U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration1996

Tips For Findingthe Right Job

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U.S. Department of LaborRobert B. Reich, Secretary

Employment and Training AdministrationTimothy Barnicle, Assistant Secretary of Labor1996

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Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Planning Your Time . . . . . . . . . . .2

Determining Your Job Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Where to Get Job Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Cover Letters and Letters of Application . . . . . . . . .9

Preparing Your Resume . . . . . .12

Interviewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

After The Interview . . . . . . . . . .22

Books that CanGive You More Tips for Finding the Right Job . . . . .24

I n t r o d u c t i o nYOU NEED A JOB. Somewhere,an employer has the job you want.How do you get that job? By mar-keting your job talents. By showingemployers you have the skills theyneed.

Do you have job talents? YES!Homemakers, disabled individuals,veterans, students just out of school,people already working--all haveskills and experience for many goodjobs.

What you need to know is how tomarket your talents effectively tofind the right job. This pamphletwill help you to:

• Evaluate your interests and skills

• Find job information

• Write resumes and application letters

• Prepare for job interviews

• Plan for job interviews

• Plan your time

• Take tests

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P l a n n i n gYour Ti m eNOW is the best time to start look-ing for a job. You’re as qualifiedas other applicants, so start nowbefore someone else gets “your”job. You’ve already made a goodstart by reading this pamphlet!

What’s the most important thing toknow about your job search?

In a full time job, you:

Have responsibilities (work dutiesand procedures)

“Punch a clock” or be at work “ontime”

Work hard all day, 40 hours a week

Report to a boss, who makes sureyou carry-out your responsibilities

To find a job, you must:

Set your own responsibilities (thingsyou must do everyday to get a job)

Wake up early at a set time to startlooking for work

Look hard for a job, all day, 40hours a week

Be your own boss (or appoint afriend to be your “boss”) to makesure you carry-out your job searchresponsibilities

FINDING WORK IS AFULL TIME JOB!

That means:

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Tips for Planning an EffectiveJob Search:

• Make a “To Do List” every day.Outline daily activities to lookfor a job.

• Apply for jobs early in the day.This will make a good impres-sion and give you time to com-plete applications, have inter-views, take tests, etc.

• Call employers to find our thebest times to apply. Some com-panies take applications only oncertain days and times duringthe week.

• Write down all employers youcontact, the date of your con-tacts, people you talk to, andspecial notes about your con-tacts.

• Apply at several companies inthe same area when possible.This saves time and money.

• Be prepared. Have a “masterapplication” and resumes, pens,maps and job information withyou all the time. Who knowswhen a “hot lead” will come yourway.

• Follow up leads immediately. Ifyou find out about a job late inthe day, call right then! Don’twait until the next day.

• Network. Tell everyone youknow that you are looking for ajob. Stay in touch with friendsand contacts. Follow up newleads immediately.

• Read pamphlets and books onhow to get a job (see the list ofbooks at the back of thisbrochure). The time you spendreading these materials will saveyou a lot of time in your jobsearch.

• Make automated connectionsthrough systems on the Internet,such as America’s Job Bank andthe Talent Bank.

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Your list may look like it has noth-ing to do with job skills or experi-ence. That’s O.K. -- the purpose ofthis list is to make you think aboutyour interests and things you do ineveryday life.

• Look at the first item on yourlist. Think about the skills or tal-ents it takes to do that item.Really think about it! All hob-bies, activities, etc. take a lot ofskills, knowledge and abilities.Write them all down.

D e t e r m i n i n gYour Job SkillsAnother tip for finding the rightjob:

Make a list of your backgroundand experience.

If you think you don’t have anyexperience -- THINK AGAIN!You may not have specific jobexperience, but you do have workexperience. You have “worked” asa homemaker, a student, a volun-teer, in a hobby or some other per-sonal activity. The skills you usefor these “jobs” can be applied toother jobs.

A background and experience listmay help you to:

• fill out job applications

• provide information for jobinterviews

• prepare resumes (if you’reapplying for professional oroffice jobs).

Tips for Making a Backgroundand Experience List:

Interests and Aptitudes

• List your hobbies, clubs youbelong to, sports you’reinvolved in, church and schoolactivities, and things that inter-est you. List things you aregood at or have special abilityfor.

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Hobbies, Sports, School Activities Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Talents it Things I Do Well: Takes To Do These Things:

Playing Basketball - Ability to interact with others (“be a team player”)

- Ability to use basic arithmetic (keep track of score)

- Ability to reach, lift, jump, stoop, and run- Skills in directing others (calling plays,

coaching)

Homemaking - Ability to manage budgets- Ability to handle multiple tasks- Knowledge of human development- Skills in teaching/training others- Cooking, cleaning, laundry

Fixing Cars - Ability to diagnose mechanical problems- Skill in using a variety of tools- Ability to see differences in shapes and

sizes of objects- Knowledge of electronics

Work HistoryIf you’ve worked before, list your jobs. Include volunteer, parttime, summer,and self-employment. Next, write down work duties for the jobs you listed.

Now, think about the skills or talents it took to do each work duty. Writethem down.

