Lesson 36 Leadership 21 Job Applications & Top 10 Skill ...
Lesson 21
Do’s and Don’t for Job Applications
The Do's and Don't for Job Applications
Do:
• Fill out the application form neatly.
• Check all spelling and if possible have a reliable person check over your application before turning it in.
• Use a word processor to complete an application if possible. If it is not an option, use a typewriter to fill it out. If you must fill out the application at the place of employment, use a blue or black ink pen.
• Answer every question. If a question does not apply to you, write "NA" (meaning Not Applicable).
• Use your full name on the form as well as your complete address including zip code.
• Fill in a specific job title if you are asked to list the job applied for. Do not write in "Anything."
• Fill in the names of all the schools you have attended and the dates you attended them in reverse chronological order in the "Education" section. It may be helpful to write this information down ahead of time and have the list with you for reference.
• Fill in any relevant work or volunteer experience in reverse chronological order under "Job Experience." You may also have this written out ahead of time.
• Be prepared to provide the perspective employer with a list of references. Keep your references varied-a teacher, an ex-employer, a clergyperson or mentor.
• Sign your name with a blue or black ink pen, even if you used a word processor or typewriter to fill out the form.
• Minimum Age to work in SC is 14 with some exceptions
Do Not:
• Cross out or scribble out mistakes. Ask for another form and start over slowly.
• Use colored pens other than blue or black.
• Use words you do not know how to spell if filling out the form at the place of employment.
• Use nicknames.
• List a salary requirement. Always fill in "Negotiable" if a salary requirement is asked.
• Leave any blank spaces.
• List friends or family members as references.
Top Ten Skills in Demand by Area Employers
1. Integrity/Honesty
2. Team Player
3. Listening Skills
4. Responsibility
5. Knowing How to Learn
6. Self-Esteem
7. Reading Skills
8. Social Skills
9. Reasoning Skills
10. Ability to Allocate Time
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 2000 Skills that Work
Lesson 21 Leadership 21 Dressing for Success
Dressing for Success
Your Appearance
How you present yourself is vitally important in any interview, regardless of the nature of the job for which you are applying. If you present yourself in a professional manner, then you will be treated as a professional and given consideration for the job as a professional.
Dress professionally
Remember the term "Dress for Success." The interview is the most significant factor in your getting hired. Research shows that within the first four to nine minutes of an interview the recruiter decides whether or not to seriously consider you for the position. As a result, your appearance is an important factor in the decision-making process.
Interview Clothes - A Worthwhile Investment
Students starting out may wish to have two suits and several coordinating shirts and ties or blouses and scarves. Select the best quality clothing you can afford. If you do not already have one, take the time to purchase a quality suit. Do not pick anything too flashy or too trendy. Stay conservative. You will want to use this suit for years to come.
Suitable Interview Attire
Men:
• Suit-well-fitted, wool or wool blend in either blue or gray
• Shirt-white, off-white or pale blue, solid or with thin stripes
• Tie-Classic width of 3 to 3 and 1/4 inches in silk or a silk/wool blend. If there is a pattern, it should be conservative, or neat stripes
• Socks-Over the calf, either nylon or thin cotton in black or navy
• Shoes-Leather slip-ons or lace-ups in either black or brown
• Belt-Leather in either black or brown
• Briefcase or leather notebook-in black, brown, or burgundy
Women:
• Suit-well-fitted , wool or wool blend in black, beige, navy, burgundy or gray
• Blouse/Shirt-Solid color, cotton blend or silk with a simple cut and no excess frills
• Scarf-Silk, used to enhance and complete outfit
• Hosiery-Neutral-toned, sheer, no seams
• Shoes-Plain leather pumps in dark colors
• Purse-Leather, in same color as shoes, only use if not using a briefcase
• Briefcase or leather notebook-in black, brown, or burgundy
Do:
• Shed your student image.
• Realize that image is an important factor in who gets hired and who does not.
• Dress to communicate a professional image of yourself.
• Wear conservative, traditional, and conventional clothing and accessories.
• Wear the best quality clothing that you can afford. Make sure that they fit well and are comfortable.
• Wear a minimum amount of jewelry and accessories to complete a business outfit.
• Maintain a neat hairstyle; use deodorant and minimum perfume.
• Wear a minimum amount of make-up to an interview (women).
• Be aware of industry differences when dressing for the interview and for work.
• Be well groomed. Nails should be neatly cut and manicured and teeth freshly brushed. Men's faces should be clean shaven.
Do not:
• Come to the interview looking disheveled or too casual.
• Think that dressing correctly will not have a strong influence on your job interview and career.
