Managing Resources in the Workplace

Resource Management in the workplace.

3.2 Reasons for working

• To earn an income- To have a higher standard of living.• Family life- Career path will affect both personality and

current and future family. Think about the impact the job may have on family relationships.

• Personal satisfaction – Humans have a need to work to gain some identity.

• To define themselves- When people are asked who they are, they respond with their occupation. Being able to provide a job title or list of accomplishments make us

feel more real to ourselves and others.

Reasons for working (contd.)

• To have a sense of security- Many people find it difficult to get all the love and approval from family and friends, so work is a constant source of security and pleasure.

• For self respect, or to feel competent and powerful- It is not easy to feel powerful in this world. By doing a particular job well a worker develops a sense of control and responsibility that adds to his /her self-respect.

Reasons for working (contd.)

• People work to conquer time- We fill each day with achievements and accomplishments. Over time we see these experiences as a lasting part of how we see ourselves.

• People work to measure their self-worth- Working is one way of comparing ourselves with others. We feel better about ourselves when we succeed at a difficult task than

when we do something easy.• In the final analysis, people work

for money, fame and power.

2.2 Factors which influence job choice

• Job availability- You may want to think twice about entering a career field in which jobs are scarce.

• Geographical influences – Some jobs may be plentiful in one area and scarce in another. Telecommuting can reduce the need to live in a particular area, but not in all cases.

• Potential income- Occupations that require more education and more training provide more compensation

3.4 Resources for obtaining employment information

• Schools – Businesses may send recruiters to schools to find suitable applicant for employment or internships. Visit the guidance office at your school.

• Networking-Most jobs are filled by word of mouth. Go to job fairs and make contacts. Join a job-related email list server or an internet news group.

• Online job banks-You can post your resumes for thousands of employers to see.

Some websites list hundreds of thousands of jobs.

3.5 Attainment of job skills

• You are developing skills now that will help you later in your career- Reading, writing, thinking skills, resource management skills and technical skills are necessary for success in school as well as the workplace.

• Take advantage of on- the- job training, continuing education courses and adult education courses.

3.5 Attainment of job skills (contd.)• Technical skills- Need to be developed and updated

on a regular basis. Know how to use computer.• Interpersonal skills- Your people skills. The number

one reason employers give for terminating an employee is poor interpersonal skill.

1. Communication skills- Be a good

listener, learn to become

comfortable speaking to groups.

Improve speaking and writing

skills.

Practice assertiveness.

Attainment of Job skills (contd.)2. Conflict resolution skills- Don’t lash out or

avoid the person if you have a conflict with them. Work to resolve the problem. Negotiating skills can help prevent conflict for occurring.

3. Teamwork skills- Learn to develop mutually helpful relationships with others.4. Tolerance-Interact with people who are different from you. Learn another language or take a workshop on cultural differences. Diversity enriches a workplace.

3.6 Procedures for locating a job• News paper-The “Help Wanted” section of the

classified ads lists available jobs.• Employers- Contact employers directly. Many of them

post job openings on their web sites or at their place of business.

• Government employment offices-The office of personnel management publicizes government job openings. America’s Job Bank- an important job source (www.ajb.dni.us) offered by the US Dept. of Labor.

• Employment agencies-Public agencies are funded by the government and offer free services. Private agencies charge substantial fees, but are often paid for by the employer.

3.6 Procedures for applying for ajob

• Look for job openings: Newspaper, employment agencies etc.

• Write a letter of application: Introduces you to the employer.

• Write a resume: A summary of your work related experiences, education, abilities, awards, extracurricular activities, interests and offices held in organizations.

Well organized and brief.

3.6 (contd.) Applying for a job

• The Application: Type or print neatly. Fill in all the blanks or write N/A if does not apply. Bring basic information ( social security card, resume etc.) Write complete sentences and be truthful.

• The Interview: A procedure in which you may be questioned about the information in your resume and letter of application. Watch nonverbal signs,

sell your self, be positive, arrive on time or a little early. Research the company and make a list of questions to ask.

Work related forms

• Find a job of interest in the newspaper or on the internet

• Write a letter of application

• Write a resume

• Complete a job application

• Write a follow-up/ thank you

letter

Component of a Cover Letter• Your Street Address

City, State, ZIPToday’s Date

• Ms. Ann JamesVice President, MarketingWiggetts, Inc.123 Grand AvenueHouston, TX 70890

• Dear Ms. James:

• The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in this specific organization. If it is a letter of application, name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it.