Here’s an example:

Here are some examples:

Work Duties

Pick vegetables and fruits on a farm

Use hoes, shovels and shears toplant, cultivate, and prune fruit trees

Skills or Talents

Inspect fruits for damage/ ripenessAbility to work quickly and skillfullywith hands

Skill in using tools

Ability to work outside for long periods of time

Physical endurance

Bending, stooping

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that you use everyday. Now find outwhat JOBS can use your talents.

Start at your local StateEmployment Service Office (“JobService”). This office has free infor-mation about many jobs. You maybe given an appointment with acareer counselor who can help youdecide what kind of work is bestsuited to your abilities and interests.

While you’re at Job Service, ask tosee the Guide for OccupationalExploration and the OccupationalOutlook Handbook (you can also getthese books at most public libraries).These easy to read books, publishedby the Department of Labor,describe:

• work duties for many differentoccupations

• skills and abilities needed for dif-ferent types of jobs

• how to enter occupations

• where jobs are located

• training and qualifications needed

• earnings, working conditions, andfuture opportunities.

Match the skills and abilities in yourlist to the skills and abilities of dif-ferent jobs. Don’t limit yourself.The important thing is not the jobtitle, but the skills and abilities ofthe job. You may find that yourskills and abilities match with anoccupation that you have neverthought about.

Education

• List the schools you attended,dates, major studies or coursescompleted. Include militaryand vocational education andon-the-job training.

• List degrees, certificates,awards and honors.

• Ask yourself what classes ortraining you liked. Why didyou like them?

Physical Condition

• Do you have any disabilitieslimiting the kind of work youcan do? Companies will oftenmake special accommodationsto employ disabled persons (infact, some accommodations arelegally required). If you havestrong or special physical capa-bilities, list these too.

Career Goals

• What kind of work do you wantto be doing 5 or 10 years fromnow? What kind of job couldyou get now to help you reachthis goal?

Matching Yo u rBackground AndExperience ToJ o b sLook at the abilities (talents) iden-tified on your background andexperience list. You have talents

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Where To Get JobI n f o r m a t i o nIf you know what job skills youhave, you are ready to look for ajob. You can look for job open-ings at these sources:

• Networking. Tell everyone youknow you’re looking for a job.Ask about openings where yourfriends work.

• Private employers. Contactemployers directly to marketyour job talents. Talk to theperson who would superviseyou even if there are no jobscurrently open.

• State Employment ServiceOffices provide help on findingjobs and other services, such ascareer counseling. See the backof this brochure for theEmployment Service headquar-ters in your state.

• America’s Job Bank. A nation-wide pool of job opportunitieswhich will extend your searchto other states and can beviewed in your localEmployment Service offices ordirectly through the Internet:HTTP://WWW.AJB.DNI.US

• Federal, state and local govern-ment personnel offices list awide range of job opportunities.Check the Government listingsin your phone book.

• Local public libraries havebooks on occupations and often

post local job announcements.Many state libraries are also pro-viding free access to Internetthrough PCs.

• Newspaper ads list various jobopenings.

• Local phone book. Look forcareer counseling centers in yourarea (some may require fees).

• Private employment and tempo-rary agencies offer placement(employer or job hunter may paya fee).

• Community colleges and tradeschools usually offer counselingand job information to studentsand the general public.

• Proprietary schools. Privatetraining centers offer instructionin specific trades (tuition is usual-ly required). Check with youroffice of state education for cred-ible schools.*

• Community organizations such asclubs, associations, women andminority centers, and youth orga-nizations.

• Churches frequently operateemployment services or providejob search help.

• Veterans’ placement centersoperate through State Employ-ment Service Offices. Veterans’social and help organizationsoften have job listings formembers.

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the sources listed above serve per-sons of any race, color, religion, sexor national origin. The AgeDiscrimination in Employment Actof 1967 forbids agencies to discrim-inate against older workers. Bothlaws forbid employers to discrimi-nate in hiring.

In addition, the Americans withDisabilities Act under Title I pro-hibits employment discriminationagainst “qualified individuals withdisabilities.” A qualified individualwith a disability is: an individualwith a disability who meets theskill, experience, education, andother job-related requirements of aposition held or desired, and who,with or without reasonable accom-modation, can perform the essentialfunctions of a job.

• Union and apprenticeship pro-grams provide job opportunitiesand information. Contact yourstate apprenticeship council orrelevant labor union directly.

• Government sponsored trainingprograms offer direct placementor short-term training and place-ment for applicants who quali-fy. Check the yellow pagesunder Job Training Programs orGovernment Services.

• Journals and newsletters forprofessional or trade associa-tions often advertise job open-ings in their field. Ask for theseat the local library.

