Slides
Forms
Liaison College : 2007
CAPS Student Manual
1
(C.A.P.S)
Welcome
2
C.A.P.S COVERS MANY CRITICAL TOPICS
The Career Action Plan Services unit is
designed to fine-tune and polish your job
search skills. Whether you are searching for
your first job or making a career change,
C.A.P.S gives you the skills you need to sell
yourself in an interview.
C.A.P.S covers many topics, including:

Resumes

Cover letters

Telephone skills

Interview skills, and more
3
Upon successful completion of this unit you will be awarded the:
CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION.
Your instructor will tell you more
about the criteria required to
receive your certificate.
Enjoy the program, and good
luck in your job search.
4
For the next section, you will need your
Student Employment Record
and
Graduate Follow-Up
Information Sheet
5
Your Student
Employment Record
Use this form to
write out your
work experience
and skills.
Click picture
to open the Word document
6
Fill in this form as follows:
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT RECORD
PLEASE PRINT
Martha Stuart
Name: ________________________________________________________
1234 Main St., Hamilton ON
Address: ______________________________________________________
N1N 2B2
905-123-4567
Postal Code: ___________________
Phone Number: __________________
Basic
Cook I
Course Completed:
_____________________________________________
High______________________________
school leaving
Previous Education/Courses/Seminars:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
7
French, German
Languages Spoken/Written: ______________________________________
Employment Experience:
Dates From/To
Company
Position/Duties
_______________________________________________________________
Jan 2007 – current
Red Rooster
Cooks Helper
May 2006 – Sep 2006
Red Rooster
Dishwasher
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
1. I hereby authorize Liaison College to discuss the above information
with any employer.
2. I understand that Liaison College assumes no responsibility for, or
guarantees employment at any time in any field whatsoever.
Date: ___________________
Signature: __________________________
Sept 23 2007
Martha Stuart
8
Track your success
using the
Graduate Follow-up
Information Sheet
Click picture
to open the Word document
9
10
COOKS PERFORM MANY DIFFERENT DUTIES. . .
. . . THEY FILL ALL KINDS OF JOBS . . .
According to the National
Occupation Code (NOC) there
are dozens of entry level and
experienced positions available
in this exciting field.
Journeyman/Woman Cook
Apprentice Cook
Cook
Dietary Cook
Pastry Chef
First Cook
Saucier
Grill Cook
Sous-Chef
Hospital Cook
Specialist Chef
Institutional Cook
Short Order Cook
Licensed Cook
Food Service Helper
Second Cook
Bartender Helper
Executive Chef
Bus Boy/Girl
Executive Sous-Chef
Dishwasher
Garde Manager, Chef
Cook’s
Helper
Head Chef
Kitchen Helper
Master Chef
Chef
Chef de Cuisine
Chef de Partie
Corporate Chef
The NOC is job category system developed by the Government of Canada.
11
THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS:

A DEDICATED work ethic

Fast, skillful, efficient & FRIENDLY
customer service

Good COMMUNICATION skills

The WILLINGNESS to learn
and above all . . .

A POSITIVE attitude.
With these key ingredients you
will be SUCCESSFUL!
12
13
SEARCHING FOR EMPLOYMENT TAKES:

PERSEVERENCE and

CREATIVITY
Many jobs are NOT advertised.
This means that you, the job
hunter, must find other ways to
learn about these positions.
Let’s look at some ideas
to help you in your search…
14
1. NEWSPAPERS
a) General News: Read the news to
locate new or newly renovated
restaurants opening up in your area.
b) Want-Ads: Learn to locate jobs that
fit your skills and interests. Avoid
disreputable or less-than-secure job
positions.
TIP: Act on want-ads quickly: you
will have lots of competition.
15
2. CANADA EMPLOYMENT CENTRES (HRDC)
Register at your local branch. Check the job board
regularly. HRDC also posts online.
TIP: HRDC sponsors many programs for which you may
qualify that make you more attractive to employers.
3. NETWORKING
Develop contacts and join
professional associations.
Ask friends, relatives & direct
contacts.
Remember: lots of available
positions are never advertised.
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4. Yellow Pages
Check the ads and develop a list of prospective employers. Call
them and ask if they are hiring in your position.
TIP: Check your network first to find out if anyone you know,
knows someone at the restaurant.
5. Walk-in
Bring a résumé and
ask to fill out an
application.
17
6. Internet


