Getting A Job -- Another Chance To Make It

Pennsylvania Job Center .... "For A Working Future, This Is The Place."

CHAPTER THREE

Chapter Three -- Contents

Getting Hired
-Resumes (with sample resume)
-Application Forms
-Cover Letters (with sample letter)
-Interviews
-Thank-You Letters (with sample letter)

Staying On Track
-Tips for the future

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Labor market Information
Finding a job opening is only the first step in getting a job. The second and more important step is getting the employer to see you and to give you a chance to describe your skills, experience, education, and employment goals. To get an employer's attention and an interview, you may have to send the employer a letter describing your education and job background–a resume–or an application form. Application forms are also often filled out on the spot in the employer's personnel office. So it is very important to be prepared for this and have all the necessary information ready when going for an interview. Take along your resume. It should give a good summary of the information that is needed in most applications.

Employers use resumes and applications to choose which people to interview. They don't have the time to see everyone who applies. They only select and call those for an interview whose resume or application shows that they can do the job. It is very important for you to do the best job you can in preparing these papers. In fact, it is a good idea to get some help. If you are still inside, ask your caseworker or pre-release counselor for help. If you are out, get help at your local Job Service Office or at a social service agency.

Resumes. A resume is a written fact sheet of your work experience, education, and other things that qualify you for a job. It also states your career goals. It should also stress the skills and experience needed for the job you are applying for. This means that you may have to prepare several different resumes. If you don't have a specific job in mind, you may want to prepare a simple, general resume describing your work and educational experience for the last 5 or 10 years. Although some jobs may not require a resume, it always makes a good impression to have one.

There are many ways of organizing a resume. One good way is to organize it by work or skills experience. This is a good format for people who have changed jobs often or had breaks in their work history. Instead of giving dates and names of employers, it is a good idea to show years of experience in each job and state that names and addresses of employers will be provided on request. (See sample resume that follows.)

EMPLOYMENT GOAL:

• Short Order Cook

EXPERIENCE:

• Short Order Cook (1 year)
  Prepared and cooked to order hamburgers, eggs, bacon, toast, sandwiches, and salads. Used, cleaned, and kept in good working order grills, deep fryers, slicing machines, coffeemakers, teapots, milk shake and soft-serve ice cream machines, and other food preparation equipment.
• Lunchroom and cafeteria counter attendant (2 years)
  Served food and drink to customers seated at counter. Serviced steam tables. Added up checks and received payment. Used cash register. Scrubbed and polished counters, steam tables, and other equipment.
• Bus person (1 year)
  Carried dirty dishes from dining room to kitchen. Cleaned and set tables. Served water, coffee, and tea to customers. Replenished service bar with supplies.
• Dishwasher (1 year)
  Scraped food from dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Washed pots, pans, and trays by hand. Unloaded dishwasher and put away dishes.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma Cooking classes - Middletown High School.

REFERENCES:

• References and places of employment available upon request.

Include the following items in your resume.

Identification. Put your name, address, and a telephone number where you can be reached at the top of the page.

Objective or employment goal. State the specific job or the type of work that you are looking for. If it is a general resume, say what different types of work you are seeking.

Work history or skills. List each job that you held, starting with your most recent one and working backwards. Be sure to list those jobs that relate to the job you are applying for. Briefly describe your duties in each of these jobs. Include any equipment that you operated. Mention special skills like "get along with all kinds of people" or a job-related skill such as experience as a meat cutter.

Education. List your education, including high school, technical school, community college, and any courses or training that you may have taken. You may decide not to list dates of attendance if there were too many breaks in your education history. If you have received a G.E.D. while you were inside, indicate 12 years completed.

Military experience. Write about your military experience only if it is recent or your military duties prepared you for the job you are applying for. If related, mention the duties. Otherwise, just list your branch and dates of service.

References. Indicate that references are "available upon request." Don't list names of your references on the resume because you may want to use different references for different jobs. However, make a list of references of people who are familiar with your work as well as personal references such as your friends and neighbors. Keep the list with you in case you are asked for references during your interview. Make sure you have your references' full names, job titles, addresses, and phone numbers. Always ask your references for permission to use their names.

Other tips. Keep your resume short. Try to limit it to one page, certainly no more than two.

Be honest, but don't include anything negative on a resume. Be ready to explain any negative information if it comes up during an interview. For example, be ready to talk about your background as an ex-offender. You need to be able to say sincerely that you are sorry for what you did and the pain you must have caused, you have learned from your mistakes, and you want to put it behind you and go on with your life.

Don't list pay or salary requirements on your resume. This should be discussed at an interview. Don't give personal information such as your age, weight, height, or marital status.

Make sure your resume is written in good grammar. Ask someone to check it for spelling, punctuation, and good English. It should be typed. If you don't have a typewriter, see if the public library has one that you can use. Perhaps a friend could type it for you, or if you can afford it, a secretarial service will do it for a fee. Save the original so you can make as many copies as you'll need for your job search.

