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Job Search Preparation

Let's begin preparing for the job search!

How you'll need to prepare, and what you'll need to prepare, will greatly depend on the type of job you're applying for, it's location, and whether or not you'll be searching for jobs on your own or with agency support.  As you look over the menu below, just pick and choose the preparation steps you'll need!

Think for a moment....

Where would you like to work?  Which companies would best meet your employment-related needs?  Your desires and interests?  Where would you feel most comfortable working?

Before beginning your job search, try to gather and learn as much information as you can about companies.  You want to choose companies that are a right match for you - and be sure you're a right match for the company.

You'll also want to research a company to prepare for an interview!  You'll want to be able to show an employer how your qualifications are right for the position, explain why you would be an asset to the company, and convince the employer you can do the job.  This will require your knowing a great deal about the company.

If you have an employer in mind, or several employers, let's do some research!  If you don't have an employer in mind right now, that's okay.  You can always come back to the following exercise later.

________________________________________

Employer Research Exercise

For each company of interest, complete the following  COMPANY PROFILE FORM.   Use any or all of the following resources to help you do the exercise.

Resources for Information:

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________________________________________

                                                  COMPANY PROFILE FORM


       Company Name:  _________________________________
       Location:   ___________________
       Phone:    ____________________   Job Hotline: ___________________           
       Company Web Address:  _____________________________________
        _____________________________________________________________________
        
  
         Company Size:        ___  Large     ___  Mid-Size     ___   Small

         Accessibility:

                  Close to public transportation:                ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Convenient location:                                 ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Feasible commuting time:                       ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Accessible facility:                                    ___  Yes     ___  No

                  Notes: _______________________________________________________________
                              ______________________________________________________________

         Employees with Disabilities:   The company has a history of...

                  Hiring people with disabilities:                ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Providing job accommodations:             ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Modifying equipment:                               ___  Yes     ___  No
                  Restructuring jobs:                                    ___  Yes     ___  No
  
         Work Schedule Options:

                 ___  Full-time                                        ___  Part-time
                 ___  Job sharing                                   ___  Flextime
                 ___  Telecommuting                             ___ Teleworking
                 ___  Adjustable work hours                 ___  Weekend shift
                 ___  Day shift                                         ___ Night shift
                 ___  Other: ______________________________

         Salary

                ___  Pays market-rate salaries
                ___  Pays below market-rate salaries
                ___  Pays above market-rate salaries
 
         Benefits

               ___  health benefits                         ___  employee stock purchase  
               ___  dental benefits                         ___  sick leave
               ___  prescription coverage             ___  vacation
               ___  vision plan                                         ___  paid
               ___  retirement plan                                  ___  non-paid
               ___  life insurance                           ___  child care program
               ___  disability insurance                 ___  education allowance
               ___  profit sharing                           ___  other:  ________________

         Advancement Opportunities

               ___  Company often promotes from within the company
               ___  Company often hires from outside to fill advanced positions

         Company and Employment Outlook

               ___  Likely to remain stable
               ___  Growth expected
               ___  Downsizing or lay-offs expected


        Advantages of this company: _________________________________________
        Disadvantages of this company: _______________________________________
        Personal insights or impressions: ______________________________________


               Overall Company Grade:     ___ A     ___ B     ___ C     ___ D     ___ F
  

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Like many people with a disability, you may be wondering -  Should I disclose my disability to an employer?  When?  Under what conditions?  How?

Let's explore and weigh the options....  But first, let's highlight a few basics!

Disclosure Basics:

When it comes to disclosing your disability, be aware of the following:

Now, let's look at the various stages when disclosure is possible, and weigh the "timing" 
pros and cons....

When Disclosure is Possible:

Disclosure can take place at any of these times....

Your counselor or a job specialist from Vocational Rehabilitation, the 
Commission for the Blind, or other agency makes direct contact with an 
employer on your behalf.  In this case, you're off the hook!  Disclosure will be 
taken care of for you.

This might be a good time if:   an employer is interested in hiring and
recruiting individuals with disabilities;  the job involves serving  people with
disabilities;  the employer shows interest and support, and perceives
disabilities in a positive way;  the employer has had positive experiences
employing people with disabilities.

If you choose to disclose your disability in a cover letter, present the 
information in a positive way and highlight the advantages when applicable.  

For example:

"As I have a physical disability, I serve as a positive role model
for students who face similar challenges."   or...

"I possess extensive computer experience and have a proven track
record of successfully setting up and managing data files by
utilizing screen magnification needed for my vision impairment."

 

This might be a less desirable time if:   the employer has had no experience
employing individuals with disabilities;  the employer has no experience 
providing accommodations;  the employer has had a difficult or negative
past experience.

 

This might be a good time if:   you need to request an accommodation
for the interview or an application procedure;  you have a visible disability,
use a guide dog, or use special equipment, and you want to avoid 
awkwardness during the interview.

In a confident manner, you might simply say -

"Incidentally, I use a wheelchair.  Is the meeting location 
accessible?"  or...

