Worker Resources

Searching for potential employers — where to look?

Referrals: Talk to people. Ask your family, friends, relatives, neighbors, former classmates, teachers, and counselors if they know of any employers who hire people with your skills. Referrals land more jobs than any other method.
Community Agencies: If you are a veteran, a woman, a minority, a teenager, a senior citizen, an ex-offender, handicapped or disabled, you have dozens of community agencies that want to help you. Find out who they are. Contact your city government, Job Service office, church, synagogue, or public library for information.
Job Fairs: The Chamber of Commerce, the Job Service, business associations, large corporations, colleges, and high schools often sponsor job fairs or career days. Look for announcements in the newspaper or on the radio. At these fairs, you’ll get to meet employers, face to face, and see where you might fit in.
The Job Service: There are about 2,000 state employment offices around the country. They help job hunters find employment and employers find workers. You can check the computerized Job Bank, to see what jobs are available. You can also discuss your goals with a trained staff member who will provide counseling and arrange interviews with employers.
Newspaper “Help” Ads: The help-wanted section of your local newspaper can be used to spot the job you want. And, it can also be used to spot which companies are “hiring.” Don’t be afraid to approach a company that’s hiring. It doesn’t matter that they didn’t advertise for your occupation. What matters most is that they are hiring people.
Trade Directories: If you’re looking for a job in a specific industry, go to the library and ask the librarian to help you find the trade directories. Directories list all the businesses in a certain industry – local, state, regional, or national. There are directories for hospitals, publishers, banks, department stores, computer firms and dozens of other business or trade groups.
Trade Journals: Practically every occupation has its own journal or magazine. There’s a journal for nurses, teachers, writers, bankers, lawyers, auto mechanics, engineers an so on. Check your library to see if they subscribe to the journal in your field. Most journals feature articles and advertisements by major employers. Most also have a help-wanted section.
State Indexes: Most states publish indexes of all the registered businesses in their state. The index to manufacturers, for example, lists all the textile, plastics, computer, appliance and other manufacturers. The index to retail firms lists all the department stores, drug stores, restaurants, gas stations, and so on. The index to service firms lists all the banks, barbershops, hospitals, law firms and the like. Check your library to see if your state publishes indexes.
Business Membership Lists: If you want a job in your own hometown, check the membership lists of your local Chamber of Commerce. You might also check with your city or town for a copy of those firms doing business in your town.
Yellow Pages: The local Yellow Pages of your phone book is a good place to check for prospective employers. You’ll get a cross-sectional view of all local businesses plus a targeted view of business by industry.

12 Tips for completing the job application

Do a “dry Run.” That is, complete an application for practice before you start your job search; then carry it with you. This gives you practice in advance and puts all the information you need at your fingertips. This way, you won’t have to search your memory for dates, places, and events that may have happened a long time ago. (LINK TO APPLICATION)
Have your own pen. You create a bad impression right from the start if you need to borrow a pen from the secretary or the receptionist. The really professional thing to do is to have two pens (black or blue only) with you, in the event one runs dry.
Ask if you can take the job application home. Then you can make a photocopy for a rough draft and transfer your final answers (preferably by typewriter) to the original form. You can also make a copy of the completed application for your records.
Read the questions before you begin. Look over the entire application from beginning to end before you begin. That way you put the responses in the right places, and you will know what’s covered.
Follow the directions. Look for instructions such as “print or type,” “last name,” “first name,” “middle initial,” and so on.
Judge your space carefully. Look at each question before you answer it. How many times have you put your whole address on one line only to find out that there were two separate lines for the address! Judging the space also lets you know how large to print your answers.
Be honest. Answering any question dishonestly gives employer grounds for dismissal.
Fill in every blank. If the question does not apply to you, put “N.A.,” or type hyphens “- -” (or put in a Dash --). When you have no previous formal work experience, you can write “none.” You can also put down “babysitting” or the like.
Carry a small pocket dictionary or word list if spelling is a problem. Nothing turns off a good speller like misspelled words.
Check your grammar and punctuation. Bad grammar and improper punctuation put your application on the bottom of the stack.
Have some scratch paper of your own. Once you start borrowing things, you start creating a bad impression. Use the scratch paper to organize your thoughts about essay-type or open-ended questions. You might even compose each answer completely on the scratch paper, then transfer it to the job application.
Signatures should be “originals.” Do not sign an application that you are photocopying. Employers, including federal and local government, require an original signature even though you can submit the same application to more than one agency.

