1. Chapter 8
Applying for a Job

2. Chapter Objectives
Explain how to find job openings.
Create job résumés, letters of application, and
portfolios.
Prepare job application forms correctly.

3. Key Concepts
Job hunting requires using all resources available
to find job openings.
A personal fact sheet will help you write letters of
application, prepare job résumés, and fill out
application forms.
A well-written résumé can help you stand out to an
employer.
A short, carefully worded letter of application
should accompany each résumé you submit.
An application form must be filled out completely
and neatly.

4. Finding Job Openings
Sources of job leads include:
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Friends and relatives.
Networking.
School placement services.
Direct employer contact.
Want ads.
Trade and professional journals.
Government and private employment services.
The Internet.

5. Friends and Relatives
Friends and relatives may
know of employment
opportunities for you.
Give them copies of your
résumé.
 Résumé: A brief history of
your education, work
experience, and
qualifications for
employment.

6. Networking
 Networking: Talking with
people and creating
connections that can lead
to more information or
business.
Social and professional networks can help you find a job,
but a strong professional network may be more
important.
Your network will become stronger as you make more
contacts and show your abilities.

7. School Placement Services
Your school may have a placement office or
counselor to help find students employment.
The placement office notifies qualified students
about interviews when a job becomes available.

8. Direct Employer Contact
Directly contacting
employers is a good way to
find job openings.
Make a list of possible
employers by looking in the
Yellow Pages, visiting the
chamber of commerce or
public library, and asking
friends and relatives for
contacts.
continued

9. Direct Employer Contact
 Personnel/human resource department:
Department of a company that handles
responsibilities related to employment.
If the company does not have a personnel
department, contact the department manager or the
president.
Write or call the appropriate contact person to
express interest in employment.

10. Want Ads
Job openings are listed in newspapers in the
“classified ads” or “want ads.”
These ads list job openings, the skills required, and
salary ranges.
 Blind ad: An ad that does not include the name of a
company or contact person.

11. Trade and Professional Journals
Many trade and professional magazines publish job
ads seeking experienced workers.
These journals publish up-to-date information about
developments and trends in a given occupation.
Reading journals will help you know your field
better.

12. Government Employment Services
Most large cities and towns have state employment
offices to help people find jobs within and outside
government.
After you fill out an application, an employment
counselor will interview you to find out your skills
and interests.
When jobs become available, the office will set up
your interviews with them.
continued

13. Government Employment Services
One-Stop Career Centers coordinate local, state, and
national resources to provide a wide range of
employment, education, and training services.
Some of those resources include:
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O*NET Online.
America’s Career InfoNet.
America’s Service Locator.

14. Private Employment Agencies
Private employment agencies help companies find
workers and job seekers find employment.
These agencies charge fees for their service, either to
the employer or the job seeker.
Only a small percentage of jobs are found through
private agencies.

15. Searching the Internet
The Internet allows you
to search for jobs in
different cities, states,
and countries.
Job-search Web sites
list openings by type,
title, and location.
Many companies
announce job openings
on their Web sites.

16. Before You Apply
Before you apply for
any jobs, you need to
make a personal fact
sheet.
 Personal fact sheet: A
written summary of
important facts that
helps a person write
letters of application,
prepare résumés, and
fill out applications.

17. Preparing a Personal Fact Sheet
 Important items to include on your fact sheet:
 Name.
 Address.
 Phone number.
 Reference: A person who
 E-mail address.
knows you well and is willing
 Date of birth.
to discuss your personal and
 Summary of education.
job qualifications with
 Work experiences.
employers.
 Skills.
 Honors.
 Activities.
 References.

18. Job Résumés
An employer can quickly
learn about you by reading
your résumé.
A well-prepared résumé
can draw attention to your
qualifications and help you
get an interview.

19. Job Résumé Information
Place your name and contact information at the top
of your résumé.
Organize your résumé by headings to make it easy to
read.
List the headings in order of what you feel is most
important for the employer to know.
Use résumé-writing software to help you organize
and format your information.
continued

20. Job Résumé Information
The following headings are used most often in
résumés:
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Job objective – explain the type of job you seek.
Education – schools attended from high school onward.
Work experience – jobs held and dates of employment.
Honors/activities – school/community organizations and
activities.
Personal information – hobbies, optional and normally not
listed.
References – instead of giving details, say the information is
available.

21. Preparing a Résumé
After you write your résumé, leave it alone for a
couple days, then read it again.
Ask other people to read and comment on it.
Your résumé should fit on a sheet of paper, 8½×11
inches.
Printed résumés look more professional than those
that are photocopied.

22. Electronic Résumé
Submit the file by e-mail
in a format that can be
scanned into a database.
Use a file with no special
formatting.
If you have prepared your
résumé electronically,
save it as a separate textonly file.

23. The Job Portfolio
 Portfolio: A well organized collection of materials
that supports your job qualifications.
Your portfolio should include a letter of application,
résumé, and samples of your best work.
A good portfolio may take months or years to develop
and needs to be continually updated.

24. Developing a Home Page
Your home page should include
your résumé as well as photos of
completed projects.
Post only the information an
employer needs to reach you,
such as an e-mail address.
To protect your privacy, do not
post your home address or
telephone number.

25. Contacting an Employer by Telephone
A telephone call to the employer may help you learn
more about the job.
Plan your call and be prepared.
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Choose a quiet location for making the call.
Prepare a list of your questions.
Have a pencil and paper handy.
Use good phone manners.

26. Letter of Application
 Letter of application: A letter sent to an employer to
apply for a job. Also called a cover letter.
Write the letter to the hiring manager.
Your letter should include three paragraphs.
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Opening paragraph – state your purpose and the job or type of
work you seek.
Middle paragraph – explain what qualifies you for the job.
Last paragraph – request an interview and provide your
contact information.

27. Job Application Forms
Employers use
application forms to
screen applicants.
If your application is
incomplete, difficult to
read, or smudged, it
may be screened out.
Your personal fact sheet
will help you fill out
application forms.
continued

28. Job Application Forms
Follow these tips when filling out an application
form:
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Read the entire application before starting.
Carefully follow the instructions.
Complete every question on both sides of the form.
For social security number, write “will provide if hired.”
For salary, write “open” or “negotiable.”
Include part-time jobs in your work history.
Be as neat as possible.

29. Illegal Questions on Job Applications
Federal laws dictate what questions can be asked by
employers in an application form or interview.
These laws prevent discrimination in hiring related
to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, and
disability.
Legally, you must only answer questions that relate
to your ability to do the job.

30. Thinking Back
What methods will you
use to find job
openings?
Why is it important to
prepare a personal fact
sheet before you create
a résumé?
What are some illegal
questions employers
cannot ask in
application forms or
interviews?