INTRODUCTION: This module concentrates on the importance ...images.pcmac.org/Uploads/HoustonCS/HoustonCS/Sites/... · Understand and develop good listening skills . MODULE OVERVIEW

LESSON TITLE: Oral and Written Communication Skills INTRODUCTION: This module concentrates on the importance of good oral and written

communication skills. Students will understand the importance of good communication skills as it pertains to employment.

OBJECTIVES:

Understand the benefits of effective oral and written communication skills

Learn the difference between effective and ineffective communication skills

Understand and develop good listening skills

MODULE OVERVIEW Students will learn that problems arise when the wrong message is sent or received or when the message is sent to someone it was not intended for. This module concentrates on the importance of good communication skills – written and oral – in school and in the business world. RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES Oral and Written Communication Skills PowerPoint Oral and Written Communication Skills1 Oral and Written Communication Skills2 Oral and Written Communication Skills3

Writing a Resume

Why do you need a resume? AUGUST 2010 UNEMPLOYMENT DATA

National—9.6%

Georgia—10.4%

Teens (16-19)—26.3%

Officially unemployed—14.9 million

HIDDEN UNEMPLOYMENT

Working part-time because can't find a full-time job: 8.9 million

People who want jobs but are not looking so are not counted in official statistics 6.0 million

Total: 29.8 million (18.6% of the labor force)

An employer needs employees who are worth $7.25 an hour. There is a lot of competition for jobs that traditionally are filled by teenagers. Begin showing them that you are worth the salary in the job search process.

A Personal Data Sheet is a great way to keep up with all of your information.

It is not given to anyone—for your use only.

Use it to fill out applications and to write resumes.

It is a detailed accounting of all past addresses, schools, awards, jobs, etc.

It is much more detailed than a resume

Update it whenever your information changes

If you ever apply for a government position, state position, or a loan—they desire full addresses from long ago. This is the best way to keep up with it.

For Beginners

Writing a Resume

A resume is a ONE (High School Students) or TWO page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience.

It does not matter what job you may be applying for a resume will set you above the rest of the applicants.

The Content of Your Resume

All contact information is at the top of your resume.

Avoid nicknames.

Use a permanent address.

Use a permanent telephone number (include the area code).

If you have voice message, record a neutral greeting.

Add your e-mail address (Note: Choose an e-mail address that sounds professional.)

Get rid of any questionable ringback tones.

Your Name 111 Pelham Road

Warner Robins, Georgia 31088 Phone: (478) 555-8732

[email protected] Objective To obtain employment at Image Staffing as an office assistant utilizing my computer and time management skills and my ability to communicate well with others. Education 2003-2007 Warner Robins High School Warner Robins, GA •Graduated June 2007 •GPA 3.2 •Member of AFJROTC and SkillsUSA •Coursework includes:

•Keyboarding •Diversified Cooperative Training •Library/media assistant

Work History March 2007-June 2007 Cool Beach Warner Robins, GA General Helper •Maintained facility •Assisted customers June 2006-March 2007 DJ’s Galaxy Quest Warner Robins, GA Floor worker •Assisted children with rides •Ensured safety of children •Assisted customers •Cleaned equipment and building January 2006-June 2006 Firehouse Subs Warner Robins, GA Cashier •Took orders •Answered phone •Maintained cleanliness of work station •Assembled orders for customers References Kathryn Hankinson Marcus Smith Robert Bailey WRHS DCT Coordinator WRHS counselor Owner, Cool Beach 401 S. Davis Drive 401 S. Davis Drive 342 Corder Road Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 955-0099 (478) 929-7877 (478) 329-1030

Use a larger font for your

name so it stands out

Spell out your state up here

Objective or Summary

An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.

Be specific about the job you want—write your objective for each job you’re applying for.

Objectives should reflect the employer's perspective, not the jobseeker's

Keep it between two to four typed lines.

Example: To obtain employment as a salesperson at Belk’s, utilizing my skills of interpersonal communication and multi-tasking, and my ability to work well with others.