The cover letter

A cover letter introduces your resumes — and consequently you — to the prospective employer. It pinpoints your request and gives the employer introductory information about you that is not contained in the resume.

There are 2 types of cover letters: Solicited and Unsolicited. Solicited cover letters are “by request or invitation” — letters and resumes that you send out in response to advertisements, vacancy announcements or phone calls. Unsolicited cover letters, or “letters of application,” are letters and resumes that are sent out by you to companies or institutions that you have selected as places where you would like to work.

Preparing a cover letter

Never send a resume without a letter! The letter sets up your resume, calls attention to it, and zeroes in specifically on what you are after. The letter introduces you and your resume to a prospective employer.
Always tailor your letter to the company receiving it. The same resume might go to more than one prospective employer – if that company has the same type of job opening. However, the letter should fit only one particular situation.
Write to a specific person. Personalizing your letter does more to compel the receiver to respond than sending it to “ladies and Gentlemen.” Except when responding to a blind ad from the newspaper, find out who is going to receive your letter and address it to that person. Ask your referral or phone the company for this information. Make sure you have spelled the name correctly.
Be clear about your request for a job. There may be several job openings at that company. The person who receives your letter and resume should recognize immediately for which job you are applying.
Describe how you found out about the job. This information shows your resourcefulness if this is an unsolicited letter of application, and it helps to jog the memory of the prospective employer if it is a solicited response.
Show that you know something about the company. Demonstrating some knowledge about the company shows that you have done your homework and are really interested in this job and this organization. Remember, though, that the focus of this letter is on you, not the company.
Show how you can contribute. The purpose of your letter is to arouse the interest of the prospective employer. You want him or her to continue reading – right on through to the end of your enclosed resume – and then contact you for an interview. The letter should relate your experiences in terms of contributions you can make to the employer.
Refer to the accomplishments in your resume. Referring to the accomplishments listed in your resume is an excellent way to tie the letter more tightly into the resume. Your accomplishments are evidence of your ability to make a contribution to the company. Reading your letter fist should convince the prospective employer that he or she should next read your resume.
Be positive in your approach. Avoid the “if’s,” the “I hope’s,” and the “I trust’s.” Use statements of fact to let the employer know that you are qualified for the position. Be neither too bold nor too humble. Show confidence in your ability to perform.
If you have a name, drop it. The first paragraph of your letter is the perfect place to include a special reference if you are not listing references on your resume.
Request that something be done. Always ask for an interview. “Will you call me at 555-1629? … “If you have a preference, suggest a time, but be flexible. A more assertive approach is to suggest doing the follow-up yourself. “May I call you for an interview?” puts the ball in your court and keeps you from having wait for a response. Choose the approach you think is appropriate.
Tell how you can be reached. Include your phone number(s) and give easy, uncomplicated instructions on how to get in touch with you.
Type it. Each letter should be typed. Choose a printer that is of the same quality as the one you used for your resume. The fonts or type styles do not have to be the same for both the resume and letter, but they should be compatible. Since the resume and the letter go together, it makes a nicer appearance when they look like a pair.
Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Check for the correct spelling of the person’s name and the company name. Proofread your letter and your resume carefully, and correct every mistake. Use the “spell check” program on your word processor. A prospective employer will not bother to go on to your resume if your letter contains errors.
Keep it to one page. If your letter spills over to a second page, you have most likely included too much information.
Use good-quality paper. Never send a photocopy. This letter is unique. It is addressed to a specific person, so only the original will do. Use the same good-quality paper that you used for your resume

Before the interview, get prepared!