The information highway is fast and
efficient. Many companies post online.
Check the Liaison College website for
recent job opportunities. You have
lifetime privileges.
7. Private Employment Agencies
Many companies use agencies to
fill job positions.
TIP: Read any contract carefully before
signing. Some agencies are less than
reputable. Don’t sign if you aren’t sure.
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8. Volunteer
Offer your services as a volunteer. This
can provide you with the experience
you need to get a paying position.
9. Trade Shows
Trade shows give you an
opportunity to meet and
network with people in the
industry. Ask questions. Be
friendly.
For example: try the
Wine and Cheese Show or
Hostex.
19
10. Be Creative
Create a reason to meet with the
manager. For example, design a
product or service that you think a
restaurant could use and sell it to
them.
11. Libraries
Check trade, professional and
business magazines for
background on companies and
who is in charge of hiring.
Business directories are
another terrific source
20
Information Interviewing
21
The best way to research a position is …
CONDUCT AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW
1. Contact someone working in your
field of interest.
2. Ask them for a few minutes of their time.
TIP: Make sure it is only a few minutes and go
prepared with specific questions to ask.
3. Take notes. Treat the interview as a
potential contact for a job.
TIP: Stress that you are a student and are only
researching the position. Do not indicate that you
are looking for work at this time.
22
HERE ARE SOME RELEVANT QUESTIONS:
1. What is your job title?
2. How did you get into this work?
3. What do you like best and least about doing this?
4. Describe a typical day.
5. What is the necessary training or education for your position?
6. What other jobs have you had in this field?
7. In what position can you learn the most?
8. How can you advance in this field?
9. What kind of starting salary is normal for an entry level position?
10. What SKILLS are necessary?
11. My strongest skills are: _______________________. Do you think they
would be useful in this field?
12. Who else would you recommend that I speak to, for advice in this field?
May I use your name when I call this person?
23
BE SURE TO THANK THEM AT THE END
OF THE INTERVIEW!
It’s also smart to send them a
thank you letter with your
address and phone number on it.
Indicate in the letter that you would
be interested in working in an entry
level position if one becomes
available or as a volunteer.
This is one way of
NETWORKING!
It’s a valuable
job search technique.
24
Application Forms
25
MANY EMPLOYERS ASK YOU TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM.
When filling in application forms, make sure to do the following:
1. Read the entire form before you fill it out.
2. Use a blue or black pen to fill it out in neat printing or
writing. Never use red or green ink, or a pencil.
3. Bring reference information including names, addresses, and
phone numbers of all previous employers.
4. Carry a dictionary to correct spelling and check the meaning
of words.
5. Bring your résumé to help you with dates of past employment,
skills and educational history.
6. Be prepared to answer questions: How did you hear about the job?
What are your specific qualifications? Do you know someone who
works here? What kind of position are you looking for?
7. Sign and date the form.
26
Practice filling out applications
using a blank form.
27
Resumes
28
YOUR RESUME IS A REFLECTION OF YOU.
Be honest and concise.







Stress achievement. Be positive with overstating.
Make sure your résumé is error free. Check the spelling and
punctuation. Have it proofread by a professional for advice.
2 pages is standard. Type references on a separate page.
Add a summary of your qualifications or state your career
objective.
Use lots of white space. Choose a font that is readable and
avoid italics and fancy or small fonts.
Avoid abbreviations.
Use white paper if you fax your resume. Coloured paper
does not fax well. Use good bond paper when hand-delivering
or mailing.
29
BE HAPPY WITH YOUR RESUME.
There are many opinions
available on how to prepare a
résumé.
The keys to success are :

