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Job Hunting TipsTips For Finding the Right Job
 U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration YOU NEED A JOB. Somewhere, an employer has the job you want. How do you get that job? By marketing your job talents. By showing employers you have the skills they need. Do you have job talents? YES! Homemakers, disabled individuals, veterans, students just out of school, people already working--all have skills and experience for many good jobs. NOW is the best time to start looking for a job. You're as qualified as other applicants, so start now before someone else gets "your" job. What's the most important thing to know about your job search? FINDING WORK IS A FULL TIME JOB. That means: In a full time job, you: To find a job, you must: Have responsibilities (work Set your own responsibilities duties and procedures) (things you must do everyday to get a job) "Punch a clock" or be at work Wake up early at a set time "on time" to start looking for work Work hard all day, 40 hours Look hard for a job, all day, week 40 hours a week Report to a boss, who makes Be your own boss (or appoint sure you carry-out your a friend to be your "boss") responsibilities to make sure you carry-out your job search responsibilities FINDING WORK IS A FULL TIME JOB. That means: In a full time job, you: Have responsibilities (work duties and procedures) To find a job, you must: Set your own responsibilities (things you must do everyday to get a job) In a full time job, you: "Punch a clock" or be at work ’on time" To find a job, you must: Wake up early at a set time to start looking for work In a full time job, you: Work hard all day, 40 hours a week To find a job, you must: Look hard for a job, all day, 40 hours a week In a full time job, you: Report to a boss, who makes sure you carry-out your responsibilities To find a job, you must: Be your own boss (or appoint a friend to be your "boss") to make sure you carry-out your job search responsibilities Tips for Planning an Effective Job Search: Make a "To Do List" every day. Outline daily activities to look for a job. Apply for jobs early in the day. This will make a good impression and give you time to complete applications, have interviews, take tests, etc. Call employers to find out the best times to apply. Some companies take applications only on certain days and times during the week. Write down all employers you contact, the date of your contacts, people you talk to, and special notes about your contacts. Apply at several companies in the same area when possible. This saves time and money. Be prepared. Have a "master application" and resumes, pens, maps and job information with you all the time. Who knows when a "hot lead" will come your way. Follow up leads immediately. If you find out about a job late in the day, call right then! Don't wait until the next day. Network. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for job. Stay in touch with friends and contacts. Follow up new leads immediately. Read pamphlets and books on how to get a job (see the list of books at the back of this brochure). The time you spend reading these materials will save you a lot of time in your job search. Make automated connections through systems on the Internet, such as America's Job Bank and the Talent Bank Determining Your Job Skills Another tip for finding the right job: Make a list of your background and experience. If you think you don't have any experience -- THINK AGAIN! You may not have specific job experience, but you do have work experience. You have "worked" as a homemaker, a student, a volunteer, in a hobby or some other personal activity. The skills you use for these "jobs" can be applied to other jobs. A background and experience list may help you to: - fill out job applications - provide information for job interviews - prepare resumes (if you're applying for professional or office jobs). Tips for Making a Background and Experience List: Interests and Aptitudes List your hobbies, clubs you belong to, sports you're involved in, church and school activities, and things that interest you. List things you are good at or have special ability for. Your list may look like it has nothing to do with job skills or experience. That's O.K. -- the purpose of this list is to make you think about your interests and things you do in everyday life. Look at the first item on your list. Think about the skills or talents it takes to do that item. Really think about it. All hobbies, activities, etc. take a lot of skills, knowledge and abilities. Write them all down. Here are some examples: Playing Basketball includes the; Ability to interact with others ("be a team player"), Ability to use basic arithmetic (keep track of score) ,Ability to reach, lift, jump, stoop, and run & Skills in directing others (calling plays, coaching) Homemaking includes the; Ability to manage budgets, Ability to handle multiple tasks, Knowledge of human development, Skills in teaching/training others, Cooking, cleaning, laundry Fixing Cars includes the; Ability to diagnose mechanical problems, Skill in using a variety of tools, Ability to see differences in shapes and sizes of objects, Knowledge of electronics Work History If you've worked before, list your jobs. Include volunteer, part-time, summer, and self-employment. Next, write down work duties for the jobs you listed. Education - List the schools you attended, dates, major studies or courses completed. Include military and vocational education and on-the -job training. List degrees, certificates, awards and honors. Ask yourself what classes or training you liked. Why did you like them? Physical Condition - Do you have any disabilities limiting the kind of work you can do? Companies will often make