Getting the Job

Great First Impressions

  • Introduce yourself with a smile
  • Dress appropriately
  • Make eye contact
  • Put your hand out for a firm handshake
  • Remember to use the employer's name
  • Express your strengths in a clear and confident voice
  • Show you enthusiasm by standing tall
  • Say you really want to work for the company
  • Have your application information handy in case you will need it
  • Offer your resume if you have one
  • Thank the employer for their time

Applications

Two very important things to remember when filling out an application are to be honest and to fill it out completely. An application is a legal document, and you could be fired for lying on your application.

Application Tips:
If possible, take it home so you can take your time. You may wish to get two in case you make a mistake.
Don’t include middle school info—it’s not necessary. If you earned your GED, check “graduated”.
If there’s room, list job-related classes taken in school. Fill in all blanks—if does not apply, put N/A or a dash.
Do NOT lie on an application. Don’t waste opportunities to sell your qualifications.

What is a Resume?

An Advertisement Tool used to Get an Interview by Summarizing Skills, Experience, and Education.

R eview of Qualifications
E ssential Information Only
S kills Based
U nique-What Makes You Special
M arketing of a Product-You!
E ffective-Gets You Noticed
    The Language of Resumes
  • Complete sentences are NOT necessary
  • Avoid the use of "I" or "me"
  • Avoid long stories or explanations
  • Use key phrases
  • Resume should draw the reader's interest
Components of a Resume:

Name and Contact Information-use full name and include phone number with area code
Job Objective-to show the employer what you are applying for, keep it brief and to the point
Summary of Skills or Qualifications-three or four bulleted skills or experiences that are important to the job
Skills-three or four major skills you have and list specific examples of how you used that skill
Employment History-most recent first; job title, name of company and its location, how long worked there
Education-list high school, year of graduation, include related coursework or training
Other-volunteer experience, memberships, activities, languages, computer skills

Interviewing

Try to find out as much as you can about the place where you are interviewing. Learning about the company and what products they make, who the customers are, and how big the company is, are some examples of things you can research before the interview. Knowing more about a company will help you decide if you want to work for them and will also impress the interviewer. Try looking on-line for this information, in the library or by talking with people who are already working at the company.

Making a Good First Impression
  • Be neat, clean and conservative
  • Dress a step above what the best employee for that job would wear
  • Avoid a lot of jewelry, perfume or cologne
  • Stay away from clothes that are really trendy
  • Get a good night's sleep
  • Wear clean and pressed clothes
  • Avoid smoking before the interview

Your personal appearance makes an immediate statement. By dressing properly and having good hygiene you are saying to the employer that you care about the job and want the job!

Interviewing Checklist:

  • Bring a pen and notebook
  • Arrive at interview a few minutes early
  • Bring list of questions to ask interviewer
  • Know what hours you're able to work
  • Bring any letters of recommendation
  • Bring a list of references
  • Bring a few copies of your resume
  • Bring your completed application
  • Get directions and a phone number
  • Dress nicely and have a good attitude!