• Wear jeans, turtlenecks, corduroys, textured tights, corduroy blazers or skirts, cowl-neck sweaters, or bulky, bright argyle sweaters, skirts that are too tight, or too tricky for your interview.
• Mix and match suit jackets and pants if you are a man.
• Wear non-traditional colored suits or fad clothing to interviews.
• Wear bangle bracelets, plastic belts, strong perfumes or large dangling earrings.
• Chew gum.
• Wear too casual a hairstyle or heavy makeup.
• Wear ANY earrings if you're a man.
• Wear any visible piercing (nose rings, tongue piercing, etc.)
• Smoke or bring cigarettes or a lighter to the interview.
• Swear, use vulgar language or slang terminology.
• Bring your cell phone or pager.
Lesson 21 Leadership 21 Interviewing Skills
Interviewing
The Interview
The interview is where you have to prove to the employer in person that you are the right person for the job. Often there are hundreds of applicants for a job, so just being called in for an interview is a major success!
The interview is the critical part of the process of finding a job. During your interview you will be judged on a number of things. You will be judged on your appearance, your ability to communicate, your job skills and goals, your willingness to work hard and much more.
Overcoming Interview Anxiety
It is normal to be a bit nervous before an interview. If you are organized and well prepared for the interview, you should have nothing to worry about. Here are several ways to be more comfortable before an interview:
• Make sure that you eat at least two hours before an interview. If you are hungry or if you have just eaten, your body will only make you more nervous.
• Before you go to the interview site, breathe deeply several times. Breathe in slowly for as long as you can and hold your breath for five seconds. Exhale slowly. Repeat several times.
• Try on your interview clothes before the day of the interview. Make sure that they fit well. Practice good posture while sitting properly at a table or desk.
• Prepare the night before the interview. Make sure that your clothes are matched up, clean and wrinkle-free. Put copies of your resume and your notepad together so you do not have to panic to find them before you leave.
• Rehearse introducing yourself, answering interview questions, asking interview questions, and talking about yourself and your resume.
• Get at least eight hours of sleep before your interview.
• When you walk in to the interview, walk in with a smile!
Remember, the job interview is not life or death. On most occasions, the employer has enough interest in you to call you in for an interview, so now all you have to do is sell yourself.
Your Appearance
How you present yourself is vitally important in any interview, regardless of the nature of the job for which you are applying. If you present yourself in a professional manner, then you will be treated as a professional and given consideration for the job as a professional.
Other Tips
Arrive Early
Your interview is at 10 AM. You want to show up at least 10 minutes early. Fifteen minutes early is more acceptable; showing up one minute late is not. Make a good impression. If you show up early, you might be forced to wait for a few minutes. That's a few minutes that you can use to prepare yourself for the interview.
Plan out your drive to the interview site a day or two before the interview. Practice driving to the interview site at the same time that your interview will take place. You want to know how busy the traffic is and exactly how long it takes you to get there. There is nothing worse in a job interview than starting out giving an excuse for your tardiness.
Call the employer if you have to cancel. Call as early as possible; remember you may not be given another chance.
Show Them You Want the Job
If you want the job, then you have to act as though you do. You do not have to overdo it or give a false impression of yourself. Simply have the right attitude from the time you open the door to the time you drive away. If you want the job, then show them that you do!
Conveying the Right Image:
• When the interviewer enters the room, show your enthusiasm! Smile warmly, stand up and greet him/her with a firm handshake. Introduce yourself, making sure that you give your whole name and any suitable nickname ("Mike" for "Michael" or "Chris" for "Christine," etc.) that you commonly use. Address the interviewer as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr.
• Act as a perfect lady or gentleman. If the interviewer is female, let her take her seat before you take yours. For women, the proper way to sit in an interview is to either cross your feet or cross your legs. For men, keep your feet flat on the ground, especially if your feet are under a table or desk.
• If you are nervous, do not show it. Be aware of movements such as fidgeting, leg bouncing, pen tapping, etc. Stop your nervous habits before they start!
• If you are offered a drink during the interview, do whatever your body tells you. If you are thirsty, accept a drink. If you are not, then politely decline. NEVER eat during the interview.
• During the interview, sit up straight and smile. Lean slightly forward to exhibit interest. Make direct eye contact with the interviewer several times during the conversation to show that you are genuinely interested.
• Ask questions during the interview. The interview is a time for the employer to find out more about you, and it is also a time for you to find out more about the employer. Asking questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the company.
• Do not, under any circumstance, talk negatively about former employers. If you had a bad experience, find a way to phrase it in the most positive light. Instead of saying, "I hated that dead-end job," try to say something like "My former job taught me many things, but I think my career would be better served in a position that allows for professional growth."
