WIN: WORKFORCE INITIATIVE NOW

(MUSIC PLAYS)

No Audio: Linda - Career Counselor

Linda: Trying to get hired can feel like a game, but it's no fun unless you're winning. This video, brought to you by Child Support Services, will help you win the game of getting a job. Along with your Pathway to Success workbook, we will help you move closer to being hired. 

Everyone joining the job game starts at the same spot, looking for the best positions to apply for. David and Jim are ready to launch their job searches. David is circling want ads and Jim is looking online with key words related to his field. Jim has mainly done office work so he's using words like "data specialist" to narrow his search. Your local library offers free internet and computer use for your searches and applications. 

You can really speed up the game if you focus on jobs that interest you. When you know what you like and what you're good at, figuring out where to apply is much easier. Jim and David have both found positions they think they'd enjoy that relate to their experience. They're already ahead of the game. Learning more about the company and the job itself is another move forward.  

David's job history includes construction and manufacturing and he's familiar with the industry terms. The ad lists job and shift details available at ABC Construction. He's taking notes about what to include in his application and interview. He's moving ahead. 

Jim is interested in a position at a company called Advanced Tech. He's visiting the company's website to find out more. Knowing what kind of business Advanced Tech does will help him decide if it's a good fit for him. Anything you can find out about a company in advance helps you prepare to apply, create a specific resume and interview successfully. Both jobseekers are ready for the next step in the game, the application process. 

They both jump ahead because they are using the tools in their Pathway to Success workbook. You can get your copy at any Child Support Services office. Inside you'll find a master application. Preparing this keeps all your information organized and ready. Remember, you do not hand in your master application instead of filling out the form that the employer provides. Completing it puts all of your employment information in one place when you need it for applications or resume building. 

Let's look at some of the parts of the application so you'll know what you may be asked. The top right corner is for office use only. You don't need to fill out anything labeled "Office Use" or "HR Use Only." Remember to enter your legal name, not a nickname. Also, use a physical address not a post office box number. You can use a friend or relative's address, if you have daily access. The telephone number you provide needs to be reliable with a professional sounding message. Songs or jokes might confuse a potential employer. 

Above all, be honest. Giving clear, correct answers to just the questions that apply to you will move you closer to hired. For example, if the job you're applying for does not require driving, you can leave that section blank. Read the questions carefully. Providing too much information can set you back. 

No Audio: Skip questions that donÆt apply.

Let's move to Employment Interests. It asks, "What position are you applying for?" No matter how ready you are to work, it's best not to answer "any." Answering with the job title or category you want shows initiative. David is applying for the Commercial Roofer and Warehouse Support jobs at ABC Construction. He has experience in both. 

You may be asked if you have a preferred shift or location. Answer based on what works best for you. Jim's wife uses the family car in the evenings, so he's only applying for daytime shifts. If it's better to work at the location closer to your home, it's okay to say so. Honest answers make for the best fit on both sides. 

"When are you are available to start?" It's best to list a week or two away. Answering "today" can sound overeager. If the company needs you to start earlier, they'll ask. Knowing what you need in advance will help you answer the pay desired question. Listing a rate lower than what you need won't get you far. Being aware of the going rate for the position - either posted in the job listing or through your own research - will move you closer to hired. 

Let's move another step closer. Now we're ready for Employment History. Read carefully to see which order they want past positions listed. This is where the master application can save you time and help you make an outstanding first impression when you go to apply. You'll need specifics for each job you've held over a week, including address, phone number, supervisor's name, dates and wage information. 

There are two blanks here that can help you win the job. First, reason for leaving. Use positive language here. "Seeking new opportunities," is better than "I didn't like my manager." "Laid off" is better than "Let go." Honesty and clarity are important. Your former supervisors may be contacted. By law an employer may provide limited information about you, like confirming dates of employment and position held.

Next, let's look at Description of Major Responsibilities. For David, if he just answers "warehouse," that doesn't include the fact that he's a skilled forklift operator with inventory management experience. The more he lets the employer know about his skills, the closer he gets to hired. In the Education Section, you'll need to provide school addresses and GPA information. If you have not yet earned your GED or could use job training, visit the parent resources section of the Child Support website for information. 

No Audio: For GED or Job Training Information: www.okdhs.org. Click on Child Support Services.

Your job options can only grow with added skills. Your Personal References need to be people other than relatives and employers. Make sure to tell your references about the job you are applying for. 

Jim: Yes Ma'am. It's for a Customer Service Specialist position. Right. Okay, thank you so much. Alright, bye-bye. Alright.

Linda: In your special skills section list all your specialized training like licenses, certifications, machines you can operate, software you know. List any ability that could possibly relate to the company where you are applying. 

