L73 SCCO Lesson Plans.vp

Employment Strategies

Unit: Planning Postsecondary Placement

Problem Area: Employment in a Career Field

Lesson: Employment Strategies

Student Learning Objectives.

Instruction in this lesson should result in students

achieving the following objectives:

Review the career benefits of entering the workforce immediately following

high school.

Describe job search strategies.

Create job-hunting resources and tools.

¢ Resources. The following resources may be useful in teaching this lesson:

E-unit(s) corresponding to this lesson plan. CAERT, Inc. http://www.mycaert.com.

Doyle, Alison. “Job Interview Tips,” About.com. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/jobinterviewtip.htm

Doyle, Alison. “Job Search Strategies,” About.com. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/findajob/tp/jobsearch-strategies.htm

“Evaluating a Job Offer,” Sarah Lawrence College. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.slc.edu/studentlife/ocs/media/pdf/step-seven/Evaluating_Job_Offers.pdf

“Figure Out What’s Next,” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://myfuture.com

Girard, Frank. “Online Job Hunting Strategies,” eHow. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.ehow.com/info_7759112_online-job-hunting-strategies.html

Heathfield, Susan M. “On-the-Job-Training,” About.com. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://humanresources.about.com/od/educationgeneral/g/on-the-job-training.htm

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“How to Include Temporary Employment on a Résumé,” eHow. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4505495_include-temporary-employment-resume.html

“Key Elements of a Cover Letter,” University of Washington. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.washington.edu/doit/Careers/cover_key.html

Liu, Ivy. “How to Prepare for an Informational Interview,” eHow. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4579151_prepare-informational-interview.html

Liu, Ivy. “How to Write an Informational Interview Thank-You Note,” eHow. Accessed Feb.

16, 2014. http://ehow.com/how_a4576702_write-informational-interview-thank

you.html.

“Résumé,” Wikipedia. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9.

“Ten Effective Job Search Strategies,” allBusiness. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.allbusiness.com/10-job-search-strategies/16569081-10.html

“What Is an Apprenticeship?” CareerOneStop. Accessed Feb. 16, 2014.

http://www.careeronestop.org/EducationTraining/Find/ApprenticeshipOffices.aspx

Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Facilities

Overhead or PowerPoint projector

Visual(s) from accompanying master(s)

Copies of sample test, lab sheet(s), and/or other items designed for duplication

Materials listed on duplicated items

Computers with printers and Internet access

Classroom resource and reference materials

¢ Key Terms.

The following terms are presented in this lesson (shown in bold italics):

apprenticeship

business card

cover letter

hidden job market

informational interview

internship

job analysis

job application

job interview

job shadowing

networking

print media

referral

résumé

salutation

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Interest Approach.

Use an interest approach that will prepare the students for the

lesson. Counselors and teachers often develop approaches for their unique counseling and

class situations. A possible approach is included here.

Ask students the following questions: What are the benefits of employment

immediately after high school? What strategies can you use when seeking

employment? What resources and tools are needed for the job search?

CONTENT SUMMARY AND TEACHING OR

COUNSELING STRATEGIES

Objective 1: Review the career benefits of entering the workforce following high

school.

Anticipated Problem: What are the benefits of entering the workforce following high

school?

I. Career benefits of employment immediately following high school

A. Immediate income provides earnings. The earnings may support:

1. Financial independence

2. Budgeting

3. Living in an apartment

4. Childcare

B. Employment may offer time to determine career goals.

1. It creates an opportunity to seek assistance and find career resources.

2. It allows time to save money to pay for attending private trade and technical

school, college, or a university.

Teaching or Counseling Strategies:

Use VM–A. Ask students the following

questions: Why would a person prefer to enter the job market after high school? What

are the benefits of employment immediately following high school?

Objective 2: Describe job search strategies.

Anticipated Problem: What are job search strategies?

II. Job search strategies

A. Workplace learning is a type of program that combines learning in school

and working at the job. Several options are:

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1. An apprenticeship is a system for training on the job. This system enables an

apprentice—a person who works for an employer—to learn a trade and

acquire hands-on experience under the guidance of a skilled worker. The indi

vidual would go to a worksite or a designated training center to learn a craft

(e.g., carpentry).

