Job Seeker’s Workbook
© JIST Works
Table of Contents
Section 1: Getting Started
Section 2: Your Job Is Out There
Section 3: Making a Good Impression
Section 4: Success That Lasts
© JIST Works
Section 1:
Getting Started
© JIST Works
Section 1: Getting Started
Gather Information
Prepare a Budget
Calculate Rates of Pay
Take a Skills Inventory
Demonstrate Your Skills
Know Your Job Preferences and Interests
Explore Your Career Options
Set Career Goals
Organize Important Information in a Job Search Portfolio
Manage Your Time
Get Ready to Work Before You Find the Job
Deal with the Stresses of Looking for a Job
© JIST Works
Calculate Rates of Pay
To calculate income, use the following methods:

Hourly Rate. To find the hourly rate of pay needed, divide the amount of money you
need each month by the number of working hours in the month (173). Using the
example on the next page, divide $891 (the amount of money needed each month)
by 173 (the number of working hours in the month). This shows that you would need
to make $5.15 per hour.

Weekly Rate. To find out the weekly pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the
number of working hours in a week (40). In the example, the hourly rate needed to
get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 40, you see that you need to make
$206 per week.

Monthly Rate. To find the monthly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the
number of working hours in a month (173). In the example, the hourly rate needed to
get by is $5.15. When you multiply that amount by 173, you see that you need to
make $891 per month.

Yearly Rate. To find yearly rate of pay needed, multiply the hourly rate by the number
of working hours in a year (2,080). In the example, the hourly rate needed to get by is
$5.15. When you multiply that amount by 2,080, you see that you need to make
$10,712 per year.
© JIST Works
Sample Monthly Budget and Goal
Expense Amount
Expense
Residence
Food
Needed to Get By
Rent
Goal
$100.00
$415.00
Utilities
50.00
Phone
20.00
Groceries
200.00
Eating Out
200.00
30.00
Transportation
Public
35.00
35.00
Insurance
Health
40.00
40.00
Household
20.00
20.00
Personal
Medical
Entertainment
Hair Salon
30.00
Toiletries
30.00
30.00
Day Care
250.00
250.00
Clothing, including laundry
20.00
20.00
Doctor
20.00
20.00
Dentist
12.00
12.00
Pharmacy
20.00
20.00
Movies, etc.
20.00
Savings
Total
Before taxes and deductions
Payroll Deduction
Federal and state taxes, retirement,
social security, etc.
Total
Necessary Monthly Income
© JIST Works
10.00
40.00
$757.00
$1,252.00
134.00
220.00
$891.00
$1,472.00
Blank Budget
Expense Amount
Expense
Residence
Needed to Get By
Rent
Utilities
Phone
Food
Groceries
Eating Out
Transportation
Public
Insurance
Health
Household
Personal
Hair Salon
Toiletries
Day Care
Clothing, including laundry
Medical
Doctor
Dentist
Pharmacy
Entertainment
Movies, etc.
Savings
Total
Before taxes and deductions
Payroll Deduction
Federal and state taxes, retirement,
social security, etc.
Total
Necessary Monthly Income
© JIST Works
Goal
Skills Inventory
Skill Area and Example
Adapted teaching styles/special tools
Administered programs
Advised people/peers/job seekers
Analyzed data/blueprints/schematics/policies
Appraised services/values
Arranged meetings/events/training programs
Assembled automobiles/computers/apparatus
Audited financial records/accounts payable
Budgeted expenses
Calculated numerical data/annual costs/mileage
Catalogued art collections/technical publication
Checked accuracy/other’s work
Classified documents/plants/animals
Cleaned houses/auto parts
Coached teams/students/athletes
© JIST Works
Rating
1 2 3
Interest
_____
_____
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_____
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_____
_____
_____
_____
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_____
_____
_____
_____
Career Exploration Chart
Job Title
Salary Range
Skills Needed
$ ___________ to
$ ___________
$ ___________ to
$ ___________
$ ___________ to
$ ___________
$ ___________ to
$ ___________
$ ___________ to
$ ___________
© JIST Works
Training/Experience
Needed
Computer-Based Application
© JIST Works
Traditional Application
© JIST Works
Traditional Application (cont’d)
© JIST Works
Section 2:
Your Job Is Out There
© JIST Works
Section 2: Your Job Is Out There
Job Search Tools
Tool 1: An Effective Resume
Tool 2: A List of Positive References
Tool 3: An Accurate Salary History
Tool 4: A Well-Written Cover Letter or E-mail Message
Tool 5: An Attractive Application
Job Search Methods
Method 1: Create a Network of Contacts
Method 2: Make Cold Calls to Find the Hidden Job Market
Method 3: Keep Contact Records for Each Organization
Method 4: Research Organizations on Your Own
Method 5: Respond to Want Ads
© JIST Works
Tips on Resume Content
Follow these guidelines when you write the rough draft of your resume:

Begin with your contact information.

Use category headings such as Objective, Professional Highlights,
Education, Training, Skills, Professional Associations and Organizations,
and Honors and Awards.

Include volunteer experiences, languages, internships, and certificates that
relate to the position.

List your previous responsibilities and results that relate to the job you are
seeking and the needs of the organization.

Give examples of your accomplishments and your ability to solve problems.

Provide statistics and numbers that prove your statements.
© JIST Works
Tips on Resume Content (cont’d)

Go back at least 10 years for both education and experience.

Research the industry and know what information or keywords would
impress an employer in that industry.

Use industry terminology when applicable.

Leave off salary information. Provide it only when requested.

Do not provide names of references on the resume, but include this
statement: References Available Upon Request.

Use incomplete sentences that have action verbs and other words with lots
of impact.

Be honest, positive, realistic, and specific.
© JIST Works
Tips on Resume Appearance
Follow these guidelines for formatting your resume:

Margins. One inch at top, bottom, left, and right.

Text. Left-justified with dates on the left.

Font. Conservative, easy-to-read style at 10 or 12 point size.

Page layout. Easy-to-locate information attractively arranged with
plenty of white space.

Categories. Written in paragraph form.

Lists. Bulleted.

Length. Preferably one page but never more than two pages.

Paper. Neat and clean with no errors or corrections.