• The middle paragraphs should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements.

• Refer the reader to your general qualifications on your enclosed resume. Highlight important points from your resume. Also highlight points that will be of particular interest to this specific organization.

• The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, or by offering to call the employer in the near future, or by some similar suggestions to facilitate an immediate and favorable reply.

• Sincerely,• (Sign Here)• Karen E. Jones• Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your resume.)

Letter of application

Resume

Follow-up Letter

• A brief thank you note to the interviewer after the interview. It contains the following element:

• Introduction: The position you applied for. Thank the interviewer for his or her time.

• Body: Restate your interest and motivation.• Conclusion: Thank them again. State your

willingness to provide any additional information if needed.

Sample Follow-up Letter• Chor Vang                                                                                                                                     729 North Street Highlands, CA 95660 • August 15, 2003

• Mrs. Linda Jones Smith                       Microsoft Software Director                                                                                                                352 Northgate Ave                                                                                                                        Fresno, CA 95823                                                                                                                                                        • Dear Mrs. Smith: • Thank you for the courtesy and consideration I received on January 10 during my interview for the

C++ programming position. I enjoyed meeting you and having the opportunity to learn about Microsoft's future endeavors in developing new computer software.

• It was particularly encouraging to learn of the many opportunities for becoming a computer programmer.  I hope I expressed my desire to working in whatever capacity I might be needed.

• Should you need further details or additional references, I will be glad to supply them. Again, thank you for an enjoyable and informative visit.

• Sincerely,• Signature

• Chor Vang

Preparing for an interview

• Review resume• Look for weak areas in education or

employment history• Research the company• Be prepared to suggest contributions you

can make to fill the company’s needs• Write questions to ask during the interview• Think of questions you might be asked

and decide how to answer them

3.8 Ways to make a positive impression during a job interview

• Be clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed

• Arrive to the interview on time or a few minutes early and alone

• Bring extra copies of your resume• Be courteous but friendly• Smile occasionally• Watch your nonverbal signals- posture, eye

contact. Don’t fidget, play with your hair or chew gum

3.8 Ways to make a positive impression during a job interview

• Sell yourself- talk about your accomplishments. Be clear and concise

• Be positive- Don’t bad mouth a previous employer or coworker. Don’t talk about your personal problems

• Ask questions- Prepare a list in advance and refer to it if necessary.

• End on a positive note-Emphasize your interest in the position. Ask for a business card, and ask when you can expect a decision. Thank the interviewers.

3.9 Resources for job success• Interpersonal skills- Communication, conflict

resolution and team work skills. Develop tolerance• Management skills –Planning, controlling and

evaluating the use of resources: Time- use time wisely to meet deadlines Money-Work within your budget for your projects or department by carefully using supplies Human resources- Delegate tasks to others when

appropriate• Leadership Skills- Take on roles of increasing

responsibility• Technical Skills- Develop and update technical skills

on a regular basis.

3.10 Business etiquette in an advance technological workplace

• Learn and follow policies and procedures of the company-employee manual explains them in details

• Practice professionalism in the workplace- People who are professional exhibit skills in their work and live up the highest standard in their profession

• Develop a strong work ethic-Get to work on time, work a full day, meet deadlines.

3.10 Business etiquette (contd.)

• Take responsibility for your actions: Coworkers and employers will respect you

• Acknowledge the contributions of others: Will earn you credit as a good team player

• Be courteous and respectful: Return phone calls and e-mails promptly. Keep emotions under control. Avoid distracting others

Etiquette in the workplace (contd.)

• Present an appropriate appearance-Practice good hygiene and grooming. Follow dress code.

• Learn and follow safety procedures-report safety violations

Leaving A JobReasons• Resigning: find a job before you quit. Employers are more

interested in employees who are employed• Layoff: temporary or permanent reduction in a company’s

workforce • Termination: may result from poor job performance, dishonesty,

theft or violenceRights and Responsibilities• Show respect for your employer. Give a least two weeks notice

if you resign• Make good use of your exit interview- answer questions

honestly. Maintain professionalism• Make sure you receive what you are due- final pay-check,

unused vacation time money. Severance pay if laid off• Apply for unemployment benefits-joint federal and state plan

that provide income to workers who have lost their job.

3.11 Careers available in resource management

Work to assist and educate consumer. Help individuals, family or business manage their finances and other resources

• Entry level-most require high school education, vocational training or both. Example

• Technical-two year degree from an accredited college. Example

• Professional-at least a four year college degree. Example.