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Chapter 21

Getting a Job

Section 21.2

Getting the JobYou Want

Read to Learn

Discuss the parts of a résumé.

Describe the elements involved in the application process.

Discuss how employers and job candidates both benefit from a job interview.

The Main Idea

One of the first steps in finding a job is to prepare a résumé. A résumé tells an employer what a worker has to offer. Cover letters, job applications, and interviews also provide information about potential employees.

Key Concepts

Beginning Your Job Search

Contacting Potential Employers

Interviewing for Jobs

Key Terms

résumé

chronologicalrésumé

a summary of your skills, education, and work experience

a résumé that lists your achievements in time order

Key Terms

jobobjective

coverletter

a statement about what type of jobyou want

a letter that tells the employer about you and why you are applying for a job

Key Terms

jobinterview

a formal face-to-face discussion between an employer and a potential employee

Beginning Your Job Search

You should avoid limiting your job search to one type of job.

Some jobs may require no experience, while others will require different levels of experience.

Preparing Your Résumé

Preparing a résumé is one of the first steps in finding a job.

résuméa summary of your skills, education, and work experience

Your résumé shows an employer what you have to offer.

Preparing Your Résumé

If your résumé is disorganized and full of mistakes, your chances of getting an interview will be slim.

Try to limit your résumé to one page and be sure to check your grammar and spelling.

Preparing Your Résumé

The most common type of résumé is the chronological résumé.

chronological résuméa résumé that lists your achievements in time order

Résumé Figure 21.2

The five parts of a résumé are:

Heading

Job objective

Skills summary

Work experience

Education

Preparing Your Résumé

The heading of your résumé contains your contact information.

The job objective is the second part of a résumé.

job objectivea statement about the type of job you want.

Preparing Your Résumé

The skills summary section of a résumé includes job-specific skills and transferable skills.

The work experience section lists the jobs you have done.

Preparing Your Résumé

In the education section of your résumé, list the names and locations of secondary and postsecondary schools you have attended.

List the dates you finished or the date you will finish.

Looking for Job Openings

A job lead is information about a job opening. Job leads can come from several sources, including a network of people who could help you. Some of them might also give you a referral, or a recommendation to an employer or another job lead.

Contacting Potential Employers

The process of applying for a job includes the following steps:

Submitting a cover letter

Filling out a job application

Taking an employment test

Being interviewed

Cover Letter

You should always include a cover letter with your résumé.

cover lettera letter that tells the employer about you and why you are applying for a jobA cover letter can be

used to inquire about possible job openings.

Cover LetterFigure 21.2

Your cover letter needs to be formatted and error-free.

The Job Application

A job application is a printed sheet with blank spaces that you fill in to apply for a job.

It is easier to fill out a job application if you have a résumé and a list of references.

Employment Testing

When you apply for a job, you might be asked to take a test to see if you have the required skills.

Jobs for government or law enforcement may require drug and lie-detector testing.

Interviewing for Jobs

Employers use the job interview to make hiring decisions.

job interviewa formal face-to-face discussion between an employer and a potential employee

Interviewing for Jobs

Job interviews provide you with a chance to see if you really want the job.

Graphic OrganizerJob Interview Tips

Do some homework about the company and the job.

Be on time.

Wear appropriate clothes.

Put your best foot forward.

Ask questions about the job.

Ask about the next step.

Do not expect an answer right away.

Job Interviewer Tips

In your follow-up letter, restate your objective and describe how your skills and experiences are well suited to the job.

Learn from your interview experiences and work on your weaknesses.

Accepting a Job Offer

Job offers come over the phone. However, writing a letter of acceptance is an appropriate way to begin a professional relationship. An acceptance letter states when the new employee expects to start work, what position he or she will be filling, and the agreed-upon wage, and other known terms of employment.

1. What is a résumé? What is its purpose?

A summary of a worker’s qualifications. Its purpose is to persuade potential employers to interview a job candidate.

2. Explain what is usually involved in the process of applying for a job.

Submitting a cover letter, filling out a job application, taking an employment test, and being interviewed.

3. How can an employer and a job applicant both benefit from a job interview?

Interviews provide a face-to-face opportunity that allows employers to get information about whom to hire and job applicants a chance to learn about the job.

Chapter 21

Getting a Job

Section 21.2

Getting the JobYou Want

End of