Preparing for the World of Work

Chapter 17

Dynamics of Healthcare in

Society

Developing Job-Keeping Skills

• To obtain and KEEP a job, you must develop certain characteristics to be a good employee

• The most frequent complaints employers have about high school graduates are:

• Poor written grammar• Poor spelling and speech• Poor math skills• Lack of respect for work• Poor appearance

Job skills

• Lack of self-initiative

• Poor personal appearance

• Not accepting responsibility or accountability

• Excessive tardiness and attendance

• Inability to accept constructive criticism

Job Keeping Skills

• It is essential to develop good job keeping skills to be successful in a health care career

• Being aware of and striving to achieve this skills is needed for employment

• It is as important as acquiring the knowledge and skills for the job

Use correct grammar at all times

• Includes both the written and spoken word• Patients often judge ability on how well a

person speaks or writes information• Use of words like ain’t indicates a lack of

education• Does not create a favorable or

professional image• Strive to use correct grammar• Listen how other healthcare professionals

speak

Correct grammar

• Because you will complete legal written records, the use of correct spelling, punctuation and sentence structure is essential

• Use a dictionary, use spell check• Refer to standard English books or

manuals on sentence structure and punctuation

• Constantly strive to improve these skills

Report to work on time

• Healthcare facilities provide 24 hr care

• Being late can cause a major disruption in schedule and patient care

• Healthcare facilities have a strict policy and tardiness

• Chronic tardiness will result in job loss

• BE ON TIME !!!

Be prepared to work when you arrive at work

• An employer does not pay a worker to socialize

• When you arrive for work, be prepared to being work

• Develop good work ethics• Observe all legal and ethical

responsibilities• Follow policies and procedures• Have self initiative…. Know you have to do

and DO IT!

Practice teamwork

• You must be willing to work with others

• Providing care involves a team of healthcare professionals

• If you are willing to help others when they need it, they will likely be wiling to help you

• Two or three people working together can easily lift a heavy patient more readily than can one.

Promote a positive attitude

• Being positive creates a good impression and encourages the same attitude in others

• Every job has bad points. Do not dwell on them

• This leads to a negative attitude and creates poor morale

• Concentrate on the good aspects of a job• Work will seem more pleasant and

promotes good moral in the workplace

Accept responsibility for your actions

• Most people are very willing to take credit for the good things they’ve done

• In the same way, it is essential to take credit for our mistakes

• Report your mistakes to your supervisor• Make every effort to correct them• Learn from your mistakes• Honesty is essential in healthcare• Not accepting responsibility for your

actions is dishonest

Remember

• Without good job-keeping skills, no amount of knowledge will help you keep a job

• It is essential for you to develop the qualities that employers need in workers

• Be courteous, responsible, enthusiastic• Cooperative, reliable, punctual and

efficient• Be the best you can be• If you do this, you will retain your job and

achieve success

Writing a cover letter &Preparing a resume’

Introduction

Be willing to learn

• Healthcare changes constantly due to advances in technology and research

• Every healthcare worker must be willing to learn new things and adapt to change

• Participating in professional development programs is essential

• Take courses… attend workshops• Employers recognize these efforts• Ambition is often rewarded with higher

salary and job advancement

Introduction

• Before you look for a job, evaluate your interests and abilities

• Decide what type of job you would like

• Make sure you obtain the education needed to perform the job

• Then look at different job sources to find a position you will like

Sources for jobs searching

• Newspaper advertisements• Job fairs• Recommendations for friends, relatives, or

co-workers, and teachers• School counselors or bulletin boards• Employment agencies• www.careerbuilder.com• Professional organizations• Job listing posted at healthcare facilities

Cover letter

• Purpose is to obtain an interview• You want to create a good impression so

the employer will be interested in you• The letter should be computer generated

and printed on good quality paper• It must be neat, complete, and done

according to correct form of letters• Grammar, punctuation, and good sentence

structure should be accurate

Cover letter

• Letter should be addressed to the correct individual.

