Chapter 9

Career Planning

9-1 Career Opportunities

THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESS Occupation- task or series of tasks that is

performed to provide a good or service Career- goal for work that is fulfilled

through an occupation Your current career goal is to complete

your schooling and get ready for the future.

Career planning- process of studying careers, assessing yourself in terms of careers, and making decisions about a future career

The Career Planning Process

Personal Assessment Determine interests and values Identify talents and abilities

Employment market analysis Geographic influences Business and economic trends

The Career Planning Process

Application process application form resume and cover letter

Interview process Prepare for interview Follow-up activities

The Career Planning Process

Employment acceptance Salary and financial factors Organizational environment

Career development and advancement

Practice career success behaviors Develop strong work relationships

Your Study of Careers

Too often, a career choice is not made until full-time work begins

This is too late, especially if training and education are required

It is important to view learning about careers as a life-long activity

Tentative career decision- subject to change as new information is received

Career Training

Many careers required education and training beyond high school including:

Two-year schools- community or junior colleges

Four-year colleges and universities- public and private

Private business schools- court reporter, computer tech, medical assistant, etc.

Consider the cost of further schooling as an investment in your future.

This schooling will help you earn a higher wage.

Many ways exist to help finance your education.

Many financial aid programs are provided by schools including:

Scholarships Student loans Work-study programs Some financial aid programs are

based on your academic record. Others are based on financial need.

Checkpoint>>

Why is it important to follow each of the six steps in the Career Planning Process?

Print and Media Sources

Occupational Outlook Handbook- information on hundreds of occupations including

Job duties Working conditions Education and training requirements Advancement opportunities Employment outlook Earnings

Career World- includes careers of the future

Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance- basic information about many occupations

Newspaper Help Wanted Ads- an idea of jobs in demand and what skills and training are needed

Online Sources

Web sites are available to help with career planning.

A search may be performed to gather information about: resumes, effective interviewing, creating a career portfolio

Informational Interview

Informational interview- planned discussion with a worker willing to help you learn about their work, the preparation needed for the career, and the person’s feelings about their career

Help you gain insight into what really happens in a career

Questions to ask during an informational interview include:

How did you get your current job? In what ways do you find your work most

satisfying? What are your main frustrations?

What tasks and activities are required in your work?

What are the most important qualifications for working in this field?

What advice do you give a young person who is thinking about this type of work?

Job shadow- spending time with a worker for a day or week to learn about their occupation

Business Contacts

Networking- talking to other people about their jobs

Advantages of networking: Contacts not limited to people you know

personally Every person you meet is a potential

contact for career information The contacts in your network when you

start work as well as later in life

Checkpoint>>

What are the main sources of career information?

In-Class Activity>>

Review Figure 9-2 on page 205 of your textbook then answer the following questions.

Which of the career areas shown interest you? Do you think you should limit your career exploration to these areas? Why or why not?

GROWTH CAREER AREAS

Geographic Influences Mobility- willingness and ability to

move where jobs are located Locational unemployment- jobs are

available in one place but go unfilled because qualified persons live elsewhere and are unwilling to move

Economic and Industry Trends

Careers with the most potential are influenced by economic trends.

Consumer demand Changing demographic trends New technology

Checkpoint>>

What factors affect the career areas that will be in demand in the future?

9-1 ASSESSMENT

Complete questions #1-3 from page 5 of your packet.

9-2

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT Your career planning activities

should start with a self assessment of your interests, values, & abilities.

These three areas will help you better you better understand the careers are best for you.

Interests Provide a basis for your employment

goals and possible career paths. People with strong social tendencies

bay be best suited for work interacting with people.

If you enjoy investigating, a career in research should be considered.

Values Values- things important to you You can begin to look at your values

by answering some questions: Is it important for me to earn a lot of

money? Am I mainly interested in work that

provides a service for others?

Is it important for me to have occupation that others think is important even if I don’t really care for it?

Do I want an occupation that is very challenging and may require additional schooling?

Would I be willing to start in a job that pays a lower salary than another job if that job was more challenging and offered better opportunities for future advancement?

Do I consider investing money in education or training as important as spending for other things?

Talents and Abilities Talents- a natural, inborn aptitude

to do certain things Ability- being able to perform a

mental or physical task

You can learn about your abilities by: Evaluating the grades you got in the

classes you have taken Which classes were easiest Which classes have been the most

difficult If you are weak in a certain area, take

classes that will improve that area.

