Welcome to the Job Search Workshop

1. Welcome to the Job Search Workshop A Service of the Alabama Career Center System

2. Purpose of the Workshop The Job Search Workshop was designed to assist job seekers in their search for employment. The Workshop teaches much needed skills that can help the participant find and keep a good job. In this presentation, you will learn many skills that employers find valuable. Use this information to find and keep that great job!

3. Job Search Skills {Slides 4-19} Filling out Applications Promoting your Abilities Successful Interviewing Job Retention Skills {Slides 20-24} Positive Attitudes Good Work Habits Employability Skills {Slides 25-35} Starting to Work Employer Desired Skills Workplace Behavior Productivity Work Ethics Interpersonal Skills Showing Initiative Be Dependable Adapting to Change Social Skills {Slides 36-42} Getting Along with Coworkers Conflict Resolution Anger Management Coworker Relations Understanding Personalities {Slides 43-50} Learning Styles Character Styles Life Skills {Slides 51-57} Goal Setting Stress Management Health Issues Family Issues To choose the slides you want to view, right click the mouse, choose “GO” from the list and then “By Title” and select from the list the slides you wish to skip to. Contents - Slide Numbers

4. Job Search SkillsThe Application

5. Job Search Skills A COMPLETE APPLICATION IS ESSENTIAL. 1. Read the instructions closely. 2. Make sure every question is answered completely. 3. Make sure your writing is legible. 4. List all your skills. 5. Make sure you have permission from three references. 6. List your phone number and email. 7. Sell yourself. 8. Know the position you want. 9. Salary desired? “Open” is a good answer. 10. Sign your name.

6. Job Search Skills Application Contents – these questions are considered appropriate: • Name, address, phone number, email are relevant questions. A contact phone number is absolutely necessary. Don’t have a phone? List the number of a trusted friend. • Position you are seeking, hours of availability, expected salary are relevant. • Past experience – give good, relevant detail. • Educational background – high school, tech school, college • Special skills – computer software that you are familiar with, talents, experiences, special training – anything that isn’t reflected in the employment/past experience section. • Drugs, smoking – it is permissible to ask an applicant if he/she uses drugs or smokes. This is also where the employer will bind the applicant to the employer’s drug and smoking policies and willingness to submit to a drug test.

7. Job Search Skills Application Questions that Should not be Answered: You should not put your full social security number on the application. Use the last 4 digits. However, the employer will need the SSN to do credit checks, background checks, and if you are hired on new employee paperwork. Questions about age, race, sex, national origin, marital status, and religion are not relevant. Date of birth questions should not be answered unless the applicant is under the age of 18. Physical traits – questions asked about size, height and weight must be directly related to the job performance. Disabilities – the ADA prohibits general inquiries about disabilities, health problems, health history, and medical conditions.

8. Job Search Skills Application Questions that Should not be Answered Citizenship – According to the Immigration Reform and Control Act, an employer cannot discriminate because an applicant is not a U.S. citizen. The application should not explore citizenship. The INS Form I-9 is the appropriate place to determine citizenship status and eligibility to work. Union membership – it is not proper for a prospective employer to ask the applicant whether or not they are a member of a union. Arrests and convictions – The EEOC states that it is improper to ask unless the applicant is being considered for a “security sensitive” job. Questions about an applicant’s conviction record are improper unless the employer can show that the conviction is in some way related to the position being applied for.

9. Job Search Skills Credit rating and references – can be discriminatory against minorities and women. Home ownership questions are also considered to be discriminatory against minorities. Garnishment – Using the garnishment history of an applicant in determining whether he or she will be hired is likely to have a discriminatory basis. Friends and relatives – often this question could be used to give preference to applicants who are associated with current employees. The employer should state clearly that falsifying any information on an application can be considered grounds for dismissal.

10. Job Search Skills SELL YOUR STRENGTHS 1. Personal References – Be sure to include people who will say positive things about your work skills, your character and make sure you have permission to use their names and give out their telephone number. 2. Testing - If an employer asks if you are willing to submit to a drug, alcohol or polygraph test, say “yes”. Why screen yourself out of the process by saying “no”? 3. “Other experiences or skills”. This is a great place to describe the skills you’ve picked up in the “school of real life”. List all of your abilities, anything that might be marketable. 4. Even if you have never worked outside the home, you still have skills that you have learned from hobbies, volunteer work, and day to day activities. Organizational skills, sewing, painting, computer use, financial activities, etc. are all marketable skills.