Have it neatly typed and

Make it easy to read.
30
THERE ARE SEVERAL STYLES OF
RESUME.
The two standard types are:
FUNCTIONAL and
CHRONOLOGICAL.
Click here to open a
Functional Resume
Click here to open a
Chronological Resume
31
A FUNCTIONAL RESUME
highlights your skills and
objectives
Click here to open a
Functional Resume
32
A CHRONOLOGICAL
RESUME outlines your
previous experience
using a timeline.
Click here to open a
Chronological Resume
33
Worksheet for Resumes
34
NAME:
Lucy Saunders
ADDRESS:
123 Main St.
TELEPHONE:
905-123-4321
EDUCATION:
Dates
Names and Address of School
Diploma/Grade Completed
From: ________________________________________________________________________
1999-2002 Junior League High
To: _________________________________________________________________________
2003-2005 Junior League Senior High
High School Leaving
From: ________________________________________________________________________
To: __________________________________________________________________________
From: ________________________________________________________________________
To: __________________________________________________________________________
Other Training (Courses, Upgrading, Seminars, Programs)
2006 Liaison College
Cook Basic I
_____________________________________________________________________________
WORK EXPERIENCE (MOST CURRENT FIRST)
Dates Name & Address Job Description
_____________________________________________________________________________
1999 – 2003 John’s Garage
_____________________________________________________________________________
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VOLUNTEER WORK
Date
Description of Duties
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
SKILLS:
Technical: ________________________________________________________________________
Personal: ________________________________________________________________________
Interest/Hobbies: _________________________________________________________________
References:
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________
36
Covering Letters
37
ALWAYS USE A COVERING LETTER when mailing or delivering a
résumé. Address it directly to the person in charge of hiring.
Employers need to know that you want to work for them, not just
anybody. A personalized cover letter provides this proof and is
essential for an effective job search.
To find out the name of the hiring
authority, call the company. Be sure to
get the correct spelling and position of
the person.
Tip: If you can’t discover the person’s
name, address the letter to “PERSONNEL”
or “HUMAN RESOURCES.” Complete the
salutation as “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”.
Never use “TO WHOM IT MAY
CONCERN.”
38
If you answer an advertisement and they provide you with a Fax
number only, begin your letter as follows:
GRACE R. TALLINSKI
1456 Donfield Rd.
Orangeville, ON L7N 4B8
(519) 786-5490
SENT BY FACSIMILE TO NO. (905) 897-5679
(as requested)
June 16, 2007
ATTENTION: HUMAN RESOURCE DEPT.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
(then complete the body of your letter)
39
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE OF A
GOOD COVERING LETTER

It gives the contact name, date and the
name of the hiring authority.

The first paragraph explains the
purpose of the letter and where the
job ad was seen.

It then summarizes the applicant’s
qualifications.

Finally it finishes with a promise to
call in the week to follow-up.
40
JERRY SMITH
125 Port Street
Mississauga, ON
(905) 275-7986
March 15, 2007
Mr. James Levine
ABC Hotel
128 Maples Street
Toronto, ON, J6N 4G6
Dear Mr. Levine:
This letter is in response to your advertisement for an Apprentice Cook in the Toronto Sun, March 13, 1997.
As my enclosed resume shows, I have over five years of restaurant experience with servicing and waiting on
customers. I recently upgraded my skills to include the preparation of all types of foods, especially Italian
Cuisine, which I am aware is your specialty.
I would describe myself as a self-starter. For example, I implemented a new system of food service at the
restaurant that I worked as a waiter which proved to be so efficient that the owner has now used my system in two
of his other locations. I have had many customers speak to me about your establishment and particularly your fine
Italian cooking and I would be most interested in working for you because of your reputation for quality.
I will call next week to be sure that you have received my resumes and to answer any additional questions you
may have for me. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jerry Smith
Enclosure
41
Using the Telephone Effectively
42
WHEN MAKING A CALL TO A
POTENTIAL EMPLOYER, take these
points into consideration:

Phone from a quiet, private location
(no background noise)

Plan in advance what you are
going to say. Prepare a script
outlining your qualifications,
highlighting those that are
especially suited for this position.
43
Introduce yourself briefly and state the reason for your call.
TIP: When you make a cold call, indicate that you are seeking information on the
company. Use information interviewing techniques, instead of coming out
directly and asking if there are any jobs available. You may not get past the
receptionist if you do this.
Speak politely to everyone you talk to and attempt to find out and
use the name of the person in charge of interviews.
TIP: If you are unsuccessful the first time, record the time you called and follow-up
with a call at lunch or before 9:00, when some employers pick up the phone
themselves.
Try to leave your phone number, including the area code. Have your
answering machine ready to pick up the call if you are not home.
TIPS: Have a short professional message on your phone. Get rid of noise and
background music. Tell your family to let the machine answer calls, otherwise you
may not get the message, or the employer may have a hard time leaving a message
if the person answering does not speak English well.
44
MANY EMPLOYERS COMPLETE A
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW before they ask
you in for a personal interview.
Be aware that every time you answer the
phone it may be the perfect job you have
been looking for on the other end.
You will be successful IF
you are prepared and
professional.
45
Interview Skills
46
DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW
First impressions have a strong influence on the employer and how they
perceive you. You have less than 2 minutes to capture their confidence.

Dress for the position or the one above it (To discover the company
dress code, visit their premises before the interview.)

Dress conservatively, in quiet colours.

Jewellery should be simple. (No dangling earrings)


Clean fingernails and hair are a must.
Clothes should be fresh, pressed and clean. Shoes should
be polished (no scuffs, no dirty runners.)

