Getting the Job

1. 3 Getting the Job 3.1 Getting an Interview 3.2 Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up

2. Lesson 3.1Getting the Interview GOALS • Prepare an application letter. • Prepare a resume based on guidelines. • Explain the importance of references and reference letters. Chapter 3

3. The Application Letter • The application letter, or cover letter, introduces you to a potential employer. • It should accompany your resume. • The application letter is a sales letter. • “Sell” your qualifications. • Create interest in the enclosed resume. • Make a good impression. Chapter 3

4. Contents of the Application Letter • Specific • Interesting • Direct Chapter 3

5. Application Letter—First Paragraph • Identify the purpose of the letter—why you are writing. • Be specific. • Tell the employer what job you want. Chapter 3

6. Application Letter—Middle Paragraph • Give reasons why you are a good choice for the job. • Explain your key qualifications—those that best fit the job. • Express interest in the company. • Describe experiences, classes, or skills that relate to the job. • Be enthusiastic. Chapter 3

7. Application Letter—Closing Paragraph • Wrap up the letter in a friendly yet assertive manner. • Be direct. • Ask for an interview. • Give the employer your phone number and indicate a good time to call. • Make it clear that you want an opportunity to discuss the open position. Chapter 3

8. Preparing of the Application Letter • White, standard size (8½ × 11-inch) paper of good quality • Mailing envelope of the same color and quality • Clear, crisp printout • Standard 12-point font, such as Arial or Times Roman Chapter 3

9. Parts of an Application Letter • Return address • The return address is the first thing to appear at the top of the letter. • It contains your complete mailing address and the date. • Letter address • The letter address contains the name and address of the person or company to whom you are writing. • It is also called the inside address. Chapter 3

10. (continued) Parts of an Application Letter • Salutation • The salutation is the greeting that begins your letter. • Body • The body is the message section of the letter. • Complimentary close • The complimentary close is a courteous phrase used to end a letter. • Phrases commonly used in business are “Sincerely” and “Cordially.” Chapter 3

11. Return Address Chapter 3

12. Letter Address Chapter 3

13. Salutation Chapter 3

14. Body Chapter 3

15. Complimentary Close Chapter 3

16. Preparing anE-Mail Application Letter • Set your e-mail to plain text • Place everything at the left margin. • Use no special formatting or tabs. • Prepare your application letter in your e-mail message window. Chapter 3

17. Parts of anE-Mail Application Letter • Date: Your message will be dated automatically. • Subject line: Put the title of the job you are seeking in the subject line. • Salutation: Start your message with the salutation. • Body: The body of your message should contain the same content as any other application letter. • Close: End the message with a complimentary close and your typed name, along with your mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number. • Attachment: Send your resume as an e-mail attachment. Chapter 3

18. E-Mail Application Letter Chapter 3

19. The Resume • A resume describes your work experience, education, abilities, interests, and other information that may be of interest to an employer. • A portrait in words • Other names • Personal data sheet • Biographical summary • Professional profile • Vita Chapter 3

20. Purpose of the Resume • The resume tells the employer • Who you are • What you can do • What your special interests are Chapter 3

21. General Guidelinesfor a Resume • Keep resume to one page. • Include all information pertinent to the job for which you are applying. • Choose a format that is attractive, professional looking, and easy to read. • Proofread thoroughly. • Use a high-resolution printer and good quality paper. Chapter 3

22. General Guidelinesfor a Resume • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! • The resume should be easy to read and follow. • Ask yourself: Would I hire someone with spelling and grammar mistakes? Chapter 3

23. Parts of the Resume • Personal information • Career objective • Education • Experience • Additional qualifications • References Chapter 3

24. Parts of the Resume Chapter 3

25. Parts of the Resume: Personal Information • Appears First • Includes • Name • Address • Telephone Number (with area code) • Alternate form of contact: cell phone, email address, or alternate phone number Chapter 3

26. Parts of the Resume: Career Objective • Short, assertive statement indicating our career goal • Include • 1-2 descriptors that describe yourself • Job title • Business name Chapter 3

27. Parts of the Resume: Career Objective • Experienced and responsible high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Virgin Records. • People-friendly and patient high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Utz Quality Foods, Hanover, PA. Chapter 3