Under the Civil Rights Act of1964, as amended in 1991, all of

Most Commonly Used Job-search Methods

Percent ofTotal Job-seekers Using Effectivenessthe Method Method Rate*

66.0% Applied directly to employer 47.7%

50.8 Asked friends about jobs where they work 22.1

41.8 Asked friends about jobs elsewhere 11.9

28.4 Asked relatives about jobs where they work 19.3

27.3 Asked relatives about jobs elsewhere 7.4

45.9 Answered local newspaper ads 23.9

21.0 Private employment agency 24.2

12.5 School placement office 21.4

15.3 Civil Service test 12.5

10.4 Asked teacher or professor 12.1

1.6 Placed ad in local newspaper 12.9

6.0 Union hiring hall 22.2

* A percentage obtained by dividing the number of jobseekers who actually found work using the method, but thetotal number of jobseekers who tried to use that method, whether successfully or not.

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Cover Letters & Letters ofA p p l i c a t i o nLetter of Application

A letter of application is usedwhen inquiring about a job or sub-mitting an application form.

Cover Letter

If you’re applying for a job thatrequires a resume, you shouldwrite a cover letter to accompanyyour resume.

The purpose of these letters is to:

• tell how your job talents willbenefit the company

• show why the employer shouldread your resume or applicationform

• ask for a job interview.

Tips for writing cover lettersinclude:

• Write a separate letter for eachjob application.

• Type letters on quality 8 1/2” X11” paper.

• Use proper sentence structure andcorrect spelling and punctuation.

• Convey personal interest andenthusiasm.

• Keep your letter short and to thepoint.

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John KileAce Auto Service1369 Oak StreetMegapolis, IN 01234

Dear Mr. Kile:

I’ve been checking into auto repair shops in the area to find a garagethat has a good reputation and offers an entry mechanic training pro-gram. Several sources recommended Ace Auto Service as a reliablegarage that uses the latest diagnostic equipment.

I’ve worked on cars with my uncle, who is a member of the “Tin Lizzies”auto club. I’m doing tune-ups through word of mouth referrals and Irecently helped overhaul a Nissan 300ZX. I’ve worked with computersin school, so I feel I could learn how to operate computerized diagnosticequipment with minimal training.

With my background and interest in car repair, I think I could contributeto the continued success of Ace Auto Service.

I will call you on Monday, December 13, to talk to you about possible jobopportunities.

Sincerely,

Joe Clark6913 Willow StreetMegapolis, IN 01234(321) 345-6789

Show that you’ve done somehomework on the company (youknow what they do, their inter-ests and problems).

Try to identify something aboutyou that is unique or of interestto the employer.

Request an interview. If possi-ble, suggest a specific date andtime.

Include your address and yourtelephone number.

Sample Letter of Application

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Ms. Clara Brown, SupervisorNorton Electronics6543 Sunrise Ave.Anytown, US 04538

Dear Ms. Brown:

I am interested in the position of electronic assembler which you adver-tised recently in the Anytown Oracle.

The enclosed resume outlines my experience and skills in electronicsand printed circuit board assembly. I am familiar with Norton Electronicsand the quality products you produce.

I would like to meet with you to discuss how my skills would benefitNorton Electronics. I may be reached at 778-4321.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Ramirez304 Park StreetAnytown, US 04536

Cover Letter

Address each letter to thespecific person you want totalk to (the person who wouldactually supervise you).

Highlight your job qualifica-tions.

State the position you areseeking and the source of thejob opening (newspaper ad,friend, etc.).

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2. Job information. Gather spe-cific information on the job you’reapplying for. Here’s what youneed:

• Job duties (to match your skillsto the skills needed for the job).Get your job duties from the jobannouncement. If the announce-ment or ad is vague, call theemployer and ask for a descrip-tion of job duties.

Tips for Good Resumes

You need two types of informationto prepare your resume:

1. Self information. You need toknow your job talents, work histo-ry, education and career goals.Did you complete your back-ground and experience list on pagefour? If you did, you have the selfinformation required to prepareyour resume.

RESUMEREQUIRED

RESUME SOMETIMESREQUIRED

RESUMENOT REQUIRED

Professional, technical, administrativeand managerial jobs. Sales positions.Secretarial, clerical, and other officejobs.

Skilled jobs (Examples: Baker, HotelClerk, Electrician, Drafter, Welder)

Unskilled, quick turnover jobs(Examples: Fast Food Server, Laborers,Machine Loader, Cannery Worker,etc.)

P re p a r i n gYo u r R e s u m e

You want to apply for a job. Do youneed a resume? That depends on thekind of job you’re applying for:

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• Education and experiencerequired (again, so you canmatch your education and expe-rience with that required for thejob).

• Hours and shifts usuallyworked.

• Pay range (make their top offerthe minimum acceptable!).

With the information on yourselfand the job you’re applying for,you’re ready to write your resume.

Two Types of Resumes:

Reverse chronological resumes listjobs you’ve had. Your most recentjob is listed first, your job beforethat is listed second, and so on.Each job has employment datesand job duties.

Functional resumes describe yourskills, abilities and accomplish-ments that relate to the job you’reapplying for. Employment historyis less detailed than chronologicalresumes.

What kind of resume should youuse? Answer the following ques-tions:

• Have you progressed up a clear-ly defined career ladder, andyou’re looking for job advance-ment?

• Do you have recent job experi-ence at one or more companies?

