DYCDguide Part3

A R I N G
Preparing To Work
E P
PR ORK
T O WE CT I V E S
OBJ h p r ocess re a job
j o b searc fully secu
r e f o r the success
pa to
- Pre the skills
ld
- Bui
DYCD ISY Workbook • page 85
SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 1 10/2/08 6:23:30 PM

Am I really ready to start
Job Hunting??
You
let mcan start
PreParing To Work
refer e quicklytomorrow
your ences an call you !
paper d we r
work can fi
now! ll out
Jo B AP P lIC AtIo n PRoCESS
even if you knoW you can do the job, there are ing
certain thingS that need to be in place When o r g o t to br ater?
h, i f ou l
you meet With your potential employer. uhhhh can i call y
…
them
one of the WorSt miStakeS you can make iS to
be unprepared.
job readineSS checkliSt

Check the box next to each item listed below to see if you are ready to start
applying for jobs
my completed resume is ready to send out

my cover letter is customized for the job i’m applying for
i have 3 references from previous employers with full name, title, address,
and phone number ready to bring with me on the interview
i have practiced completing a typical job application
(and have a sample application to bring with me)
i have proof of my highest level of education (hard copy of diploma or ged)
i obtained an appropriate business outfit that is clean and wrinkle-free
i have successfully practiced talking about my resume and work experience
i am prepared to talk about any gaps in my resume if the employer asks
i can discuss my strengths and weaknesses and i’ve thought through other
standard interview questions that i might be asked
i have a metrocard in case i’m asked to come in for an interview
even if it means arriving early, i can make sure that i can get there on time
my housing situation is stable right now
i know which work shifts i can commit to (and those that i can’t)
i can take direction well, show respect for others, and be a team player
i have practiced using professional language and have a positive attitude
DYCD iSY Workbook • page 86
i am accountable for my behavior and feel ready to take on responsibility

i am comfortable talking about my criminal record - what the conviction was,
and when it happened (if needed)
my childcare and back-up childcare is in place (if needed)
name ________________________ Date _______

My 411: do you have your social security number memorized?
Personal info i need to
PreParing To Work
What about the address of your high school or the
exact dates you worked that summer job last year? do
you recall the phone numbers and full names of people
keep track of
that you want to list as your references? it’s time to

get organized!
take the time to complete this data sheet – it will

save you energy in the long run - guaranteed. BE AS
ComPlEtE AnD ACCURAtE AS PoSSIBlE. If you don’t
know the answers right now, find the information and
complete it later. Remember -- employers wIll ask for
this information!
GEnERAl InfoRmAtIon
nAmE:
(lASt) (fIRSt) (mIDDlE)
ADDRESS:
(no. & StREEt) (CIty) (StAtE) (ZIP)
EmAIl:
* make sure you email address is appropriate and professional
PhonE: Alt. PhonE:

* have a professional voicemail message
SoCIAl SECURIty nUmBER:
EDUCAtIonAl RECoRD:
nAmE of SChool: ADDRESS: DAtES AttEnDED: GRADE ComPlEtED: DEGREE oBtAInED:

GRADE SChool:
JUnIoR oR mIDDlE SChool:

hIGh SChool
othER:
name ________________________ Date _______

Employment RECORD:
List most recent employer first.
NOTE: This section only pertains to individuals with employment experience.
1 Name of Employer: Phone #:
Preparing To Work
Address:
Position or Job Held: Department:

JO B AP P L IC AT ION PROCESS
Dates of Employment: From To Starting Salary: Ending Salary:
Name and Title of Supervisor
Reason for leaving or seeking new position:
Job Description:
2 Name of Employer: Phone #:

Address:
Position or Job Held: Department:

Dates of Employment: From To Starting Salary: Ending Salary:
Name and Title of Supervisor
Reason for leaving or seeking new position:
Job Description:
Work Related Education and/or Training:
Any Additional Information:
CITIZENSHIP:
(VISA Status, Alien Status, Resident Status, Immigration Status)
U.S. Citizen: Yes ____ No ____
Alien Registration Number: Permanent VISA Number:

PEOPLE TO NOTIFY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
1 Name: Relationship:
Address: Phone #:
Preparing To Work
Place of Work: Business Phone #:
2 Name: Relationship:
Address: Phone #:
3
Name: Relationship:
Address: Phone #:
REFERENCES: PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

(Please list two professional references and one personal
reference.) *Remember to let your references know they may
get a call.
1
Positive Personal Qualities:
Name of Reference:
Job Title of reference:
Company Name:
Company Address:
Company Phone #:
Reference Evening Phone #: Skills and Abilities:
Email of reference:
2 Name of Reference:
Company Name: Accomplishments/Awards:
Company Address:
Company Phone #:
Reference Evening Phone #:
Email of reference:
3 Name of Reference:
Company Name:
Company Address:
Company Phone #:
Reference Evening Phone #:
Email of reference:

Green Mountain Summer Camp
Preparing To Work
{Q: Why practice completing a

job application in advance?}
ctive!
s y s c ri b b le s are unattra old saying is true:
mes ible – the
hite out and neat as poss u fill
A: Because w n s s h o u ld b e a s
im p re s s ion. When yo
lic a ti o firs t ings.
Your job app c o n d c h a n ce to make a m is ta k e s and misspell
tas e litt le le, and
you never ge o n , e m p lo y ers do notice g o rg a n iz e d, responsib
licati ss with bein
out a job app ll y e q uate neatne
a ti c a
They autom
sample
prepared.
s te o f ti m e to fill out the
like a wa down the
n c e it might seem likely to make mistakes the
Although a t a g la
, y o u w il l be less yo u s o th a t you have all
on belo w lication with
job applicati g th is practice app
b ri n ou.
road. In fact, n e e d ri g h t in front of y
yo u
information
Personal INFORMATION
Name:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Date:
Address:
(No. & Street) (City) (State) (Zip)
Email:
Phone: Alt. Phone:

social Security Number: 947-25-8945 (Sample- please do not write your own)
CITIZEN OF THE U.S.? YES NO
IF “NO,” ARE YOU LEGALLY ALLOWED TO WORK IN THE U.S.? YES NO
JOB INTEREST
POSITION DESIRED DATE AVAILABLE
Name ________________________ Date _______

Preparing To Work
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
List all employment, starting with your most recent. Include job-related volunteer work.
JOB TITLE EMPLOYER’S NAME AND ADDRESS DATES OF EMPLOYMENT REASON FOR LEAVING
Education HISTORY
SCHOOL NAME AND ADDRESS DATES ATTENDED DEGREE
HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE

BUSINESS OR VOCATIONAL

OTHER SPECIAL TRAINING

OR SKILLS:
PERSONAL REFERENCES
List the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references. Please do not list relatives.
3
I swear that all statements in this application are true and correct. I understand that false answers will
be cause for dismissal if I am hired.
___________________________________________
Applicant signature

Resume Writing
(Everything you wanted to know about resumes AND MORE!)
Preparing To Work
Writing a resume can be frustrating and take a lot more

time than you might think. It is not easy to figure out a
concise way to present yourself best to employers on one

single sheet of paper!
Read the helpful hints below before creating

your resume.
Limit your resume to one page.

Your goal is to create a brief, but informative advertisement for yourself.
Your resume should reflect your goals as much as it represents your
experience.
Resumes must include:

1.Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
BONUS TIPS!!!!!!! (if you have one that you check at least every few days)
2.Your objective or goal as it relates directly to the job you’re
• If you mail your application, type or write applying for displayed near the top of the page.
the address very neatly on the envelope.
3.Relevant job experience, skills, education, and training.
• Show enthusiasm! Attitude counts more
than just about anything else. 4.Military experience, volunteer activities, and professional/
• Make sure your email and phone are ready organizational memberships.
for employer calls. Your voicemail should be 5.Any awards or academic and community service recognition.
professional (i.e. no music or profanity).
Use a variety of action words

to describe your strengths and
accomplishments.
Edi t. Edi t. Ed i t. A n d t h en ed i t s o m e m o re.

Rewrite your resume until it is as concise as possible, while still providing
the best possible view of you. Your resume should not need to exceed one
page in length.
Your resu me is a re f lec ti o n o f w h o you are a nd

who you hope to be ! High l igh t e x periences a nd
s kill s that s h o w w hat yo u ’ v e acco mp lish ed a nd
your key int eres ts .
Name ________________________ Date _______

Leave as much “ white spa c e ” as possible on the page. It’s easier to read.
Proofread for spelling and grammar very carefully.

Ask someone that you trust to proofread your resume. Ask them if it shows
your strengths—“Is it a good picture of me?” Also, have them look for
Preparing To Work
grammar and spelling mistakes. When this person is finished, ask a second
person to do the same.
Always include a cover letter with your resume, Even if you are sending
it by email! The email you send will also be reviewed as part of you
application, so be sure to treat it with the same care as you do the rest
of your application. This includes using a professional email address.
Be honest.
Any information that employers find to be false can be used as a reason to not hire you.
If the information is discovered as untrue after you’re hired, you can be fired.
Things to avoid:
Including personal information like your social security number, race, age, marital status,
disability, hobbies, height, weight, etc. These things are not relevant in your resume.
Using jargon, slang or abbreviations.

Your resume is a formal document, and you need to follow strict rules of written English.
Including negative words or descriptions. Again, highlight your positive achievements.
Using the first person—“I” or “we”.

You can write in this style in your cover letter, but your resume is more formal.
Using a format or style that is too fancy, cute, or sloppy.

Do not use different colors, fonts, or background designs. Your resume should be clean and neat.
Sending the exact version of your cover letter and resume to every employer.
While remaining honest, change the focus to match the demands of the job that you’re seeking.
Sending your resume to just anyone in the organization.