• Do not bring children, friends, family, food or your cell phone.
The Interview Questions
The number one statement by interviewers is "Tell me about yourself."
Be prepared for it. It will be asked, and it is almost always the first question asked. The interviewer is asking "What skills do you have?" "What goals do you have?" "What experience, training and education do you have?" and "Why should I hire you?" Practice answering this question to yourself over and over again until you feel you have a good answer to the question.
Below are some questions that you may be asked. Other questions may be asked. By familiarizing yourself with these basic questions, you will be prepared for anything. Practice answering each one until you feel comfortable with your answers.
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What motivates you?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What did you like most or least in your most recent job?
• Provide an example of a difficult situation you have faced with your boss and how you resolved it.
• Provide an example of a difficult situation you have faced with a customer and how you resolved it.
• Why did you leave your past jobs? (Do not speak negatively about previous employers.)
• How do you work under pressure? Give an example.
• When are you available to start?
• What are your short and long-range goals? How are you preparing to achieve them?
• Assuming that you could do anything you wanted, what would you really like to do in life?
• Do you have any plans for college or continued study?
• What failures have you experienced? What have you learned from your mistakes?
Strengths/Weaknesses Questions
• Give examples of your skills and strengths, such as technical and computer skills, organizational skills, team player skills, self-starter skills, leadership, motivation, and dedication skills.
• Discuss what distinguishes you from your peers.
"Why should I hire you?" Questions
• How have your education and other experiences prepared you for this position?
• Why do you feel we should hire someone with your background?
• What three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
• What are three of your strengths? What are three of your weaknesses?
• What makes you better than the other people I am seeing today?
• Describe a contribution you made in your last job.
Job Interest Questions
• What do you know about our organization?
• What are the most important rewards you expect from your career?
• Why did you decide to seek a position with us?
• What two or three things are important to you in your job?
• Describe your ideal job.
Inappropriate Questions
According to the criteria established by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Act, there are guidelines that employers must follow in conducting job interviews. Listed below are some examples:
1. Questions should not be asked to which answers will have a disparate effect in screening out any minorities and/or members of one sex.
2. Questions must be job-related; the answer must be necessary to judge an applicant's competence for the job in question.
In order to comply with these criteria, employers should not ask questions concerning the following:
• Marital and family status
• Religious or political affiliation
• Ancestry, National Origin, Race or Color
• Sex
• Age (except to establish that they meet minimum age requirements by law.)
Questions to Ask and Not Ask
In addition to being asked questions, it is important that you ask a few questions yourself. After all, you need to make sure that this job, at this company, is right for you. You will definitely want to develop some of your own questions that are specific to you and to the company where you interview. Below are some sample questions that you may want to ask.
Questions to Ask
Find out as much as you can about the job so you can make an informed decision.
• Why is the position open-promotion, company expansion, or did someone leave the company?
• Is there significant turnover associated with this position?
• What career paths are available?
• What are the initial day-to-day responsibilities that you will be expected to perform?
• What do you expect the responsibilities to be six months to a year from now?
• Do you work on special projects? If so, what are the recent ones?
• What computer and software skills are required for this position?
• What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
• What is the work environment like? Do people get along?
• Is there any travel associated with this position?
• How long have you (the interviewer) been with the company?
• In your opinion (the interviewer), what type of person is successful in the company (team player, self starter, "people person")?
• Discuss the management structure. Ask how many people are with the company or in the department, the background of the people in charge, their management style, how long they have worked there, etc.
Questions NOT to Ask in the Job Interview
The following questions are considered inappropriate questions for the first job interview with a company:
• What is the salary? What types of benefits will I receive?
• Is this job hard?
• Will I have to work overtime? Will you pay me more?
• Do people hate their jobs here?
• Do not ask any questions that are answered in the company literature or in the help wanted ad.
Company Research
When you interview for a job, not only should you be informed about the position you are seeking, you should also know something about the company itself. There are many ways to find out information on a corporation. Talk with current or former employees. Send for the organization's annual report, catalogs, press releases or other literature. Consult the New York Times Index, Business Periodicals Index and College Placement Annual at the library.
Answer the following questions before the interview:
• Company name
• Location
• Interview time
• What does the company do?
• The company's mission statement is
• How long have they been in business?
• How many employees do they have?
• Are they listed on the stock exchange? If so, which one and what are they selling?
Do Your Homework
Before you walk in the door-be prepared. Go to the library or the company's website and look up recent articles about the company and research industry trends.
