1. Preparing for the World of Work
Chapter 17
Preparing for the World of Work

2. 17:1 Developing Job-Keeping Skills
Must develop good characteristics to be 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
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3. Developing Job-Keeping Skills (continued)
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

4. 17:2 Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé
Job seeking:
Evaluate your abilities
Decide on the type of job
Explore job sources
Identify places of employment
Prepare to apply for the position
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5. Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Résumé (continued)
Purpose of a cover letter is to obtain an interview
Must create a good impression
Well organized
If possible, address letter to the correct individual

6. Cover Letter Format Usually contains 3–4 paragraphs
Paragraph one contents
Paragraph two contents
Paragraph three contents
Paragraph four contents
PARAGRAPH 1 – state your purpose for writing letter / express interest in position you are applying / state where you saw posting
PARAGRAPH 2 – state why you believe you are qualified for position / why you want to work for employer
PARAGRAPH 3 – state that a resume is included / draw attention to 1-2 important features on your resume
PARAGRAPH 4 – close letter with a request for an interview / state contact information / include thank you for considering your application

7. Résumé Record of information Thorough, concise summary
Basic information for the employer
Computer printed or typed and attractive
in appearance
Format for résumé can vary
References are separate and not part of the résumé
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8. Résumé (continued) Honesty is always the best policy
List all information before preparing your résumé
Keep résumé to one page
Use correct size envelope
Same stationery for cover letter, résumé, envelope, and references

9. Parts of a Résumé Personal identification
Employee objective, job desired, or career goal
Educational background
Work or employment experience
Skills
Other activities

10. Career Passports or Portfolios
Professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills
Allows for presentation in an organized and efficient manner
Introductory letter
Résumé
Skill list and competency level
Letters of recommendation
Copies of work evaluations
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11. Career Passports or Portfolios (continued)
Documentation of mastering job-keeping skills
Organize information in a neat binder or portfolio
Use tab dividers to separate into organized sections
Use correct grammar and punctuation on all written information
Effort will pay off at interview
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12. 17:3 Completing Job Application Forms
Used by employers to collect specific information
Vary between employers
Most request similar information
Read entire form first before completing information
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13. Completing Job Application Forms (continued)
Have all required information when you go to an interview
Basic principles for completing application forms
Wallet card
Remember, employers use application forms as a screening tool
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS – SEE PAGE 538 IN TEXTBOOK

14. 17:4 Participating in a Job Interview
Usually last step before getting or being denied a particular job
You have been selected based on your résumé and/or application
Purposes of interview
Careful preparation is needed
Careful attention to the date and time of interview
PURPOSES –
PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EVALUTE YOU IN PERSON, OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, AND SEE WHETHER YOU MEET JOB QUALIFICATIONS
ALLOWS EMPLOYER TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE POSITION IN MORE DETAIL
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15. Participating in a Job Interview (continued)
Dress appropriately
Check entire appearance
Leave early for the interview
Points to remember during interview
Send a follow-up note or letter after the interview
POINTS TO REMEMBER DURING INTERVIEW – SEE PAGE 540 – 541 IN TEXTBOOK
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16. Participating in a Job Interview (continued)
Many difficult questions can be asked during an interview
Federal law prohibits discrimination in regard to age, cultural or ethnic background, marital status, parenthood, religion, race, or sex
You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work

17. 17:5 Determining Net Income
Income: money you are earning that is available to you
Amount you earn and amount you spend may vary
Gross income
Net income
GROSS INCOME – TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED BEFORE DEDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF PAY
NET INCOME – “TAKE HOME PAY”, MONEY AVAILABLE TO YOU AFTER ALL PAYROLL DEDUCITONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT.
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18. Determining Net Income (continued)
Calculation of gross income
Calculation of net income
Calculation of net monthly pay
Essential to calculate your net income:
Know what amount of money you have to spend
Determine your lifestyle
Manage your money more effectively

19. 17:6 Calculating a Budget
Budget is an itemized list of living expenses
Must be realistic to be effective
Types of expenses: fixed and variable
Way to calculate a budget using percentage ranges
Incorporate savings into a budget
Calculating monthly payments
FIXED – rent, house payments, utilities, food, car payment, insurance payments
VARIABLE – entertainment, clothing, donations, etc.
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20. Calculating a Budget (continued)
Important that budget amounts do not exceed amount of net monthly income
Final step is to live by your budget
Creation of a budget leads to careful management of hard-earned money