11. Job Search Skills After the Application … what’s next?

12. Job Search Skills FIRST IMPRESSIONS - The Interview You need to make a good impression by being prepared. Start with the presentation of yourself. Find out what clothing is appropriate for the position you’re applying for and dress for the interview one step above. Dressing and grooming are very important. Here are some tips: 1. Clothing should be appropriate, clean and pressed. 2. Make-up and jewelry are appropriate for the position. 3. Body scent is pleasant and not overwhelming. 4. Hair is clean and neatly brushed. 5. Hands and nails are clean and trimmed. 6. Breath is fresh. No gum.

13. Job Search Skills The interviewer will be evaluating how you present yourself the moment you walk through the door.  Smile and make eye contact.  Use the interviewer’s name.  Introduce yourself and identify which position you are applying for.  Shake hands firmly.  Wait for an invitation to be seated.  Have a strong opening statement such as: “Hello Mr. Smith. My name is Alice Brown and I am here to interview for the teller position in your company”.  Be prepared – have work history information, reference information and transcripts handy.

14. Appearance Besides the previously mentioned necessity of cleanliness and dressing appropriately, and eliminating any offensive odors, you should: wear matching socks/hosiery; wear subtle perfume/cologne if any; if you have belt loops, wear a belt; shave; remove the sunglasses and hats, cover up tattoos and body piercings. Body Language Smile Shake hands firmly Sit when a seat is offered Use good posture Show you are listening by nodding and taking notes If you are taking notes, make sure to look up instead of down Make eye contact No yawning or time checking No fidgeting, biting nails or playing with hair. Job Search SkillsThe Interview Checklist

15. Responsiveness Be on time Use employer’s title and last name Show enthusiasm Speak clearly Use proper grammar Avoid slang, swearing, suggestive language Answer questions completely, honestly and clearly Focus on your strengths Attitude Show respect Be positive and enthusiastic Know about the company Know the interviewer’s name Have paperwork completed Ask questions that show your interest in the company Job Search Skills

16. Make sure the resume is Typed on clean, plain, white or cream paper 1 - 2 pages in length Not folded or wrinkled Make sure the application is Filled out completely Neat and legible Completed with honest answers! Closing the Interview Stand and shake hands Thank the interviewer for his/her time Emphasize your interest in the job Ask when a decision might be made Use these interview tips to prepare for your next job interview Job Search Skills

17. Job Search Skills The Resume’: ● A resume’ can be more than 1 page – but should take no more than 1 minute to read. ● The only complete sentence in the resume’ should be the Objective. This should be first and one concise sentence. ● College Education – Indicate type of degree and date received, school, location, Major/Minor, GPA, any special honors. ● Include a Special Skills section. ● Experience – describe your duties with skill words and phrases – not sentences or narrative. ● Achievements, honors, community involvement and hobbies should also be included. ● Don’t include references. These can be provided separately if required.

18. In the interview: Be honest Be pleasant and courteous Be confident Stay alert Show enthusiasm Listen carefully Express willingness to work hard Indicate that you get along well with people Demonstrate knowledge of the job you’re seeking Indicate interest in long range opportunity Be flexible and open-minded Let the interviewer know at the end of the appointment whether you are interested Ask for the job. Send a thank you note, even if you’re not hired. Job Search SkillsMore Interviewing Tips

19. Reasons people don’t get hired: Not appropriately dressed Poor hygiene Overly aggressive, pushy or demanding Displays poor communication skills Seems to lack interest and enthusiasm Does not have a career goal or plan Appears nervous Only interested in salary Unwilling to start at the bottom Fails to express appreciation for interviewer’s time Makes excuses Lacks tact and courtesy Lacks maturity Condemns past employers Lacks genuine interest in the company Fails to look interviewer in the eye Fails to complete application completely and neatly Arrives late for interview Fails to ask questions about the job Gives vague responses to questions Job Search SkillsApplicant Mistakes

20. Job Retention Finding a job is often difficult. But sometimes, keeping the job is even more of a challenge!

21. Job Retention Attitudes Your attitude can affect your relationships at work, school or home, in sports and hobbies, with friends, coworkers and family members. Your mood, your outlook, the way you feel about yourself and the way you get along with others is an important part of the way you experience life. Everyone has different abilities, opportunities, talents and luck. You can make the most of what you have. You may be labeled as a person with a bad attitude if you: • Are hard to get along with • Tend to pick fights • Are easily offended or insulted • Make negative comments This doesn’t sound like someone who would be a good employee, friend or customer.