2. An internship is a short-term job or work project that usually requires a formal

commitment. The emphasis is on-the-job training for approximately 3 to 12

weeks. An internship is chosen to establish interest in a specific field. It may

be a springboard to starting a network of connections or to employment.

3. Job shadowing is observing a work activity or a mentor performing his or her

job. It is a quick way for a closer look at how a specific job functions. Typically,

a person will job shadow someone for one to five days. Afterward, a thank-you

note should be sent to show appreciation for the time and assistance

provided.

4. An informational interview is a formal meeting in which a job seeker explores

career options with a person in a career of interest. The goal is to talk to a per

son about his or her specific job for 15 to 20 minutes without asking for a job.

A person may offer to leave his or her résumé or the résumé may be

requested, but the person conducting the interview should never ask for a job.

After the interview, a thank-you note is essential. A handwritten note is prefer-

able to an email or text message.

5. Temporary employment is an opportunity for short-term work assignments that

build experience and generate income.

a. Temporary work assignments can be included on one’s résumé, either by

naming an agency and listing one’s assignments or by listing the

assignments individually.

b. Temporary work assignments may create an avenue to full-time

employment.

6. Military service is another path to acquire training. The military offers opportu

nities to learn an occupation or to become an officer while serving the country.

When leaving the military, a person typically has marketable skills in areas

such as construction, electronics, healthcare, and/or executive management.

a. Tuition assistance for pursuing education is available while on active duty.

In addition, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is for military personnel and

veterans.

b. The military service branches are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast

Guard, Reserve units, and the National Guard (for Air Force and Army).

Each branch has a variety of occupations and openings based on need at

the time of entry.

B. Finding job openings

1. A general search can be conducted online with a job search engine.

a. It is necessary to insert key information about job titles, industry, specific

companies, location, and mileage from home.

b. Résumés should be posted, and job search alerts should be set up.

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c. The criteria should be narrowed to save time.

d. Other online alternatives:

(1) Major job boards

(a) monster®

(b) careerbuilder

(d) SimplyHired

(e) indeed®

(f) CoolWorks®.com

(2) Company Web sites

(3) Professionals and recruiters use social networking sites to find people

suited for job openings.

2. Print media is the dissemination of printed matter primarily through newspa

pers and journals. It applies to booklets, magazines, pamphlets, books, and

printed literature. Print media can be a source for identifying potential employ

ers and job openings.

a. Newspapers have job openings mostly for local and regional positions.

b. Journals may be industry specific and may have articles that reference

individual companies and industry trends.

3. Networking is a system of staying connected with a group of people for the

purpose of helping one another. Networking is creating a group of acquain-

tances and associates and having regular and mutually beneficial communica-

tion to keep the network active. Networking is based on the question “How can

I help?” rather than “What can I get?” It encompasses immediate and

extended connection in person and online.

a. An immediate network is comprised of people who are already known or

personally met (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, and classmates). Phone,

mail, email, and social media (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) are

common ways to contact an immediate network.

b. An extended network is composed of people who are known to those in a

person’s immediate network. These people can create a link to meeting

new people, which is known as a referral. A referral is a recommendation,

introduction, or direction to contact another person for advice, counsel, or

help. It is an opportunity to seek assistance with a job search, to discuss a

specific job description, to obtain company information, or to get job leads

when the person contacted is receptive.

c. Access to the hidden job market is often through networking and identifying

someone who can vouch for a job seeker. The hidden job market is jobs

filled without being formally posted or advertised. It is essential to notice

the places where companies are recruiting or to identify someone who can

assist or vouch for a job seeker. This will increase the chances of

connecting with a hiring manager.

d. A business card is an easy way to provide information to people who can

assist with a job search. A business card is a personal identifier that

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details pertinent information (e.g., name, job title, and contact

information).

Teaching or Counseling Strategies:

Project VM–B, and engage students in a

discussion. Ask the following: How would a person benefit from creating a strategy for

conducting a job search? Which of the strategies introduced would be most beneficial

to a job search?

Objective 3: Create job-hunting resources and tools.

Anticipated problem: What resources are available to create job-hunting tools?

III. Career resources and tools for job hunting

A. Career resources

1. Career resources are human and material sources that provide information and

services to support career planning and career development. A person can

learn how to conduct a job search. However, assistance with finding resources

and tools speeds up the search.