• Make sure you have the correct spelling of the persons’ name and title

• Find out if you are not sure

• The letter usually contains three to four paragraphs

Paragraph one

• State your purpose in writing

• Express interest in the position

• If you are responding to an advertisement, state the name and date of the publication

• If you were referred by someone, give this person’s name and title

Paragraph two

• State why you believe you are qualified for the position

• It may also state why you want to work for this particular employer

• Information should be brief because most of the information will be included on your resume’

Paragraph three

• State that a resume is included

• Draw the employer’s attention to one or two important features on your resume.

• If you are not including a resume’, state one will be forthcoming on request

• Whenever possible, it is best to always include your resume with your cover letter

Paragraph four

• Close the letter with a request for an interview

• Be sure you clearly state how the employer can contact you for additional information

• Include a telephone number and the times you can be reached

• In addition, include a thank you to the potential employer for considering your application

Resume’

• Is a record of information about an individual

• It is thorough yet concise summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and work experience

• It is used to provide an employer with basic information that makes you appear qualified as an employee

• A good resume’ will help you to clarify your job objective and be better prepared for an interview

Resume’

• It should be computer printed or typed and attractive in appearance

• Like a cover letter, it creates an impression on the employer

• Information should be presented in an organized and professional manner

• Good quality paper, correct spelling and punctuation

• Use straight even margins and an attractive style

Resume’

• A one-page resume’ is sufficient• Parts of the resume’ can vary• Personal identification should include your

name, address, and phone number. Be sure to include your area code

• Employer objective, job desired, or career goal should state the job title you are applying for

• Educational background should include the name and address of your high school

Resume’

• If you have taken additional courses or special training, list them

• Work or employment experience should include any previous employment

• Always state with most recent and work backwards

• Each entry should include name and address of the employer, dates of employment, job title, and duties

Resume’

• Avoid using the work “I”• Instead of stating, “I sterilized supplies”• State “sterilized supplies” using action

verbs to describe duties• Skills should be listed. Any special

knowledge. Be specific• Indicate your qualifications and ability to

perform work• This shows you are qualified for the

positiion

Resume’

• List other activities such as organizations you have a membership

• Community service/volunteering• Special awards and interests• Participation in school activities, church

functions• This shows the employer you are a well

rounded person and practices good citizenship

• Write out full names of organizations, etc.

Resume’

• References usually are not listed on the resume’

• State references available upon request• Always be sure you have the person’s

permission to use as a reference• List their full name, title, address, and

phone number• It is best not to use relatives, or high

school friends• Select professionals in your field, clergy, or

teachers

Honesty

• Honesty is always the best policy

• Never give information that you think will look good but is exaggerated or only part true

• Inaccurate of false information can cost you a job

The Envelope

• It should be the correct size for the letter and resume’

• Do not fold the letter into small sections and put it in a undersized envelope

• This creates a sloppy impression• Buy standard envelopes that match your

paper• A 9 x 12 envelope eliminates the need to

fold your cover letter and resume’• Be sure it is addressed correctly and

neatly

Career Passport or Portfolio

• This is a professional way to highlight your knowledge, abilities, and skills

• It allows you to present yourself in a organized and efficient manner

• Most contain an introductory letter• Resume’ with skills list and competency

level• Letters of recommendation• Copies of work evaluations• Documentation of mastering job seeking

skills and leadership/organization abilities

Introductory letter

• Provides a brief synopsis of yourself including your:

• Background

• Education

• Future goals

Resume’

• An organized record of information on:

• Education

• Employment experience

• Special skills and activities

Skills list and competency

• Provides a list of skills you have mastered• Includes the level of competency of each

skill

• Skills transcripts

• Copies of certifications or licenses

Letters of recommendation

• Include letters from teachers, guidance counselors, supervisors

• Agencies where you perform volunteer work

• Respected members of organizations

Work evaluations

• Include copies of evaluations you receive at job-training sites

• Volunteer activities

• Paid work experiences

Leadership/organizational abilities

• Include information that demonstrates leadership and organizational skills you have mastered

