Roadmap to a Roadmap to a Successful Career!Successful Career!

Designed by

Organizational Excellence

Classified Training

AGENDAAGENDA

LAUSDLAUSD’’s Merit Systems Merit SystemChanging Your Job at LAUSDChanging Your Job at LAUSDCareer Planning ResourcesCareer Planning ResourcesDeveloping an Effective ResumeDeveloping an Effective ResumeCompleting an Employment ApplicationCompleting an Employment ApplicationActivity Activity ––The Truth About Tests! The Truth About Tests! Test Taking TipsTest Taking TipsAdditional Test PartsAdditional Test PartsInterview DoInterview Do’’s and Dons and Don’’tsts

The Merit SystemThe Merit System

The The ““Merit System,Merit System,”” is designed is designed to provide fair access to to provide fair access to employment opportunities, fair employment opportunities, fair consideration of qualifications, consideration of qualifications, and competitive selection of and competitive selection of employees on the basis of their employees on the basis of their measured qualifications for the measured qualifications for the job.job.

The Merit SystemThe Merit System““Individuals are selected and Individuals are selected and promoted on the basis of merit promoted on the basis of merit and fitness demonstrated in a and fitness demonstrated in a competitive examination competitive examination process.process.””

Changing Your JobChanging Your Job

Promotion:Promotion:Attained by means of a competitive exam; from a lower Attained by means of a competitive exam; from a lower class to a higher classclass to a higher class

Classified Employment Opportunities Bulletin Classified Employment Opportunities Bulletin ––www.lausdjobs.orgwww.lausdjobs.org

Change of Location:Change of Location:Involves reassignment from one position to another in Involves reassignment from one position to another in the same classthe same class

Transfer of Class:Transfer of Class:Movement involves the reassignment of an employee Movement involves the reassignment of an employee from one class to a different classfrom one class to a different class

CAREER PLANNNINGCAREER PLANNNING

DISTRICT CAREER DISTRICT CAREER PLANNING RESOURCESPLANNING RESOURCES

Career Planning GuideCareer Planning Guidehttp://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/personnel/clashttp://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/personnel/class/oetp/career_plan/intro.htms/oetp/career_plan/intro.htmFor a printed copy, contact Organizational Excellence For a printed copy, contact Organizational Excellence at (213) 353at (213) 353--4300. 4300.

Class DescriptionsClass Descriptionshttp://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/personnel/clashttp://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/personnel/class/s/

Role ModelsRole ModelsIncumbentsIncumbentsSupervisorsSupervisorsPrePre--registerregister

receive job announcements and bulletinsreceive job announcements and bulletinsprepare applicant profileprepare applicant profile

(www.lausdjobs.org or (213)353-4200)

Critical Elements of a ResumeCritical Elements of a ResumeHeadingHeading

Name, address, phone and eName, address, phone and e--mailmail

Summary Statement, Objective, or BothSummary Statement, Objective, or Both60:4060:40

ExperienceExperienceFormat Format –– Chronological vs. FunctionalChronological vs. Functional

EducationEducation

Other InformationOther InformationAffiliations, Professional Awards, Languages, Affiliations, Professional Awards, Languages, Computer Skills, etc.Computer Skills, etc.

Developing an Effective Resume

Summary Statements vs. Summary Statements vs. ObjectivesObjectives

A Summary StatementA Summary Statement

Who you are nowWho you are now

An ObjectiveAn Objective

Who you hope to beWho you hope to be

BOTH act as your “headline”

Three Key Formats for a ResumeThree Key Formats for a Resume

Chronological Chronological By date By date --Reverse chronology with most recent work Reverse chronology with most recent work experience first.experience first.

FunctionalFunctionalOrganizing work experience into distinct skill sets, such Organizing work experience into distinct skill sets, such as, staff management, customer service, and accountingas, staff management, customer service, and accounting

CombinationCombinationSame as functional, but with listing of positions and Same as functional, but with listing of positions and

dates after skill set.dates after skill set.