If you are weak in a certain area, take classes that will improve that area.

Work to strengthen your weak areas before you go to full-time work

Checkpoint>> What is the difference between

an interest and a talent?

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Work-Study Programs Cooperative education combines

school with work-related experience. These programs provide an occasion

to develop a variety of on-the-job skills.

You will also learn to interact in work settings.

Internships- work experience in organizations while learning about a career

Common internships include: accounting, finance, and marketing

Applying for an internship is similar to applying for a job.

Part-Time Employment Summer and part-time work can

provide valuable experience. Work experience will allow you the

chance to see if you enjoy a particular career field.

Part-time work helps you make contacts.

Volunteer Activities Community service can help you in

gaining career experience and improving work habits.

Helps with organizational skills making career contacts

School Activities Class assignments can provide

work-related experiences. Example: Research and

communication skills are developed when you prepare reports or oral presentations.

Working on team projects offers you a chance to interact with others which is a vital skill

School clubs and organizations can result in a range of valuable skills:

goal setting planning supervising delegating responsibility

Checkpoint>> Of the listed methods for

obtaining employment experience (work-study, part-time, volunteer, school), which one do you feel is the most beneficial for career planning and why?

SOURCES OF AVAILABLE JOBS

The Media Newspaper Want Ads are a common

starting point in a job search Many newspapers post employment

ads on their Web sites Some newspapers have partnered

with career Web sites with searchable databases of current positions

Personal Contacts Let as many people as possible

know that you are looking for a job. School counselors can be very

helpful. Relatives, friends, neighbors will be

good sources for job leads.

Business Contacts You should visit a business and ask

about their openings. Some businesses post help wanted

signs in their windows. Some retail businesses including

restaurants accept applications continuously.

Employment kiosk- apply online for a job

Located in large stores You can also use: phone books,

business directories, and Web sites to locate business contact information

Career Fairs Often held at schools or community

centers Allow you to contact several

potential employers in a short period of time

Government Employment Offices

Local and state government employment offices give information about available jobs.

Supported by tax money Employment offices can provide up-

to-date information about the job market

They can help you look for full-time and part-time work

Checkpoint>> What are the main sources of

information about available jobs?

Please complete the Assessment Questions at the end of the packet.

9-3 Applying for Employment

APPLICATION ACTIVITIES The application process may start in

many ways Fill out application you received

from the employer Complete an online application form Submit a resume and cover letter

Personal Data Sheet The application process begins by

preparing a personal data sheet- summary of your important job related information

It should list your Education Work experience References Having a complete data sheet will

ensure you have all necessary information to fill out an application.

Application Form Application form- asks for

information related to employment Gives the employer standard

information for each job applicant

The form will likely ask you for your: Name Address Social security number Education Work experience The job you’re applying for References

Filling out the application form should be viewed as your first job task.

Follow directions carefully Print answers neatly Answer all questions completely See page 216, Figure 9-3 for an

example.

Resume Resume- tool that provides

information about you to a potential employer

A resume usually includes the following sections:

Personal information- name, address, phone, email

Career objective- personal employment goal

Education- schools attended, dates, degrees, programs of study

Experience- work and volunteer with dates and responsibilities

Career-related honors and other activities- awards, school and community involvement

Be sure your resume is presented in a professional manner

Clean Organized No errors Fits on one page Be honest about qualifications

Use action words that demonstrate what you have achieved

Career Portfolio Career portfolio- tangible evidence of your

abilities and skills A career portfolio may include the

following items: Resume, cover letter, and answers to

sample interview questions Sample reports, presentation materials,

and research findings from school projects

Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects

Web site designs, creative works from school activities or previous employment such as ads, packages, and promotions

News articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have participated

Letters of recommendation

Checkpoint>> Of the five sections of a resume,

which one do you feel is the most important in getting a job? Why?

APPLICATION COVER LETTER Cover letter- expresses your

interest in a specific job Think of it as a sales letter for the

purpose of obtaining an interview.

