1. Chapter 9
Career Planning

2. 9-1 Career Opportunities
THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESS
Occupation- task or series of tasks that is performed to provide a good or service
Career- goal for work that is fulfilled through an occupation
Your current career goal is to complete your schooling and get ready for the future.

3. Career planning- process of studying careers, assessing yourself in terms of careers, and making decisions about a future career

4. The Career Planning Process
Personal Assessment
Determine interests and values
Identify talents and abilities
Employment market analysis
Geographic influences
Business and economic trends

5. The Career Planning Process
Application process
application form
resume and cover letter
Interview process
Prepare for interview
Follow-up activities

6. The Career Planning Process
Employment acceptance
Salary and financial factors
Organizational environment
Career development and advancement
Practice career success behaviors
Develop strong work relationships

7. Your Study of Careers
Too often, a career choice is not made until full-time work begins
This is too late, especially if training and education are required
It is important to view learning about careers as a life-long activity
Tentative career decision- subject to change as new information is received

8. Career Training
Many careers required education and training beyond high school including:
Two-year schools- community or junior colleges
Four-year colleges and universities- public and private
Private business schools- court reporter, computer tech, medical assistant, etc.

9. Consider the cost of further schooling as an investment in your future.
This schooling will help you earn a higher wage.
Many ways exist to help finance your education.

10. Many financial aid programs are provided by schools including:
Scholarships
Student loans
Work-study programs
Some financial aid programs are based on your academic record.
Others are based on financial need.

11. Checkpoint>>
Why is it important to follow each of the six steps in the Career Planning Process?

12. Print and Media Sources
Occupational Outlook Handbook- information on hundreds of occupations including
Job duties
Working conditions
Education and training requirements
Advancement opportunities
Employment outlook
Earnings

13. Career World- includes careers of the future
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance- basic information about many occupations
Newspaper Help Wanted Ads- an idea of jobs in demand and what skills and training are needed

14. Online Sources Web sites are available to help with career planning.
A search may be performed to gather information about: resumes, effective interviewing, creating a career portfolio

15. Informational Interview
Informational interview- planned discussion with a worker willing to help you learn about their work, the preparation needed for the career, and the person’s feelings about their career
Help you gain insight into what really happens in a career

16. Questions to ask during an informational interview include:
How did you get your current job?
In what ways do you find your work most satisfying? What are your main frustrations?
What tasks and activities are required in your work?
What are the most important qualifications for working in this field?
What advice do you give a young person who is thinking about this type of work?

17. Job shadow- spending time with a worker for a day or week to learn about their occupation

18. Business Contacts Networking- talking to other people about their jobs
Advantages of networking:
Contacts not limited to people you know personally
Every person you meet is a potential contact for career information
The contacts in your network when you start work as well as later in life

19. Checkpoint>>
What are the main sources of career information?

20. In-Class Activity>>
Review Figure 9-2 on page 205 of your textbook then answer the following questions.
Which of the career areas shown interest you? Do you think you should limit your career exploration to these areas? Why or why not?

21. GROWTH CAREER AREAS Geographic Influences
Mobility- willingness and ability to move where jobs are located
Locational unemployment- jobs are available in one place but go unfilled because qualified persons live elsewhere and are unwilling to move

22. Economic and Industry Trends
Careers with the most potential are influenced by economic trends.
Consumer demand
Changing demographic trends
New technology

23. Checkpoint>>
What factors affect the career areas that will be in demand in the future?

24. 9-1 ASSESSMENT
Complete questions #1-3 from page 5 of your packet.

25. 9-2
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
Your career planning activities should start with a self assessment of your interests, values, & abilities.
These three areas will help you better you better understand the careers are best for you.

26. Interests
Provide a basis for your employment goals and possible career paths.
People with strong social tendencies bay be best suited for work interacting with people.
If you enjoy investigating, a career in research should be considered.

27. Values
Values- things important to you
You can begin to look at your values by answering some questions:
Is it important for me to earn a lot of money?
Am I mainly interested in work that provides a service for others?

28. Is it important for me to have occupation that others think is important even if I don’t really care for it?
Do I want an occupation that is very challenging and may require additional schooling?

29. Would I be willing to start in a job that pays a lower salary than another job if that job was more challenging and offered better opportunities for future advancement?
Do I consider investing money in education or training as important as spending for other things?

30. Talents and Abilities
Talents- a natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things
Ability- being able to perform a mental or physical task

31. You can learn about your abilities by:
Evaluating the grades you got in the classes you have taken
Which classes were easiest
Which classes have been the most difficult
If you are weak in a certain area, take classes that will improve that area.

