CAREERSBASICS, EXPLORATION, AND APPLYING

B E K A H R I C H A R D S O N

JOB BASICS• Job: a set of specific duties performed by an employee

within a company

• Q: Why do people work? A: To pay for the basic necessities of life

• Career: the category or field of work an individual chooses

• Steps to selecting a career:1. Define Your Lifetime Goals

2. Explore Categories3. Determine Jobs Available4. Find Out How Much Education and Skills are

Needed5. Estimate Total Earnings Over Lifetime

JOB BASICS

• An employee works for an employer

• Employee benefits: benefits provided to full-time employees Ex: paid vacation, health insurance, retirement

• Human Capital: the education, knowledge, skills, and experience a worker has

*A person who has a college degree will earn more than twice as much during their life as the person who doesn’t complete high school*

• Unemployment: period of time between jobs when a person is not working

*Studies show that people with more education will be unemployed for less time*

CAREER EXPLORATION• Career Goals: personal goals an individual wishes

to accomplish by working

• Career Category: a defined category or group of jobsEX: construction, business, professional, sales, service, etc.

• Career Paths: different paths a person can follow in order to achieve goals

1. Spiral: moves to a same-level job after developing competence

2. Linear: accepts jobs with increasing authority and responsibility

3. Transitory: regularly moves to completely different jobs4. Expert: specializes in one job their entire life

*Each person is unique and their goals should reflect what they want to accomplish while working*

CAREER EXPLORATION

• Common Career Goals:1. Become a millionaire2. Retire early3. Start your own business4. Travel

• Job Skills: skills necessary to successfully perform a specific job

• Common Job Skills Employers Expect:1. Problem-Solving Skills2. Communication Skills3. Money Skills

*Changing your career can be stressful. It’s important to pick a career that is in demand.*

APPLYING FOR A JOB• Things to Know Before Applying for a Job:

1. Explore Different Careers2. Develop Career Goals3. Select a Career Category

• Job Market: the number and availability of job openings in a given location

• Common Places to Search for Jobs:1. Newspapers2. Career Centers3. Unemployment Office

• Hidden Job Market: job openings that are available in a given location that have not been advertised to the general public.

APPLYING FOR A JOB• Networking: the development of a group of family,

friends and acquaintances that can and will help you search for jobs

• Q: When should you begin networking? A: As soon as you have selected a career

• Common Networking Contacts:1. Family members2. Friends3. Co-Workers

• Q: How should you leave you job in a professional manner?

A: Always give a two weeks notice

JOB INTERVIEWS

C O M M O N Q U E S T I O N S :

1. What are your strongest traits?

2. Do you have any weaknesses?

3. What is your ideal situation?

4. What does success mean to you?

5. Why should I hire you?

T I P S F O R I N T E R V I E W :

1. Do some research on the business.

2. Go alone. Don’t take children on friends.

3. Make frequent eye contact

4. Be upbeat, making positive statements

5. Smile, be polite, and try to relax.

JOB INTERVIEW DRESS (FEMALE)

• Dark-colored, skirted suits are the best option-A blouse and skirt are another good choice

• Wear conservative colors-Black, gray, and brown work well-To show power, wear red

• Modesty is key-Skirt length should be at or below the knee

• Makeup should be minimal-Face makeup should be light-Lipstick or nail color should be natural

• Carry a briefcase instead of a purse

JOB INTERVIEW DRESS (MALE)

• Suit for Success-A dark, two piece business suit is key-Pair it with a white button-down shirt and dress shoes

• Tie It Up-Wear a conservative tie -Match it with the colors in your suit

• Facial Hair-If you have a beard or mustache, clean it up -Another option is to be completely clean-shaven

• Men should not wear earrings

RESUMES, COVER AND FOLLOW-UP LETTERS

• Resume-A formal document that provides a potential employer with

a summary of an individual (education, experience, etc.)-It’s important to be completely honest in you resume

• Cover Letter-A single page formal letter that accompanies a resume -Used to highlight and clarify your resume

• Follow-Up Letter-A formal letter sent to a potential employer after the job

interview-Use this letter to thank the employer, and let them know

you’re interested

REFERENCES • http://www.merriamwebster.com • http://www.quintcareers.com• Mrs. Lott’s teacher webpage- Getting A Job• Time MAPS Software (4.1, 4.2, 4.4)