Job Seeker’s Workbook

1. Job Seeker’s Workbook © JIST Works

2. Table of Contents Section 1: Getting Started Section 2: Your Job Is Out There Section 3: Making a Good Impression Section 4: Success That Lasts © JIST Works

3. Section 1:Getting Started © JIST Works

4. Section 1: Getting Started Gather Information Prepare a Budget Calculate Rates of Pay Take a Skills Inventory Demonstrate Your Skills Know Your Job Preferences and Interests Explore Your Career Options Set Career Goals Organize Important Information in a Job Search Portfolio Manage Your Time Get Ready to Work Before You Find the Job Deal with the Stresses of Looking for a Job © JIST Works

5. Calculate Rates of Pay To calculate income, use the following methods: • Hourly Rate. To find the hourly rate of pay needed, divide the amount of money you need each month by the number of working hours in the month (173). Using the example on the next page, divide $891 (the amount of money needed each month) by 173 (the number of working hours in the month). This shows that you would need to make $5.15 per hour. • Weekly Rate. To find out the weekly pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of working hours in a week (40). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 40, you see that you need to make $206 per week. • Monthly Rate. To find the monthly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of work­ing hours in a month (173). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 173, you see that you need to make $891 per month. • Yearly Rate. To find yearly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number of working hours in a year (2,080). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 2,080, you see that you need to make $10,712 per year. © JIST Works

6. Sample Monthly Budget and Goal Sample Monthly Budget and Goal © JIST Works

7. Blank Budget © JIST Works

8. Skills Inventory Rating 1 2 3 Interest Skill Area and Example _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Adapted teaching styles/special tools Administered programs Advised people/peers/job seekers Analyzed data/blueprints/schematics/policies Appraised services/values Arranged meetings/events/training programs Assembled automobiles/computers/apparatus Audited financial records/accounts payable Budgeted expenses Calculated numerical data/annual costs/mileage Catalogued art collections/technical publication Checked accuracy/other’s work Classified documents/plants/animals Cleaned houses/auto parts Coached teams/students/athletes © JIST Works

9. Career Exploration Chart © JIST Works

10. Computer-Based Application © JIST Works

11. Traditional Application © JIST Works

12. Traditional Application (cont’d) © JIST Works

13. Section 2:Your Job Is Out There © JIST Works

14. Section 2: Your Job Is Out There Job Search Tools Tool 1: An Effective Resume Tool 2: A List of Positive References Tool 3: An Accurate Salary History Tool 4: A Well-Written Cover Letter or E-mail Message Tool 5: An Attractive Application Job Search Methods Method 1: Create a Network of Contacts Method 2: Make Cold Calls to Find the Hidden Job Market Method 3: Keep Contact Records for Each Organization Method 4: Research Organizations on Your Own Method 5: Respond to Want Ads © JIST Works

15. Tips on Resume Content Follow these guidelines when you write the rough draft of your resume: • Begin with your contact information. • Use category headings such as Objective, Professional Highlights, Education, Training, Skills, Professional Associations and Organizations, and Honors and Awards. • Include volunteer experiences, languages, internships, and certificates that relate to the position. • List your previous responsibilities and results that relate to the job you are seeking and the needs of the organization. • Give examples of your accomplishments and your ability to solve problems. • Provide statistics and numbers that prove your statements. © JIST Works

16. Tips on Resume Content (cont’d) • Go back at least 10 years for both education and experience. • Research the industry and know what information or keywords would impress an employer in that industry. • Use industry terminology when applicable. • Leave off salary information. Provide it only when requested. • Do not provide names of references on the resume, but include this statement: References Available Upon Request. • Use incomplete sentences that have action verbs and other words with lots of impact. • Be honest, positive, realistic, and specific. © JIST Works

17. Tips on Resume Appearance Follow these guidelines for formatting your resume: • Margins. One inch at top, bottom, left, and right. • Text. Left-justified with dates on the left. • Font. Conservative, easy-to-read style at 10 or 12 point size. • Page layout. Easy-to-locate information attractively arranged with plenty of white space. • Categories. Written in paragraph form. • Lists. Bulleted. • Length. Preferably one page but never more than two pages. • Paper. Neat and clean with no errors or corrections. • Ink color. Black. © JIST Works