special accommodations to employ disabled persons (in fact, some accommodations are legally required). If you have strong or special physical capabilities, list these too. Career Goals - What kind of work do you want to be doing 5 or 10 years from now? What kind of job could you get now to help you reach this goal? Matching Your Background And Experience To Jobs Look at the abilities (talents) identified on your background and experience list. You have talents that you use everyday. Now find out what JOBS can use your talents. Start at your local State Employment Service Office ("Job Service"). This office has free information about many jobs. You may be given an appointment with a career counselor who can help you decide what kind of work is best suited to your abilities and interests. While you're at Job Service, ask to see the Guide for Occupational Exploration and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (you can also get these books at most public libraries). These easy to read books, published by the Department of Labor, describe: - work duties for many different occupations - skills and abilities needed for different types of jobs - how to enter occupations - where jobs are located - training and qualifications needed - earnings, working conditions, and future opportunities. Match the skills and abilities in your list to the skills and abilities of different jobs. Don't limit yourself. The important thing is not the job title, but the skills and abilities of the job. You may find that your skills and abilities match with an occupation that you have never thought about. Where To Get Job Information If you know what job skills you have, you are ready to look for a job. You can look for job openings at these sources: - Networking. Tell everyone you know you're looking for a job. Ask about openings where your friends work. - Private employers. Contact employers directly to market your job talents. Talk to the person who would supervise you even if there are no jobs currently open. - State Employment Service Offices provide help on finding jobs and other services, such as career counseling. See the back of this brochure for the Employment Service Office in your state. - America's Job Bank. A nation-wide pool of job opportunities which will extend your search to other states and can be viewed in you local Employment Service offices or directly through the Internet' HTTP:WWW.AJB.DNI.US - Federal, state and local government personnel offices list a wide range of job opportunities. Check the Government listings in your phone book. - Local public libraries have books on occupations and often post local job announcements. Many state libraries are also providing free access to Internet through PCs. - Newspaper ads list various job openings. - Local phone book. Look for career counseling centers in your area (some may require fees). - Private employment and temporary centers offer placement (employer or job hunter may pay a fee). - Community colleges and trade schools usually offer counseling and job information to students and the general public. - Proprietary schools. Private training centers offer instruction in specific trades (tuition is usually required). Check with your office of state education for credible schools. - Community organizations such as clubs, associations, women and minority centers, and youth organizations. - Churches frequently operate employment services or provide job search help. - Veterans' placement centers operate through state employment offices. Veterans' social and help organizations often have job listings for members. - Unions and apprenticeship programs provide job opportunities and information. Contact your state apprenticeship council or relevant labor union directly. - Government sponsored training programs offer direct placement or short-term training and placement for applicants who qualify. Check the yellow pages under Job Training Programs or Government Services. - Journals and newsletters for professionals or trade associations often advertise job openings in their field. Ask for these at the local library. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, all of the sources listed above serve persons of any race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 forbids agencies to discriminate against older workers. Both laws forbid employers to discriminate in hiring. Most Commonly Used Job-search Methods % Tried Method Result 66.0% Applied directly to employer ............... 47.7% 50.8 Asked friends about jobs where they work ... 22.1 41.8 Asked friends about jobs elsewhere ......... 11.9 28.4 Asked relatives about jobs where they work . 19.3 27.3 Asked relatives about jobs elsewhere ....... 7.4 45.9 Answered local newspaper ads ............... 23.9 21.0 Private employment agency .................. 24.2 12.5 School placement office .................... 21.4 15.3 Civil Service test ......................... 12.5 10.4 Asked teacher or professor ................. 12.1 1.6 Placed ad in local newspaper ............... 12.9 6.0 Union hiring hall .......................... 