1 Applications Job Hunting Workshop

The Job Hunting Handbook Introducing the job application Main parts of the job application Online applications Job application activity Common mistakes We will cover: 2

The Job Hunting Handbook Introducing the Application 3 Companys Application or Generic Application Designed to help hiring managers spot your strengths and weaknesses quickly How much experience you have How reliable you are Who you know Whether you take pride in your work

The Job Hunting Handbook Application Dos 4 Bring a pen to fill out an application. Dress appropriately to turn in the application. Read directions carefully. Fill out all fields and questions. Make copies and practice before you complete the original. Type or neatly print your answers in blue or black ink. Proofread the applications several times for accuracy. Carry a generic application with you for filling out employer applications. Have a copy of your resume to attach.

The Job Hunting Handbook The five main parts: 1. The job you want 2. Your work history 3. Your work education 4. Your references 5. Your signature 5

The Job Hunting Handbook The first part asks about the job you want 6 Which position are you seeking? Full-time, part-time, or shift work? Do you have a friend or relative that works here? Do you have reliable transportation? Are you a veteran? Have you been convicted of a felony?

The Job Hunting Handbook The second part asks about your work history 7 The month and year you began work The month and year you left that job Your job title Your duties The companys name and address Your supervisors name and telephone number Your reason for leaving

The Job Hunting Handbook Red Flag Words 8 Reasons for leaving- Always look for positive statements Fired or Terminated Involuntary separation Quit Resigned Voluntarily separated Quit for a better job Quit to move to another area Quit to attend school Incarcerated Relocated Will discuss at interview

The Job Hunting Handbook Other Reasons for Leaving 9 Career change Seasonal Temporary Relocated Laid off Job ended Seeking advancement Economy slowed Business Closed Reduction in work force Health or injury (no longer a problem) Family needed me (no longer a problem)

The Job Hunting Handbook The third part asks about your education 10 The years of study completed The degree, award, or certification earned The schools name The schools address

The Job Hunting Handbook The fourth part asks for three references 11 You will need to know their: Name Address Phone Number How you know them or their title People who can vouch for who you are & what kind of worker you are: Previous employer, supervisor, teacher, coach, or coworker. Be sure to ask them if you can use them as a reference Call or visit and ask for a positive recommendation Example: Nate, I am trying to set up some job interviews. Would you be able to give me a positive recommendation?

The Job Hunting Handbook The final part asks you to read a closing statement 12 You will be asked to sign your name showing that you understand the following key points: All the information you submitted in the application is true Any omission is sufficient cause for termination if you are hired Simply submitting the application does not mean that you will be hired In some instances you will agree to a background check or a physical examination

The Job Hunting Handbook Online Applications More and more employers are using online applications Quicker and cheaper for the employer Computer program screens the application for keywords, gives it a score, and sorts the applications by their scores Some applications do not make it through the screening process if there is an error Companies that use online applications: St. Joseph Medical CenterSafewayPizza Hut Wal-MartTown PumpAllied Waste Black Mountain SoftwareCar QuestGlacier Bank First Interstate BankMcDonaldsJore Benefis Health SystemFederal JobsState Jobs 13

The Job Hunting Handbook Tips for winning Online Applications Tips for winning Online Applications 14 Read and follow the directions carefully Write down your login and password Watch the clock, some systems are timed If possible print the questions and come back Include keywords from the position requirements Be specific about your career history

The Job Hunting Handbook Tips for winning Online Applications (continued) Tips for winning Online Applications (continued) 15 Add comments or additional information to show you researched the company and industry Take the assessment if one is offered Attach your resume in Word (.doc) or Rich Text Print a copy for your records

The Job Hunting Handbook Tips for winning Online Applications (continued) Tips for winning Online Applications (continued) 16 Dont leave areas blank, even if you dont have what they are asking for: List your IT certifications or List your IT certifications Currently, I do not hold any IT certifications; however I am excited for an opportunity and challenge to master new skills and earn MCSE, CCNA, MCTS, CSSA and / or Network+ certification(s) as required by the job. I enjoy learning new technology and catch on quickly. Which makes the candidate stronger? Which gets more keyword hits in an honest, ethical way?

The Job Hunting Handbook Job Application Activity 17 Misspelled words Scratched out items Cursive writing instead of printing Messy Incomplete information and unanswered questions Red Flags Unsigned What is wrong with this application?

The Job Hunting Handbook Most Common Mistakes 18 Misspelled words Scratched out items Cursive writing instead of printing Messy or illegible writing Incomplete information and unanswered questions Writing see resume in the work history section Unsigned Not following directions Large unexplained gaps in employment history Using red flag words such as quit, fired or personality conflict

The Job Hunting Handbook Important Final Tip 19 Become the solution to the hiring managers needs. Who is the employer? What does the employer need? How can you help the employer?

The Job Hunting Handbook Resume Class 20 Next Wednesday at 2:30

The Job Hunting Handbook Any Questions? 21 We are here to help!