Pathways to Success - PowerPoint Presentation

Pathways to SuccessThe Job Application (lesson #2) By Sissy Osteen, Ph.D., CFP PowerPoint by Cindy Clampet Revised 2017

Today you will learn:How to complete a job application formHow to set up a simple resume How to write a letter of application

The Job Application FormYou may need to go on-line to fill out the form, or you may be given a paper application form The application form tells the employer about you. The application forms from different companies may be slightly different, but they all generally ask for the same information Having a filled out application with you helps you to fill out the next one correctly

Your Job Application FolderBringing in the needed forms in a plain folder makes you look professional and ready to work. A plain dark colored paper folder can be purchased at a discount store for less than $1. In the folder, put a filled out job application form, a few copies of your resume, your references list, copies of your driver’s license and social security card, a black and blue pen and a pencil with an eraser, and some plain paper to take notes on

ReferencesA reference is a person who knows you and will vouch for your abilities and character.Do NOT use family members or close friends as references Good references might be: teachers, past employers, work friends and community leaders such as your preacher Be sure to ask their permission to use them as a reference!! If they say “yes” get their full name, occupation, address, phone number, and e-mail address to list them as a reference.

Job Application TipsTake the application home with you if possible Read and fill out everything on the form before you start writing Some applications are done on-line. Be sure to go back and check your spelling before hitting “send” Be neat, Print clearly, Use a black pen, (unless a blue one is asked for) Be honest. Answer ALL questions. Write “N/A” in spaces that do not apply to you If you have a GED, write it in the high school education space Use short answers and correct spelling

More tips:Write “Open” on wages desired. This means you will talk to the employer about how much the job pays during the interview Include area codes with telephone numbers. If you do not have a phone, list a number where an employer can leave a message. Ask the person if you may list his or her phone number. Be honest when asked about your health. Tell the employer about any health problem you have which may impact your ability to work.

Personal Data SheetA “Personal Data Sheet” is a form the employer may have you fill out. It has a lot of the same information as a resume and you may use it to create your own resume. Look at the sample personal data sheet of page 4 of your booklet. Fill out the personal data sheet on page 5 of your booklet.

Ways to fill out applicationsBe sure to read and follow the instructions before even starting to write on the application form. Look at the sample on page 6 of your booklet You do not want to have messy erasures or scribble out an incorrect answer. Look at the sample application form on page 8 of your booklet. Fill out the questions on page 7 of your booklet. Discuss.

PracticeFill out the sample application form on pages 10-13 in your booklet. You may use this sample in your job application folder, if you wish. The more you practice filling out applications, the easier it becomes.

ResumeA resume is a “picture” of you in words. It is like an application without the questions. It is an ad about you. It might be the first thing an employer sees about you. If it isn’t good, it might be the last thing.

Why a resume?When you apply in person, they can see your faceYou need to look your best!! When an employer gets your resume, all they see is a piece of paper It needs to look its best You have a chance to make yourself look GOOD Or you can miss the chance of getting a good job.

Writing a resume’Before starting on your resume, it helps to take some notes What did you do on your previous jobs? What did you do well? Use “action” words (see page 16 of your booklet) If you can’t type the resume, get someone to type it for you Make sure no words are spelled wrong Make sure your resume is clean, not bent of folded. Look at page 17 and 18 of your booklet, and create your own resume.

Letter of applicationYou will want to send in a letter along with your resume and application form, if you already have it. The letter will tell the employer how you heard about the job, why you want the job, how you might be qualified for the job. Use proper letter-writing form. Be sure to include an inside address, the date, the person you are writing to, the body of the letter, and a closing along with your signature.

Practice!Using the form on page 21 of your booklet, write a sample letter of application. You may keep this in your job application folder if you wish. Use page 22 to collect some information for references. Try to get e-mail addresses in addition to the information on the form. Use page 23 to collect information about your work history, so that the employer can check your former employment history. Use the Education worksheet on page 25 to collect information about your education history. This information will be useful when applying for jobs.