Recruitment and orientation 3.1 a TT Tie o A ‘OBJECTIVES ‘One of the biggest challenges facing school-leavers is how to find a By the end of this unt you job. Itis important to find out about the job before the vacancy is Should be able to identity filled, There are a number of sources for information on employment S0ur688 Of information onjeb opportunities, Opportunities, Newspapers usually feature advertisements of positions t are vacant. In addition to the larger advertisements that may be distributed throughout their pages, most newspapers also have é job listings in their classified ads. Classified ads are a number of relatively short advertisements that are grouped according to their = x topics. Persons seeking employment may also advertise in the Classified section of the newspaper. These advertisements are fairly inexpensive. Some newspapers also have sections that are dedicated to business issues, including employee recruitment announcements, Geena nie ine Employers who are concerned about quickly reaching large numbers of potential employees may choose to advertise via the electronic media. Radio and television advertisements are relatively expensive, but some employers find it worth the expense if it increases the likelihood of finding the best possible candidate for the job. An increasing number of employers are choosing to advertise vacancies online, Some companies use their own websites to list vacancies. There are also websites, such as CareerBuilder.com vg and Monster.com, that are specifically designed to bring potential employers and job seekers into contact with each other, Job hunters are able to use the internet 10 search databases listing jobs that are available in different locations, industries and organisations. Some feature questionnaires that help job seekers to assess themselves to determine the careers to which they are best suited. Many also allow job seekers to post their résumés online, where they may be viewed by recruiters. Dooce a As you learned in Unit 2.19, trade journals are periodical publications that focus on the interests, concerns and needs ofa } ; ont Figure 3.1.1 Ushio cd ‘ads fo ind employment | | |3.3.1 Finding employment Some employers prefer to recrut college stucents, espite their lack of experience. Consequently many universities and colleges now provide career centres to.a5sist theit students ang graduates to iocate employment. These ‘centres also help students to choose carvers that suit their inlerests, talents and skis Duras Many persons obtain ‘employment by submitting unsolicited applications, ‘Some organisations to avoid the expen advertising vacancies suitable application oo in, iis quite likely to be eccepted. Some compari Also maintain a database unsolicited applications. if a vacancy arses, they may ‘choose to contact a recent applicant from ther files. sare usually more broad. ba. ustry. Business Lies ase aspects of the econom = 8 abe therefore excellent ion to advertisements fop provide information about particular ind ‘nd contain informa Trade journals and bu Spores of information BOUT i. lar vacancies, these publicat inds in the industty> pi general tr Pr ec Ei ise in bringing potential d agen is -mployment bureaux and ee my i contact with each «and job seekers in con! ot! S Dae bureau is usually a state-Tun organisation that maintain, employ a a a rheir services are usually free of char ad ee we empicyment agencies make a profit by charging a fee or commission for their services. The fee may be paid by the employer or deducted from the Pay OF the successful employee, Fox sre usvally paid on a contingency basis, that is the ageney is paid ont if there is a successful job placement. Some agencies also charge 4 registration fee to help defray operating cost Both types of employee placement organisations operate in pasially the seme way, Job applicants register with the organisatin, The agency screens the candidates by verifying their credentials and performing preliminary interviews. Employers provide job descriptions and specifications for vacant positions, The organisation then prepares a shortlist of persons who best fit the requirements fx the position, Some employers prefer 10 interview all the shortliste: candidates before making a final decision. In other cases the ee trusts the agency to supply the best possible candidate for ie job. Company newsletters Many organisations use in-house publicati s 2 ications such as newsletters : i etter ‘o advertise vacancies. These newsletters may be obtained from th: company’s public relations may be available at the Sees ibrary. a to advertise vacancic finent location, such * Job seekers show" {0 see whether the” ing information son, job seekers"Ot information Key points 5 Sources of jab informal ‘© employment bureaux id agencies ® personal contact ‘© trade journals and 3.2 Choosing a job encouraged to network. Networking involves making connections with persons who can help you get information, oF can put you in touch with other persons who can help. Many job opportunities are found by speaking with a friend of a friend of a friend’. Persons \ho are already employed may also help by providing ‘sider information on what atteibutes the company is seeking 1 Idenaty FIVE sour 15 of nfermation about job oppextunties | 2 Explain tho tam unsoiicted application’ ! 