If your answer is yes, use aREVERSE CHRONOLOGICALresume.

• Are you a displaced homemaker?

• Are you a veteran and you wantto relate your military training tocivilian jobs?

• Do you have little or no job expe-rience?

• Do you have gaps in your workhistory?

• Is the job you’re applying for dif-ferent from your present or recentjob?

• Do you want to emphasize yourwork skills and accomplishmentsinstead of describing your jobduties?

If your answer to any of these ques-tions is yes, use a FUNCTIONALresume.

The following pages have examplesof both types of resumes and sug-gestions on how to prepare them.

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Tips for Preparing aFunctional Resume:

• Study the duties for the jobyou’re applying for. Identify 2or 3 general skills that areimportant to the job.

• Review your background and expe-rience list. Find talents and accom-plishments that demonstrate yourability to perform the job skills.

• List your talents and accomplish-ments under the job skills theyrelate to.

• Use simple, short, active sentences.

ROBERTYEE139 River Lane

Ceder, OH 01234(513) 987-6543

OBJECTIVE: Part time entry level position in Bookkeeping

QUALIFICATIONS: * Earned Exceptional Accomplishment raise at McDonald’s.* Excellent at thinking through problem situations.* 1 year successful experience in Bookkeeping & Cashier at McDonalds.* Finished business classes with high grades.

EXPERIENCE:Bookkeeping* Accurately completed bookkeeping assignments at McDonald’s in half the

usual time required.* Recorded daily sales

- computed total items sold and tallied total daily revenues- assembled monthly reports showing cashiering errors and audited employee register records

* Verified accuracy of vendor invoices and helped compute employee hours on time cards.

* Balanced family checkbook and helped pay bills.

Administrative Support* Assisted store manager in training and assigning employees

- prepared new employee personnel folders - called substitutes to cover during illness or rush hours. *

* Filed and retrieved personnel records.* Posted and filed official documents.* Word processed letters; answered telephone; scheduled interviews; made

reservations.

WORKHISTORY1990 Fulltime student Ceder High SchoolMay 89 - Present Cashier McDonald’sDec. 88-May 89 Bookkeeper McDonald’ssummer 1988 Clerk Ceder Recreation Center

EDUCATION&TRAININGSenior -- Ceder High School

This applicant is stillin high school. Hewants to work parttime until he gradu-ates.

Focus attentionon strong points.

Most resumesdo NOTinclude references.

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JENNIFERA. LONG215 Amber LaneTuvax, CA 94321

512-5432

JOBOBJECTIVE: position as a Paralegal

QUALIFICATIONS&EXPERIENCE

* Strong interest in the law; I spend much of my spare time:- reading transcripts of law cases (from law books at the library)- watching legal/educational programs on TV

* Experience as a Legal Secretary:- updated and maintained the filing system- processed documents on the work processor- processed and delivered the mail- answered the phone and made appointments with clients

* Skills- work processing- can take dictation- have an investigative and curious nature

* Academic- Studied business law and legal principles in high school and community college.

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY

1987-Present Legal Secretary - Kramer & Kramer, Truly, CA1985-87 Receptionist - Walter Smyte, MD, Swiss, CA1983-85 Food Server - Burger King, Swiss, CA

EDUCATION

Mooney College - Secretarial courses - two semesters 1984Lonemont Community College - Business courses - three semesters 1985Lonemont Adult School - Equivalency certificate 1983

Personal information thatis not related tothe job (age,height, weight,and marital status) is NOTincluded.

Describe specificskills and accomplish-ments, usingshort sentences.

List special skillssuch as wordprocessingor ability tooperate special equipment.

Make wide margins.Leave spacebetween parts ofthe resume.

This applicant is ahigh school dropout.She has some paidexperience, so herresume focuses onrelated experienceand her hobby.

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• Briefly describe the main dutiesyou performed in each job.

• Emphasize duties that are impor-tant for the job you’re applyingfor.

• Use simple, short, active sen-tences.

Tips for Preparing a ReverseChronological Resume:

• List your jobs starting with yourpresent or most recent job.Give exact dates for each job.

LOUISEJOHNSON543 River CourtNashville, Tennessee 37219(516) 984-1000

OBJECTIVE: ADMINISTRATIVEASSISTANT

EXPERIENCE

Since 1990 Personal Secretary, Cotton Gin Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.Secretary to Personnel Director. Duties included taking dictation, word processing and schedulingmeetings.

1984-90 Secretary, Cotton Gin Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. One of 13 word processors in legal department. Duties included entering corre-spondence and forms on the work processor, proof reading, legal documents, and processing the mail.

1979-84 Clerk-Typist, Raymond Sewing Factory, Memphis, Tennessee. Duties included typing forms, processing mail, establishing and main-taining filing system.

1976-79 Receptionist, D.W. Meringue, D.D.S., Memphis, Tennessee. Duties included answering tele-phone, scheduling appointments, greeting patients and processing billings.

SKILLS Can take dictationWordprocessingTypistGood organizational skills

EDUCATION Underwood High School, Nashville, Tennessee. High school diploma with emphasis in business education, 1975.

