Apply Yourself key vocabulary Employability Copyright © Notice The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of TEA, for exceptions see the first page of this document.

When we take a careful and systematic approach to applying for jobs, we make the task easier. We can think ahead and prepare before we complete applications and attend interviews. We can practice and get assistance from teachers, friends, and family members. All of these actions will make us more confident as we move forward in the job search. Cognates

Job Applications

Basic Information name address phone work availability legal right to work controlled substances criminal background

Education, Training, and Experience schools attended diplomas, degrees, certificates military service special skills

Employment History previous employers job tasks performed time spent on the job names addresses phone numbers

References individuals who know what we can do accurate addresses, phone numbers

Filling Out Job Applications  neatly  clearly  clearly  completely  completely Keep a notebook with important information.

Filling Out Job Applications  at the company  at home  on-line

Common Mistakes  spelling errors Astin, TX  leaving blanks  factual errors incorrect phone numbers, addresses  illegible handwriting

6742 Los Lunas Ln. Avoiding Common Mistakes  black or blue pen  white correction fluid  cursive or printing? 6742 Los Lunas  proofread

Avoiding Common Mistakes  plan  collect information basic information education and training history employment history references  keep a notebook

Keeping Records company details  company details actions  actions deadlines  deadlines results  results next steps  next steps

Interviews

Scheduling an Interview When you receive a call to schedule the interview, write down:  company name  address of interview location  call-back number

Scheduling an Interview When you receive a call to schedule the interview, write down:  name of individual calling  name of interviewer  time of interview

Messages If family members will be answering the phone:  tell them you are expecting a call about a job  ask them to take a clear message

Messages If family members will be answering the phone:  ask them to give you the message immediately  return the call as soon as possible possible

Following Up If you apply for a job and don’t get a call back in two weeks, you can call them to “follow up.”  be polite  tell when you submitted the application  ask for an “update” on the status of your application

Rescheduling an Interview If you can’t attend an interview, be sure to call the company.  explain circumstances  ask to reschedule  say thanks

Interview Checklist  Be clean.  Dress appropriately.  Show up on time or a little early.  Make eye contact.  Shake hands firmly.

Interview Checklist  Smile.  Answer questions honestly.  Give short, simple answers.  Avoid talking a lot about your family or personal circumstances.  Sell yourself by explaining your strengths.  Say thanks.

Common Questions  Where did you attend school?  Do you have a diploma/certificate?  If we hire you, will you be able to provide proof that you are legally allowed to work in the United States?

Common Questions  If we hire you, will you take a drug test?  You last worked at _____________.  How long were you employed?  Why did you leave that job?

Common Questions  Can you work days?  Can you work nights?  Can you work weekends?  Would anything prevent you from coming to work regularly?

Common Questions  Please describe your skills.  What are your strengths? Weaknesses?  Where do you see yourself in three years?  Why do you want to work with this company?

Asking Questions  Please describe the responsibilities of this position.  How would you describe the ideal person for this position?  Are there opportunities to move up within this company if I get more training?

Asking Questions  How are employees in this company evaluated?  When will you make the hiring decision?  Will you let me know your decision—either yes or no? May I call you?  If I do get the job, when would you expect me to begin?

selling yourself determined resourceful committed reliable creative

selling yourself organized professional mature honest trustworthy deliberate alert

selling yourself accurate strong kindrespectful empathetic consistent sincere

selling yourself safety-conscious energetic flexible conscientious precise cooperative agile

selling yourself good memory lots of stamina pay attention to quality react rapidly good listener able to focus

Apply Yourself` key vocabulary Employability Copyright © Notice The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of TEA, for exceptions see the first page of this document.