3. Identy TWO employment bureaux or agencies in yout COUR. | 4 Ancercon's career advisor recommended that he should networkin Crder to improve his chances of obtaining employment i 18 Whats networking’? i 1b Who should Anderson include in His network? + | '5 Describe how an employment agency operates. = 5 ] \ i Many employees spend more than half of their waking hours working, Their career has a significant effect on the quality of life they enjoy. The following are some factors to consider when seeking y position, (ieee By now you have probably decided on the career in which you are interested. If you are not sure about your interest or the requirements for your chosen career, you can speak with your school counsellor. You can also do an internet search for ‘Choose a career’ ‘and visit some of the many websites that are available, Personal taste isa very important factor to be considered when selecting a career. An individual who prefers to be physically active should not select a job that requires sitting for extended periods. Similarly, it will be unwise for an introverted person to select a job that involves a great deal of interaction with the public, Therefore, itis important for the job seeker to honestly assess themselves. ‘There are many books, magazine articles and websites that contain a personality tests that can help individuals to choose suitable jobs.oosing a jot tthe duties and ion , Job descriptions provide no speciiations ineicae the Jes or ae Unit 8.1). Some employe, esponsibi jes (also See ‘ea reehied knowledge and ita i a detailed destption cone hb ifthe employer doe: ey of person who is neede' fort should use the : the re lea person specifica to enstire that they meet the epare a chet ecklist should include: job description to Pr requirements for the «required experience and 2) cit ills that are nee e oe ae personality and interests of G ideal candidat aS i gI 2. 2 physical requirements, including, appearance and grooming. position. walifications Training and qualifications “The level and type of training and qualifications that are required! vay | from one job to another. There are some careers for which a universit, degree is essential, Other jobs require practical skills, Such as those developed through technical training courses. Almost all employers require that applicants have at least a secondary education, with pase English and mathematics. Employers usually specify the minimum qualifications that they will find acceptable for a position. Rr Job seekers often choose employment based on the amount of slay that is offered, The base salary or wage is the standard sum of mor: that is paid for the work performed by the employee. While pay i: important consideration, ite wise to also pay attention tothe other 2 pare nefits that arc given. These additional remuneration’: ringe benefits or perks. Some fringe benefits i | * accident and health insurance a : * payment for time not wor 4 s ii i maternity leave * aed, for example, sick, vacation and CITED | “8 Pay for time worked, bonuses r * allowances for travelling, housing number of categon fabour to move fr the community i persons with university degreos, artists and musicians, sporiepersons, nurses, teachers and | domestics,ed 10 write of application, use formation din the stimulus, such as nama ‘and qualificat a Key points Factors to consid when seeking a po include: ‘© career interests * personal taste training and qualifications '» salary and fringe benefits * location '» image of the firm career advancement ob applications 3 if transportation costs are high, travelling is exhausting and time ‘consumi Or transport is unreliable. The image ofa firm is how its pereeived by society, Job seekers usually prefer to get employment with firms that have a positive image. A firm's image is influenced by a number of factors, such as: * its business practices the quality ofits goods and services * its level of social responsibility * the level of job satisfaction experienced by its employees its physical environment the type of publicity it receives. Cee ‘The opportunity for careeradvancement is an important consideration. when selecting a job. Some industries have high potential for growth. For example, there isa global increase in the development of knowledge-based industries, that is, industries that use a high level of technology and/or human capital, such as telecommunications, finance services and software development. Job seekers should also evaluate the opportunities for advancement within the organisation, such as whether it provides ongoi 11 Identify FIVE factors to consider when seeking en 2. Explain the ference between job 3 roan ee d organisation, sais) Many businesses provide application forms, These forms consist cof headings with spaces for the applicant to write information, ‘The use of application forms allows the business to get the specific information that is fequired. If no form is provided, a letter is used. There are usually many applicants for a job, so itis important to write a letter that will attract and hold the employer's attention, A poorly written application letter might be rejected, even though the applicant is well qualified for the ‘ G job, Application letters may be solicited (written in response faa 1 advertisement) or unsolicited (see Figure 3.3.1). °F‘3 Job applications 231 Bay Sy Reni foe3.3 Job applicatons 3 ny Unless the employer specifically requests a hanewritten Tetter, application letters should be typed. ‘The introductory paragraph should include the: title of the. fo oe Which you are applying, the source of information about the job opening, and a brief statement about what qualifies you for the J! why you wish to work with that particular organisation. 