This applicant hassteady employment.Each new job hasincreased responsibility.

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Avoid precisedates - just giveyears if possible.

Include scholar-ships and honorsand major schoolsubjects if relatedto your job goal.

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10 Tips for theE ffective ResumeThe following rules apply to allresumes:

1. If possible, use a computer toprepare your resume. There arecomputer programs that make iteasy to produce a professionallooking resume. Your localschool, library, EmploymentService local office or “quickprint” shop can help.

2. Do not include irrelevant per-sonal information (age, weight,height, marital status, etc.).

3. Do not include salary and wages.

4. Center or justify all headings.Don’t use abbreviations.

5. Be positive. Identify accom-plishments.

6. Use action verbs (see the listbelow).

7. Be specific. Use concise sen-tences. Keep it short (one pageis best).

8. Make sure your resume “looksgood” (neat and readable).

9. Proofread the master copy care-fully. Have someone else proof-read the master copy carefully.

10. Inspect photocopies for clarity,smudges and marks.

Action Verbs

Action verbs give your resumepower and direction. Try to beginall skills statements with an actionverb. Here is a sample of actionverbs for different types of skills:

Management Technical skills skillsadministered assembledanalyzed builtcoordinated calculateddeveloped designeddirected operatedevaluated overhauledimproved remodeledsupervised repaired

Clerical skills Communi-arranged cation skillscatalogued arrangedcomplied addressedgenerated authoredorganized draftedprocessed formulatedpersuadedsystemized

Creative Financial skills skillsconceptualized administeredcreated analyzeddesigned balancedestablished budgetedfashioned forecastillustrated marketedinvented plannedperformed projected

Helping Research skills skillsassessed clarifiedcoached evaluatedcounseled identifieddiagnosed inspectedfacilitated organizedrepresented summarized

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• Write down the things you willneed to complete applications:

your background and experiencelist (contains names of formeremployers, schools, training,etc.)

a resume or summary of yourwork experience

samples of your work (if practi-cal). Also include any work-related or community serviceawards that you have received.

• Be sure to bring your socialsecurity card, driver’s license,union card, military records, etc.

The Interview:

• Dress for the interview as youwould for the job. Don’t over-dress or look too informal.

I n t e r v i e w i n gMost hiring decisions are made atthe first interview. How you comeacross in that interview could be asimportant as your experience andjob talents.

Here are some interviewing tipsthat will help you get the job youwant.

Before The Interview:

• Learn as much as you can aboutthe company salary and bene-fits. Friends, neighbors and rel-atives who work for the compa-ny are good sources of informa-tion. Libraries, local chambersof commerce, etc. are also helpful.

• Learn everything you can aboutthe job and how your previousexperience and training qualifyyou for the job.

The Talent BankOnce a resume is completed, itcan be fed into the Talent Bank,now available in many local JobService offices. The “Bank” is anelectronically searchable databaseof resumes or other statements ofqualification from job huntersseeking employment. Thosesearching for jobs or new opportu-nities can post their resumes/quali-fications to the bank. Employerssearch the banks to select a groupof resumes for further screening.

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• Always go to the interviewalone. Arrange for baby sitters,transportation, and other pitfallsahead of time so that you can beon time and relaxed in the inter-view.

• Find common ground with theemployer. Pictures, books,plants, etc., in the employer’soffice can be conversation

• Express your interest in the joband the company using informa-tion you gathered to prepare forthe interview.

• Let the interviewer direct theconversation.

• Answer questions in a clear andpositive manner. Show howyour experience and trainingwill make you productive in theshortest time with minimalsupervision.

Note:

• Speak positively of formeremployers and co-workers nomatter why you left even if youwere fired from your last job.

• Let the employer lead into con-versations about benefits. Yourfocus on these items can be a“turn off.” But, don’t be afraidto ask questions about thingsyou really need to know.

• When discussing salary, be flexi-ble -- avoid naming a specificsalary. If you’re too high, yourisk not getting the job. If you’retoo low, you undersell yourself.Answer questions on salaryrequirements with responses suchas, “I’m interested in the job as acareer opportunity so I’m nego-tiable on the starting salary.”Negotiate, but don’t sell yourselfshort.

“Closing” the Interview:

• If the employer does not offeryou a job or say when you willhear about it, ask when you may call to find out about thedecision.

• If the employer asks you to callor return for another interview,make a written note of the time,date and place.

• Thank the employer for the inter-view and reaffirm your interestand qualifications for the job.

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• Personality tests help identifyyour personal style in dealingwith tasks and other people.Certain personalities can be wellsuited for some jobs and not-sowell suited for other jobs. Forexample, an outgoing person maybe well suited for a sales job.

• Honesty and Integrity tests evalu-ate the likelihood of stealing andtrustworthiness of applicants.

• Physical ability tests measurestrength, flexibility, stamina andspeed for jobs that require physi-cal performance.

• Medical examinations and testsdetermine physical fitness to do ajob.

• Drug tests show the presence ofillegal drugs that could impair jobperformance and threaten thesafety of others.