Ink color. Black.
© JIST Works
Four Type of Resumes
TYPES OF RESUMES
Type
Positive Points
Negative Points
Best Used By
Functional
Organized by
paragraphs.
Emphasizes skills rather than
employment. Can include activities
other than employment, such as
volunteering and internships. Hides
gaps in work record and frequent
changes in jobs.
Makes employers suspicious
because it doesn’t include
specific employment. Hides skill
development and job titles.
People with no previous
employment history, with gaps in
their employment, who frequently
change jobs, or who have skills
developed through activities other
than employment.
Chronological
Organized by dates.
Is used my many people. Is clear and
easy to read. Shows growth in skills
and responsibility. Show job growth
and advancements in job titles.
Show gaps in employment.
Highlights frequent job changes.
Shows lack of related experience
and career changes. Points out
career setbacks.
People with steady work record.
People with experience that relates
directly to the position they seek.
Combination
First lists skills and
then lists work history
by dates
Shows most relevant skills.
Combines skills developed in a
variety of jobs or other activities.
Takes the focus away from gaps in
employment and lack of experience.
Can be confusing if it is no wellorganized. Requires more effort
and creativity in writing.
People in transition or career
changes. People re-entering the job
market after being out for some
time. People looking for work similar
to what they have done in the past.
Targeted
Based on any of the
other resume types.
Is specific to each organization.
Shows that you have researched the
organization. Is impressive to
employers
Time-consuming to write. Can be
confusing if it is not wellorganized. Must be revised for
each employer.
Everyone because any of the other
resume types can be a targeted
resume.
© JIST Works
Sample Functional Resume
Maria L. Griego
301 Pearl Street, #15
Denver, Colorado 80204
Telephone: (303) 555-1111
mgriego@resume.com
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Administrative Assistant position where my coordinating, analyzing, planning, and
budgeting skills would be utilized.
COORDINATING SKILLS
Coordinated fund-raising activities of 20 members of the local Parent Teacher
Association (PTA), successfully raising $6,000 for playground facilities. As member of
the Women s League of St. Matthew Catholic Church, initiated a relief center to meet
clothing needs of the community. Also developed a schedule to meet demands of 5 busy
household members, including arranging carpools, cleaning, cooking, and managing
other general household duties.
BUDGETING SKILLS
As Treasurer of our local Civic Association, managed $10,000 budget for 2 years.
Organized and managed family budget for 17 years. During this period, have
accumulated savings necessary for 2 years of college for daughter. In addition to
financial matters, have learned to budget time through efficient organization of
community activities and family responsibilities.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Developed interpersonal skills during 10 years of experience with PTA and church
members. Learned the subtleties of persuading adults to contribute time and money to
community projects. Invested considerable time and effort in developing open
communication between family members.
MEMBERSHIPS
Elected treasurer of local Civic Association, 3-year term.
Voted to Board of Directors for St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1-year term.
President of PTA, 2 consecutive years.
REFERENCES
References furnished upon request.
© JIST Works
Sample Chronological Resume
© JIST Works
Sample Combination Resume
© JIST Works
Sample Target Resume
© JIST Works
Sample Reference List
Juan Robart
123 Treefront Street
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 456-7899
REFERENCE SHEET
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Julia Silvers, Administrative Manager Kent
Products, Inc.
123 West 32nd Street
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 111-2222
Robert Williams, Department Manager Spruce
Electronics
1234 Jefferson Avenue
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 998-7654
Joseph Mitchell, Director of Marketing Jones
Imports
12 Wheeling Circle
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 222-1111
PERSONAL REFERENCES
Joy Smith
2345 East Park
Hanover, IA 12345
(111) 131-3131
Jason McMurphey
11 Market Street
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 554-9901
© JIST Works
Salary History
Juan Robart
123 Treefront Street
Des Moines, IA 12345
(123) 456-7899
SALARY HISTORY
Grazier International
123 Alameda Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 12345
XXXX-XXXX
Position Range: $21,500 $24,000/year, plus excellent
benefits
Balvin Corporation
456 Westcliff Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345
XXXX-XXXX
Position Range: $20,000 $21,000/year, plus health &
vacation benefits
Computer Resources, Inc.
135 Jenson Avenue
Council Bluffs, Iowa 12345
XXXX-XXXX $20,000/year
© JIST Works
General Cover Letter Outline
[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date of Letter]
[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Title]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Street Address]
[Organization City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer s Name]:
[INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Get the reader’s attention and tell why you
are writing and which position you are applying for. Mention how you heard about
the organization or the opening. Name someone the reader and you both know
or someone in the organization who knows you. Show you’ve researched the
organization. Talk about new projects the organization has taken on, or its
management philosophy, or cite something you’ve read about the organization.]
[BODY: Use this section to build a connection between your background and
the organization s needs. Sum up your related experience or education so the
reader can look for it in your resume. If you have skills or accomplishments that
relate to the job, mention them here. You are effectively summarizing your skills
as they relate to the organization. Do this with confidence.]
[CONCLUDING INFORMATION: State your interest in working for the
organization and hearing from the reader. Thank the reader for his or her time
and consideration.]
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name Typed]
Enclosure
© JIST Works
Job Search Methods
How Most People Look for Work
How Most Employers Look for Applicants
Want Ads
Internal Networks
Employment
Agencies
Job Postings
Placement
Agencies
External Networks
Word of Mouth
Direct
Employer
Contact
Placement
Agencies