Creating Compelling ContentCreating Compelling ContentBullets that SELL are:Bullets that SELL are:

Honest Honest -- truly represent who you are and what you offertruly represent who you are and what you offer

Concise Concise -- use bullets, short words, avoid jargonuse bullets, short words, avoid jargon

Specific Specific -- Make sure they are specific about you, versus the Department Make sure they are specific about you, versus the Department

or Company.or Company.

ActionAction--OrientedOrientedUse action words and an active voiceUse action words and an active voice

focus on achievements vs. responsibilitiesfocus on achievements vs. responsibilities

AccomplishmentAccomplishment--Oriented Oriented focus on what you did, and how it helped, whenever you canfocus on what you did, and how it helped, whenever you can

Aim for 10 accomplishments on your resumeAim for 10 accomplishments on your resume

“It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly.

Do not mistake activity for achievement.”

Mabel Newcomber

Visual PresentationVisual Presentation

Overall page Overall page Use highUse high--quality paperquality paper

Preferred paper colors are ivory, gray, or whitePreferred paper colors are ivory, gray, or white

Print on one side of the paper onlyPrint on one side of the paper only

DonDon’’t overcrowd the paget overcrowd the page

Keep the margins on all sides to at least Keep the margins on all sides to at least ½½ inchinch

Use a high quality printerUse a high quality printer

Keep your resume to one page * Keep your resume to one page *

ActivityActivity –– Creating Bullets that Creating Bullets that SELL!!!SELL!!!

Create your OWN bullets that are:Create your OWN bullets that are:

SPECIFICSPECIFIC

ACTION ACTION –– OrientedOriented

ACCOMPLISHMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT –– OrientedOriented

Guidelines for filling out the Job Guidelines for filling out the Job APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

Tips to keep in mind:Tips to keep in mind:Always print or type neatly and legibly.Always print or type neatly and legibly.

Point is to make it as clear and understandable for the reader Point is to make it as clear and understandable for the reader Remember, it is also a first impressionRemember, it is also a first impressionComplete all sectionsComplete all sections

Be concise and specificBe concise and specificFocus and tailor experience to position for which you are Focus and tailor experience to position for which you are applying applying Only stress relevant informationOnly stress relevant informationInclude jobs held during the past 5 yearsInclude jobs held during the past 5 years

Be honest and professional Be honest and professional Do not include life storiesDo not include life stories

Make sure you meet the minimum requirements of the Make sure you meet the minimum requirements of the position before you apply. position before you apply.

Saves time and effort Saves time and effort

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTESTS

Activity –The Truth?? About

Tests!

Rules of the gameRules of the game……

You will be presented with potential You will be presented with potential written test statements.written test statements.Decide whether each statements is Decide whether each statements is true or whether each statement is true or whether each statement is false.false.For each question, write down a (T) For each question, write down a (T) or (F) whether you think the or (F) whether you think the statement is either true or false.statement is either true or false.

1.1. Most written test questions are Most written test questions are intended to be tricky so that only those intended to be tricky so that only those who can who can ““read between the linesread between the lines”” can can determine the best answer. determine the best answer.

2.2. All written tests are given time limits All written tests are given time limits that test your speed as well as your that test your speed as well as your knowledge. knowledge.

3.3. The difficulty level of sample test The difficulty level of sample test questions are usually easier than the questions are usually easier than the questions on the actual test. questions on the actual test.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTHE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTHE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE

4.4. When you are uncertain of the answer When you are uncertain of the answer to a question, it is best to spend to a question, it is best to spend considerable time trying to determine considerable time trying to determine the best answer before moving on to a the best answer before moving on to a new question.new question.

5.5. The sample test booklet tells you only The sample test booklet tells you only two things: 1) how many questions are two things: 1) how many questions are on the test and 2) what subject areas on the test and 2) what subject areas will be tested.will be tested.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTHE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE

6.6. If you have chosen the same response for If you have chosen the same response for three or more questions in a row, it is likely you three or more questions in a row, it is likely you have incorrectly responded to at least one of have incorrectly responded to at least one of the questions.the questions.