Te s t i n gFor some jobs, you may need totake a test. Usually, the jobannouncement or ad will say if atest is required.

There are several types of selectionand job fitness tests:

• Aptitude tests predict how easilyyou will learn the job and howwell you will perform job tasks.

• Job knowledge and proficiencytests measure what you knowand what you can do in a job(for example, word processingspeed for a secretary job,knowledge of street names androutes for a fire fighter job,etc.).

• Literacy tests measure readingand arithmetic levels.

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How to prepare for tests:

You can’t study directly for apti-tude tests. But you can get readyto do your best by learning asmuch as you can about the test bytaking other tests. Look for testsor quizzes in magazines and schoolbooks. Set time limits. By takingtests, you learn about the testingprocess. This helps you feel morecomfortable when you are tested.

Brush up on job skills. For exam-ple, if you’re taking a typing test,practice typing. If you’re taking aconstruction test, review books andblueprints.

Get ready for physical tests bydoing activities similar to thoserequired for the job.

For literacy tests, review and doexercises in reading and mathbooks or enroll in remedial classes.

It’s natural to be nervous abouttests (some anxiety may even helpyou).

Here are some tips that will helpyou take most tests:

1. Make a list of what you needfor the test (pencil, eye glasses,I.D., etc.). Check it beforeleaving.

2. Get a good night’s sleep.

3. If you’re sick, call andrescheule the test.

4. Leave for the test site early.

5. If you have any physical diffic u l-ties, tell the test administrator.

6. If you don’t understand the testinstructions, ASK FOR HELPbefore the test begins.

7. If there are strict time limits,budget your time. Don’t lingerover difficult questions.

8. Find out if guessing is penalized.If it’s not, guess on questionsyou’re not sure about.

9. If you have time, review youranswers. Check to make sureyou did not misread a questionor make careless mistakes.

10. You may be able to re-take thetest. Ask about the retestingpolicy.

11. Get a proper interpretation ofyour scores. The scores mayindicate other career opportuni-ties that should be pursued.

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After the InterviewMake each interview a learningexperience. After it is over, askyourself these questions:

• What points did I make thatseemed to interest the employer?

• Did I present my qualificationswell? Did I overlook qualifica-tions that were important for thejob?

• Did I learn all I needed to knowabout the job?

• Did I ask questions I had aboutthe job?

• Did I talk too much? Too little?

• Was I too tense? Too relaxed?

• Was I too aggressive? Notaggressive enough?

• Was I dressed appropriately?

• Did I effectively close theinterview?

Make a list of specific ways youcan improve your next interview.Remember, “practice makes per-fect” – the more you interview thebetter you will get at it.

If you plan carefully and stay moti-vated, you can “market your jobtalents”. You will get a job thatuses your skills and pays you well.

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JOB SEARCH CHECKLIST

Complete items 1-3 on this checklist before starting your job searchComplete items 4-5 everyday of your job searchComplete items 6-9 when you have interviews

1. IDENTIFY __Make a background and experience list.OCCUPATIONS __Review information on jobs.(Page 4-8) __Identify jobs that use your talents

2. IDENTIFY __Ask relatives, etc. to help you look for job openingsEMPLOYERS __Go to your State Employment Service Office for assistance.(Page 7-8) __Contact employers to get company and job information.

__Utilize other sources (page 7&8) to get job leads.__Obtain job announcements and descriptions.

3. PREPARE __Write resumes (if needed). Use job announcements to “fit” your MATERIALS skills with job requirements. (Page 9-17) __Write cover letters or letters of application.

__Assemble a job search kit: pens, writing tablet, maps. public transportation guides, clean copies of resumes & applications, background and experience list, Social Security Card, and picture ID.

__Use the Talent Bank.

4. PLAN YOUR __Wake up early to start looking for work.TIME __Make a “to do” list of everything you’ll do to look for a job.(Page 2-3) __Work hard all day to find a job.

__Reward yourself (do a hobby or sport, visit friends, etc.)!

5. CONTACT __Call employers directly (even if they’re not advertising openings).EMPLOYERS Talk to the person who would supervise you if you were hired.(Page 3) __Go to companies to fill out applications.

__Contact your friends and relatives to see if they know about any openings.

__Use America’s Job Bank on the Internet.

6. PREPARE FOR __Learn about the company you’re interviewing with.INTERVIEWS __Review job announcements to determine how your skills will help(Page 18-19) you do the job.

__Assemble resumes, application forms, etc. (make sure every-thing is neat).

7. GO TO __Dress right for the interview.INTERVIEWS __Go alone.(Page 18-19) __Be clean, concise, and positive.

__Thank the interviewer.

8. EVALUATE __Send a hand written thank you note to the interviewer within 24 INTERVIEWS hours of the interview.(Page 22-23) __Think about how you could improve the interview.

9. TAKE TESTS __Find out about the test(s) you’re taking.(Page 20-21) __Brush up on job skills.

__Relax and be confident.

1 1 ACCEPT THE __Understand job duties & expectations, work hours, salary, JOB! benefits, etc.