22. On the other hand, a person with a “good attitude” is often described as: Fun to be around Flexible Easy going Good natured Reliable Hard working Positive Likable Attitude is often shaped by a person’s: School/job experiences Social influences Home life Family history ….as well as the personality and temperament you were born with. So where do you start to develop that winning attitude? Job RetentionAttitude

23. Job RetentionAttitude Here is where you start. • Know and like yourself. When you realize you are becoming negative, or hopeless or too self-critical stop and think about your strengths and good points. Don’t always put yourself down – that invites others to do the same. A favorable self-image gives you an important start to having a healthy attitude. • Reach out. Everybody needs a support group, made up of family and friends. Be a good friend and you’ll always have good friends. • Keep moving. Feeling good physically is an important part of a good attitude. Exercise, walk, play. • Have some fun. Do something that makes you feel good. Everyone needs a change of pace. • Work on being optimistic. Negativity throws a wet blanket on everything. • Consider setbacks and disappointments as being temporary. • Understand that everybody has a bad day sometimes and that doesn’t make them bad people. • Put a smile in your voice.

24. Show your attitude through your work habits. Get to work on time, be ready to work when you get there Be aware of time limits and deadlines Take breaks and meals when instructed Understand and follow the rules Lend a hand Don’t make changes without permission Do what you’re told without being reminded If you make a mistake, don’t try to cover it up or blame someone else. Admit that you goofed, correct the mistake and learn from your errors Be willing to adjust to changing needs at work Be willing to learn new skills Be careful with tools and equipment Job RetentionAttitude

25. Employability Skills Be a great employee

26. Do I need a uniform? Where do I get it and how much does it cost? No uniform - what do I wear? What time should I arrive? Where should I report? To whom should I report? Do I need to bring any documentation or information? What is the timeframe for the day – breaks, lunch, end of the day. What forms do I need to complete? What are the company policies and where can I find a copy? What is the correct procedure for reporting off? When is payday – what is my rate of pay? Do we have insurance or other benefits? What are my duties? Employability SkillsFirst Day Checklist – Questions to ask your new employer:

27. The ability to communicate with others The ability to listen Good reading comprehension Writing skills Problem solving and decision making skills Creativity Math skills Computer skills The ability to work with others Personal management skills Self-esteem and confidence Responsibility & accountability Initiative Willingness to learn Produce quality work Honorable work and personal ethics Flexibility and adaptability The ability to manage stress Employability SkillsSkills Employers Want

28. Employability SkillsProper Workplace Behavior • When talking, use a conversational tone of voice. Talking loudly or abrasively can be disruptive to other workers and customers. Maintain self-control from the time you arrive at work until you go home. • Avoid pranks and jokes that disturb the work environment. Having fun is fine as long as it does not disrupt. • Watch your language. Curse words, name calling and insulting words can be offensive to others. Avoid using slang that customers may not recognize. • Silly or weird behavior toward customers is inappropriate. Use good manners and avoid sarcasm. Answer questions appropriately.

29. Employers expect a perfect job at the fastest rate possible. What can you do to satisfy your employer’s expectations? Focus on the task completely. Do the job right – review for mistakes. Correct mistakes as you go. Don’t be distracted by food, radio, books, other people, etc. Ask questions and understand the instructions. Make a schedule of what you have to complete. Get all the necessary materials ready. Start the job soon after instructions. Do the work as fast as possible. Employability SkillsProductivity and Quality

30. Employability SkillsWork Ethic Work ethic advocates being personally accountable and responsible for the work that one does and is based on a belief that all work has value. Work ethic is usually associated with people who work hard and do a good job. Some attributes of a person with a strong work ethic include: • Is dependable and reliable • Follows rules and instructions • Works independently and shows initiative • Is never tardy • Is honest and responsible • Is efficient and careful • Adapts well to change • Is patient and helpful • Produces accurate work Continued on next slide

31. Employability SkillsWork Ethic More attributes of a person with a strong work ethic: • Pleasant and cooperative • Hard working and orderly • Courteous and friendly How is your work ethic? An instrument has been developed to measure work ethic – the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory. The OWEI is available to provide a comparison of your work ethic to that of others. The inventory provides scores for interpersonal skills, initiative and being dependable and can help you determine areas in need of improvement. Click on this link Work Ethics to go to the online assessment. When finished with the test, click the back button and return to Slide # 31.

