CRITICAL WORKPLACE SKILLS

Preparing to Get a Job

Filling Out a Job Application Form

Make a copy of the original application to use as a rough draft. Fill out your rough draft copy in pencil and make

changes as needed. Your final copy should always be done in ink.

Rules for Filling Out Your Application Form

Never scribble outNever leave blank spaces

Use “N/A” or draw a line in the space to show you read the section and it does not apply to you.

If the application asks for 3 references – then give them 3 references.

Use blue or black ink (Sometimes black is easier to read).

Never use pencil.

Your Assignment:Sample Application Forms

Use the applications forms given to do a rough draft

Forms will be reviewed and returned to you with suggestions and corrections

The Job Interview

Making an appointmentHow you should dress for an interviewWhat to do and say at the interview

Making an Appointment

Always try to make an appointment for an interview.

If you have obtained an application and are just returning it to the business, you should ask if there is a time you could meet with the person in charge of hiring

NEVER just hope they will call you back. Your changes of getting a job increase drastically if you have a chance to sell yourself to the person doing the hiring. Call and make an appointment for an interview even if you have to call 2 or 3 times.

How You Should Dress For An Interview

MEN Dress shirt, tie, sport coat No gym shoes or sandals No levis or t-shirts No body rings or piercing No extreme hair styles No chains No odd colors or materials

WOMEN Dress or skirt and blouse Dress shoes One pair of discrete ear

rings only – no other body rings or piercing

Discrete necklace and only 1 ring per hand

No extreme hair styles No odd colors or material

What to do and say in the interview

Bring at least 3 copies of your resume Bring a black pen and something to write on Arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview appointment Have a good firm handshake LOOK THE INTERVIEWER IN THE EYE Show confidence NO GUM Stress your reliability “If I tell you I will do something it will

be done” Don’t “Slouch”!!

Interview, continued

Businesses are looking for 4 things when interviewing an applicant Appearance – will customers be in any way offended Personality – are you polite and friendly with a pleasant

personality – do you like people Communication skills – can you carry on a conversation –

do you have the ability to help customers – do you speak like an adult not a teenager

Skill Level (example: computer skills, word processing, spread sheets, office equipment, etc.)

On the Job Strategies

Keeping Your Job

Phone Etiquette

NEVER make personal calls while at work This includes family, friends, etc. Learn how the business expects you to answer the

phone and follow what they expect. Also vitally important: Never allow friends to come

see you at work. This is a big time no-no!

Be Dependable

Be on time – all the timeNever call in sick unless you are REALLY sickEmployers need workers who will be there every

day! They hired you to work – not to make their life difficult because you are not there.

NEVER take advantage of a businessNEVER steal from the business (even if you are

planning to pay the business back)

Attitude

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!Always be cheerful – a good way to looks a

job is to be a grouch.Do whatever work your boss asks you to do,

when they ask you to do itLook for things to do – be a self-starterNever say anything negative about the

business or its employees.