Find out specifically who will be making the hiring decision for that position and send your resume
to him/her. Also be sure to send a copy to the Human Resources (HR) manager.
For example:
If you’re applying for a job in child care, you’ll want to emphasize different
skills and experience -- “Supervised youth group on weekend retreat”
-- than if you’re applying for a job in sales -- “Sold 450 boxes of chocolates
going door-to-door—a community group record!”

THINK BEFORE
YOU WRITE!!
Preparing To Work
TIP!
Attach your completed resume to

this page and provide the facilitator
with a copy for their files.
Make sure to keep both a hard and

electronic copy of your resume for
yourself!
at’s
p e r s o n a l calling th to
s has a eed is
t h a t each of u he best way to succ e
ve c o m e to b e li eve
t - a n d t h at t e r it t o o thers in th
I’ prin o off
as a finger nd then find a way t ergy of the
as unique e a in g t h e e n
hat you lov d also allo
w
discover w e, working hard, an
rvic
form of se ad you. infrey
ive r s e t o le - Oprah W
un


SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
(organize your experience sequentially – from most to least recent)
Preparing To Work
Michele Anne Chen
1600 Pine Street • Bronx, New York 11203
michele12409@yahoo.com
tel. (718) 555-0789
Objective: To obtain an entry-level position in a retail clothing store

Employment History
Dr. Lee Chen Medical Office, Bronx, NY
Office Organizer November 2007 - March 2008
•Reorganized files and paperwork for locally-owned medical office.
•Created orderly filing system for invoices, and assisted in conducting inventories.
•Stocked shelves and performed light custodial duties.
Ms. Talia Lopez
Childcare provider October 2006 - April 2008
•Responsible for the care of two young children (ages 3 and 7) after school and on weekends on part-time basis.
•Prepared healthy snacks and meals; created age-appropriate, educational activities to entertain children; and
safely escorted children to their grandmother’s house three days a week.
•Also responsible for light housekeeping duties and taking phone messages.

Volunteer History
•Completed NYC AIDS Walk in May 2008 and raised $250 for the cause. May 2008
•Helped care for elderly grandmother in 2007. 2007

Education and Skills
Claremont High School, Bronx, NY Class of 2010
Candidate, H.S. diploma

Extra Curricular Activities
Completed Career Planning and Work Preparation Program offered through my high school. Sold holiday wrapping paper
for high school fundraising program. Jazz/tap/hip-hop dance classes.
Other Skills: Experience using computers (e.g. Microsoft Word, internet), printers, and calculators. Excellent
customer service skills, highly organized, punctual, reliable, team player, and eager to learn.
Languages: Bilingual in English and Mandarin

SAMPLE Functional RESUME
(organize your experience into groups or categories, based on distinct skill sets)
Preparing To Work
Roberto Ramirez
1234 Farmington Street
Queens, NY 11130
Phone: 718-555-5583
Email: RobertoR@gmail.com
Objective: To find a job working the mailroom of a medical company.

Skills and Abilities:
• Able to lift 50 pounds, pack boxes, responsibly use a dolly cart to move boxes, and follow safety instructions.
• Detail oriented; able to listen and carefully follow through with instructions.
• Strong organizational skills; experience juggling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Able to operate machines such computers, fax machines, printers, messaging systems.
• Excellent customer service skills; calm, friendly and professional demeanor.
• Flexible team-player; willing to perform other related tasks to build my knowledge and experience.
• Dependable; punctual, responsible, and hard working.
• Speak English and Spanish fluently.
Employment:

Job Title: Mover Dates: January 2008 - May 2008
Employer: Self-employed (with cousin), Queens, NY
Job Title: Volunteer Dates: June 2007 – September 2007

Employer: Queens Youth Baseball Network, Queens, NY

Education
P.S. 525, Queens, NY
GED, 2008
Planning to enroll at LaGuardia Community College in Fall of 2010 to pursue Business Administration degree.
Other Information: Very comfortable with computers (Microsoft Office, Internet, email, graphic design software),
create websites, and operate a printer and scanner. Possess NY State Drivers License with clean driving record.
Guitar player.
References: Available upon request.


Put yourself in the
employers shoes!
Preparing To Work
Employers have a right to be choosy about who
they hire !
After all, it’s their bottom line that is impacted when an employee
performs well or poorly.
It’s easy to assume that businesses are just being picky or finicky
about what they are looking for in a new hire, but if it was YOUR
company, wouldn’t you want to have the best staff possible so
that your investments paid off? It’s not always easy to determine
which candidate is the best on paper (or in person!).
Put yourself in the employer’s shoes for a moment

and try to determine which candidate to hire if you
had to make the call.
You are the director of “Caretakers”, a small day care center for
children 6 months to 5 years old, which caters to working parents.
Recently, one of your childcare workers moved away. You need to

replace her. The new staff member will have to work well with children
and parents. He/she will answer the parents’ questions, solve
problems, and make both the kids and the parents feel comfortable.
The childcare worker will have to be patient and have excellent
communication skills. And of course, he or she must be great with the
kids.
You placed an ad in the local paper, and have received 30 resumes.