Avoid strong odours such as liquor, smoke, garlic, etc. on
your breath. Bathe/use deodorant before interview. Avoid
heavy perfume or after shave.
Sloppy dress implies careless work habits.
A NEAT APPEARANCE IS CRUCIAL
47
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
SMILE: A friendly face is more approachable.
SHAKE HANDS: Be firm - no limp fish no
bone-crushers.
EYE CONTACT: Respect the
interviewer, show confidence in
yourself.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC: Think of
interview as a challenge and an
opportunity to meet new people.
LEAVE YOUR TROUBLES AT HOME:
Do not say anything negative about past
employers, financial troubles or
personal problems.
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LISTEN: Consider all answers carefully.
BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE:
Don’t cross your arms and avoid withdrawing
from interviewer.
BE CALM: Avoid nervous habits. Don’t
fidget. Sit up straight.
DON’T SMOKE.
NEVER CHEW GUM
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BE PREPARED


Find out as much as possible about the
company and the job.
Prepare questions to ask.



Bring a resume/reference
letters (name/addresses/phone
number).
Have a pen and paper ready
for taking notes.
Be aware that receptionists
make decisions (be
polite/professional).
50
Interview Questions
51
HOW PREPARED YOU ARE to answer
questions in an interview, can make the
difference between being hired or not.
What follows are some
standard questions you may
be asked in an interview and
some possible answers.
52
1. Why should I hire you? or
Tell me about yourself!
Answer this question with a few words
about your skills, experience and work
ethic.
“I have just completed an intensive
program focusing on cooking and with my
many years of experience in the restaurant
industry and this up to date education I am
sure confident that I will be able to handle
the position you have available. I am a
hard worker and fast learner and am
looking forward to new challenges.”
53
2. Why have you held so many jobs?
This question is asking about your
company loyalty.
“I was exploring different career options and
have found that this is the field that I want. I
have taken the time to re-educate myself and
I am ready to start a new career in the
cooking field.”
54
3. What are your weaknesses?
This question judges how you see
yourself.
“I am shy or nervous in an interview,
however once I get to know people I work
well with others. I have never had a problem
getting along with co-workers.”
or
“I tend to take on a lot of tasks at the same
time, it can be a little overwhelming, however,
I have learned to prioritize my work and do
the most important things first.”
or
“My English is my weakness. I am going to
school at night to improve my reading and
writing skills and I am happy with my
progress.”
55
4. How much do you expect to be paid?
“I realize that this is an entry level
position and I am sure that we can
come to a reasonable settlement on
salary that we are both satisfied
with.”
or
“What do you normally pay people
in this position?”
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5. Why did you leave your last job?
“I left my last employment to retrain myself
into a different career, and that is why I am
here today, to use some of the skills I have
learned.”
If you had a problem with your
last employer...
“I had a personality conflict with
my last employer, however I have
learned from this experience and I
will handle the situation differently
if a similar situation arises.”
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6. What are your future plans? or Where
do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I see myself with more
responsibility in the future. I will
be continuing my education to
achieve further levels in cooking
and hopefully become a Chef.”
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7. How adaptable are you to work speed?
“I like to work under pressure I find
I am very motivated and productive.
When I have a lot of time on my
hands I use it to get organized so
that I will be able to do my job
smoothly when I get busy again.
I also like to help out others who
are busy. This helps me learn a little
about their jobs, which can be
useful if you need someone to fill
in.”
59
Think about questions that might be
asked and prepare answers in advance.
TIP: Practice before and after interviews to refine
your answers by speaking your answers out loud.
Ask a friend or family member to listen to you and
comment.
60
Thank You Letters
61
SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER to the
interviewee.
Express your appreciation for
the time they spent with you,
providing information about
their position.
The following is an example of a letter to
be sent after the information interview.
62
David Donnell
123 John Street
Mississauga, ON L5M 4S8
(905) 828-5623
August 5, 2007
Ms. J. Landry, Manager
Bard Bakeries
44 Huron Street
Mississauga, ON L5M 6S2
Dear Ms. Landry:
I enjoyed meeting with you last week. It was a highly informative interview. I never realized that the bakery
industry had so much to offer in the way of various employment opportunities.
After my food service training, I am sure that I would find working within a company such as yours very
rewarding. I would appreciate hearing from you if any entry level positions, or volunteer opportunities arise
within your industry.
I feel confident that I would be able to contribute to the smooth operation of any kitchen and look forward to
being able to utilize my skills.
Thank you again for your kind consideration and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to call me.
Yours sincerely,
David Donnell
63
The following is an example of a letter to
be sent after an interview or phone call.
64
David Donnell
123 John Street
Mississauga, ON L5M 4S8
(905) 828-5623
August 5, 2007
Ms. J. Lamb, Manager
Petit Paris Find Dining
44 Huron Street
Mississauga, ON L5M 6S2
Dear Ms. Lamb:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for spending time with me discussing the Cook’s Helper
position within your fine establishment.
I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion and would like to be part of your team. As discussed I have just
completed the first level of cooking at Liaison College and I have many years experience in the food service
industry as a waiter. In addition to the skills mentioned during our discussion, I would like to emphasize that I
am fluent in French and Italian and thought this may be of interest to you.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. If you require any further information please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
David Donnell
65
THANK YOU FOLLOW UP TIPS
Many interviewers do not decide on
the candidate during the interview.
Following-up after the interview can
keep your name at the top of the
list and may make the difference in
getting you that job.
Here are some ideas for
keeping in touch with
prospective employers.
66
1. TAKE GOOD NOTES