2. Community and junior colleges serve the general community and recent high

school graduates. The Career Services Department assists all community

members in the following ways:

a. People can engage in career assessment of their skills and interests to

determine job options for suitable work.

b. People can seek assistance with writing résumés and cover letters as well

as help preparing for job interviews.

3. Public libraries have reference librarians. Some of them specialize in career

information. They can provide direction to print material and online databases

for researching salaries, companies, and industry trends.

4. The U.S. Department of Labor offers employment information featuring data

gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which compiles employment infor

mation from across the nation.

a. Job seeker information provides data and statistics about different

professions and required education in addition to salary and industry trends

by using:

(1) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a comprehensive overview of

careers and jobs at http://www.bls.gov/oco

(2) O*Net Online is a brief summation of job descriptions, with a broader

breakdown of related job categories at http://www.onetonline.org

b. American Job Centers (previously One-Stop Career Centers) provide job

search, training, recruiting, and other employment services. These centers

have youth and adult programs as well as assistance for career exploration,

job search, education and training, résumé development, and interview

tips, and salary and benefits information at http://www.careeronestop.org

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B. Career tools

1. A résumé is a document used to present a person’s background and skills. An

employer uses résumés to screen applications and to consider inviting appli

cants for interviews. A simple résumé is short (usually one or two pages) and

highlights experiences and qualifications relevant to a desired position. Basic

elements include:

a. Personal information (e.g., name, address, phone number, and email

address)

b. A summary that focuses on what a candidate can do for an employer

c. Expertise, highlighting areas of strength

d. Experience that describes accomplishments, contributions, and results as

well as a brief description of job duties, company name, and title—typically

listed by most current first and then in reverse date order

e. Education, which provides information about on-the-job training—formal

and informal (This may be listed ahead of “Experience” when it is limited.)

f. Optional additions

(1) Volunteer work

(2) School activities and offices

2. A cover letter is a document sent to a prospective employer with a résumé. A

cover letter provides an opportunity to directly apply qualifications to an open

position. Key elements include:

a. Information about the sender: name, address, phone number, and email

address

b. Date

c. A salutation is a greeting used in a letter or other written or non-written

communication. It can be formal or informal. The most common form of

salutation in a letter is “Dear” followed by the recipient’s given name or

title.

(1) “Dear Mr. or Ms. _____:” is used when the name is known.

(2) “Dear Prospective Employer” is used only after taking steps to learn a

recipient’s name and finding it unavailable.

(3) Cover letters are never addressed “Dear Sir or Dear Madam” or “To

Whom It May Concern.”

d. The opening paragraph explains how the applicant learned of the position

by referencing a classified advertisement, an Internet posting, or a personal

referral. A reason for contacting the employer is included.

e. The middle paragraph is a summary of the applicant’s expertise and

experiences as well as how they relate to the job description.

(1) The applicant should include key words mentioned in the job

description and terms native to a specific industry.

(2) The applicant should demonstrate knowledge of the organization by

conducting research on its Web site and referencing an interesting

fact or process.

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f. A closing paragraph provides information about:

(1) An applicant’s availability for an interview

(2) A suggested timeframe in which to contact the hiring person about an

interview

3. A job application is a form that provides an employer with information about

an applicant’s interest in a particular place of employment or a position within

a company. A job application includes personal information and a history of job

experience. It indicates one may be employed legally. In addition, it demon

strates an applicant’s literacy, penmanship, and communication skills. When

completing a job application:

a. An applicant should follow instructions and should include information

contained in the résumé and cover letter.

b. An applicant should be positive and truthful when explaining any difficult

situations and should shift to what was learned from those situations to

demonstrate a change in behavior. Lying is never acceptable.

c. An applicant should include a résumé.

4. A job interview is a formal meeting between an employer and a prospective

employee focused on questions and answers. The interviewer seeks informa

tion about an applicant’s experience, education, training, ability to complete

tasks, and personality to determine his or her suitability for employment. To

prepare for an interview:

a. An applicant should review interests, goals, and values.

b. An applicant should consider conscientiousness, including being on time,

following directions, and meeting deadlines.

c. An applicant should practice responding to typical interview questions to

discuss job-relevant knowledge, education, and training.

d. An applicant should prepare questions to ask of the interviewer. Sample

questions can be found at http://jobsearch.about.com/od/

interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm.

e. An applicant should dress appropriately for the interview setting and

position.

f. An applicant should bring a portfolio with a pen and paper for taking notes

and should have extra copies of his or her résumé.

g. An applicant should arrive five minutes early.

h. An applicant should send a thank-you note to each interviewer within 24

hours to restate interest in the position.

