Chapter 1.3: Job Application Skills and Tools

references

For a person to get noticed, employers provide information about your skills, character and achievements.

scannable resume

For a person to get noticed, many employers are using software to scan the resume for key words and skills desired.

job shadowing

The process of spending time observing a worker in a type of job that interests you.

job scouts

These are computer programs that search the Internet to find job listings for you.

placement centers

These centers help students find jobs and their services are offered free of charge. They post job openings at a school and provide information to qualified students so they can apply.

state employment offices

These employment offices provide info on job training and assistance.

temp agency

This agency provides full time and part-time jobs on a temporary basis.

cooperative work experience

This is the work experience in which students attend classes part of the day and then go to a job that provides supervised work. Students also receive credit for the on-the-job skills they learn.

cover letter

This letter introduces you to a prospective employer. It is short and direct, says why you are writing within the first paragraph, qualifications in the second paragraph, and the closing paragraph asks for an interview.

job interview

This makes yourself stand out. It is a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer to discuss a job opening.

job application

This makes yourself stand out. It is a form that asks you basic info about your background.

follow-up

This makes yourself stand out. It is making contact with a prospective employer after the interview. A thank-you note is one of the forms of this term.

job interview tips

Tips for a job interview include reviewing your resume, rehearse follow-up questions, lean forward and listen, arrive on time, go alone, appear confident and relaxed, be courteous, think before speaking, eye contact, do homework, and send a Thank You note.

how to find job openings

We find job openings through social networks, job shadowing, cooperative work experience, counselors, teachers, and placement centers, websites of businesses, and job scout programs.

social network

A group of friends and acquaintances who keep in contact and share information. An example is LinkedIn.

resume

A summary of your work experience, education, skills, and interests. The guidelines within this include having a master resume, tailor each resume to match the job opening, limit the resume to one page, keep the resume simple and attractive, list important info on top, and proofread thoroughly.

headhunter

A type of employment specialist who seeks out highly qualified people to fill upper level positions.