Getting a job can be a lot of work. In this unit you will learn how to search for, apply to and interview for a job.
1) Searching for Job
Opportunities
 Job Search Assignment
2 – 4
10
2) Completing
Applications
3) Creating a Resume


What’s Wrong With That?
Completed Application



Dos and Don’ts
Resume Critique
Your Resume
4) Writing a Cover
Letter
 Cover Letter
7 – 9
10
14
15 – 16
17
23
15
25
10
10
40
20
5) Interviewing 

Interviewing Power Point
Mock Interview
26
27
25
50
CS U4 Self-Market pp 1 5/28/09

There are many ways to find a job. In this section you will practice your job finding skills.
Assignments
 Searching for a Job Worksheet
CS U4 Self-Market pp 2 5/28/09

Name:
Date:
Your assignment is to use any resource you choose (phonebook, internet, phone calls, etc) to provide the following information!
1.
List 3 local employment agencies found in Fort Collins. List website address and phone number for each.



2.
List 4 websites that serve as job opening databases (ie www.monster.com
, which you cannot use). List one job that looks appealing to you from each website.




3.
List 3 job openings that you have found on any corporate/business website. List the business, name of opening and web link of the openings.



4.
List 3 other sources for finding job openings.



CS U4 Self-Market pp 3 5/28/09

5.
List 2 people who could act as networking individuals to you, who are not family.
Complete the following:
1. Name: _____________________________
Company: ______________________________
How they will be a resource to you?
How do you know them?
What is your action plan for maintaining a good relationship with them?
2. Name: _____________________________
Company: ______________________________
How they will be a resource to you?
How do you know them?
What is your action plan for maintaining a good relationship with them?
6.
Using the resources above, find 3 job openings that you would consider applying for.
For each job opening, provide a copy of the opening or print it from the web. If the job was not advertized, write out the job details. For each job opening, write a short paragraph explaining why you would apply for this job (what makes it sound appealing to you?) Attach your 3 jobs and the paragraphs to this worksheet.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 4 5/28/09

When you find a job that you are interested in you will need to make an initial contact with the company. First impressions are a BIG DEAL! Like it or not, most employers will judge you on your appearance, social skills, and attitude. Here are some things you can do to make a good first impression:
ON THE PHONE

Speak clearly and introduce yourself

Let the person know why you are calling

Limit your questions about the job you are interested in

Thank the person for his or her time
IN PERSON

Dress neatly

Introduce yourself and offer a firm handshake

Smile and be polite no matter what happens

Ask your questions about the job to a manager

Be sure to find out who you should send your resume and application to

Thank them for their time
E-MAIL or LETTER
 Do your best to find out who is hiring so you can address the e-mail to that person

Be clear in your writing
 Don’t use slang
 Check for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation

Include contact information so the person can reply to you
CS U4 Self-Market pp 5 5/28/09

Any time you are interested in a job, one of the first things the employer will do is ask you to complete an application. Many applications are completed online or on a computer and submitted electronically. Some are given as a hard copy that must be hand written, or better yet, typed. In this section you will read some tips about filling out a resume correctly and then complete the assignments below.
Assignments

What’s Wrong With That?

Complete Application
CS U4 Self-Market pp 6 5/28/09

Objective
Find mistakes in a completed application
Resources
 Tips For Filling Out Applications (in this section)
 http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
 Any other reliable sources related to application completion
Directions
Find the 2-page application on the next page titled “What’s Wrong”. This application has at least 45 errors. On a separate piece of paper make a list of at least 15 of the errors. For each error tell what is wrong and how it should be fixed.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 7 5/28/09

Wrong App PDF
CS U4 Self-Market pp 8 5/28/09

Wrong APP
CS U4 Self-Market pp 9 5/28/09

Objective
Correctly fill out an application for employment
Resources
 Tips For Filling Out Applications (in this section)
 http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
 Any other reliable sources
Directions
Earlier in this section you found 3 jobs that you would be willing to apply for as part of the
“Searching for a Job” assignment. Now choose one of those jobs and get an application from the employer. If you are unable to obtain an application that can be written on from the openings you chose, you may get an application from any other location (i.e. fast food, supermarket, retail stores, etc.). Complete the application accurately using the resources provided for support.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 10 5/28/09

Before You Fill Out The Application:

Read it thoroughly and ask the employer to explain any questions you don’t understand.
 Write up a “fact sheet” (or use your resume) with all of the information that you will need, such as your social security number, the names, dates, addresses, and phone numbers of previous employers, personal references, and schools attended.