18. Four Type of Resumes © JIST Works

19. Sample Functional Resume Maria L. Griego 301 Pearl Street, #15 Denver, Colorado 80204 Telephone: (303) 555-1111 mgriego@resume.com PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE Administrative Assistant position where my coordinating, analyzing, planning, and budgeting skills would be utilized. COORDINATING SKILLS Coordinated fund-raising activities of 20 members of the local Parent Teacher Association (PTA), successfully raising $6,000 for playground facilities. As member of the Women s League of St. Matthew Catholic Church, initiated a relief center to meet clothing needs of the community. Also developed a schedule to meet demands of 5 busy household members, including arranging carpools, cleaning, cooking, and managing other general household duties. BUDGETING SKILLS As Treasurer of our local Civic Association, managed $10,000 budget for 2 years. Organized and managed family budget for 17 years. During this period, have accumulated savings necessary for 2 years of college for daughter. In addition to financial matters, have learned to budget time through efficient organization of community activities and family responsibilities. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Developed interpersonal skills during 10 years of experience with PTA and church members. Learned the subtleties of persuading adults to contribute time and money to community projects. Invested considerable time and effort in developing open communication between family members. MEMBERSHIPS Elected treasurer of local Civic Association, 3-year term. Voted to Board of Directors for St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1-year term. President of PTA, 2 consecutive years. REFERENCES References furnished upon request. © JIST Works

20. Sample Chronological Resume © JIST Works

21. Sample Combination Resume © JIST Works

22. Sample Target Resume © JIST Works

23. Sample Reference List Juan Robart123 Treefront StreetDes Moines, IA 12345(123) 456-7899 REFERENCE SHEET PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Julia Silvers, Administrative Manager Kent Products, Inc. 123 West 32nd Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 111-2222 Robert Williams, Department Manager Spruce Electronics 1234 Jefferson Avenue Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 998-7654 Joseph Mitchell, Director of Marketing Jones Imports 12 Wheeling Circle Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 222-1111 PERSONAL REFERENCES Joy Smith 2345 East Park Hanover, IA 12345 (111) 131-3131 Jason McMurphey 11 Market Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 554-9901 © JIST Works

24. Salary History Grazier International 123 Alameda Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX Position Range: $21,500 $24,000/year, plus excellent benefits Balvin Corporation 456 Westcliff Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX Position Range: $20,000 $21,000/year, plus health & vacation benefits Computer Resources, Inc. 135 Jenson Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345 XXXX-XXXX $20,000/year Juan Robart 123 Treefront Street Des Moines, IA 12345 (123) 456-7899 SALARY HISTORY © JIST Works

25. General Cover Letter Outline [Your Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, ZIP Code] [Date of Letter] [Employer’s Name] [Employer’s Title] [Organization Name] [Organization Street Address] [Organization City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Employer s Name]: [INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Get the reader’s attention and tell why you are writing and which position you are applying for. Mention how you heard about the organization or the opening. Name someone the reader and you both know or someone in the organization who knows you. Show you’ve researched the organization. Talk about new projects the organization has taken on, or its management philosophy, or cite something you’ve read about the organization.] [BODY: Use this section to build a connection between your background and the organization s needs. Sum up your related experience or education so the reader can look for it in your resume. If you have skills or accomplishments that relate to the job, mention them here. You are effectively summarizing your skills as they relate to the organization. Do this with confidence.] [CONCLUDING INFORMATION: State your interest in working for the organization and hearing from the reader. Thank the reader for his or her time and consideration.] Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Name Typed] Enclosure © JIST Works

26. Job Search Methods How Most People Look for Work How Most Employers Look for Applicants Want Ads Employment Agencies Placement Agencies Word of Mouth DirectEmployerContact Internal Networks Job Postings External Networks Placement Agencies Want Ads Compare How Most People Look for Work with How Employers Look for Applicants © JIST Works