Compare How Most People
Look for Work with How
Employers Look for Applicants
The Problem
Most job seekers spend their time checking
and responding to want ads, yet employers
hire the least number of people through want
ads.
Want Ads
The Solution
Identify companies you want to work for, try to get
informational interviews, leave a resume, fill out a
job application, and check back periodically. Show
enthusiasm but do not be a pest.
© JIST Works
Networking Contacts Record
Step 1: To begin building your network of contacts, make a list of individuals who can help you learn
about companies and obtain job leads.
Step 2: In the left column of the record, write the names and phone numbers of individuals and
associations you know and will contact.
Step 3: In the right column, write the names of people, companies, and organizations your contact
referred you to, as shown in the Example.
Example
Personal Contact
Organization(s) and People This
Person Referred Me To
Jim Johnson at Elks Club
(808) 123-7890
Sue Peterson at Kacey Electrical Contractors
(808) 123-4567
© JIST Works
Networking Contacts Record
Organization: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Web Site Address:____________________________________
Contact Person and Title: _________________________________________________________
E-Mail address: _________________________________________________________________
Date
Activity/Results
Follow-Up
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
© JIST Works
Organization Contact Record
Date
4/01
4/03
4/10
4/15
Activity/Results
Follow-Up
Cold call at 10 a.m. Receptionist said
organization has 300 employees. Spoke with
Human Resources. They told me to speak to
Mr. Jamison, Design Department Supervisor.
Need to call Mr. Jamison on 4/03.
Spoke with Mr. Jamison. Set up informational
interview. Personable, but very busy. Spoke
for only 5 minutes.
Informational interview 7:30 a.m. 4/10.
Met with Mr. Jamison. He said that in the
next 3 months the industry will need many
smog-certified mechanics due to new laws.
Must be certified! Recommended I call Carol
Dey, Installation Supervisor at Air Quality,
Inc.
Need to call Carol Dey.
Spoke to Carol Dey. She said to send her a
resume. Sent resume and cover letter today.
Need to check back with Carol on 4/20.
© JIST Works
Organization Contact Record
Personal Contact
Organization(s) and People This
Person Referred Me To
_________________
_________________
________________________________
________________________________
_________________
_________________
________________________________
________________________________
_________________
_________________
________________________________
________________________________
_________________
_________________
________________________________
________________________________
_________________
_________________
________________________________
________________________________
© JIST Works
Sample Organization Information Record
Air Quality, Inc.
Organization Name: ___________________________________________
1122 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado
Address: ___________________________________________________
(303) 893-2126
www.airquality.com
Phone: ______________
Web Site Address:_______________________
Type of Services and/or Products Offered: _________________________
Evaluation, design of air
pollution
___________________________________________________________
control
equipment.
Mechanic
Position of Interest: ___________________________________________
Required Skills, Certification, Education, Work Experience: ____________
State licensed
smog-certified technician or advanced emission specialist.
___________________________________________________________
© JIST Works
Organization Information Record
Organization Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________ Web Site Address:_______________________________________________________
Type of Services and/or Products Offered: _________________________________________________________
Position of Interest: ___________________________________________________________________________
Required Skills, Certification, Education, Work Experience: ____________________________________________
Names, E-mail Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Possible Contact people:
Owner/President: __________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________
Foreman/Supervisor: _______________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________
Manager: ________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________
Human Resources Contact: __________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: _____________
Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone:______________
Additional contacts: ________________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Phone: ______________
General Reputation of Industry: _________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________ Source of Information: _______________________________________________
Date: ____________________ Person Phoned: ______________________ Results: _______________________
Additional Information About the Organization (Recent Contracts or Products, Expansions, Employments, Layoffs,
Lawsuits, Competitors, Stock Prices, Plans for the Future, and Number of Employees: ______________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
© JIST Works
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
a/p
accounts payable
adv
advertise/advertising
a/r
accounts receivable
agen
agency
AA
Affirmative Action
appl
application
acctg
accounting
appt
appointment
accts
accounts
ASAP
as soon as possible
ad
advertisement
asst
assistant
admin
administrative
avail
available
ben
benefits
bkpr
bookkeeper
bkpg
bookkeeping
cap (or cap inv)
capital investment
comp
computer
cert
certificate/certified
compat
compatible
co
company
conf
conference
comm
Commission
corp
corporation
deg
degree
del
delivered
dev
develop/developed/developing
DOE
depends on experience
dir
director
DP
data processing
div
division
educ
education
exc
excellent
empl
employment
exec
executive
engr
engineer
exp/exper
experience
EOE
Equal Opportunity Employer
© JIST Works
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
flex
flexible
FT
full-time
gen/genl ofc
general office
grad
graduate
hosp
hospital
hskpg
housekeeping
HS
high school
immed
immediate
inq
inquire
incl
includes/including
ins
insurance
ind/indust
industrial
inst
institute
info
information
install
installation
lab
laboratory
lic
licensed
ldscpg
landscaping
lndry
laundry
mach
machine
mfgr
manufacturer
maint
maintenance
mgmt
management
mech
mechanic/mechanical
mgr
manager
med
medical
min
minimum
mdse/merch
merchandise
mkt
market
mfg
manufacturing
mtg