5. A job analysis is a systematic way of gathering information about a position.

a. It is essential to determine if a salary range is fair by checking salary-based

Web sites, such as http://www.salary.com

and Cost-of-Living Wizard at

http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.aspx

b. It is important to assess if pay and benefits are equitable from information

provided about health, dental, and life insurance; vacation days; personal

days; holidays; sick time; disability; maternity/family leave; stock options;

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and other benefits. Then it is essential to weigh each company’s employee

contribution plan.

c. It is important to clarify the work hours, a typical schedule, travel time, and

expenses (e.g., automobile maintenance, gas, and parking fees or public

transportation costs).

6. A business card is a personal identifier that details pertinent information (e.g.,

name and contact information). Carrying a business card is an easy way to

provide contact information to a person who can assist with a job search.

7. General considerations

a. It is necessary to proofread all résumé documents for spelling and

formatting errors. A single error on any document can result in an

automatic rejection. A good first impression is essential for an invitation to

interview.

b. Paper and printing

(1) It is important to use white or ivory 8½" × 11" bond paper printed on

one side only.

(2) It is essential to use the same paper for the résumé, cover letter, and

envelope.

(3) It is essential for the paper to be clean. There should be no

shadowing marks from the printer.

c. A copy of all documents forwarded to each employer should be kept. It is

important to stay organized by maintaining a system for accessing files by

company name and/or position title.

d. It is necessary to follow up with the employer about five business days after

the estimated delivery of the documents: phone, email, or text message.

Following up improves an applicant’s chances of success.

Teaching or Counseling Strategies:

Use VM–C. Ask students the following

questions: How does information about employment resources and tools help you? As

you conduct a job search, what resource(s) would you find most useful? Present the

elements of résumés when presenting VM–D. Then project and review VM–F through

VM–J. Then assign LS–A.

Review/Summary.

Use the student learning objectives to summarize the lesson.

Have students explain the content associated with each objective. Student responses can

be used in determining which objectives need to be reviewed or taught from a different

angle.

Application.

Use the included visual master(s) and lab sheet(s) to apply the

information presented in the lesson.

Evaluation.

Evaluation should focus on student achievement of the objectives for the

lesson. Various techniques can be used, such as student performance on the application

activities. A sample written test is provided.

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Answers to Sample Test:

Part One: Multiple Choice

1. b

2. d

3. c

4. a

5. b

6. c

Part Two: True/False

1. F

2. T

3. T

4. F

5. T

6. T

Part Three: Short Answer

1. Answers will vary but should include four of the following benefits of employment

following high school:

a. Immediate income

b. Financial independence

c. An apartment

d. A budget

e. Child support

f. Time to determine the next career step

g. An opportunity to seek assistance with learning work skills and finding

resources

h. Time to save money to pay for private trade and technical school, college, or

university

i. Opportunities for hands-on work

j. Real work experience

2. Answers will vary but should include two of the following job search resources or

strategies:

a. Local community and junior college

(1) Career assessment

(2) Writing a résumé and cover letter

b. Public libraries

(1) Print materials

(2) Databases

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(3) Industry trends

(4) Industry specific companies

c. U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics

(1) Occupational Outlook Handbook

(2) O*Net Online

(3) American Job Centers

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Sample Test

Name ________________________________________

Employment Strategies

Part One: Multiple Choice

Instructions: Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Workplace learning programs _____.

a. allow for observation of a work activity

b. combine learning in school and working at a job

c. provide short-term work assignments

d. None of the above

2. Job openings can be found by ____.

a. posting a résumé online

b. checking company Web sites

c. setting up job search alerts

d. All of the above

3. Networking options include _____.

a. newspapers

b. journals

c. family, friends, co-workers, and classmates

d. None of the above

4. The primary tool needed for a job search is a _____.

a. résumé

b. cover letter

c. business cards

d. thank-you note

5. During a job interview, the interviewer determines _____.

a. ability to adapt

b. suitability for employment

c. interview preparation

d. workplace learning

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6. Carrying a business card is an easy way to provide _____.

a. print media

b. workplace learning

c. your name, address, and phone number

d. job search alerts

Part Two: True/False

Instructions: Write T for true or F for false.