__Be flexible when discussing salary (but don’t sell yourself short).__CONGRATULATIONS!

24

Resume Writing:

Parker, Yana, The Damn GoodResume Guide. Ten Speed Press,Box 7123, Berkeley, CA 94707.1986.

Interview Skills:

Hellman, Paul, Ready, Aim, You’reHired!: How to Job-InterviewSuccessfully Anytime, Anywherewith Anyone, AMACOM, 135 W.50th St., New York, NY 10020.1986.

Medley, H. Anthony, Sweaty Palms– The Neglected Art of BeingInterviewed. Ten Speed Press, Box7123, Berkeley, CA 94707. 1984.

Young Job Seekers:

Haldane, Bernard, and Jean, andMartin, Lowell, Job Power: TheYoung People’s Job Finding Guide.Acropolis Books Ltd., 2400 17th St.NW, Washington, DC 20009. 1980.

Durkin, Jon, “Mid-Life CareerChanges.” Johnson O’ConnorResearch Foundation, HumanEngineering Laboratory, 701 SutterSt., San Francisco, CA 94109.

Women Job Seekers:

Educational Testing Service,Publication Order Services, CN6736, Princeton, NJ 08541-6736. I CAN Lists. (Classifies homemakerskills under various job titles inbusiness)

Books That Can Give You More Tips for Finding the Right JobEverything You Need For YourJob Search

Bolles, Richard N., What Color isYour Parachute? Ten SpeedPress, Box 7123, Berkeley, CA94707. Updated annually.

Figler, Howard E., The CompleteJob Search Handbook: Presentingthe Skills You Need to Get Any JobAnd Have A Good Time Doing It.Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 383Madison Ave., New York, NY10017. 1979.

Collard, Betsy A., The High-TechCareer Book: Finding Your Placein Today’s Job Market. WilliamKaufmann, Inc., 95 1st St., LosAltos, CA 945022. 1986.

Wegmann, Robert, and Chapman,Robert, and Johnson, Miriam,Work in the New Economy:Careers and Job Seeking into the21st Century. JIST Works, 720North Park Ave., Indianapolis,Indiana 46202. 1989.

25

Disabled Workers:

Klein, Karen with Hope, CarlaDerrick, Bouncing Back FromInjury: How to Take Charge ofYour Recuperation. PrimaPublishing & Communications,P..O. Box 1260BB, Rocklin, CA95677. 1988.

Minority Group Applicants:

Johnson, Willis L., Ed., Directoryof Special Programs for MinorityGroup Members: CareerInformation Services, EmploymentSkills Banks, Financial AidSources, 4th ed. Garret Park Press,P.O. Box 190, Garrett Park, MD20896. 1986.

Job Skill Requirements:

Bureau of Labor Statistics,Occupational Outlook Handbook,Supt. of Documents, U.S Govt.Printing Off., Washington, DC20402. (Describes hundreds ofoccupations and thirty-five majorindustries)

Guide for OccupationalExploration. Supt. of Documents,U.S. Govt. Printing Off.,Washington, DC 20402.

Training:

National Association of Trade andTechnical Schools, 2251 WisconsinAve., N.W., Washington, D.C.20009 (202) 333-1021. (A list ofaccredited technical schools).

Federal Job Opportunities

U.S. Office of PersonnelManagement, Career America, Supt.of Documents, U.S. Govt. PrintingOff., Washington, DC 20402.

KENTUCKYDepartment for Employment

Services275 E. Main St.Frankfort, KY 40621(502) 564-5331

LOUISIANAOffice of Employment SecurityP.O. Box 94094Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9014(504) 342-3013

MAINEDepartment of LaborP.O. Box 309Augusta, ME 04330-0309(207) 287-3788

MARYLANDDepartment of Economic &

Employment Development1100 North Eutaw St., Rm 600Baltimore, MD 21201(410) 767-2400

MASSACHUSETTSDepartment of Employment &

Training19 Stanford St., 3rd FloorBoston, MA 02114(617) 626-6600

MICHIGANEmployment Security

Commission7310 Woodward AvenueDetroit, MI 48202(313) 876-5901

MINNESOTADepartment of Economic

Security390 North Robert St.St. Paul, MN 55101(612) 296-3711

MISSISSIPPIEmployment Security

CommissionP.O. Box 1699Jackson, MS 39215-1699(601) 961-7400

MISSOURIDepartment of Labor and

Industrial RelationsP.O. Box 504Jefferson City, MO 65102-0504(314) 751-4091

FLORIDADept. of Labor & Employment

Security2012 Capital Circle, SESuite 303, Hartman Bldg.Tallahassee, FL 32399-2152(904) 922-7021

GEORGIAGA Department of Labor148 International Blvd., NESuite 400Atlanta, GA 30303(404) 656-3011

HAWAIIDepartment of Labor &

Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl St., Room 320Honolulu, HI 96813(808) 586-8844

IDAHODepartment of Employment317 Main StreetBoise, ID 83735(208) 334-6110

ILLINOISDepartment of Employment

Security401 South State St., Suite 624Chicago, IL 60605(312) 793-9279

INDIANADepartment of Workforce

Development10 North Senate AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46204-2277(317) 233-5661

