How Do I Get There?
4.00 – Understand job search techniques.
4.02 – Understand how to apply, interview, and make a plan
for employment.
Employment Documents
 Job Application
 Resume
 Cover Letter
 Thank you letter
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Job Application
Why is it important?
A Job Application is more than just a piece of paper. It
provides employers with the first impression of a
potential employee. An application that is sloppy or
contains inaccurate information will always end up in
the trash.
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Job Application
What is the purpose?
 Provides personal data, education, and work history
 Demonstrates ability to read and follow simple
directions
 Demonstrates ability to write neatly, spell, and provide
clear and concise descriptions of work history and
education
 To verify honesty
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Job Application
Guidelines for Completing
 Read entire form first
 Application Tool Box:
 Pen with blue or black ink, preferably blue
 Social security number
 Work history including dates, addresses, phone numbers
 References
 Answer all questions completely and honestly
 Write “NA” (not applicable) if an item does not apply to you
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Job Application Components
 Personal information – name, social security number,
address, phone number(s)
 Position applied for – list the specific job applying for
 Education – schools and colleges attended, degrees and
certifications earned, dates
 Work experience – job titles and descriptions, employers,
hours, and wages
 Criminal history – applicants arrest record, if any
 Signature – Full name, not nickname. Signature implies
that information on application is true and complete
 References – former employers, teachers, and advisors
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Reference Guidelines
 Use references who:
 Know your character, experience, skills
and work ethics
 Will give you a positive recommendation
 Always ask permission before using
someone as a reference
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Résumé – What is the purpose?
 Summarizes applicant’s qualifications
 Provides personal data, education, work history,
and reference information
 Stimulates interest of employer
 Determines if applicant is worth interviewing
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Résumé
Guidelines for Keying
 Limit it to one page, if possible
 Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest
 Use reverse chronological order for education and work
experience
 Use “action verbs” such as created, designed
 Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense
for others
 Get permission to use names as references
 Key and proofread carefully
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Résumé Components
 Personal Data – Name, address, phone number, e-mail
 Objective – Position applied for
 Education – Schools attended or currently attending,
specialized subjects or programs, graduation dates (or
expected graduation date)
 Work experience/volunteer work – Employment history,
volunteer positions, apprenticeships
 Skills and abilities – Job-related skills and abilities
 Honors and Activities – Honors, awards, activities that
indicate leadership and teamwork ability or relate to position
 References – May include statement indicating that
references are available upon request
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Cover Letter
What is the purpose?
 To introduce the applicant to the potential
employer
 To explain reason for applying
 To describe qualifications
 To request an interview
 To complement the résumé
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Cover Letter
Guidelines for Keying
 Must be keyed in 11 or 12 pt font
 Must be error-free
 Address to a specific person, avoid Dear Sir
 Content should be clear and concise
 Letter should be brief
 Use personal business letter format
 Use high quality paper
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Cover Letter
Components
 Paragraph 1 – What position you are applying for and
how you found out about the job
 Paragraph 2 – Why you should be hired. Information
about your qualifications and experience.
 Paragraph 3 – Request an interview and provide
contact information
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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The Interview
What is the purpose?
 Most important step in the employment process
 Applicant’s opportunity to
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Showcase self and qualifications
Learn about opportunities for advancement
Learn about the employer’s management style
Learn about the expectations of the job
 Employer’s opportunity to:
 Assess the applicant’s personality, motivation, knowledge,
and work ethic
 Determine if the applicant is a “right fit” for the company
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Types of Interviews
 Formal – Face-to-face (F2F) meeting of applicant and
employer
 Group - Sometimes called a panel or “tag team” interview
 Conducted by an employer and one or more staff members
 Applicant is asked questions by all team members
 Measures how applicant interacts with different people
 Tests how applicant handles stress
 Informational - Initiated by the jobseeker
 Get advice/information from employer people in career field
 Network for job leads and referrals
 Make first impression with employer
 Telephone – Often used to screen applicants and determine
which applicants warrant a F2F interview
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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Before the interview…
 Research the company and industry
 Plan and practice:
 an introduction of yourself
 what to say about your skills, knowledge, abilities,
experience and goals
 a list of questions to ask
 Select appropriate attire
 Prepare a résumé (if needed)
 Make a list of references (with permission)
 Plan to go alone
 Print directions (if needed)
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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During the interview…
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Arrive on time – not too early or late
Exhibit confidence and positive attitude
Speak clearly
Give firm handshake
Display appropriate body language
 eye contact
 hand gestures
 active listening
Sell yourself and qualifications
Be truthful
Answer and ask questions
Thank the interviewer for the interview
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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After the interview
 Follow up with a thank you letter
 Shows employer that you are interested in the job
 Opportunity to clarify something you said or forgot to say
during the interview
 Guidelines
 Keep it short and error free
 Thank interviewer for taking time to talk with you
 Restate your interest in the job and why you’d be an asset
to the company
 Use personal business letter format
 Send no later than two days after the interview
 Be persistent, but not a pest
4.02 Understand how to apply, interview, and make a career plan for the future.
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