Your staff has narrowed down the pile to two resumes. Everything
you know about the applicants is what you’ve learned from these
resumes.
You plan to interview only one of them – the best candidate.
Name ________________________ Date _______

Who Deserves the please read the two resumes on the
following pages. then, decide which
PreParing To Work
applicant to interview and fill out the
Standing Ovation?
questionnaire.
ask yourself: What do you know about

them? do you think either one would

be a good fit for the job? What kind of
impression does each resume make
on you? how will you make your final
decision?
Resume #1
Rosie DeSantos
8835 wood Street
Bronx, ny
Phone: 718-555-2125
objective: to find a job working with children.
woRk ExPERIEnCE:
Job title: Classroom volunteer Dates: november 2007 - may 2008

Employer: PS 3, Bronx, ny
Accomplishments: worked with teacher to plan lessons. helped small groups of children with reading. Accompanied class
on field trips. helped in the cafeteria and at recess. tutored children after school one night a week.
Job title: office Clerk Dates: January 2005 - march 2006

Employer: Phillips tool Company, Bronx, ny
Accomplishments: organized files. Scheduled appointments. Answered telephones. Prepared bills. typed letters. Greeted
customers.
EDUCAtIon:
SChool mAJoR CoURSE of StUDy/DEGREE CIty/StAtE DAtE

green South literacy Center g.e.D. bronx, nY Jan.2006
**have valid CPr certificate
other Information:
Speak, read, and write Spanish. help with children’s Sunday School at my church. organized people in my building to get
landlord to make repairs. Eldest of 5 children growing up; helped raise my siblings.
References: furnished upon request.

i choose to interview: ________________________________
reasons why i want to interview this person:
PreParing To Work
•
•

•
reasons why i decided not to interview the other person:
•
•
Resume #2
Bernice Benson
486 Driver Avenue
Bronx, ny
Phone: 718-555-1880
objective: to find an entry-level job.
woRk ExPERIEnCE:
Job title: Clerical worker Dates: may 2007-August 2008

Employer: nyC human Resources Administration, willis Avenue Center, Bronx, ny
Accomplishments: filed. Contacted most annoying clients. operated office machines.
Job title: Recreation Attendant Dates: December 2005-September 2006

Employer: Bronx Jewish Community Council, Bronx, ny
Accomplishments: let people know about activities. helped them get around the building. helped them get to the bus.
Served lunch and cleaned up.
Job title: Playground Assistant Dates: April 2004-october 2004

Employer: nyC Department of Recreation, Bronx, ny
Accomplishments: watched children. tried to be sure equipment was safe. Picked up garbage.
EDUCAtIon:
SChool mAJoR CoURSE of StUDy/DEGREE CIty/StAtE DAtE

hostos Community College Did one semester toward degree bronx, nY 2007
in early childhood education
madera high School high school diploma bronx, nY 2003

other information: Computer literate. Good customer service skills. I am very physically fit.
References: tBD.

The A r t o f C o v e r
L e t t e r W r i t i n g
Preparing To Work
Writing a cover letter to accompany your resume is never easy!

While it can be daunting to eloquently present your interests and
intentions on paper, a good cover letter is just as important as your
resume.
A well-written cover letter can make an employer look at a resume that

they otherwise wouldn’t have considered. A poorly written cover letter
can eliminate even the most experienced applicant.
Striking a balance of getting across how interested you are in the

position (without sounding too desperate) takes practice. Most of us
find it hard to market ourselves and talk up our strengths.
No one is born a good cover letter writer.

Remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
January 15, 2008 Here’s a sample cover letter. What do you think?

Ms. Mabel Favis Now that you have
Strategic Solutions seen a sample, it’s your
100 Fordham Rd. turn to write a cover
Bronx, NY 10468 letter. Use the attached
template to help you the
Dear Ms. Favis: first few times.

I recently found your advertisement for a summer basketball team assistant coach in The New Remember, this is a skill
York Daily News. I am familiar with the Strategic Solutions’ after school and extracurricular that requires lots of
offerings. My love of basketball and my experience on my high school’s basketball team drew me practice!
to apply to the coaching position. I believe my skills and background make me an ideal candidate Good luck!
for this summer job.

