Child Care Guidance Unit 2: EMPLOYMENT SKILLS Job Application Interview & Work Skills

Roles and Functions of Individuals working in Early Childhood Read the Child Care Education Newsletter to yourself. You can underline or highlight the main points. As a group summarize the main roles and functions. Use poster paper to make your list. Be ready to discuss as a class.

Rights and Responsibilities of Child Care Employees Employee Rights Employee Responsibilities Do your Job Comply with all policies and state childcare licensing requirements. Adhere to ethical standards Provide appropriate, responsive care Good attendance /be punctual Professional appearance Positive attitude Maintain confidentiality Seek help when needed Quality workplace Fair Treatment Employee Benefits Job Orientation Supportive Supervision Environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment Safe work environment

When Seeking a Job: Check with businesses, friends, relatives, career fairs, and newspapers for job openings. Obtain applications, complete and return to businesses. Mail cover letters with resumes when applying for jobs outside your community. ALWAYS be professional and likeable.

Child-Related Careers Research a Child Care Career that interests you the most.

Letter of Application/Cover Letter Create a Resume and Letter of Application/Cover Letter Your Name Your Street Your City, State, Zip Code The Person to whom you are writing His/Her Title Street City, State Zip Code Dear ____________: OPENING PARAGRAPH: State why you are writing. Name the position or type of work for which you are applying. If possible, identify how you heard of the job opening, if you know that there is one. MIDDLE PARAGRAPH: Explain why are interested in working for this employer. Use personal references such as your educational background, former jobs you have had, and your knowledge of the business for which you want to work. A resume should always be sent with a letter of application. Ask for application forms and information about the organization if you do not already have these materials. CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Suggest a time period when you are available for an interview. For example, you might indicate that you will contact them to make a specific appointment, or that they can request further information from you. Let them know you are interested in an immediate reply to your letter. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Enclosure Tips for creating a Resume: Educational background and experience. Explain gaps in employment in the cover letter. Specify the month and year of the starting and ending date of each job. Be honest in your resume. Stress your most recent accomplishments. Stress work experience: - volunteer work - professional organizations - leadership roles or skills Poor computer or writing skills and grammatical errors will reflect badly. http://www.peirce.edu/Current/Services/Careers/Resumes http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blhsresume2.htm Cover Letter Video: http://video.about.com/jobsearch/Cover-Letter-Writing-Tips.htm

JOB APPLICATION Fill out the application form HONESTLY and COMPLETELY. Use a pen and write neatly.

INFORMATION may be collected from: Birth Certificate Social Security Card Driver’s License Resume Portfolio

EMPLOYER MAY REQUIRE: Special Permits TB Test Blood Test Food Handlers CPR Certificate 1st Aid Training TB Test Blood Test Finger Print for background check.

The INTERVIEW! Be PROMPT Arrive about 10 minutes early. Find the location of the interview BEFORE the day of the interview. INTRODUCE yourself and use a firm handshake. Be PLEASANT In both VERBAL and NONVERBAL language Be attentive, alert, interested and use eye contact. DO NOT chew Gum

Your DRESS and APPEARANCE How you LOOK makes a statement before you even open your mouth! Appearance = First Impression

Does APPEARANCE MATTER … Clothing should be: Appropriate for the job being sought Clean and pressed Conservative Personal Grooming Includes: Hair, Beards, Nails, Breath - Body Odor Avoid: Excessive make up, perfume, jewelry, or extreme styles

QUALITIES EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR: 1 - Communication Skills (written & verbal) 2 - Honesty and Integrity 3 - Teamwork Skills - getting along with others 4 - Interpersonal Skills 5 - Strong work ethic 6 - Motivation / Initiative 7 - Flexibility 8 - Analytical Skills (Problem Solving) 9 - Computer Skills 10 - Organizational Skills

The Interview Interview questions : pages 654-655 Tips for a Successful Interview :page 654 http://video.about.com/jobsearch/Job-Interview-Tips.htm

You got the Job - NOW KEEP IT! Find a Job you will ENJOY! Be ON TIME - Don’t abuse SICK LEAVE. Be a HARD WORKER-Get the Work DONE. Follow RULES! Keep a LEARNING ATTITUDE. Do Not GOSSIP. HELP in any way possible. Work WITH not AGAINST other employees.