Chapter 3 Preparing for Your Employment Preparing for Your Employment Locating Job Prospects Ethical Issues in Job Search Preparing Employment Documents Interviewing for Position Testing Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 2 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Preparing for Your Employment (continued) Composing Follow-up Letters Conducting Electronic Job Search Making Decisions Regarding Employment Opportunities Considering International Employment Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 3 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Networking Exchange of information Discuss employment goals with instructors, business friends, and family Keep in touch to learn about employment opportunities Attend functions such as career fairs Participate in seminars Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 4 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Networking (continued) Share information to receive information Be a good listener Ways to improve networking skills: Choose corporate mentor for information and advice about organization Never limit your contacts Make yourself visible Increase your reading of business materials Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 5 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Electronic Social Networks Participate in social networks such as blogs and Facebook Consider visibility Consider image as viewed by potential employers Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 6 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Campus Career Centers Watch for employment Schedule appointment to talk about specific interests, to ask questions, and to seek guidance Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 7 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Job Fairs Attend job (career) fairs to learn about Potential employment opportunities Qualifications or requirements for available positions Future employment opportunities Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 8 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Business News Items Read business news appearing in newspaper in area where you plan to work Learn about news such as Opening another branch or relocating Any changes within organization that may indicate career opportunities Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 9 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Direct Application Do not wait for job to be advertised Take initiative and apply Be optimistic – give impressive application Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 10 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Staffing Services Jobs listed with public and private employment agencies State supported employment offices and U. S. Employment Service list openings for all kinds of work Private staffing agencies charge fees to prospective employer Both administer skills test, locate job openings, and send you on interview Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 11 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment Federal Employment Information Center for updated job vacancy listings http://www.usajobs.opm.gov Announcements of jobs List of local government agencies Application forms Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 12 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment (continued) Contact regional or local personnel offices; request: Career opportunities brochures Job announcements and information Obtain local government field offices in telephone book’s blue pages Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 13 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Federal Government Employment (continued) Visit local library for: United States Government Manual Federal Career Directory Occupational Outlook Quarterly Occupational Handbook Test required for some jobs Thorough check on background, work experience, and education Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 14 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Newspaper Advertisements Look for jobs listed under variety of headings Study ads for information concerning trends in employment Answer ads promptly Follow instructions Submit stated qualifications with cover letter and resume Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 15 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—Newspaper Advertisements (continued) Blind advertisement Newspaper advertisement lists post office box number or telephone number as contact When contacted: Ask for company name and ask questions about job during phone conversation Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 16 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Job Prospects—In Other Geographic Areas Use Internet to research city or company name Ask career counselor at your school for help Inquire at local public library for telephone directories and newspapers for city where you are seeking employment Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 17 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Prospects in Other Geographic Areas (continued) Write, e-mail, or fax Chamber of Commerce in desired location State employment goals and ask about opportunities in your field Understand list of prospective employers may be limited only to Chamber of Commerce members Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 18 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Ethical Issues in Job Search What are consequences of “stretching” truth or falsifying or misrepresenting information about your Skills? Experience? Education? Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 19 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Preparing Employment Documents— Resumes Summary of applicant’s qualifications for job being sought Must be Well written Well presented Well organized Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 20 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Preparing Employment Documents— Resumes (continued) Resume should answer: Who you are Type of job you are seeking Qualifications Experience Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 21 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Preparing Employment Documents (continued) Resume software Takes hassle out of creating from scratch Provides tips, examples, and action words Formats information in style of choice Helps you write application and follow-up letters Submits resume to major career Web sites in clear and readable format Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 22 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Resume styles Chronological Functional Targeted Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 23 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Purpose of resume To obtain interview Self-appraisal inventory Details your educational background, work experience, and personal qualities and interests Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 24 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Points of emphasis List qualifications in first line of each section Get most essential data on first page Keep resume to two pages Decide which is most persuasive – work or education, and place after objective Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 25 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Suggested outline for chronological resume Plan resume to present qualifications and highlight strongest points Be consistent in verb usage Use lists to describe duties or skills Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 26 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Headings Name Address Telephone number Provide permanent address to ensure you will receive any documentation