32. If you are weak in a certain area, take classes that will improve that area.
Work to strengthen your weak areas before you go to full-time work

33. Checkpoint>>
What is the difference between an interest and a talent?

34. EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Work-Study Programs
Cooperative education combines school with work-related experience.
These programs provide an occasion to develop a variety of on-the-job skills.
You will also learn to interact in work settings.

35. Internships- work experience in organizations while learning about a career
Common internships include: accounting, finance, and marketing
Applying for an internship is similar to applying for a job.

36. Part-Time Employment
Summer and part-time work can provide valuable experience.
Work experience will allow you the chance to see if you enjoy a particular career field.
Part-time work helps you make contacts.

37. Volunteer Activities
Community service can help you in gaining career experience and improving work habits.
Helps with
organizational skills
making career contacts

38. School Activities
Class assignments can provide work-related experiences.
Example: Research and communication skills are developed when you prepare reports or oral presentations.

39. Working on team projects offers you a chance to interact with others which is a vital skill
School clubs and organizations can result in a range of valuable skills:
goal setting
planning
supervising
delegating responsibility

40. Checkpoint>>
Of the listed methods for obtaining employment experience (work-study, part-time, volunteer, school), which one do you feel is the most beneficial for career planning and why?

41. SOURCES OF AVAILABLE JOBS
The Media
Newspaper Want Ads are a common starting point in a job search
Many newspapers post employment ads on their Web sites
Some newspapers have partnered with career Web sites with searchable databases of current positions

42. Personal Contacts
Let as many people as possible know that you are looking for a job.
School counselors can be very helpful.
Relatives, friends, neighbors will be good sources for job leads.

43. Business Contacts
You should visit a business and ask about their openings.
Some businesses post help wanted signs in their windows.
Some retail businesses including restaurants accept applications continuously.

44. Employment kiosk- apply online for a job
Located in large stores
You can also use: phone books, business directories, and Web sites to locate business contact information

45. Career Fairs
Often held at schools or community centers
Allow you to contact several potential employers in a short period of time

46. Government Employment Offices
Local and state government employment offices give information about available jobs.
Supported by tax money
Employment offices can provide up-to-date information about the job market
They can help you look for full-time and part-time work

47. Checkpoint>>
What are the main sources of information about available jobs?

48. Please complete the Assessment Questions at the end of the packet.

49. 9-3 Applying for Employment
APPLICATION ACTIVITIES
The application process may start in many ways
Fill out application you received from the employer
Complete an online application form
Submit a resume and cover letter

50. Personal Data Sheet
The application process begins by preparing a personal data sheet- summary of your important job related information

51. It should list your
Education
Work experience
References
Having a complete data sheet will ensure you have all necessary information to fill out an application.

52. Application Form
Application form- asks for information related to employment
Gives the employer standard information for each job applicant

53. The form will likely ask you for your:
Name
Address
Social security number
Education
Work experience
The job you’re applying for
References

54. Filling out the application form should be viewed as your first job task.
Follow directions carefully
Print answers neatly
Answer all questions completely
See page 216, Figure 9-3 for an example.

55. Resume
Resume- tool that provides information about you to a potential employer

56. A resume usually includes the following sections:
Personal information- name, address, phone,
Career objective- personal employment goal
Education- schools attended, dates, degrees, programs of study

57. Experience- work and volunteer with dates and responsibilities
Career-related honors and other activities- awards, school and community involvement

58. Be sure your resume is presented in a professional manner
Clean
Organized
No errors
Fits on one page
Be honest about qualifications Use action words that demonstrate what you have achieved

59. Career Portfolio
Career portfolio- tangible evidence of your abilities and skills
A career portfolio may include the following items:
Resume, cover letter, and answers to sample interview questions
Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects

60. Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects
Web site designs, creative works from school activities or previous employment such as ads, packages, and promotions
News articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have participated
Letters of recommendation

61. Checkpoint>>
Of the five sections of a resume, which one do you feel is the most important in getting a job? Why?

62. APPLICATION COVER LETTER
Cover letter- expresses your interest in a specific job
Think of it as a sales letter for the purpose of obtaining an interview.

