Job Applications

Objective:
Students will learn the appropriate procedures for completing a job application.

Competencies:
Learn proper procedure for completing employment application.
Demonstrate ability to follow written directions.

Materials:
Colored pens
How Well Do You Follow Directions? - Worksheet
Anticipation Guide
Blank applications
Model application for portfolio "Filling Out the Job Application"

Introduction:
Administer the "How Well Do You Follow Directions?" test. Discuss the importance of following directions when completing an application.

Procedures:

1. Hand out the Anticipation Guide and give the students about 2-3 minutes to complete. They should put a check on the line next to the statement in the "Before" column if they believe the statement to be true.
2. Review correct procedures for completing applications. Elicit and record tips from students.
3. Give students an application to practice completing. Switch applications between students and, using the guidelines discussed, have them check each other.
4. Have students complete a model application, one that they can carry in their portfolios and refer to when completing out applications for the jobs that they are applying for.

This may be a good time to play the board game on applying for a job. Use a following direction icebreaker to begin the class.

** Worksheet: Application Guide

Tips For Completing Applications

• If possible, pick up an extra application in case you make any mistakes.
• Carefully read all instructions before completing the application. Be sure you are writing your information in the correct place.
• Write your full name and not nickname. Write your complete address including your zip code.
• If there is a section for "special training or skills" list awards or certificates you have received or skills that show you are qualified for the position. For example you can write "CPR certified" or "knowledge of word processing and the internet."
• The application may ask for references. References are people whom the interviewer may call to verify information on your application. There are two types of references, professional references and personal references. Professional references are former employers and personal references are people you have known for at least one year who you are not related to, a teacher for example. You should ALWAYS ask permission of the people you plan to list as references so they are prepared when the interviewer contacts them.
• The application will include a section on education. List the school you currently attend first. When filling in the "last grade completed" remember this is not the grade you are in now because you have not yet completed it. Be sure you have the address and phone number of your school.
• The application may ask you to write the position you are applying for. Write a specific job title or type of work. Do not leave the space blank or write "anything."
• Fill out the entire application. If a question does not apply to you write N/A for not applicable. For example, some applications ask about military service. If you have not served in the military, you would write N/A in the appropriate space.
• If you have worked before, list your current or most recent job first, then list the job before that, this is called reverse chronological order.
• Always proofread carefully. Check your spelling and be sure you have answered all the questions.
• Remember to sign and date your application.
• If you hand-deliver your application, dress in a professional manner. They may want to interview you on the spot.

Filling Out Job Applications

Job Application Form #1: Coffee Shop - (Microsoft Word Document)
Job Application Form #2 : Office Supplies - (Microsoft Word Document)

References

References should be teachers, past and/or present employers, or volunteer work supervisors. References should not be friends and family. Contact of these people prior to an interview and notify them of your job search and the possibility the they may be contacted by the companies you are interviewing with. You should have a list of at least three references.

Name
Title
Place of work
Address
Telephone number

Skills

Objective:
To help students identify their functional or transferable skills.

Competencies:
Explore and identify work and personal values; interest; skills; passions.

Materials:
Completed Terrific 10 Summary

Introduction:
Conduct a group brainstorming lesson prior to this if group work may be difficult for students. Or adapt this lesson to do individually. Discuss the definition of skills and the categories that they fall into: date, people, or things. Discuss also the difficulty of employers to find qualified, skilled employees and the importance of them identifying and developing their skills. Good time to talk about volunteer opportunities, internships, etc.

Procedures:

1. Have students refer to their Terrific 10 Summary of favorite hobbies and recreational activities.
2. Have students break into small groups and discuss the following questions:
   What skills are used in these activities?
   Would these skills be valuable in post-secondary education or vocational training?
   What types of occupations would require these skills?
   What other skills do they need to be successful in their interested career path?
3. Have one representative from each group report the various skills they came up with and the courses or occupations where these skills might be used.
4. From the skills identified where could students develop their skills?
5. Record skills on the self - awareness web.

MY TURN, Inc.
Unit 1: Self Awareness
Schoot-to-Work Curriculum

Conducting a Job Search and Job Hunting Techniques

Finding your first job can be both a rewarding and frustrating experience.

Many jobs require experience - but how do you get experience when you are still looking for your first job? You may already have some work experience through volunteer work. Assess your skills and interests to determine what kind of skills you have had. Even unpaid work experience is beneficial in your job search.

Also, consider internships and part-time work. Not only is it a great way to get experience which you can put on your resume or on a job application, it is also a great way to try out a career to see if it is really what you want to do.

Here are some tips you may want to follow in your job search:

• Involve friends and family. A support group, such as friends and family, will offer encouragement and assistance in your job search.
• Allow a reasonable amount of time. Do not expect to find a job within a few weeks.
• Devote time to your job search. A thorough job search is hard work. Expect to spend several hours a day looking for a job.
• Be organized. Keep a record of all the places you have applied, who you talked to, and what responses you received.
• Meet with people in the field you are interested in pursuing.
• Check job listings in the newspaper classified advertising sections or with your state employment office. Your state employment office also may be able to offer some job search assistance.

Now, you have found a job possibility but you need a cover letter, resume, and have to go for an interview. READ over these sections to help you in this process.