Application forms. When filling out an application remember that, just like a resume, an employer's first impression of you will be based on what he or she sees on the application. It is important to prepare it carefully and completely. Be sure to have all your information and papers ready when filling out the application. Have a list of all your documents, your current address and phone number as well as names, addresses, and phone numbers of your former employers and references. If you do not have a phone, give the phone number of a friend or relative who has agreed to take messages for you.

Before you start to fill out an application form, be sure to read it through first to understand all questions. Remember that most of the information it asks for is in your resume, so it will help to have the resume handy when filling out the application.

Be sure to follow instructions and answer all questions as well as you can. If there is a question about your criminal record, place a dash (–) in the space and be ready to discuss your record in the interview.

If you are going to fill out the application at home, ask for an extra one or make a copy of it so that you have a spare. This way, you can practice filling out one form. When you have it just the way you want it, you can copy it to an original. This will give the application a clean and neat appearance. Type the form if possible. If not, print neatly in blue or black ink. Be sure to complete all questions. If the information does not apply to you, put (NA) in the answer space to show that you did not overlook that question. Use a dash if you do not know the information. Check all spelling. Sign and date the application.

Cover letters. After you have completed your resume and found some openings in the Help Wanted ads or through some leads from friends, what should you do next? You should prepare a cover letter to introduce yourself to the employer and to ask him or her for an interview.

The cover letter should be simple, short, and to the point. Address the letter to a specific person. Use the person's name and title–for example, Mr. Pat Ward, Man-ager. If you don't know the person's name, call the company and ask who the letter should be sent to, or ask for the name of the head of the department that interests you or the staff person in the personnel department. If you are answering an ad, you should mention it. If someone referred you to a job or told you to speak with a certain person, mention the name of the person that referred you in the letter.

Describe your most important qualifications and skills for the job you are applying for. Stress those skills and abilities from your resume that best fit the job you are applying for. Finally, close the letter by asking for an interview. Make sure that your phone number, including area code, is included in the letter.

Do not use photocopies of your cover letter for other job openings. You should prepare a new letter for each job that you are applying for. Remember, the cover letter is the first thing the employer will see, and it is your chance to make a good impression.

Mr. Pat Ward Manager
The Corner Cafe
700 Elm Street
Middletown, VA 20810

Dear Mr. Ward:

I am answering your ad for a short order cook in today's Middletown News. Because of my work experience, I believe I can do the job well.

I have worked as a short order cook in a cafeteria and have handled the cash register. I also have other kitchen experience. I like to cook and enjoy working with people both in the kitchen and at the food counter. I am hard-working and reliable.

Enclosed is my resume. I am eager to meet with you to discuss my qualifications further. I will contact you shortly to ensure that you have received my application. I can be reached at (703) 476-5215.

Job interviews. Job interviews let you show an employer your qualifications and give you the chance to sell yourself. To do this, you need to present yourself in the best possible light. This means being on time and being ready. Have your resume or completed application form with you. Be sure to bring all your papers, such as your Social Security card or green card, proof of education or training, and all work-related information mentioned above. An interview is easier if you know what to expect. Find out as much as you can about the company and how your experience fits the job. Knowing about the job and the company shows the employer that you are seriously interested in getting the job.

Be ready to spend about 20 or 30 minutes with the employer talking about your education, work experience, goals, and interests. Now is the time for you and the employer to learn about each other. You can find out if this job is right for you, and the employer can see if you are the right person for the job. Tell him or her why you are the right person for the job.

Each interview is different. However, here are some questions employers may ask:

How did you hear about this job?
What kind of training or work experience have you had?
When you answer, explain the training and experience most closely related to the job you are applying for.
Why do you feel this is the right job for you?
Why have you had so many jobs?
Why did you leave your last job?
This probably will be the right time to explain your criminal conviction.
Do you get along with others?
What have you learned from your mistakes?
Are you willing to undergo periodic drug tests?
Why should I hire you?

After you have answered the employer's questions, feel free to ask your own questions. Prepare a list of questions before the interview so you don't forget to ask everything you want to know. Some of these questions may be:

What is the daily routine of the job?
What is the work schedule? Is overtime required?
Are there any opportunities for advancement?
Are there any training opportunities?

These are just some questions you can ask to help you decide if you want the job. Other lists of questions can be found in books at libraries or in job counselors' offices.

Controlling your fears is the most important part of a successful interview. It is normal to be nervous before an interview. To overcome your fears, do the following:

Put yourself in the employer's shoes. Think about what you might ask a worker who wanted a job in your company. Practice answering questions with a friend, relative, or counselor. The more you practice, the easier the actual interview will be.

Make sure you are well-groomed. Cleanliness is more important than the clothes you wear. If you can't afford new clothes, you may want to shop in a used clothing store or borrow an outfit from a friend. The neater you look, the better the impression you will make. But don't overdress! Wear clothing that is appropriate for the job.

Be prepared to deal with your criminal record. You must decide before the interview how you are going to handle questions about it.

Tell yourself that you are going to do the best you can during the interview but that getting this job is not a matter of life or death. Your future does not depend on this one interview. If you don't get the job you were interviewed for, think of it as good practice for the next interview.