For the past three years, I have played as point guard for the Rushmore High School Girls
Basketball Team. From my involvement in this engaging team sport, I have gained leadership and
problem-solving skills. Although I do not have official coaching experience, as point guard I am
often in a position to direct plays during high pressure games. Additionally, I have experience
working with younger children, as I am the oldest of four. This background will be useful to the
assistant coaching position, which calls not only for someone with basketball knowledge, but also
for someone able to act as a role model for younger children.
Enclosed is my resume, which has more information about my skills and experience. I look
forward to meeting with you at your convenience to talk more about this position. I can be
reached at (212) 555-9876 or agabriel@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Ana Gabriel

Tips for a Cover Letter Slam Dunk
• Research the company so you know

what its needs are – showcase what
an asset you’ll be to them in this
My Cover Letter position.
Preparing To Work
Date (month, day, year) • Format the letter professionally; use
sensible margins & font size.
Employer’s Name • Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Name of Company • Keep it to one page or less; be concise
Street Address & specific.
Suite or Floor
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Mrs. _____________________ (if you do not know the name, write “Human Resources Manager”):
Paragraph 1- Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing, including what job you are
applying for and how you learned about it.
Paragraph 2- State your skills and experience related to the job and, if possible, how you can contribute to the
company.
Paragraph 3- Say that your resume is attached. Request an interview. Provide your telephone number.
Thank the employer in advance for considering you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Further Resources:
For more sample cover letters and professional writing tips, consult the following websites:
1. Quintessential Careers: http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_samples.html

2. Career Services @ Virginia Tech: http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm
3. Monster.com: http://resume.monster.com/archives/coverletter/
4. Vault.com: http://www.vault.com/nr/ht_list.jsp?ht_type=9
5. Hotjobs.com: http://hotjobs.yhoo.com/resume
Name ________________________ Date _______

the all-important
HAnK
HA
tHAnK
nK yyoU nOte
PreParing To Work
Why is a thank you note so important?

2
reasons:
1) it’s just good etiquette to thank someone for their time.
2) to remind the employer of your interest in the position.
fact: job applicantS are expected to Send proSpective

employerS thank you noteS after any job intervieW Within
five dayS (preferably Within 24 hourS) of the intervieW.
fact: you can eaSily get overlooked in the hiring proceSS if

you forget thiS crucial Step.
[even if you do not want the job, write a thank you letter
respectfully withdrawing your application, you never know what
might happen down the road - why burn bridges?]
September 27, 2009

Dear mr./ms. Jones,
thank you very much for speaking with me last wednesday regarding the Administrative
Assistant position at Jones Accounting Company. Based on your description, I think that my
skills and interests fit well with the job and your company, and that I could be a great asset to
your team.
I neglected to mention in the interview that I spent two summers working as an office assis-
tant at a summer sports camp. I think that this experience will serve me well in the account-
ing tasks that I will be expected to perform at your company, and I understand the importance
of paying careful attention to detail. finally, I look forward to the prospect of working with
your talented staff and I am eager to join this impressive company.
thanks again for your time, and please contact me at 212-555-7632 if you have any further
questions. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Ana Gabriel

Tips for a Slam Dunk Thank You Note
• If possible, neatly hand-write the

thank you note rather than type it – it
Preparing To Work
seems more personal.
• Keep in mind the ‘personality’ of your
interviewer.
My Thank You Note • Reinforce that you want the job and
remind them of why you are a fit.
Date (month, day, year) • Mention anything relevant that you
did not have the chance to discuss
Employer’s Name while you where there.
Name of Company
Street Address
Suite or Floor
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. _____________________:
Paragraph 1- Thank them for their time (mention specifics from meeting).
In this paragraph include areas where you fit with the position/company.
Paragraph 2- Restate your skills and experience related to the job and, if possible, how you can contribute to the
company (and any details on your background that you may have left out before).
Paragraph 3- Restate your interest in the position, in hearing from them, and provide any additional contact
information.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Name ________________________ Date _______

What if they ask me about
something I’m totally
unprepared to discuss it??
What if everyone else
Common Interview
they interview does
well and I don’t???
Preparing To Work
Questions You won’t be asked all of these questions on an interview, but you
will ABSOLUTELY be asked a few of them. You should be ready for
INT E RVIEWS
anything on this list when you sit down in front of your potential
employer.
On e o f t he t hi n gs t h e e mpl o y e r wan t s to
kno w i s w h e t h e r y o u ’ v e p r e p a r e d e n o u g h t o
be r e ady f o r t h e s e s tan dar d qu e s t i o n s . W h e n
you ’r e r e a d y f o r t h e s e q u e s t i o n , i t s h o w s t h a t
you ’ v e d o n e y o u r h o m e w o r k , a n d t h a t y o u ’r e
able t o wo r k i n de pe n de n t l y.
Take a minute to think about how you would respond to these questions – some are
difficult to answer.
1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How did you learn about this job? Why do you want to work here?
3. Why do you think that you are qualified for the job?
4. What do you think you can do for us?
5. Have you ever worked as a (name of job) before?
6. Which duties did you like the best? Which duties did you like the least?
7. What would you like to be doing five to ten years from now?
8. Tell me about your education background.
9. What are some of your interests outside of work?
10. When would you be able to start work if you were hired?
11. Why should I hire you?
12. How do you fit the requirements for this job?
13. What are three of your greatest strengths for this job?
14. What are your greatest limitations for this job?
15. Do you consider yourself a “people person”? What if I nervously
16. Do you most like to work independently or in a team? stumble over my
17. Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
words and can’t think
18. Why did you leave your previous job?
of what to say???
19. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

20. What salary do you have in mind?

Don’t Get Burned!
Tips for Answering
Preparing To Work
Common Interview Questions
INT E RVIEWS
Tell me abou t your self.
Tips:
Wh y shoul d I hire you?