• Participation in HOSA or SkillsUSA should be included

Documentation of job-seeking skills

• Write brief paragraphs to document how you have mastered skills such as teamwork;

• Self-motivation• Leadership• Willingness to learn• Responsibility• Organization• Problem solving • Creative thinking

Organization of portfolio

• Organize your information in a neat binder or portfolio

• Use tab dividers to separate the sections

• Make sure you use correct grammar, punctuation an all written work

• Your portfolio will give the potential employer a good impression

Completing a job application

• Even though you have completed a resume’, most employers will also require you to complete a job application

• Forms vary from employer to employer• Read the entire form before you begin to

complete it• Note where certain information should be

placed• Read instructions and follow them• Some facilities use online applications

Basic rules for completing a job application

• Fill it out neatly and completely• Do not leave any blanks. Put “none” or

“NA” meaning not applicable• Be sure addresses include zip codes and

other information• Watch spelling and punctuation• Type or print neatly• Use a black pen• Use spell check if done on computer

More basic rules

• Make sure all information is legible• Do not write in spaces that state “Office

use only”• Employers often judge how you follow

directions• Be sure all information is correct• Be truthful and honest• Proofread your completed application• If references are requested, be sure to

include all information

Preparing for Job Interview

• A job interview is what you are seeking when you send a letter of application and resume’

• You must prepare for an interview just as hard as you did when you composed your resume

• A poor interview means a lost job !

Job interview

• This is the last step before getting or being denied a position

• Usually you are screened by the employer and selected as a result of your resume and application

To the employer, your interview serves two main purposes

• Provides opportunity to evaluate you in person

• Obtain additional information and ascertain you meet the qualifications

• Allows the employer to tell you about the position in more detail

Your appearance

• Hair should be neat, clean, and styled attractively

• Nails should be clean. Avoid wearing bright nail polish, too much make-up

• Men should be clean shaven• Be sure your teeth are clean and breath is

fresh• Limit your jewelry.• Look professional

Points of interest

• Arrive 5-10 minutes early

• Late arrival means a lost job

• Allow time for traffic and other complications

During your interview, observe the following points

• Greet the interviewer by name and introduce yourself

• Shake hands and SMILE !• Remain standing until the interviewer asks

you to sitBe aware of your posture and sit straight

• Use correct grammar. Avoid using slang• Speak slowly, clearly. Don’t mumble• Be polite. Practice good manners• Maintain eye contact

More points of interest

• Listen closely to interviewer• Answer all questions thoroughly• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat candy• Smile but avoid excessive laughter or

giggling• Be yourself. Do not try to assume a

different personality or mannerisms• Be enthusiastic. Display a positive attitude• Avoid awkward habits such as swinging

your legs, playing with hair.

After the interview

• Follow up with a note, letter, or email thanking the employer for the interview

• Indicate if you are still interested in the position

• A thank you note could be the deciding factor in who gets the job

Potential questions and your response

• Tell me a little about yourself?• Stick to job related information

• What are your strong/weak points?• Be sure to turn a weakness into a positive

point• For example say, “One of my weaknesses

is poor spelling,, but I use a dictionary to check spelling and try to learn to spell ten new words each week.”

• See page 541 in your text for more

At the end of the interview

• You may be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work

• Under the Bureau of Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employers are not required by federal law to ask you to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form

• Called an I-9• This form helps to verify that you are

legally entitled to work in the US

I – 9 Form

• To complete this form, you must provide documentation on your identify

• Birth certificate, passport, or immigration card

• Photo ID• Driver’s license• Social security card• The employers make copies to include in

your file

Workbook Assignments

• Chapter 17:3• Chapter 17:4• Complete these worksheets on• Job applications• Sample application form• Participating in a job interview