Job Application Process Understand procedures for gaining employment.

The procedures to follow when looking for a job include: Complete a résumé Write a cover letter (or Letter of Application) Complete a job application Interview with the potential employer Send a thank-you letter

The Résumé

Purpose of a Résumé Provide a summary of the applicant’s qualifications Stimulate interest of an employer Save time in the interview process

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé Keep it to one page, if possible Showcase skills and qualifications, (be honest) Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience (most current first) Use “action verbs” such as, created, designed

Guidelines for Writing a Résumé Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others Get permission to use names as references Be neat and legible Key and proofread carefully

Contents of a Résumé Personal Info. - Name, address, phone number, e-mail Job Objective - The job you are applying for. Education – List all education (past or current). Include subjects or programs in which you are specialized. Work experience/volunteer work - List your work experience - most recent job. Also, include volunteer work.

Contents of a Résumé Special skills and abilities - List job-related skills and abilities. Honors and Activities - List honors or awards you have received. Name activities you have participated in that relate to the job you want. References available upon request - People who recommend you to an employer. Not family members. Teachers, club leaders, neighbors, and anyone you’ve worked for before make good references.

The Cover Letter (or Letter of Application)

Purposes of a Cover Letter Serves as a cover letter when mailing the résumé. Sent in response to want ads

Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter Neatly type it Address to a specific person Keep the letter brief, clear, and businesslike (1 page) Use personal business letter format

Contents of a Cover Letter First paragraph tells the position you are interested in and where you found out about the position. Second paragraph stimulates interest in your qualifications and refers to your résumé. Last paragraph should cause the reader to contact the applicant to arrange for an interview

The Job Application

Purposes of a Job Application Indicates an applicant’s abilities Determines how well an individual can follow directions, understands questions, and organizes answers Indicates neatness, thoroughness, spelling, and writing abilities

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application Bring important documents - SS card, résumé, names and addresses of former employers and references Read entire form before answering any questions Complete all areas – leave no blanks Write “N/A” for not applicable Be honest with your answers Provide accurate information.

Guidelines for Completing a Job Application Be neat; ask for another form, if necessary. Proof read before you turn it in. Type or print the application legibly with black or blue ink. Sign properly, if requested. Review form completely.

6.02 PowerPoint The Interview

Interview Techniques Preparation Interview Etiquette Following the Interview

Interview Preparation Research the Company Practice Dress the Part Take Résumé and References

Proper Interview Etiquette Be on time No gum Go alone Show self-confidence Give Introduction and handshake Maintain good posture Use appropriate body language (Including eye contact, gestures, etc.) Speak clearly Be a good listener Sell yourself and your qualifications Show interest in advancement Tell the truth Show a positive attitude and enthusiasm Be prepared to answer questions Do not criticize other employees Thank the interviewer for their time

Interview Don’ts Chew gum Smoke during or beforehand Rely on your résumé to sell you Tell jokes during the interview Act desperate Say anything negative about former colleagues Answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no” Discuss personal issues Answer cell phone calls Ask about salary

Following the Interview Send a thank- you letter Be Persistent

The Thank-you Letter

Purpose of a Thank-you Letter 1. Shows that you are still interested in the job 2. Allows you a chance to clarify something you said in the interview 3. Opportunity to mention something that may have occurred to you later

Guidelines for Writing a Thank-you Letter Thank the interviewer for talking to you Let the employer know that you want the job Be brief and polite Send no later than two days following the interview Proof the letter to make sure there are no mistakes

Other Methods of Follow-up Telephone call Visit to the company E-mail