At the end of the interview, ask for the job if you want it. If the employer is not ready to offer the job to you, ask when you can expect to hear from him or her. Say thanks and then follow up with a thank-you letter.

Thank-you letters. After you have had your interview, it is important to write a simple thank you letter to the person who interviewed you. This will help your chances of getting the job. You may either type it or write a note by hand thanking the interviewer for his or her time. You should remind the employer of your skills and experience. In closing, repeat your interest in working for the company and your wish to be seriously considered for this job or any other job you are qualified for.

Mr. Pat Ward Manager
The Corner Cafe
700 Elm Street
Middletown, VA 20810

Dear Mr. Ward:

Thank you for seeing me last Wednesday. I enjoyed meeting you and appreciated the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the short order cook job.

I hope that I answered all of your questions. Please feel free to call me if you need more information. I am very interested in working for you and hope to hear from you soon.

Getting that job was just the beginning. No matter where on the ladder you start, you now have a chance to get experience and to develop a good work history. This is done by developing good work habits. Do quality work. Do whatever needs to be done when it needs to be done, not later. Be on time for work; don't leave early; and stick to the-time allowed for meals and other breaks. A useful guide is to work as hard as you would want others to work if you were paying their wages. This may not come naturally at first but, if you keep at it, after a while it will become second nature.

Be eager to learn. Look for ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer. One way is to show how dependable you are. Convince the boss that he or she can count on you. Be courteous to customers and pleasant and cooperative to co-workers. A lot of hard work can be undone if you have a bad attitude or if you have a chip on your shoulder. You may have to do some very unpleasant work in the beginning. Try not to let this bother you. Try to stay positive and focused on improving your skills. Think of solutions to problems that come up on the job, or ideas about how to do things better, and tell your boss. In short, do more than is expected of you.

On-the-job experience can be very important to your success on the job. Many employers will give you the chance to learn. You just need to show that you can be even more valuable to your boss if you had more training and more responsibility. One way to do this is to ask your boss what you can learn on your own that would make you more valuable. Is there something you can study or work on at home? Does the company have any training programs that you could attend? Bosses like employees who are loyal, and most would rather fill openings by promoting from within than by hiring someone from outside the company.

Okay, let's say you're doing pretty well on your job. What can you look forward to? As you get more skills and experience, you may be able to get promotions. The more education and quality work experience you have, the easier it is to advance. For example, workers with a high school diploma are twice as likely to move up within a company as high school dropouts. So, if you don't have your diploma, start working toward your G.E.D. today.

Another option to keep in mind is the apprenticeships that some companies use to train their employees. Apprenticeships last 1 year or longer. Training is usually part on-thejob and part classroom. Apprentices work under experienced workers called journey workers. Keep your eyes and ears open to any possible openings in apprenticeship programs. If nothing is available where you work now, maybe friends or relatives will know of job openings where they work.

About 100,000 new apprentices are registered each year. Many are electricians, carpenters, plumbers, sheet-metal workers, ironworkers, painters, and welders. Others work in production occupations, such as machinists. Occupations such as cooks, maintenance mechanics, auto mechanics, and diesel mechanics also have apprenticeships available.

Apprenticeship graduates have an advantage over other workers. Employers prefer them for most jobs because they generally receive more complete training than workers who don't go through apprenticeships. Because of their training, apprenticeship graduates are less likely to be laid off, and they are more likely to become supervisors.

Before picking an apprenticeship program, consider what the job will be like, how your skills match up to those required, and the market for jobs in the area in which you would do an apprenticeship. Mechanical and mental abilities needed to master the techniques and technology of a trade are also important. Apprenticeship committees will also look at your age (usually at least 18), education (most require a high school diploma), aptitude (reading, writing, and math skills), and physical condition. Labor unions, employer associations, and job counselors can tell you more about apprenticeships.

Besides apprenticeships, another way to get more training or education is to ask your boss or counselor about vocational or technical school training and sources of financial aid. Many schools have financial aid offices that can help you. Some private associations may help pay for school–check your local library. Formal education can only increase your value to the company.

Staying On Track
If you sincerely want to change and become a success in life, the way is clearly marked. When you are ready to start your job search, look for that special person to help you and guide you. Don't despair if you don't find a job right away. Keep trying. The harder you try, the faster you'll find work. Think of each interview as a good chance to practice your interview skills and to improve your self-confidence. The more self confident you are, the better your chances of getting a job.

Once you have a job, work hard and get additional training. Hard work and more training will lead to promotions and better-paying jobs. Many well-paying jobs that rely on physical effort have disappeared and have been replaced by jobs that require vocational and technical skills. You don't have to go to college to get these skills, but you will have to look for chances to develop them. If you can get more education and training while inside, get it; otherwise prepare to do it when you get out. Keep in mind that education and training are probably the two most important factors that will help you get a job and keep it. And keeping a job is the most important thing to staying out of trouble. Through job training, experience, and hard work you not only increase your value to employers, but also contribute to society, and feel really good about yourself. Good luck!