mortgage
negot
negotiable
oper
operate/operator
PC
personal computer
pres
president
perm
permanent
proc
process/processing/processor
persn’l
personnel
prof
professional
© JIST Works
Abbreviations in the Want Ads
phone/ph
phone/phones
prog
programmer
pos
position
PT
part-time
PR/pub rel
public relations
purch
purchasing
prefd
prefer/preferred
qual
qualify
recept
receptionist
reqd
required
refs
references
sal
salary
std
standard
SASE
self-addressed stamped envelope
ste
suite
secy
secretary
steno
stenographer
ship/rec
shipping and receiving
supvr
supervisor
shnd
shorthand
tech
technical/technician
transp
transportation
temp
temporary
univ
university
voc
vocational
whse
warehouse
whsle
wholesale
yrs
years
© JIST Works
Section 3:
Making a Good Impression
© JIST Works
Section 3: Making a Good Impression
Prepare for an Interview
Know What You Should Do at the Interview
Look Your Best
Practice Answering Typical Interview Questions
Expect Questions About Not Having a Job
Prepare Your Own Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
Follow Up After an Interview
Send a Thank-You Note or E-mail Message
Record Information After the Interview
Learn from Experience
© JIST Works
Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To…
It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Bring only essential items to the interview:
for example, resume, references, portfolio,
licenses, and planner or small calendar.
Bring anything unrelated to the job into the
interview: for example, your children, pets,
friends, pager, cell phone, gum, or cigarettes.
Be on time or a few minutes early so you
can relax and review what you want to say.
Be more than 20 minutes early or to be late.
Call if you run late.
Be pleasant and friendly but businesslike to
everyone you meet.
Be rude or ill-mannered toward anyone.
Any person in the building could be the boss!
Shake hands firmly. Be yourself. Use
natural gestures and movements.
Pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t
laugh too hard or try too hard to please.
Stress your qualifications and emphasize
experience and training related to the job
opening.
Exaggerate or lie about your skills or
experience. Doing so will only come back to
haunt you.
Refer to the organization’s products and
services as you answer questions, if you
know about them. Your positive knowledge
of the organization will be impressive.
Mention problems the organization may be having.
If any legal, financial, or personnel topics do come
up, talk positively and optimistically about
the organization’s future.
© JIST Works
Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To…
It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Pause and think about your answer after
being asked a question. Answer questions
with more than a yes or no. A successful
interview occurs if the interviewer talks
50 percent of the time.
Ramble on about a question you’ve already
answered. Give thoughtful answers, but don’t
waste the interviewer’s time with information
that’s not relevant to the interview.
Speak positively about past employers.
Stress what was good about previous work
experiences, even if you were unhappy with
the way things turned out.
Bring up past squabbles or problems with
other employers or co-workers. If the interviewer asks about your previous employment,
be as positive as you can, without lying.
Talk positively about what you have done
and the skills you have. Remember that the
tasks you do at home, at church, and as a
volunteer all count.
Mention that you have been on public
assistance unless it’s relevant or the
employer mentions it. Talk about your
strengths and experience instead.
Know your salary range. When asked
“What are your ideas on salary?” answer
with a question for the interviewer, such
as “What do you pay people with my skills
and experience?”
Say a number or a salary range before the
interviewer does. After the employer makes
the first move and states a salary range or a
specific number, you can respond to it. This
helps ensure that you get a fair offer.
© JIST Works
Know What You Should Do at the Interview
It’s A Good Idea To…
It’s Not a Good Idea to…
Ask questions about the organization’s plans
and the nature of the job. Your questions
will indicate interest and motivation.
Ask about salary and benefits. Doing so
gives the impression that you’re only
interested in money.
Be prepared for the interviewer to say,
“You’re perfect for this job. When can you
start?” Planning what to say will keep you
from making a snap decision. Most employers
will allow you time to make this decision.
Accept a job immediately if it is offered to you
at an interview, unless work needs to begin
immediately. Ask if you can think about the
offer, talk to your family, and get back with
the interviewer the next day. This helps you
make a decision you will be happy with.
Thank the interviewer even if it is clear
that you are not right for the job. Ask
about other companies that might be hiring.
Get the name of someone else to see.
Get angry or unpleasant if the employer
tells you that you didn’t get the job.
Be positive and thankful anyway. You
may want to apply for a job with the same
employer again later!
Send a brief thank-you note the day after
the interview. Write or type neatly, and
briefly restate your interest in the position.
Forget about the interview and assume
you didn’t get the job, even if you feel it
didn’t go well.
Call a few days after the interview to see
whether a hiring decision has been made.
Remind the person what job you interviewed for and when he or she spoke
with you. Remember to be patient.
Be a pest by calling several times over
several days. Call once and then wait. If
you still don’t hear after several more days,
call again.
© JIST Works
Tips on Grooming Before the Interview
Women Should
Men Should
Bathe and shampoo your hair
Bathe and shampoo your hair
Use deodorant and only a little
perfume, if any
Use deodorant and only a little
cologne, if any
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
Apply natural makeup, including
matching lipstick
Shave, or wear a neatly trimmed
mustache or beard
Arrange your hair conservatively:
not too high or too far out on
the sides
Choose a conservative haircut
© JIST Works
Tips on What to Wear to the Interview
Women Should Wear
Men Should Wear
Clothes that are clean, free
of wrinkles, and fit you well
Clothes that are clean, free
of wrinkles, and fit you well
Solid, conservative colors
Solid, conservative colors
A skirt, business dress, pant
suit, or blouse and slacks
A suit or a blazer/sports jacket
Conservative jewelry: for
example, no dangling earrings
and only one ring on each hand
A dress shirt that has a collar
and a tie that is darker than
the shirt
