The Official Guide to Getting and Keeping a Job The Job Search Process The Official Guide to Getting and Keeping a Job

Why Job Search The job search process is a never-ending process, it is continuous. The average American changes jobs a total of seven times and careers three times. The way that you conduct your job search will directly influence the career path that you take.

Step 1: Assess Yourself Personal Profile Personal Qualities Interests Skills Aptitudes Personal Values Work Values

Step 2: Research Newspaper Referrals Job Fairs Trade Journals State Indexes Yellow Pages Internet Occupational Outlook Handbook

Step 3: Prepare or Revise Your Resume Also known as a Personal Data Sheet Details education, work experience, skills, activities, job objective, references… Marketing tool that matches the job seeker to the employer

Step 4: Apply for the Job Letter of Application Job Application

Letter of Application (Cover Letter) Accompanies the Resume Used to seize attention, perk interest, show your stuff Asks for an interview Your first impression on the employer

Job Application Supplied by potential employer Asks a variety of questions Name, Address, Phone References Job History Education Convicted of a Felony

Step 5: Get the Interview Call Employer Present yourself professionally You will not always get the interview

Step 6: Prepare for the Interview Plan Appearance Practice Questions Research Company Plan Dress Find the Place Leave Early

Step 7: The Interview Be Confident Be Polite Be Honest Be Complete

Step 8: Follow-up Thank you letter Phone call Express if you want the job

Step 9: Evaluate the Offer Do you like the organization Will you fit into the organization Will you benefit the organization Will you benefit from the organization Is there possibility for advancement Does it meet your needs

What is a Resume? Webster’s—Summary. Specifically, a short account of one’s career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position. One 8 ½ x 11 sheet that summarizes and emphasizes your high school courses, grades, academic honors, extracurricular activities, sports particiaption, work experience, volunteer experience, and special skills.

Why is a Resume so Important? Helps to: Organize your thoughts Recognize your skills and interest Make more educated college and career choices Ultimately achieve your goals Most importantly, feel good about yourself and your accomplishments

Three Types of Resumes Chronological—Describes employment and education, starting with the current or most recent event and ending with the least recent. Functional—Organizes your background by areas of skill and experience, such as computers, customer service, writing, and languages. Targeted—Includes both of the above section.

Parts of Your Resume Objective Statement Heading School Information What is the purpose of the resume Heading Include Name, Address, Phone School Information Honors Activities Work History Skills References