27. Networking Contacts Record Step 1: To begin building your network of contacts, make a list of individuals who can help you learn about com­panies and obtain job leads. Step 2: In the left column of the record, write the names and phone numbers of individuals and associations you know and will contact. Step 3: In the right column, write the names of people, companies, and organizations your contact referred you to, as shown in the Example. Example Personal Contact Jim Johnson at Elks Club (808) 123-7890 Organization(s) and People This Person Referred Me To Sue Peterson at Kacey Electrical Contractors (808) 123-4567 © JIST Works

28. Networking Contacts Record Organization: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Web Site Address:____________________________________ Contact Person and Title: _________________________________________________________ E-Mail address: _________________________________________________________________ Date Activity/Results Follow-Up ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ © JIST Works

29. Organization Contact Record Date Activity/Results Follow-Up Need to call Mr. Jamison on 4/03. Informational interview 7:30 a.m. 4/10. Need to call Carol Dey. Need to check back with Carol on 4/20. Cold call at 10 a.m. Receptionist said organization has 300 employees. Spoke with Human Resources. They told me to speak to Mr. Jamison, Design Department Supervisor. Spoke with Mr. Jamison. Set up informational interview. Personable, but very busy. Spoke for only 5 minutes. Met with Mr. Jamison. He said that in the next 3 months the industry will need many smog-certified mechanics due to new laws. Must be certified! Recommended I call Carol Dey, Installation Supervisor at Air Quality, Inc. Spoke to Carol Dey. She said to send her a resume. Sent resume and cover letter today. 4/01 4/03 4/10 4/15 © JIST Works

30. Organization Contact Record Organization(s) and People This Person Referred Me To Personal Contact _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ © JIST Works

31. Sample Organization Information Record Organization Name: ___________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Web Site Address:_______________________ Type of Services and/or Products Offered: _________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Position of Interest: ___________________________________________ Required Skills, Certification, Education, Work Experience: ____________ ___________________________________________________________ Air Quality, Inc. 1122 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado (303) 893-2126 www.airquality.com Evaluation, design of air pollution control equipment. Mechanic State licensed smog-certified technician or advanced emission specialist. © JIST Works

32. Organization Information Record Organization Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Web Site Address:_______________________________________________________ Type of Services and/or Products Offered: _________________________________________________________ Position of Interest: ___________________________________________________________________________ Required Skills, Certification, Education, Work Experience: ____________________________________________ Names, E-mail Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Possible Contact people: Owner/President: __________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Foreman/Supervisor: _______________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Manager: ________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ Human Resources Contact: __________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: _____________ Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone:______________ Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________ General Reputation of Industry: _________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Source of Information: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Person Phoned: ______________________ Results: _______________________ Additional Information About the Organization (Recent Contracts or Products, Expansions, Employments, Layoffs, Lawsuits, Competitors, Stock Prices, Plans for the Future, and Number of Employees: ______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ © JIST Works

33. Abbreviations in the Want Ads © JIST Works

34. Abbreviations in the Want Ads © JIST Works

35. Abbreviations in the Want Ads © JIST Works

36. Section 3:Making a Good Impression © JIST Works

37. Section 3: Making a Good Impression Prepare for an Interview Know What You Should Do at the Interview Look Your Best Practice Answering Typical Interview Questions Expect Questions About Not Having a Job Prepare Your Own Questions to Ask During a Job Interview Follow Up After an Interview Send a Thank-You Note or E-mail Message Record Information After the Interview Learn from Experience © JIST Works