For instance, if you are interviewing for a job as an Administrative Assistant at a bank, make sure you look up current news articles and news releases about that bank. Also, look up articles that have some effect on the banking industry in general.
If you find an interesting article, feel free to bring it along to give to the interviewer.
Being able to say "I just read an article about that while I was researching your company," is very powerful in an interview. It shows that you have genuine interest in the company, you go above and beyond the call of duty, and that you actually researched the job before the interview.
Closing
It is important to end the interview on the right note. Leave the interview just as you came in-smiling and enthusiastic.
Before you leave, make sure that you ask if there is anything about your background that needs to be clarified. This is important. You want to resolve any concerns that they have before you walk out the door.
Ask the interviewer for a business card. This will be extremely helpful when you have to write a thank-you note.
Remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to meet. If you are interested, tell the interviewer you are interested in the position and that you look forward to continuing the process. If you feel comfortable, ask what the next step is in the interview process.
The Interview Checklist
When you go for an interview, always make sure that you bring the following:
• A professional leather notebook with fresh paper for notes;
• The organization's recruiting literature, if any;
• The name of the person(s) with whom you are interviewing, the name of the company, and the title of the job for which you are applying-important information in case you forget during the interview;
• Other notes that you have prepared to help you in the interview;
• Two working pens (in case one runs out), no pencils;
• Three copies of the resume you sent to the employer;
• Three copies of the cover letter you sent to the employer;
• Your references sheet;
• Questions to ask the interviewer; and
• A copy of the advertisement, if available.
Lesson 21 Leadership 21 Resume Writing
Resume Writing
What is a resume?
Your resume is your ticket to an interview where you can sell yourself! You have to get the job yourself. A resume is simply a summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience. Your resume's purpose is to get your foot in the door. A resume is successful if it does not exclude you from consideration for a job.
To prepare a successful resume, you need to know how to review, summarize, and present your experiences and achievements on one page. Unless you have years of experience, you do not need more than one page. Keep that in mind as you briefly and concisely outline your achievements.
Resumes are all about the image that you want to project to your future employer. It is critical in controlling the image that you present to employers. The stronger the skill and experience descriptions are in your resume, the higher the number of interviews and salary offers you will receive.
What a Resume Does
Your resume is a custom-designed, self-marketing tool tailored to your career objectives. In other words, it is advertising for you in your job hunt! It is also the first link between you and your potential employer. A resume functions in the following four ways:
1. Focuses the interviewer's attention on your strongest points;
2. Gives you full credit for all your achievements, whether you were paid or not;
3. Guides the interviewer towards positive things to talk about with you; and
4. Most importantly, lets you see yourself in a more focused and positive manner.
Many job applications live or die in the first 30 seconds of the screening process. It is in that 30-second glance that interviewers decide to forward your resume to the next step or to reject it. There are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting the all-important interview.
Before You Begin
Before you write your resume you should complete a self-assessment. What kind of person are you? Why should someone hire you? Do you have any work experience? What skills do you have that might be useful in the workplace? It is helpful to begin to take a personal inventory of everything that would make employers hire you to represent their company.
Start by taking out a piece of paper and follow along in this simple exercise. Whatever you write down is for your benefit only. You should not send this paper out as your resume. By completing this exercise, you will be able to more easily create your own resume.
1) Write down 15 words or phrases that you would use to describe yourself to a future employer. Begin by asking yourself what kind of person you are. Are you responsible? Do you work well with people? Are you energetic? Do you communicate well?
Some words and phrases that you might use are as follows: quick, highly organized, eager to learn, responsible, excellent communication skills, dependable, dedicated, enthusiastic, energetic, positive attitude, amiable, problem-solver, team-player, self-motivated and good leadership qualities.
2) Next, outline your skills and abilities. Do you know how to use the Internet? Are you proficient with a keyboard? Can you repair cars or simple machinery, build or assemble things, use a computer or computer software, or organize large amounts of information easily? Can you plan things out easily?
You may write several things, such as:
• I can use the Internet and email.
• I can type 40 words per minute.
• I am very organized.
• I am a natural leader.
• I can use Microsoft Word™.
• I can write professional letters and correspondence.
• I repair cars quickly and efficiently.
3) Now try the same with your work experience and extracurricular activities. Be sure you do not count out any work that you have done in the past. Even baby-sitting, lawn mowing, and memberships in such organizations as Boy Scouts and volunteer work are valid work experiences. Why? Because work experience (even unpaid work experience) shows that you have taken on responsibility in the past. Be sure to include such information as the dates of employment, the company name, your position or title as well as your responsibilities. Write down all special achievements or activities for which you may take credit. Write down anything that comes to mind; you will edit it later.
