Employment Certificate Program Guide

School District 28

Are You Ready for A Job?

• Employer Surveys (2003, 2005 and 2007)• Conference Board of Canada Surveys• School District 28 Website• Self Assessment– Actions for Improvement

Job Success Skills

• Keeping Your Job Assessment– Actions for Improvement

• Job Success Skills– Positive Attitude– Being Punctual– Good Attendance– Having Basic Math Skills

Job Success Skills Continued

• Keeping Your Job – Establishing Good Work Habits– Use the skills you have– Learn new skills– Use your interpersonal skills– Have good communication skills– Be on time, every time– Show initiative

Job Success Skills Continued• Keeping Your Job –

Establishing Good Work Habits Continued

– Be able to work independently

– Work is not for personal business

– Be respectful

– Resolve conflicts

– Listen and learn

– Obey the rules

– Customers come first

– Admit mistakes

– Work in a safe manner

– Find a role model/mentor

Job Success Skills Continued• Tips to advance in your job. Do you:– Solve problems before they reach your employers desk?– Act independently or constantly need supervision?– Think of mistakes as learning opportunities?– Take initiative or have to be continually told what to do?– Look to the needs of the company- not just your own?– Assume new responsibilities?– Make every attempt to cooperate and get along with

others?– Show that you are dependable, always on time for work

and rarely miss work?– Maintain regular contact with your supervisor or boss?

Job Success Skills Continued

• Leaving your job– Giving notice– References

Resume and Cover Letters

• Resume and cover letter assessment• Resumes– The product is you– Resume Tips– Resume do’s– Resume don’ts

Resume and Cover Letters ContinuedTypes of Resumes

Chronological Resume• One specific occupation

• List all relevant occupations

• Example

Functional Resume• Highlights Skills rather than

jobs• Good if you have had

different types of jobs• Groups skills into categories

Combination Resume• Summary of Skills• Shows both your work

experience while highlighting skills

Resume and Cover Letters Continued

• Cover letters– Functions of cover letter• Summary of your skills• Highlights specific skills • Makes a good first impression• Makes the employer want to know more about you

Resume and Cover Letters Continued

• Tips for doing a cover letter– Address your cover letter to a specific person. Do

not use generic cover letters– List the employers address and name– Highlight your skills; relate skills to the job

advertisement if possible– End your cover letter with action

• Cover letter Example

Application Forms

• Why employers use application forms• Making your application stand out– Read the application completely– Print neatly or type your application– Fill in all information requested; do not leave

blank spaces or write see resume– Attach resume and cover letter to application if

possible

Delivering Your Resume/Contacting Employers

• Contacting Employers Assessment• Be prepared when contacting employers– Delivering your resume– Talking to the manager– Time of day you are applying– Developing your network

Delivering Your Resume/Contacting Employers Continued

• Dress for success– Keys to a successful image– Dress for the workplace

• Being Prepared– Binder or case for resume, extra paper, references

and pens

Delivering Your Resume/Contacting Employers Continued

• Meeting Employers– Going alone– Projecting a positive attitude– Introducing yourself– Maintaining eye contact– Being aware of your posture and tone– Being available if asked to fill out application or

have a short interview

Interviews

• Interview Assessment• Preparing for your interview– Research the company– Appearance– Preparing your interview folder

• Copy of your resume• Letters of reference• Blank paper and pen for notes• Information on your skills and experience you would like to

mention• Information about the company• Questions to ask at the end of your interview

Interviews Continued

• Arriving at your interview– Arrive on time– Arrive alone– Treat everyone with

respect– Greeting the interviewer– Showing enthusiasm

– Correct posture and tone

– Speak clearly during your interview

– Ask for clarification if you are unsure of how to answer a question

– Close by asking the employer questions you have prepared

Interviews Continued

• Answering interview questions– Do a self assessment; be able to identify your

skills, abilities and experience– Practice answering questions– Giving examples of your experience and skills– Skills and examples chart

Interviews Continued

• Sample Interview Questions– Strengths, weakness, skills and experience

• Tips for answering questions– Listen to the question– Two and three part questions– Write down key words when listening to questions– Take control when answering questions

Interviews Continued

• Interview Don’ts– Apologize for skills you do not have– Exaggerate your skills– Lie about availability– Talk negatively about past employers– Ask about wages

Interviews Continued

• Before you leave the interview– Restate your interest in the position

• After the interview– Record information for future reference– Send a thank you letter– Follow through after decision date has passed

Interviews Continued

• If you get the job– Asking when you will start– What you should bring on your first day– Information you learn to prepare you for your first

day; advance training• If you do not get the job– Ask for feedback– Keeping your resume for future openings– Thanking the employer for the opportunity

Employment Certificate Program Guide

• Questions

• Further Information