1. Preparing for the World of Work
Chapter 18
Preparing for the World of Work

2. 18:1 Developing Job-Keeping Skills
Externships
Often required by health science education program
Internships
Bridge between training program and professional life

3. Preparing for a Job Assess strengths and weaknesses
Determine type of job desired, hours, location, potential health care agencies, positions
Develop a positive attitude
Do a job search

4. Characteristics of a Good Employee
Use correct grammar at all times
Report to work on time and when scheduled
Be prepared to work when you arrive
Practice teamwork

5. Characteristics of a Good Employee
Promote a positive attitude
Accept responsibility for your actions
Be willing to learn
Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job

6. Resigning from a Job Reasons
Better job offer
Job better suited to your skills/interests
Personal reasons
Best to have a new position before resigning

7. Resigning from a Job When resigning Always give notice
Notify your supervisor first
Be positive about reasons for leaving
Work at your best level until resignation date
Offer to train replacement
Ask for a letter of recommendation

8. Resigning from a Job If fired/laid off Stay positive
Don’t blame others
Do not criticize your health care facility to others
Ask if a letter of resignation would be accepted rather than being fired

9. 18:2 Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé
Evaluate your interests and abilities
Sources of job openings
Newspaper ads and Internet job search sites
Job fairs
Recommendations from friends/relatives
Employment agencies, professional organizations

10. Cover Letter
Purpose of a cover letter or letter of application is to obtain an interview
Create a good impression
Completed on computer
If possible, address letter to the correct individual

11. Cover Letter Paragraph one: purpose Paragraph two: qualifications
Paragraph three: note résumé included
Paragraph four: closing request for interview
Refer to Figure 18-2 in text

12. Résumé Record of information
Thorough, concise summary of education, skills, accomplishments, work experience
Should make you appear qualified as an employee
Prepared on computer and attractive in appearance

13. Résumé Format for résumé can vary
One-page résumé is usually sufficient
Parts include
Personal identification
Employment objective
Educational background

14. Résumé Parts Work or employment experience Skills Other activities
References
Three references should be printed on separate page

15. Résumé Honesty is always the best policy
List all information before preparing your résumé
Use correct size envelope
Use same stationery for cover letter, résumé, envelope, and references

16. Career Passport or Portfolio
Professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills
Allows for presentation in an organized and efficient manner
Final content varies by individual

17. Career Passport or Portfolio
Includes
Introductory letter
Résumé
Skill list and competency level
Letter(s) of recommendation
Copies of work evaluations

18. Career Passport or Portfolio
Includes
Credentials
Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills
Leadership and organization abilities

19. Career Passport or Portfolio
Organize information in a binder or portfolio
Use tab dividers to create organized sections
Use correct grammar and punctuation in all written information
Your efforts will pay off at interview

20. 18:3 Completing Job Application Forms
Used by employers to collect specific information
Vary from employer to employer
Most request similar information
Read entire form before completing information

21. 18:3 Completing Job Application Forms
Have all required information when you go to an interview
Follow rules for completing application forms
Carry a wallet card for easy access
Remember, employers use application forms as a screening tool

22. 18:4 Participating in a Job Interview
Usually last step before getting or being denied a job
You are selected based on résumé/application
Purposes of interview
Personal evaluation
Detailed information on position

23. 18:4 Participating in a Job Interview
Careful preparation is needed before an interview
Bring your career passport or portfolio
Be certain of the date and time of interview
Dress carefully
Check entire appearance

24. 18:4 Participating in a Job Interview
Arrive early for the interview
Review points to remember during interview
Send a follow-up thank-you note, letter, or after the interview

25. 18:4 Participating in a Job Interview
Practice possible questions and answers before the interview
Federal law prohibits discrimination by age, cultural/ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, disability, religion, race, or sex
You may need proof of eligibility to work

26. 18:5 Determining Net Income
Money you earn or that is available to you
Amount you earn and amount you spend may vary
Gross income
Total amount earned for hours worked

27. 18:5 Determining Net Income
Net income (take-home pay)
Amount of money available to you after all deductions
Use tax charts to calculate net monthly pay
Know what amount of money you have to spend
Manage your money more effectively

28. 18:6 Calculating a Budget Budget Fixed expenses Variable expenses
Itemized list of living expenses
Fixed expenses
House payment, utilities, car payments, insurance
Variable expenses
Entertainment, clothing, donations

29. 18:6 Calculating a Budget Calculate a budget using percentage ranges
Incorporate savings into your budget
Calculating monthly payments
Consider Money Management International (MMI) guidelines for expense percentages

30. 18:6 Calculating a Budget
Important that budget expenses not exceed your net monthly income
Final step is to live by your budget and avoid overspending
Creation of a budget leads to careful management of hard-earned money