstrate, infer,

promote)• Procedural (i.e. comply, differentiate, evaluate,

solve)• Metacognitive (i.e. build, create, produce,

synthesize)

Common Core Vocabulary

When choosing a job objective for your résumé, carefully write one that:• Meets the employers needs• Outlines the position you are seeking

Sample Job Objectives:• Seeking a position as a medical receptionist to

utilize my excellent people and organizational skills.

• To utilize my business, communication, and human relation skills to sell products/services for your organization.

Job Objective for the Résumé

• A great start for someone who has never created a résumé before is to use the résumé worksheet on pages 26 & 27 of the Job Search Handbook.

• You can also view some of the sample résumés on pages 28 – 31 of the Job Search Handbook.

Résumé Worksheet

• Many employers in today’s society are using scannable résumés. The purpose of this is to compare the applicants résumé with the job opening possibilities.

• Keywords are often placed at the top of a résumé because many programs will only scan the first 50 words on a résumé.

• These keywords are nouns that label you and they increase the chances of a job interview.

• Include job titles, department names, organizations, degrees, skills or knowledge. See the examples of keywords on page 32 of the Job Search Handbook.

Scannable Résumés

• Don’t forget to use the résumé check list on page 33 of the Job Search Handbook to make sure you included everything.

Résumé Check List

Telephone Calling Script:• Speak clearly; use good grammar and articulation.• If you have a contact name and extension, have the information

on-hand. If not, ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring or the contact person from the employment ad.

• State the purpose of your call and reference the specific position.• Ask if the position has been filled. If not, describe your

qualifications and request an interview.• If the position is already filled, express interest in future openings

and offer to send a résumé.• Get the name and job title of the person you are speaking with, if

it is unknown to you.• Be pleasant and positive, always say thank you before hanging up.• Use the Employer Contact Sheet on page 35 of the Job Search

Handbook when making phone calls to future employers.

Phone Contact with Future Employers

The Interview

Before the Interview:• Do your homework, practice answers to questions

that might be asked.• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.• Visit the site prior to the interview to determine

location, parking and travel time.• Have a copy of your resumé ready.• Develop and prepare your career portfolio to take

with you.• Take time for good grooming and hygiene.• Go alone and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Before the Interview

During the Interview:• Do not chew gum or smoke.• Relax, be yourself, and demonstrate self-confidence.• Don’t tell hard luck stories or appear desperate.• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.• Don’t interrupt the interviewer.• Demonstrate good posture and mannerisms.• Be enthusiastic, not negative, impatient or hostile.• Stress your qualities and skills.• Don’t speak unkindly of former employers or teachers.• Keep a businesslike attitude.• Ask questions about the job or company.• Use proper language, such as, “yes” in reply to a question.• Do not ask about salary, unless the interviewer brings it up or you

are offered the job.• Once you have been offered the job, you can negotiate salary.

During the Interview

• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time; smile and shake hands.

• Thank the receptionist for his/her courtesy, and ask for the interviewer’s business card for the thank you card or letter.

• Send a thank-you card or letter within 24 hours of the interview.

After the Interview

• Review pages 38 – 40 of the Job Search Handbook for tips on answering common questions you might hear on an interview. Reading these tips will help you give the best response at your interview.

• Have someone practice with you prior to the interview.

Answering Interview Questions

How To Stand Out In A Crowd• Be ready to focus on your strengths• Get the lay of the land• Assert yourself• Show grace under pressure• Expect the unexpected• Play up your people skills• Up the ante• Panel interviews• Phone interviews

See pages 40 & 41 of the Job Search Handbook for a short description on how to carry out these tips.

Pointers for Group Interviews

What Not To Wear:• Floppy, slipper type shoes.• Well worn pants or jeans.• Spandex, or other body-hugging fabrics.• Anything that bares too much skin; cover any tattoos.• Anything ripped or tattered.• Mini skirts; skirts should be of an appropriate length.• Excessive jewelry (gaudy, nose rings, 10 rings in your ear).• Loud, expensive, artistic nail polish or long acrylic nails.• Decorated designer hosiery.• Clothes that are too tight or short; don’t wear baggy clothes.• See through fabrics.• Ties that are too loud, cartoonish, or too busy in design.• Don’t display body piercings.• Hats or sunglasses.