32. Employability SkillsInterpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills include the habits, attitudes, manners, appearance and behaviors we use around other people which affect how we get along with other people. For us to improve our interpersonal skills, we must first be aware of what we are like from the perspective of other people. Habits we are unaware of, actions we think go unnoticed, and other things about us might affect other people and are impossible for us to change if we are not aware of them. Teachers in early grades try to help students recognize bad habits. As we become adults, it becomes our own responsibility to initiate changes to our interpersonal skills if needed. It is more important than ever and can greatly influence our opportunities and success.

33. Employability SkillsInitiative Initiative is a very important characteristic for information age workers. Direct supervision is often not a feature of the modern workplace. Without initiative, procrastination and missed opportunities can become a real problem. Sometimes poor performance results and leads to loss of a job, without any second chances. Drive and effort are both components of initiative. No matter how gifted someone is, unless they work harder, longer and smarter than their coworkers, they will not be the best. Being successful in the activities you participate in is highly dependent on your skills and attitudes. However, the amount of drive and effort you put into it could make the difference between average performance and high performance.

34. Employability SkillsDependability • Possibly the most important employability skill you can possess is dependability. • Being dependable is one of the most highly sought after traits for workers in the modern workplace. This work ethic includes honesty, reliability and being on time. People who are not dependable often are very expensive to keep around because of the wasted time and resources their behavior causes. In some cases, even peoples’ lives can be lost if another person is not dependable.

35. Employability SkillsAdapting to Change • Adapting to change and being flexible is best taught by being “forced” to change. A person who is rigid and concrete in his or her thinking tends to have the most difficulty in adapting to change. • Communication is important during any changes at work, but it is most important that the worker is able to adapt to the change. • Change should not always be viewed as a threat. Part of the battle is being aware that change happens often and that you should be prepared for change. • Remember, if your boss asks you to make a change in your job, it is not because he is out to get you. There are always reasons for the change that management feels is best for the company, customers and workers. • It is OK to ask about the reason for the change. The worker may not fully understand the reason, but at least the employee got the chance to discuss the issues.

36. Social Skills Getting along with co-workers

37. Social SkillsGetting along with Co-workers There are many aspects to getting along with co-workers. It is necessary to master the art of anger management, conflict resolution, communication skills and employer expectations. A person possessing these skills should be able to get along with most people. A person does not have a choice about the people he works with, so they have to be understanding of the differences in other people. You may not like everyone you work with, but you have to work with them! Sometimes we don’t like how our co-workers behave or what they believe in. It is possible to separate disliking someone because of what they do or because they belong to a certain group. Prejudice is a preconceived idea – an opinion held in disregard of the facts that contradict it, an intolerance or hatred. Prejudices can be for many reasons. Tolerance is respecting the beliefs and practices of others. Therefore, when a person does something a different way, you do not condemn them. That doesn’t mean you have to agree, it means that you are tolerant of their beliefs and actions. Continued on next slide

38. Social SkillsGetting along with Co-workers On the job there are going to be people who behave in a way that you do not agree with. If that behavior is interfering with your job or the company, you have the right to talk to that person or go to a supervisor. When we hold prejudices about certain people and are intolerant of their behavior, beliefs and practices, it makes it very difficult to get along with them. We should not dislike people who are different just because they have different beliefs or practices. If there is a co-worker you do not like, try to find the positive in the person and focus on the good points.

39. Steps to resolve conflict: Control emotions – relax and express your feelings assertively. Identify the reason for the conflict. Who is responsible? Take the time to talk to the person involved. Tell the person how you feel and why. Listen. Listen. Listen. Allow the other person to respond. Discuss the different alternatives for resolving the conflict. If the conflict is not easily resolved or if you are getting angry, take time away and talk again later. Social SkillsConflict Resolution

40. Social SkillsAnger Management Feelings and behaviors • It is important to understand that all feelings are OK, but negative behaviors as a result of those feelings are not. It is OK to be angry. It is not OK to hit, call people names or yell at people. When engaged in a conflict with a co-worker, it is important to talk to the person. • First, you should label your feelings assertively by saying “I am angry” or “I am upset”. It is never productive to be accusatory with statements that begin with “You”. • Secondly, explain why you are upset. Allow the other person to do the same. • It is sometimes better to wait until one has time to think about the situation and/or cool off.