Tips :
What are your ma jor stre n g ths ?

Tips :
What are your ma jor wea k n ess es ?

Tips :
What sort of pay do you e x p ect to r ec e i v e ?

Tips:
What experien ce do you h av e th at r e l ates to t h is j o b ?

Tips :
What do you see yoursel f d oi n g fi v e y e a r s fr om n ow ?

Tips:
What are some of your in te r ests o utsi d e o f wo r k?

Tips:
Wh y do you wan t thi s job ? Why d o you wa n t to wor k for t hi s or ga n i z at i o n ?

Tips :
How do you han dle di ffi cult s i t uat i on s ?

Tips:
Name ________________________ Date _______

Striking out:
It happens to everyone!
Inevitably, you will not get an interview
or job offer that you really want every
Preparing To Work
time you go for it. Learn from this and do

not get discouraged. It truly happens to
everyone.
INT E RVIEWS
Now that you have mastered the questions, consider your

body language and nonverbal communication tips.
Nonverbal Communication Tips:

- Firm handshake
- Eye contact
- Smile when appropriate
- Nod when appropriate to show you are paying attention
- Take notes; it shows you are paying attention and will
help when it is time to ask questions (and when you
send a thank you note)
- Never cross your arms or bite your nails
- Sit up straight in your chair
- Try not to nervously tap your foot, twirl your hair, or
laugh too much
Other Tips:
- Go to the restroom before the interview to double-check
your appearance (e.g. is your tie crooked?)
- Wipe your face if you are perspiring- remember, never let
them see you sweat!

- Don’t ask about the salary in the interview - wait
until you are given a job offer!

Practice Makes Perfect
… Don’t Mock the Importance of ‘Mock Interviewing’!
Q: Why go through the effort of ‘pretending’ I’m on an interview?
A: Because it’s not enough to merely think through how you’ll respond to
interview questions – you need to actually practice saying what you want to get across.
Preparing To Work
Q: What if I’ve already practiced what I’m going to say on my own?
A: Great start. Practicing alone or in front of a mirror is really helpful, but it is even more important to
practice with someone else – you must be ready to respond to interview questions off the cuff
INT E RVIEWS
(pay attention to nonverbal communications too!).
Q: Do I still have to do this even if I find it really embarrassing?
A: Yes, you won’t be the only one who feels this way – but you have to practice answering these types
of questions in uncomfortable situations, because you’ll certainly be nervous on a real job interview.
Instructions: Break into pairs. The person providing feedback should pay close attention to the “job
applicant” as he/she role plays an interview. Read through this form before the interview begins so
that you can focus on specific aspects of the applicant’s performance.
Make specific comments that will help the applicant to improve his/her interview performance. Use the categories
included on the form below.
Nonverbal Communication—Did the person:

Dress appropriately? Yes No
Shake hands at the beginning and end of the interview? Yes No
Make eye contact with the interviewer? Yes No
Sit up straight? Yes No
Is there anything else your peer did to help or interfere with good nonverbal communication? If yes, what?
Verbal Communication—Did the person:

Listen carefully? Yes No
Speak clearly? Yes No
Ask an appropriate number of questions? Yes No
Get across her or his strengths? Yes No
Is there anything else your peer did to help or interfere with good verbal communication? If yes, what?
What are the one or two things that the person did best?
What are one or two suggestions you can give so your peer will make a stronger impression during a job interview?
Based on this interview, would you want to hire this applicant? Why or why not?
Name ________________________ Date _______

nASA internship interview you are the hiring manager.
PreParing To Work
pleaSe complete thiS Scoring Sheet for all job applicantS.

pleaSe provide conStructive criticiSm that Will help theSe
candidateS improve their intervieWing SkillS. there iS Space
beloW each QueStion for noteS.
In tE Rv IEwS
thE hAnDShAkE
was the applicant on time?
note: five minutes early is ideal y/n
was the applicant polite to staff that passed him/her in the waiting area? y/n
Did the applicant have a firm handshake? y/n
Did the applicant make eye contact with you when you met –
did s/he seem confident? y/n
Did the applicant have crisp copy of his/her resume? y/n
overall, what was your first impression?

(A) I wanted to run out of the room screaming
(B) I was ready to begin the interview
(C) I was ready to hire the candidate
thE ShowStoPPERS – lItERAlly!