Conservative shoes that are
polished and clean
Dress shoes that are polished
and clean
Conservative accessories:
for example, a purse or briefcase
A belt that matches the shoes
© JIST Works
More Than 20 Interview Questions
1. What do you know about our organization? (Use what you learned when you researched the
organization.)
2. What qualifications do you have for this job? (Match what you know about the job and organization
to your experience.)
3. What is your greatest strength? (Relate your strengths to the job description.)
4. What is your greatest weakness? (Show how your weaknesses can be positives; for example,
indicate that you are a perfectionist with high self-expectations. Admit a past problem and what you
learned from it.)
5. What can you tell me about yourself? (Reveal something that is somewhat personal but still
professional.)
6. Why did you leave your previous job(s)? (Turn this into a positive.)
7. If you were hired, what ideas and talents could you contribute to the position or to our
organization?
8. What would you do if _____? (Imagine situations that test your knowledge of the job.)
9. Can you give an example of how you have demonstrated _________skill? (Think first. Be specific.
Speak only long enough to answer the question.)
10. What example can you give me of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job?
© JIST Works
More Than 20 Interview Questions (Cont’d)
11. Why are you interested in working for this organization? (Relate your skills to what you know
about the organization.)
12. What related education do you have? (Use examples that show how your education relates to
the position.)
13. Why have you chosen this particular field?
14. How would you describe your best/worst boss? (Be positive, not critical.)
15. In a job, what interests you most/least? (Show how your interests are related to the position.)
16. How do others describe you? (Keep your response positive.)
17. What do you consider the single most important idea you contributed or your most noteworthy
accomplishment in your last job?
18. Where do you see yourself in three years? (Demonstrate ambition and flexibility.)
19. How does this position fit into your future plans? (Demonstrate potential and ambition.)
20. What could you have done better on your last job? (Be positive.)
21. What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to work?
22. How would you describe yourself to others? (Be positive and brief.)
© JIST Works
Questions You Might Want to Ask
1.
What are your organization’s short- and long-term objectives?
2.
How would you describe your organization’s personality and management style?
3.
What do you see as the organization’s strengths and weaknesses?
4.
What is the overall structure of the department that includes this position?
5.
What characteristics does a successful person within your organization possess?
6.
Where are the opportunities for advancement within this organization, assuming I
meet or exceed the job’s responsibilities?
7.
What are the opportunities here for personal growth?
8.
When will a decision be made about this position?
9.
What makes your organization different from others?
10. What are the key challenges or problems of this position?
11. What aspects of this job could be performed better in the future than they have been
in the past?
12. How do you feel about working in this organization?
13. What do you see as my greatest strengths and weaknesses pertaining to this
position?
14. Were there any questions that I didn’t adequately answer?
© JIST Works
Sample Thank-You Note
Raul Flores
123 Main Street, Apt. C-3
St.Paul, MN 55050
January 19, XXXX
Mr. Vincent Kelger
Research and Development Manager
Computers International
11234 West Ivanto Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55051
Dear Mr. Kelger:
Thank you for the time you spent reviewing and discussing my
skills in relation to the Computer Analyst position. I enjoyed
learning more about your organization and your plans for the
future.
The position sounds very interesting, particularly because it would
give me an opportunity to use my abilities and experience in
computer programming and troubleshooting.
I will call you in a few days in the hope that you have reached a
decision favorable to both of us.
Sincerely,
Raul Flores
© JIST Works
After the Interview Checklist
Organization Name:______________________________ Date of Interview: ________________________
Interviewer’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Interviewer’s E-mail Address: ______________________ Phone Number: _________________________
Date to Call Back: ________________________________ Date of Decision: ________________________
Did I:
Arrive on time?
Yes
No
Dress appropriately?
Yes
No
Appropriately indicate my interest in the job?
Yes
No
Mention who referred me?
Yes
No
Resume or application
Yes
No
Reference list/reference letters
Yes
No
Work samples
Yes
No
Do I need to send additional information?
© JIST Works
After the Interview Checklist (Cont’d)
What was the interviewer’s general impression of my resume? ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What was discussed the most? ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What did the employer seem particularly interested in? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What questions did I have the most difficulty answering? ________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What questions did I answer most effectively? _______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What further information did I obtain about the organization by asking questions? ____________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What can I do to improve my effort? ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
© JIST Works
Section 4:
Success That Lasts
© JIST Works
Section 4: Success That Lasts
Get Ready to Work
Make Wise Decisions
Succeed at Work
© JIST Works
Checklist for Your First Day at Work
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Know when and where you are to report for work.
Set your alarm clock.
Choose a clean, professional outfit to wear for the first day and make
sure that you have at least a week’s worth of other clothing.
Make transportation plans, including getting a bus pass, setting aside
money for gas and parking, or making carpool arrangements.
Make a backup transportation plan.
Arrange for child care needs.
Make a backup child care plan.
Decide how your children will get home from school or child care.
Make a backup plan for how your children will get home.
Prepare a sack lunch or set aside money for lunch.
Gather the paperwork and forms that you will need, such as Social
Security card, birth certificate, and so on.
© JIST Works
Make Wise Decisions