Positive language will help you again, if you're asked to explain employment gaps. Were you staying home with your family, conducting a job search or pursuing training? Those are positive answers that reflect what you did in the gap, not the circumstances that got you there. To fill your current employment gap, volunteer in your community. You will be doing good works that make you feel good - gaining contacts and possibly a new skill and reference. Call 211 for opportunities.

Finally, read the pre-employment statement carefully. These are the terms of employment you are agreeing to. If the company requires a drug and alcohol screening prior to employment, make sure you would pass before applying for the job. With a complete master application, David and Jim are ready to apply for their jobs. Jim is filling his out online. David is applying in person at ABC Construction. 

David moves even closer to hired with this great first impression. He's wearing appropriate, clean clothes with no messages on them, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Notice he's not wearing a hat or sunglasses. He hasn't been smoking and is freshly showered. No heavy cologne. 

He has his own pen and his master application as a guide. He's going to read the application carefully and fill it out in neat, easy to read handwriting. He's not going to stand out in the wrong way by being overly chatty with the staff. He is professional and polite. He's sure to get an interview.

Jim and David are getting closer to hired. They have both been called in for interviews. 

No Audio: Confirm interview appointment.

David: Thank you, Ms. Whitman. I'll be there, Tuesday at 9:30 am.

Jim: Yes Sir. I'll see you then. And thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. McCormick. Okay. Alright, bye. 

Linda: With the resume organizer in their workbooks they can create job specific resumes to take to their interviews - moving them even closer. A resume contains some of the same information as an application, but they are not the same thing. A resume is an opportunity for you to highlight your abilities and responsibilities based on what you know the company is looking for. This includes on-the-job training, community service, accomplishments and awards. 

One page resumes are standard. Phrasing matters on a resume, too. Using words that show how much you've benefitted other companies with what you've done moves you forward. If Jim lists "scheduling shifts" on his resume, it doesn't paint the picture for the employer as well as this does: "Responsible for scheduling a 65-member customer service staff, reducing missed shifts by 87% in two years." Numbers make it clearer. He's getting closer. 

After you've completed your resume, ask people you respect to look it over and offer ways to improve it. Your handbook has formats for resumes, cover letters and thank you letters along with great tips and information. David and Jim are moving forward again. The game is getting easier. They're both dressed to impress, fresh and clean, with tailor-made resumes. 

Now it's time for a bonus move that boosts self-confidence and scores points with employers - the Elevator Speech. An elevator speech is a short summary of your job experiences, strengths and objectives that you use to express your interest to a potential employer. It's like a verbal resume. Your goal is to capture your listener's attention in the length of - well, you guessed it - an elevator ride. Jim and David are rehearsing their elevator speeches right now on their way to see me for interview practice. 

Jim: Hello, Mr. McCormick. My name is Jim Thomas and I'm interested in the Customer Service Specialist position. The bulk of my work experience has been in Customer Service and Data Management, including both incoming and outgoing call centers. Most recently, I have been working as a Floor Manager and Trainer with Superior Services where my job duties basically consist of communications training and software training with new participants and shift management, including scheduling. Right now, I'm focused on excellent delivery of service. And my leadership skills and team building abilities will also be a tremendous asset to this company. My ultimate goal is to be a full-time Floor Manager and Trainer, as well as a Center Manager.

Linda: Do you see how his posture and tone of voice show confidence? He's ready to win the job game. Let's see how David does.

David:  Hello, Ms. Whitman. I'm David Williams. I'm interested in the Warehouse Support or Industrial Roofer positions you have available. I've worked in warehousing as a forklift operator and in inventory control. Most recently I've worked at DP Manufacturing where I did the scanning of inventory and shipments along with forklift operation and load balance. I've also been a residential roofer with my family-owned company since I was a teenager. Roofing is my second-nature. Both positions require balancing variables, which is my strong suit. I will be an asset in either position and I'd be willing to work in both. 

Linda: Let's move David closer to hired. He knows what he can offer and what he wants. He's my first appointment. Have a seat, David. 

David: Thanks, Linda. I'm ready for my interview practice. I did my research on ABC Construction like you suggested.

Linda: You already did three things right before you said a word. You stood straight and strong, good eye contact, friendly expression.

David: You told me to remember to smile. 

Linda: Exactly. You did your research on ABC Company. If you know what they do and what you can do for them and you're ready to talk about it, you can win the interview game.  

David:  And, I'm that much closer to hired.

Linda: Right. Here's the first practice question - would you please tell me about yourself, Mr. Williams?

David: Well, I'm a forklift operator and a roofer...uh. Umm...let's see, I've been... I drew a blank.