Was the applicant taking the interview seriously? y/n
Poor Examples: wearing sunglasses, a hat, ﬂashy jewelry, glitter or
gemstones on their clothes; arriving late and sweaty
Good Examples: wearing a suit, blazer, button down shirt, tie, made eye
contact
Did the applicant appear too trendy or sexy? y/n

Poor Examples: mid-section or cleavage showing, skirt not knee-length or longer, tight
clothes, brightly colored or patterned clothing, spaghetti straps or other sleeveless and
revealing clothing, heavy make-up or bright lipstick, stilettos or sneakers, strong perfume
name ________________________ Date _______

thE ShowStoPPERS – lItERAlly!
Did the applicant appear neat? y/n

Poor Examples: wrinkled clothing; nails too long or ornate; messy or shaggy hair or
PreParing To Work
shaggy beard; obvious tattoos or piercing
In tE Rv IEwS
overall, what was your opinion of the applicant’s appearance?
(A) I was wondering if s/he was auditioning for that show “what not to wear”
(B) I thought the applicant basically understood what was appropriate
(C) I was ready to hire the candidate – s/he was dressed to impress!
thE SPokEn woRD

ask the applicant ten of these classic interview questions and provide
feedback on the attached sheet.
1. how did you learn about this job?
2. why are you interested in joining our organization?
3. Is there anything you would like to explain or change on your job application form?
4. why do you think that you are qualified for the job?
5. what do you think you can do for us?
6. have you ever worked as a (name of job) before?
7. what made you become a (name of job)?
8. what do you think would be the very best job for you?
9. what would you like to be doing five to ten years from now?
10. tell me about yourself.

thE SPokEn woRD
(continued from the previous page)
PreParing To Work
11. tell me about your education.

In tE Rv IEwS
12. Did you take part in any activities when you were in school?
13. what are some of your interests outside of work?
14. have you had any special training for this job?
15. which duties did you like the least?
16 why should I hire you?
17. how do you fit the requirements for this job?
18. what are three of your greatest strengths for this job?
19 what are your three greatest limitations for this job?
20 Do you have any physical condition that may limit your abilities to do this work?
21 which of your job supervisors (if you’ve had any) did you like the best? why?
22 which of your job supervisors (if you’ve had any) did you like the least? why?
23 how do you get along with people?

24 what kind of people do you most like to work with?

PreParing To Work
25 what kinds of people do you least like to work with?
In tE Rv IEwS
26 Can you operate any machines or equipment?
27 how many days of work did you miss at (name of job)?
28 why have you changed jobs so many times?
29 have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
30 why did you leave your previous job?
31 have you ever been convicted of a felony?
32 what salary do you have in mind?
33 what is the lowest salary you would accept?
34 when would you be able to start work if you were hired?
35 Is there anything else about your work record that you would like to tell me about?

NA SA
Partner Response Section
Preparing To Work
INT E RVIEWS
Please complete this summary report to help the applicant improve his/her skills. Remember
to provide constructive criticism in a respectful way.
Nonverbal Communication—Did your peer being interviewed:

Dress appropriately? Yes No
Shake hands at the beginning and end of the interview? Yes No
Make eye contact with the interviewer? Yes No
Sit up straight? Yes No
Is there anything else your peer did to help or interfere with good nonverbal communication? If yes, what?
Verbal Communication—Did the person being interviewed:

Listen carefully? Yes No
Speak clearly? Yes No
Ask an appropriate number of questions on relative topics? Yes No
Get across her or his strengths? Yes No
Is there anything else your peer did to help or interfere with good verbal communication? If yes, what?
What are the one or two things your peer being interviewed did best?
What are one or two suggestions you can give so she or he will make a stronger impression during a job interview?
Based on this interview, would you want to hire this applicant? Why or why not?
What did you learn about going on interviews from this exercise that will help you?
Name: __________________________________ Date: ____________________

What Not to Wear
Preparing To Work
to an Interview
INT E RVIEWS
Job interviews are not fashion shows. While it is fine to express your individuality
in the way that you dress, work is a professional atmosphere, so leave your most
trendy outfits at home. You are there to impress employers with your work ethic,
skills, and experience – not with what you’re wearing. Keep an open mind about
these suggestions before you begin interviewing.
First impressions are huge.
1. Don’t carry a backpack, fanny pack, or shopping bags to the interview. A purse
is fine for women, and a briefcase or messenger bag are generally safe options. Your resume
can be easily carried in a plain folder if you don’t have a briefcase. Don’t fold the resume so that
it fits in your bag; always arrive with two crisp copies of your resume.
2. Remove sunglasses from the top of your head, take off hats, or
headphones around your neck. Tuck this stuff away before you
arrive.
3. Forget about wearing skirts that are too short, low-

cut shirts, or tight-fitting outfits. Your skirt should
come to your knees when you are seated, and don’t
wear spaghetti straps. Remember that you’re not
going out on the town or to a club! Sexy does not equal
professional. Ask yourself if you would wear your
interview outfit to see your grandmother. If not, find
something else.
4. Overly bright or wildly-patterned clothing should be

avoided, as should decals on the front of shirts or blatant
brand promotions. It’s best to stick with something simple. A
long-sleeved button down shirt with slacks is a safe option
for men (usually with a tie). Jeans are too casual. Skirts,
dresses, or slacks are appropriate for women.
Name ________________________ Date _______

5. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man) is discouraged. Arrive
looking clean, not overly made up. Earrings on men should be avoided and
women should consider wearing simple jewelry - more than one set of ear-
Preparing To Work
rings on women is not advised. You should not wear more than SIX total
pieces of jewelry (earrings, bracelet, rings, necklace). Many employers
are not open to facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos. Also,
use a subtle fragrance, not a strong perfume or aftershave.
INT E RVIEWS
6. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn’t leave the inter-
viewer pondering how you will pick up a pencil or help customers. Avoid bright or
specialty polishes or designs for all interviews.
7. Although this may seem obvious, don’t arrive wearing rumpled, torn, or
stained clothing. If you are interviewing late in the day, try to change into a
fresh shirt beforehand. Give yourself enough time to get to the interview so
you don’t arrive sweaty or out of breath. It is helpful to plan and lay out what
you’re going to wear several days before the interview (give yourself time to
wash or press garments).
8. Shoes are important. Try not to wear scuffed or inappropriate
footwear, such as sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes or sandals,
to a first interview, even if you know that the work environment is
casual. Men’s socks and belts should match their shoes; try not to
wear socks that are too short and leave a gap of flesh when seated.
9. It’s better to over-dress than to

arrive too casual. Workplace fashion
is pretty basic - button downs, simple
black dresses (not tight), pants and
even most ties never go out of style.
Looking good doesn’t mean breaking
the bank.
10. If you are wearing a new suit or new outfit to the interview,
don’t forget to remove all the tags! If you need professional
clothes, consider low cost or free options (e.g. Goodwill, Dress
for Success, or Career Gear).

DYCDguide Part3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DYCDguide Part3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A R I N G

DYCD ISY Workbook • page 85

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 1 10/2/08 6:23:30 PM

job readineSS checkliSt

my completed resume is ready to send out

i am accountable for my behavior and feel ready to take on responsibility

name ________________________ Date _______

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 2 10/2/08 6:23:32 PM

Personal info i need to

Jo B AP P lIC AtIo n PRoCESS

take the time to complete this data sheet – it will

PhonE: Alt. PhonE:

SoCIAl SECURIty nUmBER:

nAmE of SChool: ADDRESS: DAtES AttEnDED: GRADE ComPlEtED: DEGREE oBtAInED:

JUnIoR oR mIDDlE SChool:

name ________________________ Date _______

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 3 10/2/08 6:23:34 PM

Position or Job Held: Department:

Dates of Employment: From To Starting Salary: Ending Salary:

Name and Title of Supervisor

Reason for leaving or seeking new position:

2 Name of Employer: Phone #:

Position or Job Held: Department:

Name and Title of Supervisor

Reason for leaving or seeking new position:

Work Related Education and/or Training:

Any Additional Information:

U.S. Citizen: Yes ____ No ____

Alien Registration Number: Permanent VISA Number:

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 4 10/2/08 6:23:39 PM

REFERENCES: PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 5 10/2/08 6:23:44 PM

{Q: Why practice completing a

Phone: Alt. Phone:

CITIZEN OF THE U.S.? YES NO

IF “NO,” ARE YOU LEGALLY ALLOWED TO WORK IN THE U.S.? YES NO

POSITION DESIRED DATE AVAILABLE

Name ________________________ Date _______

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 6 10/2/08 6:23:47 PM

OTHER SPECIAL TRAINING

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 7 10/2/08 6:23:49 PM

Writing a resume can be frustrating and take a lot more

concise way to present yourself best to employers on one

Read the helpful hints below before creating

Limit your resume to one page.

Resumes must include:

Use a variety of action words

Edi t. Edi t. Ed i t. A n d t h en ed i t s o m e m o re.

Your resu me is a re f lec ti o n o f w h o you are a nd

Name ________________________ Date _______

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 8 10/2/08 6:23:50 PM

Proofread for spelling and grammar very carefully.

Using jargon, slang or abbreviations.

Including negative words or descriptions. Again, highlight your positive achievements.

Using the first person—“I” or “we”.

Using a format or style that is too fancy, cute, or sloppy.

Sending your resume to just anyone in the organization.

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 9 10/2/08 6:23:52 PM

Attach your completed resume to

Make sure to keep both a hard and

SED102_DYCDguide_Sec3_M.indd 10 10/2/08 6:23:53 PM

Objective: To obtain an entry-level position in a retail clothing store

name __________________ Date _

name __________________ Date _

U.S. Citizen: Yes No

Name __________________ Date _

Name __________________ Date _

Name __________________ Date _

Name __________________ Date _

Name __________________ Date _

Name __________________ Date _