FINDING EMPLOYMENT

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PREPARATIONS:

• Learn all you can about the company or organization
• Have a specific job in mind and review your qualifications for the job
• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates to the job
• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice an interview with your job development specialist or friend.
• Bring proper papers to the interview, including Social Security card, government-issued identification (driver's license), resume, application and reference letters.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE:

• Be well-groomed. Hair, body, teeth and nails trimmed and clean and apply lotion to your hands.
• Dress appropriately. Make sure attire is professional, neat, pressed and well-fitting.
• Do not under any circumstances chew gum, smoke or smell like smoke. EVER

THE INTERVIEW:

• Be early, at least 15-20 minutes. Learn the name of your interviewer (and correct pronunciation) and greet him or her with a firm handshake.
• Use good manners and professionalism with everyone you meet.
• Use good manners and professionalism with everyone you meet. (written twice for a reason, not a mistake.)
• Relax and answer each question briefly but give some thought to each question before answering.
• Use proper English; avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest-use eye contact and don't slouch.
• Ask questions about the position, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
• After the interview, send a short thank-you note.

FACTORS IN EMPLOYERS HIRING DECISIONS

A study by the Department of Education* found "It is apparent that work attitude/motivation is by far the quality deemed most important t employers." In this study, samples of 5,000 employers were surveyed to obtain data concerning their attitudes and behaviors with regard to various aspects of vocational education. A questionnaire was developed dealing with hiring practices and desired employee qualities amount other things. Analysis of the completed questionnaire determined the rank order of employer preferences to be as follows:
 

Interestingly, the least important factors were specific job skills and experience. Apparently, given a choice between a positive work attitude or excellent skills, these employers as a group were more willing to hire an employee who is strongly motivated and to teach that person the skills required for the job. Work attitude/motivation is by far the quality deemed most important by sampled employers.

*"A Survey Of California Employers," California Department of Education.

How to deal with problem areas in your work history while on an interview:

FIRED:

"There was nowhere to go in this company and, after awhile, it got to me and affected my performance. They let me go."

"My family was having trouble and I spent more time away from the job than I should have. The problem is solved and I am ready to return to work."

"I worked there for some time and then they changed the duties. I just could not get used to it."

If you were fired from a job, say, "let go," or "job ended." If the problem was family or personal related, then be sure to indicate that the problem is resolved. Do not blame problems on previous employers or co-workers, or the prospective employer will think you will do the same to them.

BAD REFERENCE:

"If you call the Lennox Candle Factory, they will probably tell you that I was not a good worker. I was allergic to some of the chemicals they used, and I kept breaking out. I missed a lot of work. They let me go. If you call Central Papers and talk to Mr. Eriksson, I am sure he will tell you I am a good employee."

Contact previous employers and ask for written references, even if you were let go.

TOO MANY SHORT-TERM JOBS:

"It is true that I have worked at a number of different jobs in the past. I have been searching around for steady work in something that I would like to do. Most of my jobs I have been laid off. I am sure this is the job I want and if I get the position, I expect to be here until I retire. I have had to learn to do nay types of jobs and have not had trouble learning them. I am sure my varied experiences will help me here in this job."

Mention any other personal activities that you are involved in doing that will demonstrate longevity.

OLDER WORKER:

"I am sure you have noticed my age. I am probably older than most of the people you hire. However, my age can be a definite asset to your company. I am mature enough to be able to handle pressure, relationships with all types of co-workers, work well under supervision, and am well settled into the community with no intentions of moving. I am able to work well with younger supervisors, am in excellent health, and still able to keep up a quick-paced work schedule. My age is an asset, not a hindrance."

The older worker needs to address the issue before the employer mentions it or ignores it. Some employers are very uncomfortable about dealing with the issue because of discrimination laws. The older worker can discuss the hidden concerns the employer feels but is too wary of mentioning.

PRISON RECORD:

"Yes, I spent some time in the youth authority system. I was young and did some dumb things that I now regret. I did a lot of growing up in prison. I met some people who helped me a lot. I was able to get some good training there and learned a lot about myself. It was a good thing for me. I am ready to enter the work world again and am confident that I can be an asset to your company."

"Yes, I have spent some time in the prison system. I got on the wrong track in my life but got some good counseling while I was in and am ready to be a responsible adult again. I am older now and now the value of honest, hard work. I can understand your reluctance to hire me but I can assure you that I have learned to respect authority, value property, and respect my fellow man. I just need the opportunity to prove it. Try me out for a short period of time to see my attitude and work habits for yourself."

The important point is to show the interviewer that you have changed your life style and what happened in the past has helped you to grow and mature into a responsible adult.

A first time offender can mention that the offense was a rash action from which he/she learned a lesson. A person with several convictions needs to point out what changes have occurred in him/her to ensure that he/she will not get into additional trouble.

Any positive information should be mentioned, like an early release, volunteer work, special skills/achievements, AA involvement.

You must overcome the stereotype "ex-con" image. If you have tattoos, hide them. Dress appropriately, avoid using prison or jail language and terms. Do not go into detail about your past. Avoid legal discussions. Tell your story honestly, briefly, and to the point.

LEARNING DISABILITIES:

"It takes me a little longer than most people to learn what to do on a job, but once I learn to do it, I do not forget."

"Because it does take me a little longer to learn new things, I am satisfied with work that does not have a lot of variety."

The message is that the individual may not learn academic things quickly but that his/her performance will be consistent once the task is learned. Point out that it is an advantage to be able to do repetitive, routine work without boredom.

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