IOWADepartment of Employment

Services1000 E. Grand Ave.Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 281-5365

KANSASDepartment of Human

Resources401 Topeka Blvd.Topeka, KS 66603(913) 296-7474

ALABAMAEmployment Service,

Dept. of Industrial Relations 469 Monroe StreetMontgomery, AL 36130(334) 242-8990

ALASKAAlaska Employment ServiceDepartment of LaborP.O. Box 25509Juneau, AK 99802-5509(907) 465-2712

ARIZONADepartment of Economic

SecurityP.O. Box 6123 - 010APhoenix, AZ 85005(602) 542-5678

ARKANSASEmployment Security

D e p a r t m e n tP.O. Box 2981Little Rock, AR 72203(501) 682-2121

CALIFORNIAJob Service DivisionP.O. Box 826880-MIC 37Sacramento, CA 94280-0001(916) 654-9047

COLORADODepartment of Labor &

EmploymentTower 2, Suite 4001515 Arapahoe St..Denver, CO 80202-2117(303) 620-4700

CONNECTICUTCT Labor Department200 Folly Brook Blvd.Werthersfield, CT 06109(203) 566-4384

DELAWAREDE Department of Labor820 North French St., 6th Flr.Wilmington, DE 19714-9499(302) 577-2713

DISTRICTOF COLUMBIADC Department of Employment

Services500 C Street, NW, Room 600Washington, D.C. 20001(202) 724-7107

State Employment Service Off i c e s

26

27

MONTANADepartment of Labor &

IndustryState CapitolHelena, MT 59624(406) 444-3555

NEBRASKADepartment of Labor550 South 16th St.Lincoln, NE 68509(402) 471-3405

NEVADADepartment of Employment,

Training and Rehabilitation1830 East SaharaLas Vegas, NV 89104(702) 486-7923

NEWHAMPSHIREDepartment of Employment

Security32 South Main StreetConcord, NH 03301-4857(603) 228-4000

NEWJERSEYDepartment of LaborCN 110Trenton, NJ 08625-0110(609) 292-2323

NEWMEXICODepartment of LaborP.O. Box 1928Albuquerque, NM 87103(505) 841-8409

NEWYORKDepartment of LaborState Campus Building 12 Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2741

NORTHCAROLINAEmployment Security

CommissionP.O. Box 25903Raleigh, NC 27611(919) 733-7546

NORTHDAKOTAJob Service NDP.O. Box 5507Bismarck, ND 58506-5507(701) 328-2836

OHIOBureau of Employment

Services145 S. Front StreetColumbus, OH 43215(614) 466-2100

OKLAHOMAEmployment Security

Commission215 Will Rogers Memorial

Office Bldg.2401 N. LincolnOklahoma City, OK 73105(405) 557-7201

OREGONEmployment Department875 Union St., NESalem, OR 97311(503) 378-3208

PENNSYLVANIADepartment of Labor and

IndustryLabor & Industries Building,Room 1700Harrisburg, PA 17121(717) 787-3756

PUERTORICOBureau of Employment

Security505 Munoz Rivera AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(809) 754-5376

RHODEISLANDDepartment of Employment

and Training101 Friendship StreetProvidence, RI 02903-3740(401) 277-3732

SOUTHCAROLINAEmployment SecurityCommissionP.O. Box 995Columbia, SC 29202(803) 737-2617

SOUTHDAKOTADepartment of Labor700 Governor’s Drive Pierre, SD 57402-4730(605) 773-3101

TENNESSEEDepartment of Employment

Security500 James Robertson Parkway,12th Floor-Volunteer PlazaNashville, TN 37245-0001(615) 741-2131

TEXASTexas Workforce Commission101 E. 15th StreetAustin, TX 78778(512) 463-2213

UTAHDepartment of Workforce

Services140 East 300 SouthP.O. Box 143001Salt Lake City, UT 84114-3001(801) 531-3780

VERMONTDepartment of Employment

and TrainingP.O. Box 488Montpelier, VT 05601-0488(802) 828-4300

VIRGINISLANDSDepartment of Labor2131 Hospital StreetChristianstead, St. CroixUSVI 00802(809) 773-1994

VIRGINIAVA Employment Commission703 East Main StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-3001

WASHINGTONEmployment SecurityDepartmentP.O. Box 9046Olympia, WA 98507-9046(360) 902-9301

WEST VIRGINIABureau of Employment

Security112 California Ave.Charleston, WV 25305-0112(304) 558-2630

WISCONSINDepartment of Industry, Labor

& Human RelationsP.O. Box 7946Madison, WI 53707(608) 266-7552

WYOMINGDepartment of Employment122 West 25th StreetHerschler Bldg., 2nd FloorCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-6402

National OfficeUnited States Employment

Service200 Constitution Ave., NWRoom N-4470Washington, DC 20210(202) 219-5257

THIRD CLASS MAILPostage and Fees Paid

U.S. Department of LaborPermit No. G-755

U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training AdministrationWashington, D.C. 20210

Official BusinessPenalty for Private Use, $300