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Employment

Job vs Career
Without vocational training, high school graduates may find limited career options. Rather than starting a career, they may be forced to "get a job." The unfortunate reality is they may not be making more than minimum wage and their opportunities for advancement will be quite limited. However, businesses and industries are always looking for polite, industrious, punctual, well-groomed employees who are willing to learn. Employees with these qualities can prove invaluable to an employer, possibly leading to advancement and opportunity. High school graduates should attempt to find a job in an area that might prove to be a career interest and lead to job advancement.

Finding a Job
Prepare a professional looking resume and attach a copy of your resume to each application you complete. You can also mail or e-mail a copy of your resume and a coverletter to prospective employers requesting an interview.

Job Leads
Job Leads can come from a variety of sources.

• School counselors
• District Career Placement Center
• Co-op programs
• Word-of-mouth
• Former employers
• Employment agencies
• Personnel office postings
• Newspaper ads
• "Help Wanted" signs
• Professional people you know

The best job leads will probably not be in the newspapers. For career-oriented jobs, it is best to network with the people you know in the field you desire and always keep a professional rapport with each of your past employers. It's a small world, don't burn your bridges.

Dress for Success

• Look sharper than you usually do. You must sell yourself and let the employer know you consider the interview to be very important.
• Be conservative in dress; revealing clothes, very short skirts, extremely high-heeled shoes are not appropriate.
• Careful grooming is a must. Avoid too much of anything, such as colognes, aftershaves, make-up, or jewelry.

How Employers Think- They look for these traits:

• Dependable
• Team Player
• Responsible
• Self-starter
• Efficient

Factors that can eliminate a candidate

• History of absenteeism
• Poor communication skills
• Lack of specific skills
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Poorly groomed

Preparation

• Learn about the organization.
• Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Prepare to answer broad questions about yourself.
• Arrive before the scheduled time of your interview.

The Interview

• Answer each question concisely.
• Respond promptly.
• Use good manners. Learn the name of the interviewer and shake hands as you meet.
• Use proper English and avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization.
• Thank the interviewer and follow-up with a letter.

Information to Bring to an Interview

• Social security number
• Driver's license number
• Resume  Although not all employers require applicants to bring a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer with information about your education, training, and previous employment.
• References  Usually an employer requires three references. Get permission from people before using their names. Try to avoid using relatives. For each reference, provide the following information: name, address, telephone number and occupation.

Ending the Interview

• An important part of the interviewing process. Leave promptly when the interview is concluded. Be certain to use good manners. Thank the employer for the time taken with you and also thank the receptionist or secretary. His or her opinion of you may also count in the hiring. Try to make arrangements to call the employer back at a specific time to find out the decision. In that way, the employer will be expecting your call. When you return home, be certain to send the employer a "Thank You" note. This will not only show good manners, but will also remind the employer of you.