Objective To obtain employment at Image Staffing as an office assistant utilizing my computer and time management skills and my ability to communicate well with others. Education 2003-2007 Warner Robins High School Warner Robins, GA •Graduated June 2007 •GPA 3.2 •Member of AFJROTC and SkillsUSA •Coursework includes:



This is a standard resume

for students; formatting

changes as you advance

in your career!

Education

Include school, dates, GPA, relevant courses, activities

GPA only if above 3.0

List education first if you don’t have a lot of work experience (new graduate)






Notice how everything lines

up? Keep your resume neat.

Avoid careless grammatical

and formatting errors.

List any activities or

courses that show you have

needed skills or are well-

rounded enough for the job

Experience

Experience is a broader heading than “work experience” and can include any volunteer work

Include all paid experience (name of employer, job title, dates employed, job tasks, and awards)

Do in REVERSE chronological order (most recent first)





Work History March 2009-June 2010 Cool Beach Warner Robins, GA General Helper •Maintained facility •Assisted customers •Employee of the Month, June 2009 June 2006-March 2009 DJ’s Galaxy Quest Warner Robins, GA Floor worker •Assisted children with rides •Ensured safety of children •Assisted customers •Cleaned equipment and building January 2006-June 2006 Firehouse Subs Warner Robins, GA Cashier •Took orders •Answered phone •Maintained cleanliness of work station •Assembled orders for customers References Kathryn Hankinson Marcus Smith Robert Bailey WRHS DCT Coordinator WRHS counselor Owner, Cool Beach 401 S. Davis Drive 401 S. Davis Drive 342 Corder Road Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 955-0099 (478) 929-7877 (478) 329-1030

Pick one font and stick with

it—don’t pick a font that is

hard to read. Keep the size

of the font consistent too (10-

14 point).

References

Usually signals the end of your resume

If room on 1st page, include names, addresses, phone numbers, and how you know them

If no room, put “References available upon request.”

Three references are standard

Do not use friends and family

Call and ask your references if you can use them. Let them know someone may call!






Bigger is NOT better for

resumes—employers do not

have time to read page after

page! One page is all you

need!

Counselors, teachers, preachers,

youth pastors, volunteer agency

representatives, former

employers—all make good

references!

Resume Tips

Use white or off-white paper

(scanners/fax machines don’t like colored paper).

Use 8-1/2- x 11-inch paper.

Print on one side of the paper only.

Do not scratch out or use white out—even for the tiniest change.

Use a watermarked, high quality paper .

Do not fold or staple your resume.

If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope with a letter of application.

ORAL & WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

Self-Appraisal Survey—Communications

The purpose of this survey is to determine your susceptibility to being a source of communication breakdown. Since no one but you will see the results of this questionnaire, answer the questions as honestly as possible. Respond not as you would like to be seen as a communicator but as you really are. Indicate how frequently you engage in the following behaviors when communicating with another person or persons. 4 – I always do this. 3 – I often do this. 2 – I sometimes do this. 1 – I seldom do this. 0 – I never do this. ____ 1. When I have something to say, I am open and honest about my need to say it.

____ 2. I communicate knowing that the words I choose may not mean the same thing to other people.

____ 3. I recognize that the message I receive may not be what the other person intended to send.

____ 4. Before I communicate, I ask myself questions about who my receiver is and how that will affect his or her reception of my message.

____ 5. As I communicate to someone, I watch and hear for indications that I am understood.

____ 6. I make my messages as brief and to the point as possible.

____ 7. I consciously avoid the use of jargon with those who may not understand it.

____ 8. I consciously avoid the use of slang words with those who may be put off by them.

____ 9. I try not to use red-flag words (words that might trigger an emotional response) that may upset or distract the receiver of my message.

____ 10. I recognize that how I say something is just as important as what I say.

____ 11. I analyze my communication style to determine what nonverbal messages I send and how well they conform to the meaning I desire to get across.

____ 12. I carefully consider whether my message would be best understood by my receiver in a face-to-face meeting, over the telephone, or in writing.