Make sure you have a pen in blue or black ink. If you are hired, the application will become part of your permanent record and therefore must be filled out in ink.

Ask for two applications.
When You Fill Out The Application:
Print.
Be careful to spell every word correctly and do not use abbreviations if possible. Misspellings and uncommon or incorrect abbreviations make it difficult to read your application.
Fill in every section. If a question does not apply to you, write N/A in the blank. When there is a lot of “blank space” on an application, the interviewer wonders if the applicant can follow directions, if he/she can read, or is he/she hiding something?
If you make a mistake, you should draw one line through it rather than try to erase it. If the application looks messy as a result of mistakes, get another application and start over.
Use the word “open” or “negotiable” to answer the question “
WAGE DESIRED
” or
“
EXPECTED STARTING RATE
”, know the starting salary. Even if you know the wage range, you may want to be “open” as to what pay you might be offered.
The space for “
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
” is your opportunity to list any skills, abilities, or experience that might interest the interviewer, and demonstrates additional qualifications you have for the job. Even if you’ve had no work experience or skills training, you can list such abilities as “work well under pressure”, “am a fast learner”, or “am responsible and reliable”.
The “ EMPLOYMENT RECORD ” or “ PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE ” portion is extremely important. There are several things to keep in mind:

Do not omit jobs that are in different occupations than the position for which you are applying. All of your jobs are “work experience” and should be listed.
 If you have been fired from a job, you may want to put “will discuss in interview” in the space asking
“
REASON FOR LEAVING
” rather than “fired” or “quit”. Personnel people tend to screen out applicants who repeatedly quit jobs, or have been fired several times. “Will discuss in interview” looks better on your application.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 11 5/28/09

Some acceptable reasons for leaving jobs are:
-moved
-to take a better job
-seasonal position
-returned to school
-injury
-maternity leave
-lay-off
-company out of business
-company moved out of state
You will find that almost all applications ask you to list “
PERSONAL REFERENCES
”. Contact people who are familiar with your work habits and/or skills and abilities. Before you list anyone as a reference, make sure he/she is willing and available to provide a reference for you. Employers do check references, so make sure you list people who can be called during the day.

YOU SHOULD EXPECT AN EMPLOYER TO CONTACT THE COMPANIES LISTED IN
YOUR WORK HISTORY FOR REFERENCES AS WELL.
After Filling Out The Application:

At the bottom of most applications is a statement such as:
“
I verify that all information on this application is accurate, and recognize it is subject to verification and that my employment and/or continuance thereof may be contingent upon its accuracy.”
Regardless of how it is stated, the message is basically the same. By signing your name after the statement, you are saying that the information you put on the application is true. If you sign your name and have “lied” on the application, either on purpose or by carelessness, you may be fired once the “inaccuracies” are discovered.
Before giving the employer your completed application, re-read it. Check it thoroughly to make sure all your dates, addresses, phone numbers, and spelling is correct. Look at the application as if you were the employer. Would you interview you on the basis of the application?
CARRY A FACT SHEET WITH YOU TO FILL OUT APPLICATIONS WITH ALL THE
INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED. YOU CAN COPY YOU DATES, NAMEDS,
ADDRESSES, ETC., DIRECTLY ONTO THE APPLICATION WHICH WILL MAKE
FILLING IT OUT MUCH EASIER.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 12 5/28/09

A resume is typically submitted with a job application. It is a 1-2 page document summarizing your skills and experience. Employers use resumes to choose who to interview for the job. A good resume and application is the first step to getting a job.
Assignments:

Do’s and Don’ts Assignment
 Resume Critique
 Your Resume
CS U4 Self-Market pp 13 5/28/09

Objective
Your goal for this assignment is to research how to write a good resume and develop a list of
“dos and don’ts”.
Resources
 Sample Resumes (in this section)
 http://www.larimerworkforce.org/
 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResumeW/index.html
 http://www.jobbankusa.com/resumewrite/howtowritearesume/
 You may use any other reliable resources for your research
Directions
As you research how to write a good resume keep your eyes open for do’s: things you should do on a resume, and don’ts: things you should not do.
 Make a list of 15 do’s and 15 don’ts

Put your name, date and assignment name on the document
 Type your lists in Word or Excel and print them on a single sheet of paper