Linda: You know, that happens a lot. People aren't comfortable talking about themselves. They feel it's impolite or like bragging. But, your ability to sell yourself and express interest in the job will set you apart from the rest. And you can always use your elevator speech for that question. Okay. Now, take a deep breath and try again.

David: I've worked in warehouse inventory and shipping for the last 10 years as well as my family's roofing and construction business since my teens. I'm a forklift operator and mechanic.

Linda: Wait a minute! You never told me you were a mechanic when we've practiced before. 

David: It just now occurred to me as something to say.

Linda: That's great! That opens up even more opportunities. Next question - what do you know about our company?

David: Oh, I've got this one! ABC specializes in commercial roofing for industrial complexes like Riverview Mall. ABC Construction is also the number one distributor of Whitman Roofing Supplies. 

Linda: You got it! Your research has helped in every step of the job game. 

David: Well, I asked a friend who works there and I read one of their brochures in the lobby. And there was a lot of information on the job listing. 

Linda: One last question - why do you want to work for us?

David: ABC has a great reputation as a growing company. You work all year without seasonal layoffs, and I'm looking forward to the high quality work in both of ABC's operations.

Linda: Great! I would hire you.

David: Thanks, Linda. Wish me luck.

Linda: Good luck! David really expressed his interest in the job and the company. He's going to win this game. I'm going to ask Jim the last two most asked interview questions. 

Jim: Hi, Linda. Okay, well, as you know, my interview is coming up with Advanced Tech on Tuesday and I'm actually, starting to... I'm starting to actually get nervous. 

Linda: But you're prepared and you've got a great resume. I can tell you're nervous, though, because you're kind of fidgety and you're crossing and uncrossing your arms.

Jim: Sorry. I'm not really sure about how much I should say about my conviction.

Linda: Well, you told the truth on your application, right? Okay? Alright, that's the best policy because employers - they do background checks.

Jim: I did actually get a copy of my report so that I would know what was in there, just to make sure everything was correct.  

Linda: Okay, it helps to know what they'll be reading. Also, you only have to answer what is specifically asked. If they ask you about the last five years and your conviction was ten years ago, you don't need to mention it.

Jim: I guess I'm just worried about just exactly how much I should say.

Linda: Let's practice. Tell me about any convictions you've had.

Jim: Okay. Well, three years ago, I was convicted of a DUI. It was actually my second one in the past ten years, so it was considered a felony. I've completed all the court order requirements. I've stopped drinking which is good of course. And I can assure you that this will not be an issue again. See, what had actually happened was...

Linda: You can stop there, Jim. You've answered the question very well. Knowing when to stop talking is a big part of the interview game. 

Jim: Right. Right, right. Just only answer what you're asked, right. Okay. Oh, there actually is one more question that I keep getting tripped up on as far as the practice question goes. The one where they ask, "Why did you leave your last job?" 

Linda: That is one of the top 5 questions in interviews. 

Jim: Right, and I think that's why I'm having such a hard time with it.

Linda: Just remember to be positive and not to say more than you need to. Okay, let's try. Why did you leave your last job?

Jim: Well, actually I was fired. The new Director of Training didn't like my style so what he did was he brought in a trainer from his last job.

Linda: Okay, what was your style?

Jim: Well, I wanted to have less time on the input screens and more time training with the reps. That way they would actually know and feel comfortable when they were talking with the customers.

Linda: Now we're getting somewhere. Find the positive in there. 

Jim: Right. Okay, so just... Alright, ask me again and this time I will try to be less fidgety.

Linda: Okay. Why did you leave your last job?

Jim: Why did I leave my last job? Okay, um, I got this. Well, I wanted to focus more on training and getting the customer reps prepared and developing a positive attitude. And the company wanted to focus more on computers. 

Linda: It's all true. It's all positive. You let the emotion go and just stated the facts.

Jim: Actually, I feel better, too. 

Linda: Last question - tell me about your experience at your last job?

Jim: I discovered the dynamic power of training and great customer service. I also learned that you can hear a smile.

Linda: And, I can see one right now. You look relaxed and confident. 

Jim: Actually, I am. I think I'm ready. I think I can do this. Thank you! 

Linda: You're going to win this one. Don't forget to send a thank you letter after your interview. That will earn you some bonus points with the boss and show your professionalism and courtesy. The format is in your workbook.

Jim: I feel like I know what to expect. And again, thank you so much, Linda. I appreciate it.

Linda: Nice handshake! Good work, Jim. As we reach the end of the employment game, we have two winners. Your Pathway to Success handbook, available from Child Support Services, will help you get in the game and get you closer to hired. We want you to find your job and your success. For more information go to okdhs.org or call 800-522-2922. Thank you for watching and good luck.