22.2 Interviewing Most hiring decisions are made at the first interview. How you come across in that interview could be as important as your experience and job talents. Here are some interviewing tips that will help you get the job you want. Before The Interview: - Learn as much as you can about the company salary and benefits. Friends, neighbors and relatives who work for the company are good sources of information. Libraries, local chambers of commerce, etc. are also helpful. - Learn everything you can about the job and how your previous experience and training qualify you for the job. - Write down the things you will need to complete applications: Your background and experience list (contains names of former employers, schools, training, etc.) - a resume or summary of your work experience - samples of your work (if practical). Also include any work-related or community service awards that you have received. - Be sure to bring your social security card, driver's license, union card, military records, etc. The Interview: - Dress for the interview and the job. Don't overdress or look too informal. - Always go to the interview alone. Arrange for baby sitters, transportation, and other pitfalls ahead of time so that you can be on time and relaxed in the interview. - Find common ground with the employer. Pictures, books, plants, etc., in the employer's office can be conversation. - Express your interest in the job and the company using information you gathered to prepare for the interview. - Let the interviewer direct the conversation. - Answer questions in a clear and positive manner. Show how your experience and training will make you productive in the shortest time with minimal supervision. Note: - Speak positively of former employers and co-workers no matter why you left even if you were fired from your last job. - Let the employer lead into conversations about benefits. Your focus on these items can be a "ram off." But, don't be afraid to ask questions about things that you really need to know. - When discussing salary, be flexible--avoid naming a specific salary. If you're too high, you risk not getting the job. If you're too low, you undersell yourself. Answer questions on salary requirements with responses such as, "I'm interested in the job as a career opportunity so I'm negotiable on the starting salary". Negotiate, but don't sell yourself short. "Closing" the Interview: - If the employer does not offer you a job or say when you will hear about it, ask when you may call to find out about the decision. - If the employer asks you to call or return for another interview, make a written note of the time, date and place. - Thank the employer for the interview and reaffirm your interest and qualifications for the job. Testing For some jobs, you may need to take a test. Usually, the job announcement or ad will say if a test is required. There are several types of selection and job fitness tests: - Aptitude tests predict your ability to learn and perform job tasks. - Job knowledge and proficiency tests measure what you know and what you can do in a job (for example, word processing speed for a secretary job, knowledge of street names and routes for a fire fighter job, etc.). - Literacy tests measure reading and arithmetic levels. - Personality tests help identify your personal style in dealing with tasks and other people. Certain personalities can be well suited for some jobs and not-so well suited for other jobs. For example, an outgoing person may be well suited for a sales job. - Honesty and Integrity tests evaluate the likelihood of stealing and trustworthiness of applicants. - Physical ability tests measure strength, flexibility, stamina and speed for jobs that require physical performance. - Medical tests determine physical fitness to do a job. - Drug tests show the presence of illegal drugs that could impair job performance and threaten the safety of others. How to prepare for tests: You can't study directly for aptitude tests. But you can get ready to do your best by taking other tests. Look for tests or quizzes in magazines and school books. Set time limits. By taking tests, you learn about the testing process. This helps you feel more comfortable when you are tested. Brush up on job skills. For example, if you're taking a typing test, practice typing. If you're taking a construction test, review books and blueprints. Get ready for physical tests by doing activities similar to those required for the job. For literacy tests, review and do exercises in reading and math books or enroll in remedial classes. It's natural to be nervous about tests (some anxiety may even help you). Here are some tips that will help you take most tests: 1. Make a list of what you need for the test (pencil, eye glasses, I.D., etc.). Check it before leaving. 2. Get a good night's sleep. 3. If you're sick, call and reschedule the test. 4. Leave for the test site early. 5. If you have any physical difficulties, tell the test administrator. 6. If you don't understand the test instructions, ASK FOR HELP before the test begins. 7. If there are strict time limits, budget your time. Don't linger over difficult questions. 8. Find out if guessing is penalized. If it's not, guess on questions you're not sure about. 9. If you have time, review your answers. Check to make sure you did not misread a question or make careless mistakes. 10. You may be able to re-take the test. Ask about the retesting policy. 11. Get a proper interpretation of your scores. The scores may indicate other career opportunities that should be pursued. After the Interview Make each interview a learning experience. After it is over, ask yourself these questions: - What points did I make that seemed to interest the employer? - Did I present my qualifications well? Did I overlook qualifications that were important for the job? - Did I learn all I needed to know about the job? - Did I ask questions I had about the job? - Did I talk too much? Too little? - Was I too tense? Too relaxed? - Was I too aggressive? Not aggressive enough? - Was I dressed appropriately? - Did I effectively close the interview? Make a list of specific ways you can improve your next interview. Remember, "practice makes perfect"-- the more you interview the better you will get at it. If you plan carefully and stay motivated, you can "market your job talents". You will get a job that uses your skills and pays you well.
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