1 jited for The second paragraph should give details about why you are suited the job. Use this paragraph to ‘sell’ yourself by showing that you pee ‘what it takes to do the job better than all other applicants: ‘Show how ‘your knowledge, skills and personality fulfil the employer's Fequirememts: The final paragraph should be used to indicate your availability for an interview, Some adi —— Units 2.3 and 2.4 provided general guidelines on how to compose ‘and present business letters. The following are specific guidelines for preparing applications, 4 ‘* Application letters should be brief, no more than one page © Never use the line “To whom it may concern’. Adds to the person indicated in the advertisement. If ‘the did not state a contact, do some additional research. you may telephone the organisation and make an mi ‘The job advertisement usually states what enclosures are needed. Do not enclose items that were not requested, such as letters of recommendation, photographs or copies of certificates, Create an individualised letter for each job for which you apply. Specifically identify the position. Do not say that do any job available, as employers interpret this that you are not committed to a career pathsions and experience 3.83 Jeb appleations 3 tr nelide ina résung‘There ate often hundreds of applicants for a vacancy. A wellwriten follow-up letter can make an applicant standout from the row Follow-up leters may be written under the following 0 , * no reply eceived to application «© time lapse of six months after being advied that there eos vacancy © acceptance of job '* non-acceptance of job.lated letters B AcceptanCenc In this letter: : rs © be brief % ts * express appreciation for the offer and sincere Tegre! inability to accept. about your3.3.4 Job-related letters ft postion of clerk iypist with etc : J and personal development tha sales et consieai ho i Saudent at the UNiversty othe Tpecome a fll tiTe a: ang with your tear With so many applicants for advertised positions, & follow-up letter can increase the likelihood that your pplication wil be considered Pieced Figure 3.4.5 Resignation letter andard format for leave applications. It is businesses use a sté ea jeave, the date from which it il usually sufficient to state the type of be taken and the duration. athe information provided in the Sand a names and addresses. | Leen ; . oases a An acknowledgement isa letter that indicates your receipt of ani: such as an invitation, a package or an application. These letters are cele ee ee eer cae veczpt of te Key points \/ a eee sul take aso Follow-up letters are mitten under the following conditions: © 0 reply received to application © time lapse of six months after being advised that there is no vacancy * acceptance of job ‘ non-acceptance of job. Other job-related letters include: «resignation from job © eppication forleave * acknowledgements,stom, ‘If you fail to prepan The job inte J0P interview is one situation that illustrates the truth of the then prepare to fail’. Being well Pe pared will maximise the chance that you will be offered a job Being wel ‘Mg Well prepared will help you feel more relaxed and pear \ ther confident. You will be better able to convince the interviewer {iat YoU are the ideal eandidate for the position In preparing for th issues, erview it is important to pay careful attention to the following Soe) Your appeara style and condition of your clothes s Even companies with relaxed dress codes expect job applicants 1 significantly affects the way you are perceived. The id a strong non-verbal message. to be well dressed. You should aim for a clean, neat, professional Appearance (see Table 3.5.1), © A suit (or skit and matching bbiouse) in a solid dark colour, such as dark grey, navy blve or black ‘© A skirt that is ong enough to allow you to be modestly covered ‘when seated ‘© Appropriate shoes that cover the toes © Limited jewellery ‘* Professional hairstyle ‘+ Neatly manicured nails of a moderate length ¢ Subtle makeup and pertume Table 3.5.1 Guidelines on atic ‘A well-pressed sut (or dress pants with matching long-sleeved shirt) in a_| sold dark colour, preferably dark grey or navy biue # A coordinating tie © Adark-coloured bait * Clean, well-polished shoes © No jewellery, except a walch * Professional hairstyle © Clean, neatly trimmed fingernails! ‘© Subtie cologne or atershaveFind out as much as what products or services Hes general information a who are their customers what differentiates them their mission, vision, Sources of informatio ‘© persons who work: employeesCT 1 ‘Many prospective employers have porson observing your ‘behaviour whe you wat in the reception area. | exam tip ‘: ol ‘Make sure that you 1 understand the meanings ‘Sfine terms factors: and—_—_| ‘considerations’ as they. (siale to situations such 2s job — Selection and interviews _ ee Tele about yourset, a Why should we hire you? [wha You pei ayo | Winat were your biggest aocomplshmentaichalenges? [tas Se i Wy co youbeeve you are he it paso oe ES | | Why do you want to work wit us? | what motivated you to apply fr his poston?” ‘Table 25.2 