sent Use answering system to avoid missed calls Fax number E-mail address Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 27 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Job objective State type of position you are seeking and name of organization with which you are seeking employment Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 28 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Education List degree (certificate or license), major, and name of college conferring latest degree List skills Bilingual High keyboarding speed Software proficiency Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 29 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Experience List most recent position first and employment experience If limited, include part-time, summer, and volunteer work Use separate entry for each job Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 30 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Interests and activities Not required to add personal data If you believe certain personal data may be to your benefit, include it Add whatever you believe will support application, such as honors received, extracurricular activities, and professional associations Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 31 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) References List three or more former employers and teachers who can provide specific evaluation of competence, work habits, and attitude toward work For character references – do not give name of relative Ask permission of each person before including his or her name Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 32 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Appearance of resume Print with quality bond paper Use one-inch margins Use short phrases Explain any unfamiliar abbreviations or acronyms Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 33 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Appearance of resume (continued) Print heading at top of first page, centered, and in format that is eye-catching and easy to read Use side headings Use heading on second page – your name and page number Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 34 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Appearance of resume (continued) To ensure your resume is not filtered out: Clearly state skills Follow instructions of how ad states company wants to receive resume Concentrate on every detail – avoid errors Respect ads that request applicants not to telephone company Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 35 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Faxing your resume Time spent printing on bond paper and/or using color ink, and then faxing may be wasted effort Include cover letter with fax, just like resumes mailed or delivered If resume is attractive enough to earn points, mail original in addition to fax Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 36 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) E-mailing your resume Keep it confidential No guarantee that recipient’s screen or printer will maintain format Send backup copy in postal mail Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 37 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes Scanning (continued) Scanning your resume Recruiters use key words to search database of resumes Within minutes list of applicants whose resumes match stated criteria is brought to screen Saves lots of time Scanning can dramatically change appearance of resume Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 38 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes Scanning (continued) When submitting resume, use caution in preparing information Omit special formats Don’t use bullets, italics, underline, bold, center or indent, or include graphics Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton Use multiple pages Use white paper Use key words Include specific software names Use common resume headings: 39 Objective, Education, Experience, and Interests © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Resumes (continued) Resume reminders Before submitting resume, check following to ensure Appearance Content Accuracy Delivery in appropriate/requested way Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 40 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters—Prospecting Letter Written by applicant who does not know job opening exists Represents initial effort at locating an employer to consider qualifications Use interesting opening Focus on facts Make brief reference to enclosed resume Use closing that requests action Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 41 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters—Solicited Letter More specific than prospecting letter because applicant knows job opening exists First paragraph refers to job Ask to be considered for job Discuss every requirement mentioned Enclose resume and refer to it Close letter by requesting action Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 42 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters— Appearance Use good bond paper—8 1/2 by 11 inches Match paper with resume paper Address letter to specific person Limit letter to one page Keep font and format conservative Keep appearance professional Keep information balanced on page Time its arrival – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 43 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Cover Letters—Reminders Cover letter is window to resume Provides best view of skills Serves as a marketing tool Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 44 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Application Forms Complete form at company’s request Complete each section Write “Not Applicable” (N/A) or “Does Not Apply” when area doesn’t apply—do not leave blank Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 45 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Application Forms Follow instructions (continued) Use ink Know important dates, phone numbers, and addresses for references Use exact title of position you are applying for Complete form as requested May staple resume to back of application form Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 46 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Portfolios Decide whether to use paper or electronic Provide collection of best work Organize samples into sections Include table of contents and title page Package attractively Introduce portfolio during interview Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 47 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Interviewing for Position Purpose of interview Gives interviewer opportunity to evaluate application Personality, attitudes, professional appearance, and communication skills Provides opportunity for applicant to appraise position and organization Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 48 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before the Interview— Prepare Research organization Practice run to location Learn current salaries for similar jobs in community Summarize qualifications Dress appropriately Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 49 Decide which qualification to emphasize Anticipate questions Formulate answers to questions Schedule ample time for getting ready and arriving for interview © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview— Research Use Internet or library to study organization Products or services Profitability Number of employees Years in business Recent expansions Any mergers Competitive standing in industry Hiring practices Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 50 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview— Research (continued) Regarding Job objective and why you feel qualified Personal interests or opinion on latest current events Questions to gain insight into your personality Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 51 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview— Behavioral Questions When question asked leads to next and probes deeper into experience or scenario described by applicant Be honest if no experience in area asked about But, ask if you have related experience, see if you can share situation Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 52 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Legal Questions Shouldn’t be asked about: Marital status, age, smoking habits, race, or native tongue Can ask: If you have valid driver’s license Been convicted of crime Cannot ask if you’ve been arrested Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 53 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Ask Intelligent Questions Mention that you did research and have few questions. Refer to sheet of questions you brought into interview Good questions you can ask: To whom would I report? What personal qualities improve likelihood for success in this position? Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 54 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview– Appearance Makes Statement Look professional Dress conservatively Whatever you decide will be your image, consider strong nonverbal message your image will send Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 55 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—Be Punctual Know exact location Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early Never schedule two interviews in same morning or afternoon You have no control over length of an interview You cannot feel at ease if concerned about time Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 56 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Before Interview—What to Take to Interview Portfolio Pen and paper Extra copies of resume List of three of more references Job ad Typed list of questions Business card Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 57 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—During Interview May be one interviewer or panel of interviewers Interviewer controls interview May ask “Tell me about yourself” or ask specific questions When asked question, give full answer Ask for clarification on questions not understood Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 58 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—During Interview—What About Salary? Never ask during interview Reserve these questions when offered job If interviewer asks, Be prepared to state range Don’t sell yourself short when salary is discussed Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 59 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Closing the Interview Watch for cues interview is coming to an end Offer firm hand shake Restate interest in position Check follow-up procedure Leave business card If offered position: Say you want to take time to consider it, or If you have no doubt, accept at once Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 60 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—After Interview Make each interview learning experience— Were qualifications presented well? Were qualifications overlooked? Was I tense or too aggressive? Did I talk too much? Did I ask enough questions? How can I improve on next interview? Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 61 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Applying for Jobs—Campus Interview Many organizations actively recruit postsecondary graduates –on campus Dress for interview – not class Stress strong points Listen attentively Respond to questions / ask questions Project your personality If asked for follow-up interview or to take test – get necessary information Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 62 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Testing May cover Software applications Written communication, including spelling and punctuation Math Personality tests and mental ability tests May have time limits Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 63 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Composing Follow-up Letters Thank-you Reminder Courtesy letter restating interest in position After few weeks, if you have not received response, remind interviewer of interest Include another resume Inquiry If you have not heard anything by time indicated, write or call, indicating interest if position is still available Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 64 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Composing Follow-up Letters (continued) Job acceptance Follow up even if you accept job, or are asked to call to accept Repeat report-to-work information about date, time, and place Job refusal Be prompt in refusing Begin with favorable statement about contact with interviewer or organization Indicate if accepted another job or if continuing search for particular job Close with pleasant comment Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 65 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Conducting an Electronic Job Search Use for job searching and sending resume to online career services Use online resume builder or send resume Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 66 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued) Resume becomes part of database accessible to employers looking for employees with required skills Personal information is kept confidential When employer believes you have credentials they need, you must give permission for information to be released to company Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 67 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued) To ensure resume is scanner friendly Describe personal traits in nouns, not verbs Use key words found in job ad Use common resume headings Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 68 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Conducting an Electronic Job Search (continued) To keep resume clean and simple Don’t use italics or bullets Don’t use bold or underline Don’t use indents or centering Don’t use colored paper Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 69 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Making Decisions What happens if you are offered several positions of which any one would be ideal for you? Which one do you choose? How do you learn to make good decisions? Use decision-making steps (refer to Chapter 2) Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 70 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Considering International Employment Curriculum vitae (CV) used in international employment search May contain more than one page Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 71 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Considering International Employment (continued) CV components Personal information section References Detailed information on all former positions held List of memberships in professional organizations Overseas living and working experience Publication credits Detailed education information Recent picture Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 72 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Considering a CV for International Employment (continued) When forwarding CV, include copies of: Diplomas Certificates Transcripts Passport Organizations outside of U.S. may ask any information Under no legal restraints Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 8e Burton and Shelton 73 © 2011 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.