Career Paths Worksheet Lesson 4: Applying for a Job

What is the definition of 'Work Force'?

All individuals who have a job or are actively looking for a job.

List five (5) things you should know, understand or have completed before applying for the perfect job:

Basic job concepts Understand what a career is Explored different careers Developed your career goals Selected a career category

Why, if given the opportunity, should you ask the interviewer questions about the company?

Because it can show the interviewer you are truly interested in the job and a future with the company.

The personal information section is usually _____________ at the top of your resume. Your ________________ should be the ____________ text at the top of the page so that it is easily seen at first glance.

Centered, full name, and largest

How else can networking be helpful to you?

Contact all the individuals in your network to inquire about any job openings or potential job openings.

_______________________ because the employer's first impression of you will be made in the first ___________________ of the interview.

Dress professionally, and 20-30 seconds

List five (5) things a cover letter can be used for that are not typically included in a resume:

Explain why you are contacting the employer Demonstrate your knowledge of the company Define a salary range if you have one Let the employer know the most convenient way to contact you Explain your career goals

List five (5) common networking contacts you can make to establish your network:

Family members Friends/co-workers Technical societies in your field of interest Publications in your field of interest Local Chamber of Commerce

Summarize what you learned in Career Paths-Lesson 4: Applying for a Job:

I learned that I need to make first impression in an interview in 20 to 30 seconds. I can do this by dressing professionally, I need to prepare for job interview by answering general questions about myself. Last, I need to have a great resume that is accurate with no mistakes.

The work history section should list the ________________________________.

Jobs you have held in the post

The education section should list the different _________________________ and any _________________________________ you have achieved.

Levels of education, and educational accomplishments

You should be _______________ in picking your references. Typically, the best references have ______________________________________ or are ______________________________.

Selective, excellent people and communication skills, and well known in the community

A cover letter should never be longer than a ___________ page and should not contain _____________ or ___________________________.

Single, spelling, and grammatical errors

The skills/training section should highlight the ____________ and _____________ you have acquired which _______________ you for the job.

Skills, training, and qualifies

A resume should not contain any _____________ or __________________________ and it should be _________________________ and _______________________.

Spelling, grammatical errors, well organized, and easy to read

What is the definition of 'Networking'?

The development of a group of family, friends and acquaintances that can and will help you search for jobs.

What is the definition of 'Hidden Job Market'?

The job openings that are available in a given location that have not been advertised to the general public.

What is the definition of 'Job Market'?

The number and availability of job openings in a given location.

List five (5) general interview questions you should be prepared to answer during an interview:

What are your strongest traits? Do you have any weaknesses? What is your ideal job situation? Where do you want to be in 5 years? Do you feel you have leadership qualities?

List three (3) questions to ask the interviewer if given the opportunity to do so:

Where do you see this company in 3 to 10 years? What advancement opportunities will he available to me? In what ways will I be most productive at this company?

List three (3) types of references and give an example of each below:

Work-former employers or co-workers Education-teachers or administrators Personal-church pastor or family friend

Should you prepare for a job interview? How?

Yes you should prepare for each interview and be ready to answer any questions you may be asked.

What should you do when listing your skills, training and qualifications in the 'skills/training section' of your resume?

You should be specific when listing your skills, training and qualifications.

When should you begin networking?

You should begin networking as soon as you have selected a career.

When should you begin your job search?

You should begin your job search 3 to 6 months before you are ready to start working.

What should you do before listing a person as a reference?

You should speak with each of your references before you list them.

The personal information section should include each of the following pieces of information:

Your Full name Current mailing address City, State and Zip code Home, work and cell phone numbers (all that apply) Email address

A cover letter should not be used to ___________ the information in your resume "word for word". [A cover letter] is an ______________ of your resume.

Repeat, and extension

What is the definition of 'Cover Letter'?

A single page formal letter that accompanies a resume and is used to highlight and clarify the information contained in the resume.

What should you do after completing an interview?

After completing an interview, you should send a short letter or an email to the interviewer(s) thanking them for the opportunity to interview.

It takes _______________, _______________ and _______________ to determine the right career and job for you.

Preparation, hard work, and knowledge

How should you always leave a job in a professional manner?

Previous employers can become part of your network if you handle your exit in a professional manner.

What is the definition of 'Resume'?

A formal document that provides a potential employer with a summary of an individual's education, work experience, skills, training and contract information.

What is the definition of 'Job Interview'?

A formal meeting with a potential employer where the individual will answer and ask questions to convince the employer they are the best person for the job.

What is the definition of 'Job'?

A set of specific duties performed by an employee within a company.

What do many employers like to see in the 'education section' of your resume?

Many employers like to see a grade point average and extra curricular activities if you are just completing your education.

List four (4) common places to search for jobs:

Newspapers Internet job search engines College/University Career Centers Unemployment Office

Are the four (4) common places listed above the only places you should search or use to find a job?

No

In addition to preparing to answer the interviewer's questions, you should have your _____________________ in case you are given the opportunity to ask questions.

Own questions

List the five (5) sections of a cover letter? (Review the Cover Letter Tool under 'Tools')

Personal Information Recipient's Information Instruction Body Closing

A resume should contain the following sections of information:

Personal/Contact information Summary of your education Summary of your skills/training Work history Hobbies/activities/interests References