Do not cut and paste! Your work must be original!
Submit your Do’s and Don’ts assignment and your Resume Critique to your instructor with your name, date and class.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 14 5/28/09

Objective
To have the ability to point out the positives and negatives of a given resume
Directions
On the following page you will find a resume for Casey Grown. This resume has many positive characteristics, but it also has a lot of things wrong with it. Find 7 things that make this a good resume and 7 things that should be changed. For each thing you point out describe it specifically and tell why it is good or bad. If it is bad, describe how it should be changed.
Submit your Do’s and Don’ts assignment and your Resume Critique to your instructor with your name, date and class.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 15 5/28/09

Casey Grown
221 West Canyon Road
Fort Collins, CO
Objective I would like a job where I can use the skills I have.
Education Thompson Valley High Schol Loveland, CO Aug 2004 – present
Expected Graduation May 2008

English 9

Environmental Science
Cumulative GPA: 2.1
Front Range Community College Ft Collins, CO Aug 2007 - present
High School Scholarhip Program Certificate of Completion May 2009

Welding and Design
Experience:
Chili’s Bar and Grill
Ft Collins, CO Aug 2007 – present
Waiter
Greated customers, Took orders by memory, Managed multiple parties simultaneously, Handled customer complaints appropriately, Cleaned tables and dining area, Handled money and ran credit cards
Jimmy’s Lawn Care
Lawn care specialist
Ft Collins, CO summers 2006 – 2007
I mowed lawns, I trimmed and edged lawns a lot, I planted flowers, I watered flower beds, I trimmed trees and bushes using chainsaw, I managed my own schedule to be sure all work was completed each week, worked independantly
Personal Skills: I am on time
I work hard
I am a team player
CS U4 Self-Market pp 16 5/28/09

Objective
Develop a functional or chronological resume to give to an employer.
Resources
 Boston College Acton Verbs list (in this section)
 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/
 Using the resume wizard in Word
1.
Open Word
2.
Go to File, New
3.
Click on the Other Documents tab
4.
Choose a template or use the wizard
Directions
Choose a job that you would like to apply for now or in the summer. Use a word processor to develop a resume that includes the following sections:

Your contact information

Objective

Work experience
 Skills and/or qualifications

Education
You may include other sections if you wish. Your Resume should be formatted to look attractive and easy to read. You need to use action words when describing activities, skills etc. Use the rubric in this section to help you create a good resume.
Submit your resume to your instructor.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 17 5/28/09

OBJECTIVE
EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEER
PERSONAL
REFERENCES
325 Canyon Road
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 555-7843
To gain practical work experience, which will lead to a career in business management.
Poudre High School
201 Impala Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Diploma in 2008 GPA: 3.7
Related Classes: Critical Skills, Management, Marketing, Keyboarding,
Spanish, and Computer Applications
Burger King
1648 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
May 1988-May1999
Crew Member Supervisor: Bob Jones (970) 555-2121
Duties: accurately took orders and prepared food for customers. Handled money, customer inquiries and occasional maintenance.
The Smith Family
310 Fred Hawk Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526
July 1997-Present
Babysitter Supervisor: Jason Smith (970) 555-5678
Duties: prepared meals, entertained children, provided educational and recreational activities, performed light housework duties.
Avert
301 Remington, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Summer 2002
Office assistant Supervisor: Sally Ross (970) 482-1616
Duties: organized files, typed letters, sorted mail, and ran errands
Interests: Football, basketball, baseball, and traveling
Qualities : Reliable, punctual, determined, motivated, enthusiastic
Activities : Football, basketball, baseball; member of Poudre Business
Leaders, competed in FBLA and DECA, placed at State, member of 4H.
Anne Grant - Teacher
201 Impala Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80521
John Jones – Coach
321 Second Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 416-6139
(970) 555-4321
CS U4 Self-Market pp 18 5/28/09

1234 Alphabet Dr.
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 555-5555
(970) 555-5698 (cell) doublejohn@gmail.com
________________________________________________________________________
Objective To secure an internship with the U.S. Forest Service
Relevant Skills
Education
Technical Skills:

Safe equipment operation of chainsaws, tractors, and skid-steers

Timber cruising: D-Tape, Increment borer, Clinometer

Trained in proper tree care

Forest management techniques

Operate a manual transmission

Construction experience building and repairing homes

Experienced in property restoration
Knowledge:

Trained and certified in First Aid and CPR

Taught in fire behavior/ ecology

ID in Colorado native tree species

Experienced conducting research and reporting on it
Computer Skills:

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Advanced internet skills
Leadership:

Active member of the student leadership team at a local church

Co-captain of the Thompson Valley Men’s Swimming and Diving team

Swim instructor
 Nominated “Student of Merit” at Front Range Community College- High School program
Front Range Community College - High School Programs 2007-2008
Work History
Fort Collins, CO

Certificate of Completion: Wildlife, Forestry, and Natural Resources
Thompson Valley High School (expected graduation May 2008)
Loveland, CO
Lifeguard & Water Safety Instructor 2006- present
Dick Hewson Aquatic Center Loveland, CO
Technician Assistant Summer 2007
All Phase Restoration Loveland, CO
Volunteer Summer 2005−2007
Faith Church Loveland, CO
CS U4 Self-Market pp 19 5/28/09

RESUME GRADING RUBRIC
CATEGORY
Excellent— Good— Fair—
Readability
Format
Proofreading
-Resume is concise and is less than one page in length(unless instructor approved)
-Section headings are in bold, italics, or underlined -
Section content is bulleted
-Proper paper size and color used
-Proper font and font size used
-Format is consistent throughout the resume
-Resume is one-page, but looks crowded
-Section headings are in bold, italics, or underlined
-Section content is bulleted
-Resume is slightly longer than 1 page
-Sections not clearly demarcated
-Section content in paragraph or sentence format or not properly bulleted
-Resume is unnecessarily wordy
-1 element of proper formatting missing
-2-3 elements of proper formatting missing
-Spelling and capitalization are flawless
-1 proofreading error -2-3 proofreading errors
Poor—
-Resume is over 1 1/2 pages long -Sections are not clearly demarcated
-Section content is not bulleted
-Resume is extremely wordy and difficult to skim
Absent—
-Resume is over 2 pages long
-Resume is extremely unorganized, wordy, or excessively brief
-4-5 elements of proper formatting missing
-more than 5 elements of proper formatting missing
-4-5 proofreading errors -more than 5 proofreading errors
Contact Info
-Name, address, e-mail, and phone are included
-No nicknames used
-Contact info is professional and appropriate
Objective
Statement
-Statement is concise and well-worded
-Statement relates directly to the position
-1 element of a proper contact info section missing
-Contact info is professional and appropriate
-Statement could be more directed and brief
–Statement relates directly to the position
-2 elements of a proper contact info section missing
-Contact info is professional and appropriate
-Statement is unnecessarily lengthy
-Statement contains elements that do not relate directly to the position
-3 elements of a proper contact info section missing
-Contact info is professional and appropriate
-Statement is poorly written or extremely long
-Statement contains elements that do not relate directly to the position
-4 or more elements of a proper contact info section missing
-Contact info is unprofessional or inappropriate
-Statement is unreadable
-Statement does not relate to the position
Skills
Work History
Education
-At least 2 transferable skill clusters included
-Specific examples of accomplishments and results of those accomplishments provided
-Statements are bulleted and concise
-The past tense of a strong active verb is used for each accomplishment
-Job title, place of employment, location, dates of employment included
-Info is in reverse chronological order
-Name of institution, location, date of attendance or graduation, and degrees earned included
-In reverse chronological order
- At least 2 transferable skill clusters included
-Mostly specific accomplishments and results provided
-Statements are bulleted and concise
-The past tense of a strong active verb is used for each accomplishment
-1 element of a proper work history section missing
-Info is in reverse chronological order
-1 element of a proper education section missing
-Info is in reverse chronological order
Total Score: _____________/50
-More than 3 or less than 2 skill clusters included
-Statements are slightly general or vague
-Statements in bulleted form
-Statements are slightly wordy or too brief
-Past tense forgotten or not enough action verbs used
-2 elements of a proper work history section missing
-Info is in reverse chronological order
-3 elements of a proper work history section missing
-Info is in incorrect order
-2 elements of a proper education section missing
-Info is in reverse chronological order
-More than 3 or less than 2 skill clusters included
-Statements are too general or vague
-Excessively wordy or brief
-Statements in sentence or paragraph form
-Wrong tense or weak verbs used
-3 elements of a proper education section missing
-Info is in incorrect order
-Section very poorly formatted, worded, or absent
-Section very poorly formatted, worded, or absent
-Section very poorly formatted, worded, or absent
CS U4 Self-Market pp 20 5/28/09