7.7. Written test pass points are always set at 70%.Written test pass points are always set at 70%.8.8. You can expect to find information in one You can expect to find information in one

question that will help you to answer another question that will help you to answer another related question.related question.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTHE TRUTH ABOUT WRITTEN TESTSTRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE

9.9. If you have time to go back and review If you have time to go back and review your answers, it is best to change an your answers, it is best to change an answer if you are certain that your first answer if you are certain that your first response is incorrect.response is incorrect.

10.10. You should always answer questions in You should always answer questions in the order presented.the order presented.

Test Taking TipsTest Taking Tips

Test Taking Tips

Storing facts into your memory is the best way to prepare for any test.

Gathering knowledge is the best preparation for tests.

Before the actual Before the actual testtest……

Practice completing different types of Practice completing different types of test questions in surroundings that test questions in surroundings that are as similar to the test taking are as similar to the test taking environment as possible.environment as possible.

1.1. Practice using a scantron.Practice using a scantron.2.2. Practice reading the directions for the Practice reading the directions for the

exam, and each of itexam, and each of it’’s parts (if s parts (if possible).possible).

3.3. Practice similar types of questions.Practice similar types of questions.

Test Taking Tips(The Day of the Test)

Dress in layers so you will be comfortable regardless of whether the room is warm or cool.Eat Breakfast. Take it easy on liquids and caffeine.

The day of the test….Do a few practice problems to warm up your brain.

Take a moment to relax and reduce your anxiety (focus your mind and think positive thoughts).

The day of the test….Arrive early.

Read the instructions carefully; watch for details that will tell you exactly how to proceed.

Test Taking Strategies Test Taking Strategies ((Time management during the test)Time management during the test)Plan how you will use your time during Plan how you will use your time during the test. the test. Estimate how many minutes you will Estimate how many minutes you will need to finish each section and finish need to finish each section and finish in the total time allotted. in the total time allotted. Bring your own watch so you can pay Bring your own watch so you can pay close attention to the passing time.close attention to the passing time.

During the test…Tackle the easiest problems first (this will decrease your anxiety).

If you absolutely do not know the question, make a strategic guess and move on.

Answer every question.

Do not linger over difficult problems. When you begin a new section focus on that section.

Keep a steady Pace.

During the testDuring the test……

✓✓Maintain a positive attitude through out Maintain a positive attitude through out the entire test. the entire test.

✓✓DonDon’’t let more difficult questions raise t let more difficult questions raise your anxiety.your anxiety.

✓✓Avoid watching for patternsAvoid watching for patterns. .

ADDITIONAL TEST PARTSADDITIONAL TEST PARTS

Test PartsTest Parts

The examination process itself will The examination process itself will consist of one or more formal consist of one or more formal assessments such as :assessments such as :Written TestWritten TestWriting sampleWriting samplePerformance ExercisesPerformance ExercisesIn Basket ExerciseIn Basket ExerciseInterviewInterview

Acing the Acing the InterviewInterview

It takes a well thought out It takes a well thought out strategy, proper mental strategy, proper mental preparation, and insight into preparation, and insight into the prospective employer to the prospective employer to pull off a winning interview.pull off a winning interview.INTERVIEWING!

The Three-Step Process to Answering Interview Questions

Step # 1: Understand what is really being asked.

Step # 2: Answer the question effectively, yet briefly.

Step# 3: Answer the real question by presenting your related skills.

How do we effectively apply How do we effectively apply step #2 to the LAUSD step #2 to the LAUSD selection interview? selection interview?

S.S. A.A. R.R.

SituationSituation

Give a brief overview of the Give a brief overview of the situation. Provide concise situation. Provide concise background information if background information if necessary.necessary.

ActionAction

Give a detailed account of what you did Give a detailed account of what you did using actions words.using actions words.

ResultsResults

Give a short summary of what Give a short summary of what happened because of your action. End happened because of your action. End on a positive note.on a positive note.

