Qualifying for a Job

Finding a Job

• As you search for a job, you will learn more about the various qualities employers look for in employees.

• Businesses and nonprofits provide different products and services.

• They need all kinds of workers to perform different tasks.

Your Qualifications and Skills

• Different jobs require different qualifications, or the education, skills, and work experience needed to do a particular job.

• Employability skills are basic skills that you need to get a job, keep a job, and do well at a job.

• For most jobs, employers want applicants to have at least a high school diploma.

• Almost all jobs require basic skills like reading, doing basic math, communicating, and having basic computer skills.

• Many employers want workers who have some work experience.

• Skills are important, but employers also seek certain character traits in potential employees.

  • Employers value hard work, honesty, dependability, and an ability to finish tasks.

• Body language often says more about you than spoken or written words.

  • Your body language, or nonverbal communication, includes your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures.

• Employers might check school records to see how a potential employee performs

• Extracurricular activities are activities that you do besides schoolwork.

  • They indicate extra effort and interests on your part, as well as possible leadership ability.

Getting the Job You Want

Beginning Your Job Search

• One of the first steps in finding a job is to prepare a résumé.

  • A résumé is a summary of your skills, education, and work experience.

    • A chronological résumé lists your achievements in time order.

      • It has five parts: the heading, the job objective, a skills summary, work experience, and education.

      • The job objective is a statement about the type of job you want.

Contacting Potential Employers

• You should always include a cover letter with your résumé.

  • A cover letter tells the employer about you and why you are applying for a job.

• A job application form is a printed sheet with blank spaces that you fill in to apply for a job.

• When you apply for a job, you might be asked to take a test to see if you have the required skills.

Interviewing for Jobs

• After you have found a job opening, filled out an application, and sent your cover letter and résumé, an employer may call you for an interview.

• A job interview is a formal face-to-face discussion between an employer and a potential employee.

  • Before your interview you should research the job, be on time, wear appropriate clothes, ask questions, and ask about the next steps.

  • Follow up after the interview by calling or writing a letter thanking the interviewer.

    • In the letter, restate your objective and describe how your skills and experiences are well-suited to the job.