____ 13. I form opinions about what others say to me based on what I hear them saying rather than what I think of them as a person.

____ 14. I make a genuine effort to listen to ideas with which I don't agree.

____ 15. I look for ways to improve my listening skills.

TOTAL SCORE

Score Interpretations

50 – 60 Are you being honest? If so, you are an extremely effective communicator who almost never contributes to misunderstanding.

40 – 49 You are an effective communicator who only infrequently causes communication breakdown. The goal of these exercises is to move everyone up to this level.

30 – 39 You are an above average communicator with occasional lapses. You cause some misunderstandings but less than your share.

20 – 29 Many people (at least those who are honest) fall into this category. While things could be worse, there is much room for improvement in your communication style. The goal of these exercises is to move you to a higher category.

10 – 19 You are a frequent source of communication problems. Enthusiastically tackle the rest of these exercises and consider their implications for you personally.

< 9

Your honesty is commendable, but it will take more than honesty to improve your communication effectiveness. Consider taking a communication course.

Oral and Written Communication – Writing a Resume

WRITING A RESUME

Create an updated resume including your current job. Use the information from the PowerPoint to help you design it. Avoid using the templates in Microsoft word. Your resume must include the following sections:

• Personal Info (name, address, phone number, email address) • Objective • Education • Work Experience-all jobs, internships and volunteer work • May include some or all of the following:

o Awards/Honors o Extracurricular Activities (sports, club, church, etc.) o Community Service

• References (3 required)- include name, address, phone, job title Your resume may not be more than one page in length. For the text use Times New Roman font and the standard font size (12pt), except the your name which may be up to 28 pt A SAMPLE RESUME IS PROVIDED ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET. USE IT AS A GUIDE.

Hard Worker 111 Your Road


Objective To obtain employment at Vision Staffing as an office assistant utilizing my computer and time management skills and my ability to communicate well with others. Education 2003-2007 Warner Robins High School Warner Robins, GA

• Graduated June 2007 • GPA 3.2 • Member of AFJROTC and SkillsUSA • Coursework includes:

° Marketing ° Work-Based Learning ° Library/media assistant

Work History March 2007-June 2007 Yo Beach Warner Robins, GA General Helper

• Maintained facility • Assisted customers

June 2006-March 2007 JD’s Fun Center Warner Robins, GA Floor worker

• Assisted children with rides • Ensured safety of children • Assisted customers • Cleaned equipment and building

January 2006-June 2006 Big Dawg Subs Warner Robins, GA Cashier

• Took orders • Answered phone • Maintained cleanliness of work station • Assembled orders for customers

References Awesome Teacher Great Counselor Former Boss WRHS Teacher WRHS counselor Owner, Yo Beach 401 S. Davis Drive 401 S. Davis Drive 342 Corder Road Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 555-5555 (478) 555-5555 (478) 555-5555

Oral and Written Communication – Bad Resume

200 Whit Pond Lane Warner Robbins Ga, 31088

H - (478) 953-8623 Email [email protected]

John Student

Objective: To get a job with great benefets and good hours

Education: Macon High School macoon, GA 1999-2002 Plan to attend the University of Kentucky at Lexington in Spring 2003 gpa -1.9

Work Experience: Server Aug. 2002 Po Folks Restarant Warner Robins, GA

-Serve customers to the best of my

ability to promote a harmonic working

environment

References: David Miller, freind (478) 922-5781 Becky Rhodes, mother 477-431) Billy Gregory, Former Potential Employer 5758458

Interests/Activities:

none

Volunteer Work: Habitat for Humanity, Warner Robbins, ga

Skills: Word Processing Experience – 15 wpm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The resume above is poorly done. List 10 things that are wrong. 1. 2. 3. 4 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Documents

INTRODUCTION: This module concentrates on the importance ...images.pcmac.org/Uploads/HoustonCS/HoustonCS/Sites/... · Understand and develop good listening skills . MODULE OVERVIEW