Review the S. A. R. ApproachReview the S. A. R. Approach

Situation!Situation!Action!Action!Results!Results!

Interview StrategiesInterview Strategies

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDoDo’’ss

Be prepared to discuss your jobs, Be prepared to discuss your jobs, education and training education and training -- know it so know it so well that you can concisely and well that you can concisely and easily provide a chronology and easily provide a chronology and description of your history.description of your history.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDoDo’’ss

Provide examples of your related Provide examples of your related experiences.experiences.Be concise, yet specific Be concise, yet specific -- dondon’’t leave t leave them with more questions than them with more questions than answers!!answers!!If you do not understand a question If you do not understand a question that is being asked, ask to have it that is being asked, ask to have it repeated.repeated.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDoDo’’ss

Practice answering questions.Practice answering questions.

Take advantage of any waiting time prior Take advantage of any waiting time prior to being called into the interview by to being called into the interview by reviewing your application and thinking reviewing your application and thinking through the examples and experience that through the examples and experience that you might want to highlight.you might want to highlight.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDoDo’’ss

Use positive body language during Use positive body language during the interview. Maintain eye the interview. Maintain eye contact, keep hands and arms in a contact, keep hands and arms in a natural and relaxed position, and natural and relaxed position, and smile.smile.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDonDon’’tsts

Avoid the use of jargon when answering a Avoid the use of jargon when answering a question unless it is commonly used in the question unless it is commonly used in the field and you are certain the interviewers field and you are certain the interviewers are familiar with it.are familiar with it.Do not make assumptions about what the Do not make assumptions about what the interviewers know.interviewers know.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDon'tsDon'ts

Do not try to guess what the Do not try to guess what the ““rightright”” answer answer is is -- (answer honestly and positively).(answer honestly and positively).Do not repeat your answer Do not repeat your answer -- when you when you have shared your full response, stop!! have shared your full response, stop!! Give the interviewers time to absorb what Give the interviewers time to absorb what you are saying.you are saying.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDon'tsDon'ts

Do not assume that if you are provisionally Do not assume that if you are provisionally assigned, you will automatically pass the assigned, you will automatically pass the interview.interview.Do not wear clothing or accessories that Do not wear clothing or accessories that detract from what you are saying.detract from what you are saying.Do not expect that the Do not expect that the ““benefit of the benefit of the doubtdoubt”” will go to the candidate.will go to the candidate.

INTERVIEW STRATEGIESINTERVIEW STRATEGIESDon'tsDon'ts

Do not be afraid to provide additional NEW Do not be afraid to provide additional NEW and RELEVANT information when asked and RELEVANT information when asked ““If there is anything you would like to If there is anything you would like to add?add?””

Wishing you great Wishing you great success!success!

Creating Bullets that Sell! It is the compelling descriptions of your skills and abilities which actually determine how many interviews you generate. There are three content areas to focus on: Example: BEFORE: Maintained and updated personnel records AFTER: Managed over 500 personnel files; partnered directly with the director of

Human Resources to update files with new data on a quarterly basis Your Own Before: (fill in your own bullet(s) from a previous resume) Your Own After: (Revise your bullet(s) and make it more specific)

1. SPECIFIC: bullets that quantify and give scope of work.

Example: BEFORE: Gave work assignments to entry level clerks AFTER: Directed workflow, supervised and trained 10 junior accounting staff performing postings to general ledger accounts Your Own Before: (fill in your own bullet(s) from a previous resume) Your Own After: (Revise your bullet(s) to focus on achievements using action words)

2. ACTION: Use power words and an active voice

Example: BEFORE: Type 80 WPM AFTER: Achieved top production volume by maintaining a high degree of accuracy with a typing speed of 80 WPM Cut labor expense by over $5000 annually by eliminating need for part- time word processing staff Your Own Before: (fill in your own bullet(s) from a previous resume) Your Own After: (Revise your bullet(s) to focus on accomplishments – what you did and how it helped, remember to use action words)

3. ACCOMPLISHMENT: Bullets that tell what, why and how you did something and the result.