During the interview or
immediately after
Jot down why you think you are
good for this job
2. CALL OR WRITE

Call if you feel that putting a letter
together would take too long; the job
might get filled today

Write if you have a few days.
You can always fax the letter or
drop it off to the employer (this
shows genuine interest and
initiative)
67
3. EASE EMPLOYER’S DOUBTS
In the call or letter, answer these
questions:




Did I show that I can do this job?
Am I compatible with other
workers?
What contributions can I make?
What can I highlight that I forgot to
mention in the interview?
68
4. DRAFT LETTER


Have someone else read your
letter.
Express interest. Show positive
“matches” between the position
and your skills.

Outline your education and
experience


List volunteer work
Offer to provide
references
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5. MAIL


No later than 2 days, or it loses
its impact
The sooner the better
6. FOLLOW-UP CALL

Call 2 days after the person gets
the letter. Express interest in job
ask if they need any further
information on your qualifications
You cannot afford to NOT follow-up
70
71
THE WAY YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF
ON THE JOB will make a difference not
only in keeping your job, but in

receiving promotions,

getting raises, and

being treated with respect.
Let’s review some
positive examples of
effective workplace
behaviour.
72
BE PUNCTUAL: Be on time for work and
when coming back from lunch and breaks.
ACCEPT CRITICISM AND DIRECTION
GRACIOUSLY
CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: Angry or
tearful outbursts are very counter productive,
be calm and deal with your frustrations in a
professional manner.
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND
SENSE OF HUMOUR
73
BE A TEAM PLAYER: Participate in company
activities, help out coworkers when they are too
busy, volunteer for extra work.
LISTEN AND TAKE NOTES IF
NECESSARY
CONTROL YOUR SOCIAL LIFE: Do not let
friends and family call or visit you at work and
do not bring your personal problems to work.
Deal with them on your own time.
74
PUT FORTH YOUR BEST EFFORTS EVERY
DAY
BE HONEST AND ENCOURAGE
FEEDBACK: Admit your mistakes and do what
you can to fix them. Ask how you can better
yourself on the job and be honest with coworkers.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO
BE TREATED: Respect company information
and treat customers like royalty.
75
Job Search Log Sheet
76
To help you plan and track your job
search strategy, use a
Job Search Log Sheet.
77
JOB SEARCH LOG SHEET
DATE
TIME
CONTACT
RESULTS
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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79
Being unemployed is one of the most difficult times in your life and
you have to work at keeping a positive attitude.
The following affirmation from the book Live and Be Free Thru
PSYCH-CYBERNETICS (Maxwell Maltz, M.D., F.I.C.S., and Charles
Schreiber, F.A.R.A.) can be a source of motivation for you.
Say it aloud with a positive and strong voice, to help you calm your
fears and strengthen your self-confidence ……
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This is a beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I
will. What I do today is important because I am exchanging a new day
of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place whatever I have traded for it. I pledge to myself
that it shall be for good, gain and success.
My thinking and my attitudes are calm and cheerful. I act and feel
friendly toward other people. I am tolerant of other people, their
shortcomings and their mistakes, and I view their actions with the most
favourable understanding possible.
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I act as though attainment of my goals is sure to happen. I am the kind
of confident individual I aspire to be, and everything I do and the way
I feel expresses this individuality, self-confidence and enthusiasm.
I will not allow my thinking or my attitude to be affected by
negativism or pessimism. I will try to smile as often as possible, at
least several times a day.
I will respond in a calm and intelligent manner, without alarm, no
matter what the situation. If I cannot control the situation, I will
respond in a positive manner, even to negative facts.
82
KEEP SMILING AND
SUCCESS WILL
COME YOUR WAY!
83
FORMS
Student Employment Record
Graduate Follow-up Information
Application Form
Worksheet for Resumes
Job Search Log Sheet
84