38. Know What You Should Do at the Interview It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to… Bring only essential items to the interview: Bring anything unrelated to the job into the for example, resume, references, portfolio, interview: for example, your children, pets, licenses, and planner or small calendar. friends, pager, cell phone, gum, or cigarettes. Be on time or a few minutes early so you Be more than 20 minutes early or to be late. can relax and review what you want to say. Call if you run late. Be pleasant and friendly but businesslike to Be rude or ill-mannered toward anyone. everyone you meet. Any person in the building could be the boss! Shake hands firmly. Be yourself. Use Pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t natural gestures and movements. laugh too hard or try too hard to please. Stress your qualifications and emphasize Exaggerate or lie about your skills or experience and training related to the job experience. Doing so will only come back to opening. haunt you. Refer to the organization’s products and Mention problems the organization may be having. services as you answer questions, if you If any legal, financial, or personnel topics do come know about them. Your positive knowledge up, talk positively and optimistically about of the organization will be impressive. the organization’s future. © JIST Works

39. Know What You Should Do at the Interview It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to… Pause and think about your answer after Ramble on about a question you’ve already being asked a question. Answer questions answered. Give thoughtful answers, but don’t with more than a yes or no. A successful waste the interviewer’s time with information interview occurs if the interviewer talks that’s not relevant to the interview.50 percent of the time. Speak positively about past employers. Bring up past squabbles or problems with Stress what was good about previous work other employers or co-workers. If the inter‑ experiences, even if you were unhappy with viewer asks about your previous employment, the way things turned out. be as positive as you can, without lying. Talk positively about what you have done Mention that you have been on public and the skills you have. Remember that the assistance unless it’s relevant or the tasks you do at home, at church, and as a employer mentions it. Talk about your volunteer all count. strengths and experience instead. Know your salary range. When asked Say a number or a salary range before the “What are your ideas on salary?” answer interviewer does. After the employer makes with a question for the interviewer, such the first move and states a salary range or a as “What do you pay people with my skills specific number, you can respond to it. This and experience?” helps ensure that you get a fair offer. © JIST Works

40. Know What You Should Do at the Interview It’s A Good Idea To… It’s Not a Good Idea to… Ask questions about the organization’s plans Ask about salary and benefits. Doing so and the nature of the job. Your questions gives the impression that you’re only will indicate interest and motivation. interested in money. Be prepared for the interviewer to say, Accept a job immediately if it is offered to you “You’re perfect for this job. When can you at an interview, unless work needs to begin start?” Planning what to say will keep you immediately. Ask if you can think about the from making a snap decision. Most employers offer, talk to your family, and get back with will allow you time to make this decision. the interviewer the next day. This helps you make a decision you will be happy with. Thank the interviewer even if it is clear Get angry or unpleasant if the employer that you are not right for the job. Ask tells you that you didn’t get the job. about other companies that might be hiring. Be positive and thankful anyway. You Get the name of someone else to see. may want to apply for a job with the same employer again later! Send a brief thank-you note the day after Forget about the interview and assume the interview. Write or type neatly, and you didn’t get the job, even if you feel it briefly restate your interest in the position. didn’t go well. Call a few days after the interview to see Be a pest by calling several times over whether a hiring decision has been made. several days. Call once and then wait. If Remind the person what job you inter- you still don’t hear after several more days, viewed for and when he or she spoke call again.with you. Remember to be patient. © JIST Works

41. Tips on Grooming Before the Interview Women Should Men Should Bathe and shampoo your hair Bathe and shampoo your hair Use deodorant and only a little Use deodorant and only a little perfume, if any cologne, if any Brush your teeth and use mouthwash Brush your teeth and use mouthwash Apply natural makeup, including Shave, or wear a neatly trimmed matching lipstick mustache or beard Arrange your hair conservatively: Choose a conservative haircutnot too high or too far out on the sides © JIST Works

42. Tips on What to Wear to the Interview Women Should Wear Men Should Wear Clothes that are clean, free Clothes that are clean, free of wrinkles, and fit you well of wrinkles, and fit you well Solid, conservative colors Solid, conservative colors A skirt, business dress, pant A suit or a blazer/sports jacketsuit, or blouse and slacks Conservative jewelry: for A dress shirt that has a collar example, no dangling earrings and a tie that is darker than and only one ring on each hand the shirt Conservative shoes that are Dress shoes that are polished polished and clean and clean Conservative accessories: A belt that matches the shoesfor example, a purse or briefcase © JIST Works

