Chapter 15 PLANNING YOUR CAREER

How do I get started

Retail Job Requirements21 Century Work Skills

• Reading• Speaking• Writing• Listening• Math computation• Problem solving• Leadership skills• Team work skills

Work Documents

What do I need to do

• Make a career plan• Set specific goals– Career ladder( jobs you

take)– Career lattice( any job or

course to reach goal)Cashier

Floor Sales

Store Manager

District Manager

How to Find a Job

• Networking• Employment agencies• Employment ads• Internet job Listings

Sources of Career Info

• The Internet• Libraries• School Counselors• Retail Professionals• Trade Publications

Retail Careers• Marketing & Advertising• Store operations• Loss Prevention• Store Management• Finance• Human Resources• It and E commerce• Sales• Distribution & Chain Management• Merchandise buying & Planning

Writing A Cover Letter

Cover letter

• Is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a resume

• Employers first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the application packet.

THREE MAIN PURPOSES• It formally introduces you, and personalizes your

resume.• It highlights specific information from your resume and

from your background that applies to that position. • It helps to facilitate a meeting between you and the

employer.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER

TWO TYPES OF COVER LETTERS

• Letter of Application:– A cover letter that accompanies your mailed resume

when applying for an advertised job

• Letter of Inquiry:– A cover letter that accompanies your mailed resume

when applying for an un advertised job

COVER LETTER

• Avoid clichés and meaningless or wordy expressions.

• Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume.

• Target your cover letter to the job you are applying for.

• Refer to your qualifications and illustrate how your abilities relate.

• Communicate your interest, motivation, and strengths.

• Emphasize your achievements.

COVER LETTER TIPS

• 1 inch margins• Spell check• Use “I” and action verbs• Brag about your accomplishments

MORE COVER TIPS

1st paragraph• Two or three sentences in length. Start with an interest-creating sentence

in which you appeal to the employer’s needs. Be as specific as you can about the position desired.

1. I am applying for your Sales Trainee position which was posted on CUcareers.com. You indicate a need for a recent graduate with a background in business and sales. I will graduate in May with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and I have held part-time sales positions throughout college.

• I am especially interested in the Loan Officer position which was advertised in the Columbus Dispatch on November 8. I have several years of experience in banking, including significant exposure to loans and mortgages.

2nd paragraph• You will emphasize a match between the skills which

you possess and those which are required by the employer. For example, if an advertisement mentions specific courses in your major, then point out in the letter that you have had those courses.

• At the end of this paragraph make a reference to your resume. Some options are:

Please see my enclosed resume for a more complete view of my background and qualifications.

My enclosed resume will give you a better view of my skills and abilities.

3rd Paragraph• This is the paragraph in which you tell the employer how to get in touch

with you, and thank the person for taking time to give you consideration. SSome examples are:

Should you need additional information, you can reach me at (614) 555-1212 during the evening, or leave a message at (614) 555-4141 during the day. I can also be reached by e-mail at jcollege@yahoo.com. I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I am available for an interview during...(list dates or months or whenever you are available).You can reach me at (614) 555-1212 from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. I look forward to hearing from you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4nPOLu-TaE

Writing An Effective Resume

• What information should be in a resume?

• Characteristics of a successful resume.

• Functional or Chronological.

• Scannable resume.

Characteristics Of A Successful Resume

• Focuses on skills. Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience.

• Easy to read and understand.

• Visually powerful and free of gimmicks.

• One page, or at most 2 pages long.• Language is grammatically correct.

• Spelling has been checked.

• Formal Style

Resume Sections

The five major sections of a resume:

Personal Information Objective Education Work Experience References

Other Possible Sections

• Related skills• Computer skills• Volunteer work• Honors and Awards• Publications/presentations• Affiliations/ Professional Associations

Personal Information

Christina Washington

1100 Somewhere Drive (810) 555-5239Anytown, Michigan 01100 cwshngtn@e-mail.com

Objective

• Indicates specific position for which you are applying

• Simple, clear, and concise• (usually a short, one-line phrase)• use key words in your objective)• Don’t be wordy and don’t add unnecessary

information Translation: Don’t blather on• Don’t get too “ME” centered

Objective

Remember, this is a major heading

Objective: To obtain an entry level position in Home Health Care

Objective: To obtain a position as an Information Technology Specialist

Objective: To obtain an advanced level position in Marketing and Finance

Christina Washington

1100 Somewhere Drive (810) 555-5239Anytown, Michigan 01100 cwshngtn@e-mail.com

Objective: To obtain an entry level position as an Electrical Engineer.

EducationHigh School DiplomaAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters DegreeDoctoral Degree

Certified Training

Vocational Training

Teaching Certification

Other Certificates indicating

educational training

Interviewing

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW

• • Meet the employer in-person or by phone• • Sell your strengths and skills as they relate to• the employer and position.• • Learn about the position and the employer.• • Assess if the employer/position are a good

fit• for your career goals, values and needs.

Types of Interviews

• Traditional– Requires you to relay factual information– Employer is taking your word at face value• Tell me about yourself.• Why did you choose your major?• What is a weakness you have?

• Behavioral/Emotional Story Telling– offer concrete, specific examples to reveal skills• Tell me about a time when you exhibited teamwork.• Give me an example of a challenge you experienced

and how you dealt with it.

Preparation for Interviews

• Research company prior to interview• List of questions to ask about the

company and position• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.• Bring resume to the interview

– No food, bags, gum, etc.

Interview Etiquette

• Be on time to interview• Turn off cell phone prior to interview• Shake hands firmly at the beginning and end

of interview.• Maintain good eye • Write a thank you note

Common Questions• 1. Tell me about yourself. (No idea how to answer this? See• 2. What interests you about this opening? (Or why do you want to work for us?)• 3. What do you know about our company so far?• 4. Why did you leave your last job? (Or why are you thinking about leaving your

current job?)• 5. Tell me about your experience at ___. (Fill in past job.)• 6. What experience do you have doing ____? (Fill in each of the major

responsibilities of the job.)• 7. Tell me about your strengths.• 8. Tell me about a time when… (Fill in with situations relevant to the position. For

instance: Tell me about when you had to take initiative … you had to deal with a difficult customer … you had to respond to a crisis … you had to give difficult feedback to an employee … You get the idea.)

• 9. What salary range are you looking for? • 10. What questions do you have for me

Common questionsWhat is Your Greatest Weakness?

• When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.

• Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.

• I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

• I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.

How to answer those questions

• Video 1• Good vs Bad answers• Greatest Weakness question• Handle stress and difficult situations• Describe your work ethic• Why should we hire you?• What are your strengths?• What questions do you have for me?• Interview tips

Illegal Interview Questions

• Educate yourself about illegal questions. Be prepared to handle them diplomatically.– What is your race?– Are you married?– How old are you?– What is your religion?– Have you ever filed bankrupcy?– Do you have a disability?– Are you a US citizen?