Chapter 1-1 Personal Skills & Job Market

Economy

All of the activities related to making and distributing goods and services in a geographic area or country

Market economy

An economy based on the laws of supply and demand

Temp agency

An employment agency that provides part-time and full-time jobs on a temporary basis

Follow up

Contact with a prospective employer after the interview but before a person is hired for the opening (could be in the form of a thank you letter)

Job Description

Describe what a job would be like, including tasks performed and skills needed

On-The-Job Training

Learning as you do the work

Self-Training

Learning new skills from reading and practicing on your own

Hard Skills

Measurable by physical and mental abilities that you bring to the job market

Grant

Money given to pay for educational expenses that does not have to be repaid

Financial aid

Money you receive from an outside source to help pay for education

Soft Skills

Nontechnical skills needed by most workers for success on the job

Job Shadowing

Spending time observing a worker in a type of job that interests you

Business cycle

The alternating periods of growth and decline in the economy

Tuition

The expense paid by students for the instruction at a school

Job Market

The job openings that are available when you are ready to go to work

Supply

The quantity of good and services that producers are willing and able to provide

Skill Set

The unique skills and abilities that you bring to the job market

Demand

The willingness and ability of consumers to buy good and services

Job Interview

a face to face meeting with a potential employer to discuss a job opening

Headhunter

an employment specialist who seeks out highly qualified people to fill upper-level positions for an employer

References

people who have known you can provide information about your skill character and achievements (should not be a relative)

Cover Letter

(application letter) a letter that accompanies a resume, introducing the applicant to a prospective employer

Resume

(personal data sheet or vita) a summary of your work experience, education, skills and interests that qualify you for a job opening.

Goal

A desired outcome based on one's value for which a plan of action is carried out

Job application

A form that asks basic questions about the applicant's background, such as work history, education, skills and references

Scholarship

A gift or money or other aid awarded to a student to help pay for education

Social Network

A group of friends and acquaintances who keep in contact and share information

Contact

A person you know, such as a friend or relative

Value

A principle that reflects the worth you place on an idea or action

Ethics

A set of moral values that people consider acceptable; the study of what is right vs wrong