41. …Around strangers Introduce yourself and get the other person’s name. Say hello and be friendly. Get to know the person before you talk a lot to that person, ask that person personal questions, or tell that person personal things about you. Never hug or touch them in a friendly way. …Around Acquaintances Get to know them better by engaging in small talk during breaks and social gatherings. Say hello and be friendly. Never hug or touch them in a friendly way. Never hang around them when you are off and that person is working. Social SkillsHow to behave at work

42. Social SkillsHow to behave at work …Around friends • Spend time talking during breaks and after work. • Understand the importance of people having friends outside of work. • Hugs and friendly touches are really not appropriate in the workplace. However, there are certain times such as when congratulations are in order, they have been ill, or a family member has died, that a hug might be appreciated. • Never hang around when you are off and that person is working. • Do not expect a friend from work to want to do everything with you. Even friends need a break from each other. • Solve interpersonal problems outside of work.

43. Personalities Understanding Differences

44. Personalities These are just a few examples of different personality types. You may recognize yourself in some of these descriptions. The point is, everyone is different, has a different way of thinking, planning, socializing, working and no one particular type is “correct”. Once we understand why people do what they do, we become better able to overlook differences.

45. Active Learners Tend to retain and understand information best by doing something active with it - discussing it, applying it or explaining it to others. Tend to like group work more. Dislike taking notes. The active learner’s key phrase – “Let’s try it out and see how it works”. Prefer studying in a group. Reflective Learners Tend to retain and understand information best by thinking quietly about it first. Prefer to work alone and study alone. Must be careful not to spend too much time reflecting – they often don’t get much done. When studying, should stop periodically and review what they have read or learned. PersonalitiesLearning Styles

46. Sensing Learners Tend to like learning facts. Like solving problems with well-established methods. Dislike complications and surprises. Are patient with details and good at memorizing facts. Enjoy hands-on work. Are more practical and careful. Prefer to learn about tangible things that have a place in the real world. Intuitive Learners Prefer discovering possibilities and relationships. Like innovation and dislike repetition. Often tend to resent being tested on materials not covered in class. Are better at grasping new concepts. Are comfortable with abstract ideas and mathematical formulations. Tend to work quickly. Dislike memorization and routine calculations. PersonalitiesLearning Styles

47. Learners are also broken down in other categories such as: Visual learners remember best what they see while verbal learners remember best what they are told. Sequential learners tend to learn things in order, with steps that are in a logical sequence. Global learners learn in large jumps, absorbing materials randomly. The point is, there are many different ways to learn and no particular way is the “right” way. People are different. Different is good! To assess your own personal learning style, click on this link – learning styles and take the Learning Styles Self Test. When finished, click the back button and return to Slide # 47. PersonalitiesLearning Styles

48. Idealists make up about 25-30% of the population. But their ability to inspire people with their enthusiasm and their idealism has given them influence far beyond their numbers. They believe in giving of themselves to help others, always on a quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement. They work well with other people and are gifted at helping others. Guardians make up about 40-45% of the population. They are the cornerstone of society. They have natural talent in managing and organizing and use all their skills to keep things running smoothly. They are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. They take pride in being dependable and trustworthy. They are often down-to-earth and believe in loyalty, discipline and teamwork. PersonalitiesCharacter Types

49. · Rationals make up about 5-10% of the population. They are the problem solvers. They are very interested in what makes things work. Rationals try to find solutions and are interested in efficiency. They work tirelessly, are logical and fiercely independent. They often seem cold and distant, but its because they are usually in absorbed concentration. · Directors are bold, demanding risk takers. They tend to be competitive, work fast, prefer to be in control and rarely waste time. They are results oriented and take charge when the situation calls for it. They are very forceful and tend to be impatient. Expect them to be the competitors in all things. PersonalitiesCharacter Types

50. Entertainers are very talkative, spontaneous, creative, optimistic and emotional. They work quickly, love being around people, fear rejection and hate repetition. Their space is often cluttered and unorganized. However, they are very energetic, animated, amiable and enthusiastic. Perfectionists are analytical, systematic, diplomatic and sensitive. They work at a deliberate pace, and fear criticism. Their primary irritation is disorder and they focus on accuracy. They are often withdrawn and reserved, preferring to analyze situations quietly. They tend to be objective and methodical. PersonalitiesCharacter types