Research the company. Find out what products or services they provide, office/plant locations, and the direction the company is headed. Learn about the company from brochures, annual reports, workers, friends, etc.
Be familiar with the job posting and description. Think about how you meet the qualifications they are seeking. What can you offer them as a company?
Be sure you have noted the exact time, location, and date of the interview as well as the interviewer’s name and job title.
Organize your portfolio including extra resumes, a copy of your application and cover letter, references, recommendation letters, black or blue pen, and a small notepad. Take all of this to your interview.
Try to anticipate the interview questions and rehearse your answers.
Prepare questions about the job and company to ask during the interview.
Visualize a successful interview.

Create a winning image for yourself!

Make certain your personal appearance is appropriate.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early, but check in with the receptionist 5 minutes early.
If you are late, call to ask if they would like to reschedule.

During the Interview

Project confidence verbally and nonverbally!
Introduce yourself, shake the interviewer’s hand firmly if offered, hold your head high, maintain eye contact, and take a seat when offered. Be sure to sit up straight and SMILE!
Remember the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview.
Try to remain relaxed and calm. Remember to breathe naturally.
Speak confidently, with proper loudness and grammar. No swearing.
Listen attentively to the interviewer.
Be enthusiastic, positive, honest, respectful, and sincere.
Answer questions fully, accurately, and without rambling. Take time to think about your answers to difficult questions. Give examples that demonstrate your strengths, skills, and experiences.
Participate! Ask questions without dominating the conversation.
Stress what you have to offer the employer and why you are qualified for the job.
Be prepared to discuss your resume and application.
Be yourself, don’t misrepresent yourself or your skills.
Thank the interviewer and ask if you may contact him/her to follow-up.

Don't:

Speak poorly of former employers or co-workers.
Ask questions about benefits or salary until you have been offered the job.
Chew gum or tobacco, smoke or drink during the interview.
Volunteer information you are not asked to give.
Try to be a comic.
Dwell on personal problems.
Interrupt the interviewer.

After the Interview

Think about how your interview went. How did you do? Jot down any un-expected interviewer questions. Give yourself credit for your successes. Make a list of specific ways you can improve your next interview.
Follow-up immediately with a thank you letter to the interviewer expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interview and your continued interest.
Follow-up with a phone call on the day that you and the interviewer set at the end of your interview.
If rejected for the job, a follow-up letter expressing your appreciation and, if desired, requesting that your application or resume be kept on file.
If offered the position, ask to meet with your supervisor to discuss the exact start date, location, time, wage, and other pertinent information.

Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself?
Why do you feel you are qualified for this job?
Why are you interested in this job?
What do you know about our company and its operations?
Tell me about your previous jobs and what you did?
What did you like and dislike about those jobs?
Why did you leave your last job?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a worker?
What training or experience have you had related to this job?
Tell me about any special qualifications you have for this job?
Do you have any physical or mental impairments which could affect your ability to do this specific job?
Have you ever been dismissed from a job? Why?
Do you get along with other people well? How so?
Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer or co-worker? How did you resolve the conflict?
What kinds of equipment or tools have you used before?
When could you start work?
Do you have reliable transportation?
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
What do you expect as a starting salary/wage?
Are you willing to work overtime? Evenings? Weekends? On Call? Holidays?
What can you offer this company? Why should I hire you?
What will your former employer say about you?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
What are you looking for in a job? Why did you choose this field or work?
What kind of boss/supervision do you prefer?
Do you have any questions?

Attire

Other Resources

WorkSource
DVR
Community and Technical Colleges (Work Retraining/ FA Offices/ESL/BAE)
Goodwill

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