Dress for Success – What Not To Do

What to Wear:• Neat, clean ironed clothing.• Items that match.• Comfortable & moderate jewelry & accessories.• Blazer or jacket.• Socks.• Clean and manicured nails.• Moderately applied cosmetics/makeup (for day wear).• If new shoes aren’t in your budget, keep your shoes polished

and have run over heels redone at a shoe repair shop.• Think quality, comfort and a successful image.• Your smile and positive attitude.• Get dressed for work, not a fashion show or barbeque.• Remove body piercings, including tongue piercings.• Cover all tattoos with sleeves or other articles of clothing.

Dress for Success – What To Do

The Follow-Up

After leaving the interview:• Record the names and titles of the people you met.• List the key points about the job.• List questions you did not answer very well.

• Write and send a follow-up letter. This helps you stand out from the competition and it also keeps your name in the hiring manager’s mind.

• You can also phone the company to find out their hiring decision. Refer to page 44 of the Job Search Handbook for a short script.

How to Say Thank You

• Purchase a box of thank you cards in advance.• Follow-up after both in-person and phone interviews.• Send a personal hand written note or email to everyone you

met.• Email is the fastest way to say thank you.• Ensure that your response is within 24 hours of the

interview.• Reiterate your interest in the job and company.• Highlight your relevant skills.• Mention anything you wished you had said, but didn’t, in

your interview.• Keep your correspondence short.• Proofread your email and notes before sending them.• Review sample thank you notes online if you are not sure

what to write.

Interview Follow-Up Tips

• See pages 45 & 46 of the Job Search Handbook for sample letters.

Follow-Up Letter Practice

Keeping a Job

1. Get off to a good start.2. Follow the rules.3. Keep a learning attitude.4. Find out where you fit.5. Work smoothly with others.6. Be aware of the grapevine.7. Respect others.8. Be loyal – but be true to yourself.9. Show strength of character.10. Develop positive traits.11. Eliminate negative traits.12. Communicate.13. Professional phone etiquette.14. Create a businesslike image.15. Plan your work.

25 Tips on How To Keep A Job

16.Increase your efficiency.17.Employment policy on sensitivity to others.18.Take advantage of in-service training.19.Challenge yourself.20.Think about your management potential.21.Personal phone use at work.22.Internet use at work.23.Social responsibilities.24.What to do when you make a mistake.25.You are the deciding factor.

See pages 48 – 52 of the Job Search Handbook for a short description on these tips.

25 Tips on How to Keep a Job(Continued)

Sources of Employment

• Networking: With this method, you tell people you know that you are looking for a job.

• Internet: You search various websites to look for job openings and résumé help.

• Advertisements: Check advertisements for job openings.• Broadcasting: This method utilizes a mass mailing to

companies that you are interested in. Mail each company a letter asking for a job interview.

• Placement Services: You can use Private Employment Agencies for permanent and temporary jobs.

• Miscellaneous: Checking with county agencies or other professional associations is another way to search for job opportunities.

Resources

For volunteer services you could contact:• Volunteer Center of Riverside

2060 University Avenue, Room 212 Riverside, CA 92507

• California Municipal Services 1450 University Avenue Riverside, CA 92507

Similar agencies will be available in your area, check your local listings.

Volunteer Services

• CTE offers career preparation training to high school and adult students. CTE offers trainings in over 40 career areas based upon current and future labor market demands.

• This is a great opportunity to get the skills you need.

• Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Training.

• See page 56 of the Job Search Handbook for a listing of the industry courses.

Career Technical Education Training

Ready for Employment? Expect background checks. Once you authorize your potential employer to do a background check, they can pull the following information:• FICO Score• Employment History• Credit History• Education• Criminal Activity• Online Activity• DMV Record

Employment Background Checks

Who can enroll? • Students 14 years of age or older.

How much does it cost? • There is no tuition for high school students.

How are CTE classes taught? • Classes are a combination of classroom instruction and

on-the-job training.

Will I get a job? • Your CTE course includes job search skills. While you

are not assured a job, our placement rate is generally very high.

All About High School CTE

Affordable courses are offered to adults in the following subject areas:• Acute Care for Nursing• Banking & Financial Services• Child Care Occupations• Dental Assisting• Dental Continuing Education Courses• Emergency Medical Technician• Home Health Aide• Medical Assisting/Clinical• Medical Clinical Administrative Professional• Medical Office Professional• Nursing Assistant• Nursing Services & Support Occupations• Pharmacy Technician• Registered Dental Assistant• Welding

School of Career Education“Connected To the World of Work”

Call (951) 826-4723 to register today!

or visit our website:www.riversidesce.org