63. Should:
draw attention and interest
build desire to meet you
urge the reader to invite you for an interview
A cover letter usually includes three main sections: introduction, development, and conclusion

64. Introduction Get the reader’s attention
Indicate the reason for writing
Refer to the job or type of employment you’re interested in
Give a summary of your experience
Mention the name of the person who referred you to this organization

65. Development
Highlight background and experience that specially qualify you for the job
Refer the employer to your resume for details
Summarize information about your experiences and training
Connect your skills and background to specific organizational needs

66. Conclusion Designed to request action
Ask for the opportunity to interview
Include contact information, phone numbers, times you’re available, and
Close the letter with how you can benefit their organization

67. Targeted Letter
Targeted application letter- quick summary of ability to meet the needs of an organization
Sent instead of standard resume and cover letter
Includes a list of major skills

68. Checkpoint>>
What is the purpose of a cover letter?

69. ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS
Online Applications
In addition to the basic application, you may be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability to the available position.

70. When posting your resume online or sending it by email:
Use a simple format
Avoid bold, underline, italics, and tabs
Do not use attached files that may be difficult to open

71. Cyber Interviewing
Many organizations hold screening interviews using video conferencing.
Others require applicants to post preliminary interview responses online.

72. Sample e-interview questions include:
Would you rather have structure or flexibility?
What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?

73. Checkpoint>>
How is the Internet used in the job application process?

74. Please complete the assessment questions at the end of the packet.

75. 9-4 Securing a Job
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
Employment interview- two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and company

76. Before you Interview
Prepare for an interview by obtaining more information about the potential employer and the job for which you are applying. Questions you might ask during an interview include:

77. What training opportunities are available to employees?
What qualities do your most successful employees possess?
What new opportunities are your company considering in the next few years?

78. Successful interviewing requires practice.
Record yourself so you will answer questions smoothly and completely.
Prepare concise answers for specific questions you may be asked.
Ask friends to help you practice your interview skills.

79. Make a good first impression.
Arrive on time.
Dress appropriately.
Go alone to the interview even if someone else is providing your transportation.

80. During the Interview
The person who interviews you wants to find out things about your:
Appearance
Manners
Use of language
General ability for the job

81. Behavioral interviewing- include situations or questions to see how you react under pressure
Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact.
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job and your qualifications.

82. Some employers use pre-employment tests to screen applicants.
Pre-employment test- include assessments for keyboarding, word processing, calculating

83. After the Interview
Within a day or two, send a follow up letter- expresses appreciation for the opportunity to interview
Even if you don’t get the job this letter will make a positive impression for future consideration

84. Evaluate your interview performance.
Try to remember questions you were not expecting or not prepared to answer.
Write notes in areas where you need improvement.

85. Be patient after the interview.
It may take several weeks for the company to make a selection.

86. Checkpoint>>
What actions should be taken when preparing for an employment interview?

87. JOB OFFERS Salary and Financial Factors
The type of work and experience will determine your rate of pay.
Common employee benefits include: insurance, vacation time, retirement programs
Additional employee benefits include: free parking, on-site fitness centers, and discount gym memberships

88. Ask what benefits and services will be available to you and how much you will be asked to pay.
Part-time and seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits

89. Organizational Environment
While the financial elements of a job are very important, also consider the working environment.
Leadership style
Dress code
Physical workspace
Social atmosphere

90. Advancement potential training programs should be assessed.
Some companies pride in promoting from within and provide career and personal growth opportunities

91. Checkpoint>>
What factors should a person consider when accepting a job?

92. ON THE JOB BEHAVIOR Job Success Strategies
As you prepare for your first day of work, remember the following:
Ask questions
If you do not understand directions, have them repeated and listen carefully.
You will probably make mistakes. Be sure to learn from each mistake and avoid repeating it.

93. Avoid complaining
If you seem to have more work than you can handle, talk to your supervisor.
Honor the time for breaks
Don’t abuse rest periods and lunch breaks by extending the time limit.

94. Consider your appearance
Dress neatly and be well groomed
Be on time
Arriving late or leaving early is poor practice.

95. Be friendly with everyone
Respect your co-workers and learn to get along.
Show you are dependable
Do quality work that is completed on time.
Sloppy work or work turned in late affects others.

96. Follow the rules
If a rule seems unfair or unreasonable, discuss it with others and find out why it was created.
Mentor- experienced employee who serves as counselor to a person with less experience
Offer advice related to work assignments and career guidance

97. Give at least a two week notice
Leaving a Job
When the time comes to leave a job, it is important to depart on good terms.
Give at least a two week notice
Write a letter of resignation
Include the last day you will be working

98. Try to finish all of your current projects.
If incomplete, leave a note explaining to the next person where to begin.
If there is an exit interview- employer asks questions about your work, be constructive and cooperative

99. Let co-workers know that you appreciated the opportunity to work with them.

100. Checkpoint>>
How does a mentor assist less experienced employees?

101. Please complete the Assessment questions at the end of the packet.