Supplement

How to Succeed in
the Job Market: Skills
and Strategies for
Obtaining Employment

© PENN FOSTER, INC. 2016

 INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT 3

PERSONAL PREFERENCES 4

SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT 4

UPDATING AND PRACTICING YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS 6

GETTING READY FOR THE INTERVIEW 6

FOLLOW UP PROCEDURES 7

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FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT
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 INTRODUCTION

While you’re working hard to complete your coursework at Penn Foster, you should keep
your career goals in mind. Looking to your future, we’re providing you with this How to
Succeed in the Job Market supplement to use as you prepare to apply for the position
you’ve been working towards.

The activities you’ll complete in this supplement include several exercises designed to
help you learn more about yourself and your abilities. You’ll work through these exercises
on your own schedule and complete them at your own pace. Then you’ll be directed to
the Career Cruising website to finish building the documentation you’ll need when you
apply for a position.

Although this is an optional process, it’s an important one. Having an understanding of

yourself, and the confidence that preparation can bring, will help you when navigating the
job market, and hopefully lead you to that dream position you’ve been working so hard
to obtain.

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SUPPLEMENT

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
First, let’s find out more about you—and how you value your work, and how it ties in with
your goals and your future. In other words, what do you want from a job?

Rank the following job-related items in their order of importance to you. Put a 1 in the
box beside the most important item, a 2 beside the next most important, and so on until
you’ve completed the list.

Value Rank
Convenient location
Good salary
Friendly coworkers
Flexible schedule
Opportunity to continue training
Attractive benefits
Busy working environment
Work with the local community
Job stability

Now, look back at your list and consider how you ranked the items. Which one could you
live without if you really wanted this job? Select one, and then renumber the other items.
Do you have a better idea of the type of job you would like now?

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PERSONAL PREFERENCES
Our next step is to see what personal factors are most important to you in your job
search. Rank the following values just as you did the previous ones.

Value Rank

Health

Money

Family

Friendship with peers

Marriage

Time for fun, sports, or other activities

Time to continue education/training

Are there other values that you would like to add to your list? If so, add them to the list,
and rank them along with the other values in the column on the right. What does this
exercise tell you about the values that are important in your personal life? Would you be
willing to give up one of these? If yes, which one? If no, why not?

SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR

OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT
Now that you know a little bit more about your preferences for a job, let’s discuss how
you’ll actually go about looking for a job. Have you decided what type of facility and
position would make you the happiest? If not, take a moment to think about this. Are you
going to work for someone else, or start your own business?

It’s okay if you’re not sure yet—you still have time to make that decision—but these are
some of the questions you’ll want to resolve before you begin your job search.

CAREER CRUISING
Your enrollment in Penn Foster has the added benefit of giving you access to the Career
Cruising website. This site is designed to walk you through the employment process.
You’ll learn how create important documents, where to look for job opportunities, and how
to approach potential employers. The following box contains instructions for accessing
this valuable resource. When you finish working through the Employment Guide, you
should return to this supplement to continue your learning.

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THE JOB MARKET: SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT
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 At this time, you should return to your Penn Foster student portal. In the left side
navigation bar, under Helpful Links you’ll see Career Services. Click on the Career
Services link, to open the Career Cruising website. On the left side of the window
you should see a Login box.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the arrow to expand the box for more options.

2. Look for and click “Create My Plan.”

3. Complete the required information and steps as indicated on the site.

4. You’ll be returned to the homepage. From there, in the navigation bar on the
left side of the screen, you’ll click Find Jobs.

5. Next, click Employment Guide and navigate through the content. This area
of the website will help you create the documentation that you’ll need when
applying for a position, as well as some other tips and tricks for finding that
perfect job.

When you have worked through the employment guide, return to this supplement to
complete your learning.

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COMMUNICATION SKILLS
When you call the employer to whom you’re applying for a position, what will you say and
how will you say it? First, you need to identify yourself, and state the reason for your call.
For example, you might start by saying,

“Hello, this is _______. Last week I mailed a letter of application and résumé for the
position you have open for an automotive technician’s helper (or automotive technician,
if you’re applying for a regular job rather than as a trainee). I’m calling to find out when
would be a good time for me to come by and meet Mr. (or Ms.) _______ and interview
for the position.”
The conversation may conclude with the person who took your call setting up an appoint-
ment, or perhaps telling you to call back at another time. Be sure to follow the instructions
given to you, whatever they may be. Then, end pleasantly and courteously. For example,

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to be there for my appointment on _______.” or “Thank you. I’ll
call back later today around _______ o’clock.”

You may want to practice your telephone technique with a friend, so that you get a feel for
talking about a job interview.

Let’s say you were told on the telephone to come in for an interview at 10 A.M. tomorrow.
Wow, the first interview in your new field! Aren’t you excited? Well, take it easy: we need
to plan.

GETTING READY FOR THE

INTERVIEW
First, let’s think about what you’ll wear. You probably have learned already that you need
to wear a suit, dress, or similar apparel that’s neat, clean, and professional. Your clothes
don’t need to be new, but they should be pressed and spotlessly clean. For a male, a
freshly pressed suit or sport coat and trousers with shirt and tie is appropriate. For a
female, a suit or dress is appropriate. Hair should be neat and clean, fingernails should
be trimmed. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, and have neat, clean shoes and
appropriate accessories. Don’t wear any jewelry that will detract from your appearance.
You need to look professional! As you know, you’ll need to bathe before you go to the
interview. Try to get a good night’s sleep; a good breakfast is also in order.

Have another copy of your application and résumé ready to take with you to the interview.
Remember to go alone, and to be early by a few minutes—never late. Leave your house
a little earlier than necessary just in case there’s a problem somewhere along the way.

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FOLLOW UP PROCEDURES
When you leave your interview, remember to acknowledge everyone you meet while
exiting the building. You’re still being evaluated, even if it’s no longer directly. The next
day, you should send a short email or letter to follow up with your potential employer. The
contents should include:

1. “It was nice meeting you.”

2. “Thank you for the interview.”

3. One positive comment about the company or interviewer.

4. “I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”

Include the timeframe given during the interview, if applicable.

5. A closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Regards.”

You want to stay in the forefront of the interviewer’s mind, and show off your
communications skills.

If you don’t hear from an employer within 2 weeks, or within the timeframe given during the
interview, you should follow up with a short phone call. You need to remain professional, even
if you are told that you’re no longer being considered for that position. You may find yourself
interviewing with that same company in the future, and need to maintain a positive impression.

CONCLUSION
Congratulations on finishing your preparations! You’re now ready when you begin looking for
a job that is perfect for you! As you embark on your search, remember the skills and strate-
gies that you have learned through this material. We hope this process has helped you gain
a measure of confidence and a clear idea of what you can expect as you move forward. We
applaud you for taking initiative and becoming a professional in your chosen career.

HOW TO SUCCEED
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THE JOB MARKET: SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT
Supplement