Health Occupations Job Skills

Job Keeping Skills Characteristics of a good employee Employers state deficiencies of employees Poor grammar Poor spelling Poor speech & math skills Lack of respect for work Lack of self-initiative Poor personal appearance Not accepting responsibility Excessive tardiness & poor attendance Inability to accept criticism

Job Keeping Skills Use correct grammar at all times Both written & spoken word Ability judged based on communication Poor grammar can indicate lack of education Listen to how others speak Use dictionary to check spelling Spell check on computer

Job Keeping Skills Report to work on time & when scheduled 7 days a week, 365 days per year, 24 hours per day Absence can cause major disruption to schedule Strict rules about absenteeism

Job Keeping Skills Be prepared to work upon arrival Don’t socialize, make personal phone calls, talk about personal problems, bring kids to work, work in a sloppy manner Develop good work ethic Observe all legal & ethical responsibilities Follow all policies & procedures Recognize limitations, ask for help Be willing to learn new things Watch & learn

Job Keeping Skills Practice teamwork Promote positive attitude Be willing to work with others Promote positive attitude Creates good impression Don’t concentrate on negatives only Easy to criticize Leads to negative attitude & poor morale Concentrate on positive aspects Look at rewards Makes work more pleasant

Job Keeping Skills Accept responsibility for actions Take responsibility for mistakes & report them Correct errors Everyone will do something wrong at some time Honesty is essential

Job Keeping Skills Be willing to learn Changes occur continuously Staff development New courses Professional journals Need good skills to keep your job Courteous, responsible, enthusiastic, cooperative, reliable, punctual, & efficient

Letter of application Purpose is to obtain an interview Must create good impression Usually in response to job advertised Also send resume Letter should be in correct form Computer printed on good quality paper Neat, complete, done in correct form Spelling & punctuation correct Employer’s first impression

Letter of application Address letter to correct individual Telephone agency to get info Obtain correct spelling for name & title If responding to box number, follow directions in advertisement Can address letter to personnel direction or head of a particular department Letter usually has 3 – 4 paragraphs

Paragraph 1 State purpose for writing & express interest in position for which you are applying State name & date of publication if responding to advertisement If referred by another person, give that person’s name & title

Paragraph 2 State why you feel you are qualified May include why you want to work for this employer Keep information brief because most information is included in resume

Paragraph 3 State that resume is included Point out 1 or 2 important features on your resume that will attract attention If resume not included, state that one is available upon request

Paragraph 4 Closes letter & request an interview Include reference as to how employer can contact you Include telephone number & times available Add a thank you for considering the application

Resume Record of information about an individual Thorough but concise Education, experience, abilities Provides employer with basic information to make you appear qualified as an employee

Resume Computer generated or typed Format can vary Organized fashion Good quality paper Correct spelling & punctuation Straight & even margins Attractive style Format can vary One page sufficient for recent high school graduate

Parts of a Resume Personal identification Employment objective Name, address, phone number, email Employment objective Job desired, career goal, title for which you are applying Educational background Name & address of high school Special courses or majors List college or technical school first

Parts of a Resume Work or employment history Skills Previous positions or employment Start with most recent, work backwards Name & address of employer, dates employed, job title, brief description of duties Use action verbs to describe duties Skills Special knowledge, computer, & work skills Specific & indicates qualifications & ability to perform job Shows employer you are qualified if work experience is limited

Parts of a Resume Other activities Organizations of which you are a member, offices held, community activities, special awards received, volunteer work, hobbies, special interests Keep brief Include school, church, & community Shows well-rounded, good citizenship, leadership Write out full name of organization instead of identifying letters

Parts of a Resume References Honesty “references will be furnished on request” Always have individual’s permission before using anyone as reference List full name, title, address, & telephone number Do not use relatives or high school friends Seek professionals in your field, clergy, teachers, or other people in responsible positions Honesty Never give info that is a half truth If you have A-B average, include that, otherwise omit

Parts of a Resume List all info before preparing your resume Select best format Present your info in best possible way Use correct size envelope for letter of application & resume Don’t fold into small sections & put in undersized envelope May want to use 9 x 12 envelope – don’t need to fold then Buy standard business envelopes that match paper Computer print or type envelope correctly & neatly

Career passport or portfolio Professional way to highlight knowledge, abilities, & skills Contain following Introductory letter – background, education, goals Resume Skills & competency list Letters of recommendation Copies of work evaluations Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills SCANS – Secretaries Commission on Acquiring Necessary Skills Read, write, math, speak, listen Thinking skills – reason, problem solving Personal qualities – responsibility, self-initiative, honesty, etc

Portfolio SCANS workplace competencies Manage resources – time, money, space Interpersonal skills – teamwork, teaching, cultural diversity Utilize information Comprehend systems Use technologies Leadership & organizational abilities Organize into neat binder Use tab dividers to separate into sections Correct grammar & punctuation

Job Application Used by employers to collect specific information Vary from employer to employer Most request similar info Read entire form before completing it Note areas where info is to be placed Read instructions on completing form May need to type or use own handwriting May be able to scan into computer & complete there On-line applications

Job Application Make sure you have all required info before going to job interview Employers may ask you to complete application at that time Basic principles Fill out item neatly & completely Don’t leave any blanks Put “none” or “NA” when item does not apply to you Addresses should include zip codes Watch spelling & punctuation

Principles of job applications Type or print neatly unless applications specifies otherwise Use black pen if printing Take time, make sure it is legible Do not write in spaces labeled “office use only” or “do not write below this line” Be sure all info is correct & truthful If references are requested, include all info – have at least 3 available Sign your name in signature spot – remember you may be giving permission for something

Job Interview Usually last step before getting or being denied position Based on resume or application Purposes Person to person evaluation Obtain additional info See if you meet qualifications Allows you to ask questions

Job Interview Careful preparation Have all required info Resume & application Portfolio Note scheduled date & time of interview Know name of interviewer Exact place Dress carefully Conservative dress Coat & tie for males Dresses or skirts for females Clean & well-fitting

Job Interview Check entire appearance Hair Nails Clean-shaven Conservative make-up, perfume Teeth clean Avoid excessive jewelry Use good deoderant

Job Interview Leave early Observe following points Arrive 5 –10 minutes early Allow time for traffic & complications Observe following points Greet interviewer by name Introduce yourself Shake hands firmly Smile Remain standing until interviewer asks you to sit Good posture Use correct grammar, avoid slang

Job Interview Speak slowly & clearly Be polite Maintain eye contact Answer all questions thoroughly, don’t go into long explanations Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat candy during interview Smiles but don’t laugh excessively or giggle Be yourself Positive attitude

Job Interview Listen closely to interviewer, don’t interrupt Avoid awkward habits Never discuss personal problems or finances Think before you respond Don’t immediately question about fringe benefits, salary, & insurance – usually mentioned before end of interview Questions – ask about job description, type of uniform, potential for career growth, continuing education programs, job orientation

Job Interview Don’t expect definite answer at end of interview Thank employer as you leave Never try to extend interview Send a follow-up note or letter after interview Thank employer Indicate you are still interested in position Suggest you are available for further questions Could be deciding factor if many equal applicants

Federal law Prevents discrimination regards to age, cultural or ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, religion, race, & sex Any questions that reflect discrimination don’t need to be answered Employers are aware that this is illegal You have right to refuse to answer this type of question “I prefer not to answer that question” “Can I ask you how this would affect the job we are discussing?”

Proof of eligibility to work May need to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I – 9 Shows you are legally entitled to work in U.S. Documents that prove your identity Birth certificates, passports, immigration cards Photo I.d. like driver’s license Employers must make copies of documents