Typical inerviower questions (iti ec “The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate how Wel aN will Pee inne organisation, Ensore chat you are pole ball aes \ 4 | Do not carry drinks or chew gum. Switch off your cell phone eng the premises. Go to the reception desk, politely greet the receptionist and clearly state your name and the Bu ‘of your visit. You will doubtless be offered a seat. Sit upright, with: ‘poth feet on the soeviawold signs of nervousness oF impatience, such #5 or tapping your fingers. Greet each interviewer with sintait ie pe contact. Expres appreciation for being ined’ for the interview. Be self-assured, but avoid peing artogant or overconfident, Do not sit \ ‘nil you are invited to do so, Maintain a pood postures: or fidget.in the world of work will dep, abil aajust and succeed 7 3a tee ‘nrerrelated factors- ae Se siren + é ar z 3 ly produce demanding tans Nada far fewer Bilowances for erro, : ‘ velo ah sow you should acquire te knowledge and deve Hop the ski, eiitudes and attributes that make you a valuable member g, ; . your society and an asset i YOUr workplace In Unit 88 you will learn about Jocal and internat tion affecting +8 yn. You should become familiar with the labour ly, aeetng try. The International Labour Organization maintains, database of Caribbean labour legislation on issues such as: + termination of employment «+ registration, status and recognition ‘organisations : ‘equality of opportunity andl non-discrimination in employment ‘= occupational safety and health and the working environment ‘You can access this database by doing an internet search for of trade unions and employer. zseorTT 36 The work enironment 3 ‘evel of responsibility and maturity ‘At school you are expected to take some degree of responsibility | ‘or your learning. Nevertheless, the teacher is ultimately held Accountable for your performance. For example, its said by some that if student ‘has not learned, then a teacher has not taught. On the job, you are the person wha is liable for your performance, Continued failure to meet your employer's expectations may result in loss of ‘employment, Some childishness is acceptable in a student. For example, joking and pranks may be tolerated among your peers, While ee friendly manner is welcome, usually, immaturity is unacceptable the workplace. In fact, depending on the nature of the job, practical jokes might result in injury or loss of life. “~~ 7 Time management a “The typical work day is longer than a school day. You may DE expected to get to work at an earlier hour, such as seven you might not leave until four. These longer hours, £0 ‘more physically demanding work activity, will most very tired until your body adjusts. Addit — allowed more ‘down time’ in the form of b "Having a postive attitude is not just good business practice. Itis also good for |‘but also more involves learning ris performingit multiple-choice — Unit 3 eh of the folowing wi wing wil Bpfomation about ajay” A De able to susply Newspaper 1B Apparatus © Electronic media D Television Which of the followin, Pebdescripion? "NPNOTbe | A Name of position B Overtime hous: © Duties to be performed D included ina Name of supervisor ‘your educational qualifications and education? A Itinerary B Resumé © Agenda D_ Resignation letter | 3 Which of the following documents outline details of { Which of the following should NOT be done in preparation for an interview? A. Get agood night sleep 8 Find out exactly where the company is located Research all you can about the company D_ Meet all the workers When can a follow-up letter be sent? ‘After a time lapse of sic months Resignation from a job No reply received to application ‘All of the above structured questions ceume that you are Pam ot Tey Gayle, ofice Ascrant employed by a NGIHe CORSA Iocated at 121 Pollyway Drive, Manza' rove Dist lcetfsion. Your company is sealing 6 ercloy aphic design ‘coordinator with a first degree in Senputet “echnology. Prepare an advertisement for te newspaper asking qualified persons to submit their application Py. the end of the month. 4) MT ees 2 Manager, P.O. Box 235, Kingston, Jamaica. You are interested in the job advertised below. A well-established family entertainment centre is seeking @ Part-time Customer Service Representative Requirements: + A sound secondary education + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills + Computer literacy Knowledge of first aid is an asset Apply in writing to: The Human Resources List THREE sourees of information abaut job vacancies, other than the newspapers. State THREE aspects o! the acvertised postion that appeal to you! Prepare a résumé that is suitable forthe advertised postion, \Write an appropriate application lets. LUst SD steps that should be taken in preparing {oy the interview. ‘cently FOUR ways in which the work. exwironmant citlers trom that at school, Read the following job description. A regionally known manufacturing company js recriting a highly enthusiastic and ereative ‘administrative assistant to work with the marketing tear. The successtul applicant must have excellent ‘numerical, verbal and written communication skits, strong organisational skills and be a good problem solver you would love to trevel throughout the. Caribbean, then this may be the jeb for you. Ths is ahighly demanding jb i wren ‘employee willbe required to wark on severe! and meet strict