List all the Choices available to you.

List the positive and negative Consequences that result
from each choice you listed.

Choose the consequence that will give you the results
you truly want, not necessarily what you feel like doing.
© JIST Works
Tips for Lasting Success on the Job

Know your work schedule.

Have a backup plan for personal and family emergencies.

Call your employer if you know you are going to be late or if you have a conflict.

Be sure you get to work and get there on time.

Pay special attention to being early (or at least prompt) for the first six months.

Try to see things from your employer’s point of view.

Don’t steal from your employer by taking equipment or supplies, long lunches,
wasting time talking to others, or using the computer for personal business or
entertainment.

Repeat to your supervisor what your supervisor asks you to do to be sure you understand what the task is and how to do it.

Ask questions about what you do not understand.

You are not the only person who can do your job, so do your very best work.

Be a team player. Listen more and talk less.

Be willing to share your ideas and opinions.
© JIST Works
Tips for Lasting Success on the Job (Cont’d)

Know when it is appropriate to offer suggestions and give input.

Ask for more work when your work is complete.

Treat everyone with respect.

Remember that you are at work. Watch your language, your attitude, and your
actions.

Know what is and is not appropriate to talk about in the work place.

Keep personal phone calls brief.

Be careful with your e-mail messages at work.

Avoid office politics. Keep information confidential and don’t gossip.

Learn all you can from the job.

Learn on your own, especially computer and technical skills.

Think of ways for avoid emergencies at work before they occur and keep handy a list
of solutions to ones that are likely to occur.

Have fun! Doing so helps you remain interested, positive, and excited about your
work and makes you a better worker and a happier person.
© JIST Works