Adapted, enlarged list inspired by Employment Development Department of Palo Alto, CA
administered analyzed assigned attained chaired contracted consolidated coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised addressed arbitrated arranged authored corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted lectured mediated moderated motivated negotiated persuaded promoted publicized reconciled recruited spoke translated wrote
Detailed Skills approved arranged catalogued classified collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared organized prepared processed purchased recorded retrieved screened specified systematized tabulated validated
clarified collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interpreted interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed systematized
assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repair solved trained upgraded
adapted advised clarified communicated coordinated developed enabled encouraged explained facilitated guided informed initiated instructed persuaded set goals stimulated
administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed marketed planned projected researched
acted conceptualized created designed developed directed established fashioned illustrated instituted integrated introduced invented originated performed planned shaped
assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided referred rehabilitated represented
CS U4 Self-Market pp 21 5/28/09

A cover letter is given to the potential employer with your resume. It points out the qualifications, skills and experience you have that are specific to the job you are applying to.
The cover letter give you an opportunity to explain what skills will be most beneficial to the employer and why. In this section, you will learn how to write a good cover letter.
Assignments
 Cover Letter
CS U4 Self-Market pp 22 5/28/09

Objective
Produce a well-written cover letter to a potential employer.
Resources
 http://careerhelp.jobing.com/default.asp?PageID=10001100
 http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerBytes/0304CoverLetterDosAndDonts.htm
 Sample Cover Letter (in this section)
Directions
You have explored several potential employers prior units of this class. Choose a job that you would like to apply for from those you researched. Write a cover letter to that employer.
Mail your letter to your instructor using a properly formatted envelope. You will need to contact your instructor for the proper mailing address.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 23 5/28/09

Date
First and Last Name
Their position/title
Company Name
Address
Address
City, State, Zip-code
Dear Ms./Mr./Dr. Last Name,
The first paragraph of your cover letter should get the reader's attention, stimulate interest, and be appropriate for the job you are seeking. You should make your goal clear to readers, and preview the rest of your letter. It is also appropriate to mention where you learned of the job opening.
Focus on your two or three strongest qualifications for a position in your cover letter. Even only one strong qualification is enough to discuss in a cover letter. Each qualification you discuss should be placed in its own paragraph, and your letter as a whole should not exceed one typed page.
Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that highlights one qualification. This qualification should be illustrated with specific details, and you should demonstrate how this qualification will benefit the employer. Ask the reader to refer to your resume, if possible.
Your conclusion should ask for a personal interview (be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview), be specific about how the interviewer should contact you, and include a thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enclosure: resume
The following information must remain intact on every handout printed for distribution.This page is located at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/pw/handouts/p_coversamp.htmlCopyright ©1995-2004 by OWL at
Purdue University and Purdue University. All rights reserved.
Use of this site, including printing and distributing our handouts, constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use, available at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/lab/fairuse.html.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 24 5/28/09

A job interview is an opportunity for the employer to find out more about you during a face-toface meeting. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you have about the job you are applying for.
Assignments
 Interviewing Power Point
 Mock interview
CS U4 Self-Market pp 25 5/28/09

Objective
Research information about interviewing skills and present them in a Power Point presentation.
Resources
 Adults who have had experience interviewing
 Reliable Internet sites
 Employers who conduct interviews
Directions
Spend some time researching what it takes to have a good interview. You may ask adults who have had successful interviews, or people who have conducted interviews. You may also find your information on the Internet. Your presentation should include information on:

Dress

Hygiene

Arrival and introductions

Body Language
 Speech

Preparing for the interview

What to bring

Strategies to not be nervous
Be sure to be specific and give examples to emphasize important points. Your slides should not be too full of information. It is better to have more slides, each having a small amount of information. Make it interesting!
Your title slide should have your name, date and class on it. Submit your presentation to your instructor on a disk or flash drive, or via e-mail.
CS U4 Self-Market pp 26 5/28/09

Objective
To have a successful interview using the skills you presented in your Power Point
Resources
 Your Power Point presentation
 Practice
Directions
You responded to an advertisement in the paper to work the snack bar at the local movie theater.
The manager (your instructor) called you for an interview and asked you to bring your resume with you.
Contact your instructor and set up a time to interview. Show up on time, dressed appropriately with your resume. You will be graded on the items mentioned in the Power Point presentation on interviewing. Good luck on your interview!
CS U4 Self-Market pp 27 5/28/09