_____1. Follow up about 10 business days after delivery of your résumé and cover letter.

_____2. Determine a fair salary range to help evaluate the job.

_____3. An employer evaluates a prospective employee during a job interview.

_____4. Employers will overlook errors on your résumé.

_____5. A cover letter should never be addressed “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May

Concern.”

_____6. Contacting your local library is a quick way to learn about industry trends and specific

companies.

u Part Three: Short Answer

Instructions: Answer the following.

1. List four benefits of immediate employment following high school.

2. List two job search resources or strategies.

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VM–A

BENEFITS OF

EMPLOYMENT IMMEDIATELY

FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL

Immediate income provides earnings to support:

t Financial independence

t A budget

t An apartment

t Childcare

Time to determine career goals:

t Creates an opportunity to seek assistance and find

career resources

Affords time to save money for school

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VM–B

JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

Workplace learning

Cooperative education

Apprenticeship

t Internship

t Job shadowing

t Informational interview

t Temporary employment

t Military service

Finding job openings

t Online

Print media

Networking

Alternatives:

Company Web sites

Social network sites

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VM–C

RESOURCES AND TOOLS

FOR JOB HUNTING

Career assistance can be found at local community and

junior colleges, public libraries, and online at the U.S.

Department of Labor.

Community and junior colleges offer:

t Career assessment

t Workshops on writing a résumé and cover letter

Public libraries offer:

t Print materials

t Databases

t Industry trends

Industry-specific companies

U.S. Department of Labor

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Outlook Handbook

O*Net Online

American Job Centers

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VM–D

JOB SEARCH TOOLS—RÉSUMÉ

A résumé includes:

Information about

the sender

A summary

t Expertise

(qualifications)

t Experience

t Education

Optional additions may

include:

t Volunteer work

Organization

memberships

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SUMMARY:

VM–E

JOB SEARCH TOOLS

Every tool requires attention to detail.

The tools needed usually include:

Cover letter

t Job application

t Job interview

t Job analysis

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VM–F

SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION

Carpenter

One to two years of experience building kitchen cabinets,

ceiling moulding, and bookshelves. Attention-to-detail skills

required.

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A carpenter pays attention to every detail. A job searcher does the same.

VM–G

SAMPLE DRAFT RÉSUMÉ

JOHN JONES

333 Covington Road 999-234-8765

Charlestown, USA [email protected]

SUMMARY

Conscientious and capable carpenter who works well with others. I am fluent in English and

Spanish.

EXPERTISE

Residential remodeling computer skills

Blueprint reading CADD

Spanish Microsoft Word

EXPERIENCE

Josephson’s Remodeling Summer 2013

Mentored by the company owner, learned and practiced the following skills:

Replaced wood

Painted walls and ceilings

Fixed plumbing

McDonald’s Fall 2012 to Spring 2013

Developed customer service skills, as a cashier

Cooked food for customer orders

VOLUNTEER WORK [optional addition]

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 2011 to Present

Mentor a student

Assist with group activities and field trips

Tutor ages 8 to 13, and assist with homework assignments

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SCHOOL ORGANIZATION [optional addition]

Latin Club 2012 to 2013

Learned to speak Spanish

Learned Spanish history and culture

EDUCATION

Hometown High School 2010 to 2013

Vocational training in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing

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VM–H

SAMPLE REVISED RÉSUMÉ

JOHN JONES

333 Covington Road 999-234-8765

Charlestown, USA [email protected]

SUMMARY

My attention-to-detail skills make me a conscientious and capable carpenter. I work well with

others as well as independently. I speak Spanish fluently.