The Content of Your Resume
Now it is time to actually write your resume. The resume is an advertising tool serving a single purpose-to solicit interviews with prospective employers. It should be a brief and direct advertisement of your abilities, knowledge and experience. Remember, it is the first impression you will make, so make it a good one!
Contact Information
All your contact information should be placed at the top of your resume, aligned to the left of the page, or centered on the page. Start with your name at the very top of the resume, then your mailing street address, city, state, and zip code. On the next line, type your area code and phone number. Finally, on the last line, include your email address or website address. Here is an example.
Ms. Cathy Magee
101 Eagles Trace Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 555-1212
cathy_magee@
Objective or Summary
The next section of your resume is usually titled "Objective" or "Summary." This section tells what you want. It is vital to be specific about the job you want. The objective is the first part of your resume that your potential employer will read.
Writing the objective is very easy. The objective should be one clear, concise sentence. Start by saying to yourself, "My objective is ..." or "I am ... " and simply fill in the blank. Here are three examples:
My Objective is…
• To obtain an entry-level position as a personal assistant in an organization requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
• To acquire an apprentice position as an automotive mechanic.
I am…
• Seeking a progressive company offering an excellent training program leading to a challenging sales career.
If you have prior work experience related to the position you are applying for, you may want to include it. For instance, you might write, "To obtain an Administrative Assistant position that expands my current duties as a successful part-time administrative assistant." If you are applying for a specific job that you found in an advertisement, it is acceptable to include the name of the job. For instance, your objective might be "Management Trainee."
Work Experience
If you are just leaving or have recently left school, you may not have much work experience. Many people just entering the workplace do not have any paid employment that ties into their job objective. So how do you obtain experience if no one will hire you?
Think back over your school years. Perhaps you worked on school projects related to your job objectives. Do not forget any volunteer work you have performed, perhaps through the church, school, or local civic group? Also include any special achievements or awards you have received over the past several years. By pinpointing your projects and volunteer work, you can demonstrate to employers and to yourself that you do have what it takes to get that first major job.
If you do have prior work experience, briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order. Put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include the following:
• Education
• Work Experience
o Title of position
o Name of organization
o Location of work (town, state)
o Dates of employment
o Description of your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements
Other information
Staff members at a career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to include the following:
• Special skills or competencies
• Leadership experience in volunteer organizations
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Honors, Awards
References
In order for employers to trust you, they may want to talk to people that know you well, such as former employers, teachers, or mentors. These are your "References." Before you send out any resumes, ask people if they are willing to serve as your reference. Do not use a friend or relative as a reference. Your references should have some professional significance to your job search.
Do not include your reference information on your resume. Instead, note at the bottom of your resume "References furnished on request." If a potential employer requests references with your resume, include a separate sheet in the following format:
Your Name
References
Mr. Joe Smith
Manager, ABC Foods
123 Mockingbird Lane
Greenville, SC 29305
(864) 555-1212
Ms. Susan Jones
Owner, Jiffy Consulting
444 Hampton St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 555-1212
Ms. Ann Hamilton
District Supervisor, City Packaging
411 Kensington Way
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 555-1212
The Do's and Don't for Applications
Do:
• Fill out the application form neatly.
• Check all spelling and if possible have a reliable person check over your application before turning it in.
• Use a word processor to complete an application if possible. If it is not an option, use a typewriter to fill it out. If you must fill out the application at the place of employment, use a blue or black ink pen.
• Answer every question. If a question does not apply to you, write "NA" (meaning Not Applicable).
• Use your full name on the form as well as your complete address including zip code.
• Fill in a specific job title if you are asked to list the job applied for. Do not write in "Anything."
• Fill in the names of all the schools you have attended and the dates you attended them in reverse chronological order in the "Education" section. It may be helpful to write this information down ahead of time and have the list with you for reference.
• Fill in any relevant work or volunteer experience in reverse chronological order under "Job Experience." You may also have this written out ahead of time.
• Be prepared to provide the perspective employer with a list of references. Keep your references varied-a teacher, an ex-employer, a clergyperson or mentor.
• Sign your name with a blue or black ink pen, even if you used a word processor or typewriter to fill out the form. Do Not:
• Cross out or scribble out mistakes. Ask for another form and start over slowly.
• Use colored pens other than blue or black.
• Use words you do not know how to spell if filling out the form at the place of employment.
• Use nicknames.
• List a salary requirement. Always fill in "Negotiable" if a salary requirement is asked.
• Leave any blank spaces.
• List friends or family members as references.
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