43. More Than 20 Interview Questions • What do you know about our organization? (Use what you learned when you researched the organization.) • What qualifications do you have for this job? (Match what you know about the job and organization to your experience.) • What is your greatest strength? (Relate your strengths to the job description.) • What is your greatest weakness? (Show how your weaknesses can be positives; for example, indicate that you are a perfectionist with high self-expectations. Admit a past problem and what you learned from it.) • What can you tell me about yourself? (Reveal something that is somewhat personal but still professional.) • Why did you leave your previous job(s)? (Turn this into a positive.) • If you were hired, what ideas and talents could you contribute to the position or to our organization? • What would you do if _____? (Imagine situations that test your knowledge of the job.) • Can you give an example of how you have demonstrated _________skill? (Think first. Be specific. Speak only long enough to answer the question.) • What example can you give me of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job? © JIST Works

44. More Than 20 Interview Questions (Cont’d) • Why are you interested in working for this organization? (Relate your skills to what you know about the organization.) • What related education do you have? (Use examples that show how your education relates to the position.) • Why have you chosen this particular field? • How would you describe your best/worst boss? (Be positive, not critical.) • In a job, what interests you most/least? (Show how your interests are related to the position.) • How do others describe you? (Keep your response positive.) • What do you consider the single most important idea you contributed or your most noteworthy accomplishment in your last job? • Where do you see yourself in three years? (Demonstrate ambition and flexibility.) • How does this position fit into your future plans? (Demonstrate potential and ambition.) • What could you have done better on your last job? (Be positive.) • What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to work? • How would you describe yourself to others? (Be positive and brief.) © JIST Works

45. Questions You Might Want to Ask • What are your organization’s short- and long-term objectives? • How would you describe your organization’s personality and management style? • What do you see as the organization’s strengths and weaknesses? • What is the overall structure of the department that includes this position? • What characteristics does a successful person within your organization possess? • Where are the opportunities for advancement within this organization, assuming I meet or exceed the job’s responsibilities? • What are the opportunities here for personal growth? • When will a decision be made about this position? • What makes your organization different from others? • What are the key challenges or problems of this position? • What aspects of this job could be performed better in the future than they have been in the past? • How do you feel about working in this organization? • What do you see as my greatest strengths and weaknesses pertaining to this position? • Were there any questions that I didn’t adequately answer? © JIST Works

46. Sample Thank-You Note Raul Flores 123 Main Street, Apt. C-3 St.Paul, MN 55050 January 19, XXXX Mr. Vincent Kelger Research and Development Manager Computers International 11234 West Ivanto Avenue St. Paul, MN 55051 Dear Mr. Kelger: Thank you for the time you spent reviewing and discussing my skills in relation to the Computer Analyst position. I enjoyed learning more about your organization and your plans for the future. The position sounds very interesting, particularly because it would give me an opportunity to use my abilities and experience in computer programming and troubleshooting. I will call you in a few days in the hope that you have reached a decision favorable to both of us. Sincerely, Raul Flores © JIST Works

47. After the Interview Checklist Organization Name:______________________________ Date of Interview: ________________________ Interviewer’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Interviewer’s E-mail Address: ______________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Date to Call Back: ________________________________ Date of Decision: ________________________ Did I: Arrive on time? Yes No Dress appropriately? Yes No Appropriately indicate my interest in the job? Yes No Mention who referred me? Yes No Do I need to send additional information? Resume or application Yes No Reference list/reference letters Yes No Work samples Yes No © JIST Works

48. After the Interview Checklist (Cont’d) What was the interviewer’s general impression of my resume? ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What was discussed the most? ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What did the employer seem particularly interested in? _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What questions did I have the most difficulty answering? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What questions did I answer most effectively? _______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What further information did I obtain about the organization by asking questions? ____________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What can I do to improve my effort? ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ © JIST Works

49. Section 4:Success That Lasts © JIST Works

50. Section 4: Success That Lasts Get Ready to Work Make Wise Decisions Succeed at Work © JIST Works