EXPERTISE

• Residential Remodeling • Computer Skills

• Blueprint Reading • CADD

• Spanish • Microsoft Word

EXPERIENCE

Josephson’s Remodeling Summer 2013

Mentored by the company owner; learned and practiced the following skills:

• Upgraded kitchen cabinets and electrical outlets

• Built living room bookshelves

• Installed ceiling moulding

• Painted walls and ceilings

• Replaced plumbing fixtures

McDonald’s Fall 2012 to Spring 2013

• Developed customer service skills as a cashier

• Cooked food for customer orders

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VOLUNTEER WORK

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 2011 to Present

• Mentor a student

• Assist with group activities and field trips

• Tutor ages 8 to 13, and assist with homework assignments

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

Latin Club 2012 to 2013

• Learned to speak Spanish

• Learned Spanish history and culture

EDUCATION

Hometown High School 2010 to 2013

• Vocational training in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing

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VM–I

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

JOHN JONES

333 Covington Road 999-234-9865

Charlestown, USA [email protected]

[Date]

Mr. A. Trent

Company Name

Address

City

Dear Mr. Trent:

The carpenter position in the Daily Gazette describes the type of work I am seeking. I have done

residential remodeling and am interested in your company.

My background includes working on kitchen cabinets, ceiling moulding, and the installation of

living room bookshelves. In addition, I have painted walls, cabinets, and ceilings. I enjoy the work

described for this position and am trained to pay attention to detail.

I believe that my expertise would be a positive contribution to your organization. I am available

during the day for an interview and look forward to meeting with you to discuss employment.

Sincerely,

John Jones

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VM–J

HANDWRITTEN

THANK–YOU NOTE

[Date]

Dear Mr. Trent:

Thank you for meeting with me to talk about the carpenter position you wish to fill. After talking

with you, I am very interested in joining your company.

You mentioned looking for a person who could learn and grow. My experience with residential

remodeling fits the work and the challenges we discussed. I am good at learning quickly and

working well with others.

I look forward to being invited to join your crew.

Sincerely,

John Jones

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LS–A

Name ________________________________________

Job Search Tools

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to create job search tools.

Objectives

1. Create a sample résumé, cover letter, and thank-you note tied to the selected job

description.

2. Find a job description for which you are qualified.

3. Share your documents with a counselor or instructor.

Materials

VM–D

VM–G

VM–H

VM–I

paper

note paper

writing utensil

computer with Internet access

printer

notes

Procedure

1. Work independently to complete a draft résumé and one finished copy each of a sample

résumé, cover letter, and thank-you note.

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2. Review VM–D, VM–G, VM–H, VM–I, and VM–J.

a. Refer to your notes to review the elements to be included when composing each

document.

b. Draft a sample résumé using your personal information.

3. Search for a job description for which you qualify. Use that job description to focus the

revised [VM–H] version of your résumé. Then write a cover letter and thank-you note that

responds to that desired job opening.

a. Share your draft résumé with your counselor or instructor. Make appropriate edits,

and create a finished document.

b. Compose a cover letter incorporating elements of the job description tied to your

strengths, and create a finished document.

c. Write a handwritten thank-you note that would be sent after an interview.

4. Share and discuss your completed résumé, cover letter, and thank-you note with your

counselor or instructor.

5. Turn in your completed résumé, cover letter, and thank-you note to your counselor or

instructor.

Lesson: Employment Strategies

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LS–A: Counselor or Teacher Information Sheet

Job Search Tools

Make VM–D, VM–G, VM–H, VM–I, and VM–J available electronically, if possible. Also, provide the

overview of job search elements shown below as a template for hard copy reproduction.

Overview of job search elements

Résumé

Information about sender

Summary

Expertise (qualifications)

Experience

Education

Optional additions:

Volunteer work

Organization memberships

Cover letter

Date

Salutation

Opening paragraph

Middle paragraph(s)

Include key words in the job description

Demonstrate knowledge of the organization

Closing paragraph

Availability for an interview

Designated time for follow up

Job application

Follow the instructions.

Include information from your résumé and cover letter.

Be positive and truthful.

Demonstrate a change in behavior; never lie.

Include your résumé.

Lesson: Employment Strategies

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Job interview preparation

Review interests, goals, and values.

Consider conscientiousness (e.g., being on time).

Practice responding to questions.

Prepare questions to ask of the interviewer.

Dress appropriately for the interview setting and position.

Bring a portfolio with a pen and paper for taking notes.

Have extra résumés available.

Arrive five minutes early.

Send a thank-you note to each interviewer within 24 hours.

Thank-you note

Preferably handwritten

Date

Appreciation for time allocated

Restatement of your ability to contribute

Lesson: Employment Strategies

Page 29 u www.MyCAERT.com