28. Parts of the Resume: Career Objective • Efficient and self-motivated high school sophomore seeking a part-time position as a customer service representative at Snyder’s of Hanover. Chapter 3

29. Parts of the Resume Chapter 3

30. Parts of the Resume: Education • All secondary (high school) and postsecondary (college) schools you have attended. • Start with most recent first and then work backwards. • List major areas of study • GPA (if good) • Extra curricular activities • Honors • Specific courses that relate/apply to the job Chapter 3

31. Parts of the Resume Chapter 3

32. Parts of the Resume: Work Experience and Community Service • List all jobs that you have had—paid and unpaid. • Volunteer positions • List all community services that you have provided and any volunteer positions that you have held. • Include a section for duties and learning • Should be listed with most recent first and then work backwards. Chapter 3

33. Parts of the Resume Chapter 3

34. Parts of the Resume: References • People who have known you for some time (at least a year) that can provide information about you and your work. • Some companies require both professional and personal references. • When not indicated, its best to provide professional references Chapter 3

35. Scannable Resumes • Use the following • Simple standard font • Body of resume—11 or 12 point • Headings—no larger than 14 point bold or caps Chapter 3

36. (continued) Scannable Resumes • Avoid the following • Fancy fonts, italics, underlines, condensed type, shading, shadows, and white type on black background • Multiple columns • Horizontal or vertical lines, boxes, and graphics Chapter 3

37. References • References are people who have known you for at least a year and can provide information about your skills, character, and achievements. • References should be over age 18 and not related to you. • The best types of references include teachers, advisors, current and former employers, counselors, coaches, and adults in business. • Be sure to ask permission before listing people on your resume. Chapter 3

38. Reference List • If you choose not to list references on your resume, state “references available on request.” • Then have a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers available for employers who ask for them. Chapter 3

39. References • A reference letter is a statement attesting to your character, abilities, and experience, written by someone who can be relied upon to give a sincere report. • It is helpful to give those writing a reference letter a copy of your current resume or a short summary of your accomplishments and background. Chapter 3

40. Lesson 3.2Applying, Interviewing, and Following Up GOALS • List steps for properly completing an employment application form. • Explain how to prepare for and make a good impression on a job interview. • Prepare a thank-you letter as follow-up to a job interview. Chapter 3

41. The Application Form • An employment application, or job application, is a form that asks questions of people who apply for a job. • Ways to complete an application form • Use pen to fill out paper form • Complete form online at company web site • Download form and submit electronically Chapter 3

42. Completing an Employment Application • Write neatly using a black or dark blue pen. • Fill in all blanks appropriately. • Be truthful. • Have all necessary information with you. • Proofread carefully. Chapter 3

43. The Job Interview • A job interview is a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer to discuss a job opening. • You should spend at least as much time preparing for the interview as you did getting the interview. Chapter 3

44. Preparing for the Job Interview • Learn about the company. • Be prepared to answer questions. • Review your resume so that all your qualifications will be fresh in your mind. • Be prepared to answer open-ended questions, which require you to respond in paragraphs (rather than “yes” or “no”) and talk about yourself. • Be prepared to ask questions. Chapter 3

45. Things to Take to an Interview • Bring copies of your resume, reference letters, and transcripts. • Transcripts are school records that include a listing of courses you have taken along with the credits and grades you’ve received for them. • Bring a pad of paper, a pen, and any information you may need. • Use a briefcase or folder to keep your papers organized. Chapter 3

46. Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Go alone. Be prepared. Appear self-confident. Be courteous. Think before you speak. Emphasize your strong points. Be enthusiastic. Look for cues. Making a Good First Impression Chapter 3

47. The Follow-Up • Follow-up is contact with the employer after the interview but before hiring occurs. • It reminds the employer of who you are and could improve your chance of getting the job. Chapter 3

48. Thank-You Letter • The thank-you letter shows appreciation to the employer for taking time to speak with you. • It also brings you to the forefront of the interviewer’s mind, providing a reminder of your qualifications and interest in the company. Chapter 3

49. Writing a Thank-You Letter • Remind the interviewer of your interview. • Remind the interviewer of your interest. • Express your eagerness to hear from the interviewer. • Keep letter short and to the point. • Make sure the letter is error-free. Chapter 3