Should: draw attention and interest build desire to meet you urge the reader to invite you for an

interview A cover letter usually includes three

main sections: introduction, development, and conclusion

Introduction

Get the reader’s attention Indicate the reason for writing

Refer to the job or type of employment you’re interested in

Give a summary of your experience Mention the name of the person

who referred you to this organization

Development

Highlight background and experience that specially qualify you for the job

Refer the employer to your resume for details

Summarize information about your experiences and training

Connect your skills and background to specific organizational needs

Conclusion

Designed to request action Ask for the opportunity to

interview Include contact information, phone

numbers, times you’re available, and email

Close the letter with how you can benefit their organization

Targeted Letter Targeted application letter- quick

summary of ability to meet the needs of an organization

Sent instead of standard resume and cover letter

Includes a list of major skills

Checkpoint>> What is the purpose of a cover

letter?

ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS Online Applications In addition to the basic application,

you may be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability to the available position.

When posting your resume online or sending it by email:

Use a simple formatAvoid bold, underline, italics, and

tabs Do not use attached files that

may be difficult to open

Cyber Interviewing Many organizations hold screening

interviews using video conferencing. Others require applicants to post

preliminary interview responses online.

Sample e-interview questions include:

Would you rather have structure or flexibility?

What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?

Checkpoint>> How is the Internet used in the

job application process?

Please complete the assessment questions at the end of the packet.

9-4 Securing a Job THE INTERVIEW PROCESS Employment interview- two-way

conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and company

Before you Interview Prepare for an interview by

obtaining more information about the potential employer and the job for which you are applying. Questions you might ask during an interview include:

What training opportunities are available to employees?

What qualities do your most successful employees possess?

What new opportunities are your company considering in the next few years?

Successful interviewing requires practice.

Record yourself so you will answer questions smoothly and completely.

Prepare concise answers for specific questions you may be asked.

Ask friends to help you practice your interview skills.

Make a good first impression. Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Go alone to the interview even if

someone else is providing your transportation.

During the Interview The person who interviews you

wants to find out things about your: Appearance Manners Use of language General ability for the job

Behavioral interviewing- include situations or questions to see how you react under pressure

Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact.

Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job and your qualifications.

Some employers use pre-employment tests to screen applicants.

Pre-employment test- include assessments for keyboarding, word processing, calculating

After the Interview Within a day or two, send a follow

up letter- expresses appreciation for the opportunity to interview

Even if you don’t get the job this letter will make a positive impression for future consideration

Evaluate your interview performance.

Try to remember questions you were not expecting or not prepared to answer.

Write notes in areas where you need improvement.

Be patient after the interview. It may take several weeks for the

company to make a selection.

Checkpoint>> What actions should be taken

when preparing for an employment interview?

JOB OFFERS

Salary and Financial Factors The type of work and experience will

determine your rate of pay. Common employee benefits include:

insurance, vacation time, retirement programs

Additional employee benefits include: free parking, on-site fitness centers, and discount gym memberships

Ask what benefits and services will be available to you and how much you will be asked to pay.

Part-time and seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits

Organizational Environment While the financial elements of a job

are very important, also consider the working environment.

Leadership style Dress code Physical workspace Social atmosphere

Advancement potential training programs should be assessed.

Some companies pride in promoting from within and provide career and personal growth opportunities

Checkpoint>> What factors should a person

consider when accepting a job?

ON THE JOB BEHAVIOR

Job Success Strategies As you prepare for your first day of

work, remember the following: Ask questions If you do not understand directions,

have them repeated and listen carefully. You will probably make mistakes. Be

sure to learn from each mistake and avoid repeating it.

Avoid complaining If you seem to have more work than

you can handle, talk to your supervisor.

Honor the time for breaks Don’t abuse rest periods and lunch

breaks by extending the time limit.

Consider your appearance Dress neatly and be well groomed Be on time Arriving late or leaving early is poor

practice.

Be friendly with everyone Respect your co-workers and

learn to get along. Show you are dependable Do quality work that is

completed on time.Sloppy work or work turned in late

affects others.

Follow the rules If a rule seems unfair or

unreasonable, discuss it with others and find out why it was created.

Mentor- experienced employee who serves as counselor to a person with less experience

Offer advice related to work assignments and career guidance

Leaving a Job When the time comes to leave a

job, it is important to depart on good terms.

Give at least a two week noticeWrite a letter of resignation

Include the last day you will be working

Try to finish all of your current projects. If incomplete, leave a note explaining

to the next person where to begin. If there is an exit interview-

employer asks questions about your work, be constructive and cooperative

Let co-workers know that you appreciated the opportunity to work with them.

Checkpoint>> How does a mentor assist less

experienced employees?

Please complete the Assessment questions at the end of the packet.