"I want you to know I have a vision impairment, and my guide dog,
Thad, will be with me when I arrive for the meeting."  or...

"I understand I'll need to complete a supplemental application.  
Because of my learning disability, I wonder if I could arrange to 
arrive earlier than scheduled so I have additional time to complete 
the form.  I use a spell checker I'll be happy to bring along."

 

This might be a good time if:   you have a visible disability, and you feel
the surprise factor works in your favor -- but be aware the surprise may
distract and preoccupy the employer during the interview.

Some people feel this approach avoids employers having a chance to
develop any preconceived ideas.  After the initial surprise, the applicant
works to refocus the employer's attention by displaying professionalism
in dress and manner while interacting in a friendly way.  This approach requires
a great deal of self-confidence and a keen ability to successfully refocus the 
employer's attention in a positive way.  It's not something everyone can do
with guaranteed success.

 

This might be a good time if:   you will need a job accommodation;  you have 
a disability that will affect your work.

You might say something like -

"I want you to know I have a moderate hearing loss.  I use
a hearing aid and read lips, so I would be able to communicate
with bank customers and co-workers without a problem.  But to
place calls, I would need one piece of equipment - a TTY.  I have
one at home I would be happy to bring to use temporarily.  If one
needed to be purchased, a business tax deduction or credit might 
be available to your company to help defray the cost."

 

This might be a good time if:   you have an invisible disability, and the
disability won't affect your job performance;  you have an invisible disability
that won't require an accommodation.  For example, you might want to
inform the employer of a seizure disorder controlled by medication, or a 
back injury, so the employer will be aware.

 

This might be a less desirable time if:   the employer interprets your
timing of disclosure as deceitful.  Some employers might feel resentment
for your having waited until the job offer was made, even if no accommodation
is needed, and the disability won't affect your performance.  

 

This would be a good time if:   you discover after starting the job you need
an accommodation.

As you can see, there are many times when disclosure can occur -- if you choose to disclose at all.  When it comes to timing, the best time to disclose is when the time works best for you!

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A resume is a brief, neatly typed and professional-looking summary page outlining your personal history, employment objective, education, and employment experience.  The resume serves to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

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Three resume formats are commonly used:

Chronological:   

Describes your education, experience, and activities in order of time, starting with the most recent first.  This format emphasizes what and when.  It's a good format for an individual who has a relevant work history to list.

Functional:

Describes relevant skills and accomplishments.  It can include employment experience, but the emphasis is on your skills -- the what and how.  This is a good format for an individual with little or no recent work history, a person just leaving school, or a person with considerable expertise or personal experience.

Combination:

Combines both chronological and functional formats.  Describes education, experience, activities and functional skills.  This is a preferred format for individuals who have relevant work history, experience, and skills to highlight.  The format often begins with a summary of qualifications and skills followed by the list of work history.

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As you'll discover in the Online Job Search Links section of this guide, Internet job banks are becoming increasingly popular.

Numerous online job banks offer a free resume posting service to job seekers.  You post your resume through the online job bank, and employers shop and scan resumes online in search of qualified candidates for positions.  Employers post job openings as well.  Some of the job banks also have an "e-mail alert" service that allows you to identify the type of position you're seeking.  When a suitable job is advertised, you receive an e-mail alert.

Online resume banks, or resume postings, are great for employers and job seekers as well.  Each job bank will provide instructions and specifications for posting your resume online.  Resume banks often post your resume for a limited period of time, perhaps for 90 days, then it's "trashed."  If you want to post it again, you need to go back and reload it again.

You'll soon have an opportunity to visit job banks with resume posting services later in this guide!

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Some large employers, including AT&T, Intel, NIke, and Tektronix, are using electronic applicant tracking systems to locate and screen applicants' resumes.

When your resume is submitted, the company electronically scans your resume, and it enters a computer database file based on key words in your resume, such as job title, duties, education level, and other key sorting words.  Hiring managers access the system to screen applicants.

To be sure your resume is electronically "sorted" into the right database file, the following tips are suggested:

Some companies prefer resumes be sent electronically.  Check with the individual company.

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The following web sites provide sample resumes you can view!

ResumeEdge.com

See sample resumes for students, recent graduates, and professionals
in a wide variety of fields.  Includes sample cover letters and thank you
letters to employers.  You can view samples for free without using the
company's fee-for-editing service.

Resumes -   Do-It, University of Washington

View sample chronological, functional, and combination-type resumes.

 

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The following  Resume Worksheet  can be used to help you pull together information you'll need to prepare your resume!

________________________________________

                                                     Resume Worksheet


   Heading:
            Name ___________________________________________________
            Address _________________________________________________
            City ______________________ State __________ Zip ____________

   Employment Objective:
            ________________________________________________________
            ________________________________________________________
            ________________________________________________________

   Employment History:   (List your most recent employment first)
           
            Employer ________________________ City __________ State ______
            Dates of Employment -  from ________________ to ________________
            Job Title __________________________________________________
            Responsibilities (list your duties and responsibilities using action words, and achievements)
            __________________________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________________________

            Employer ________________________ City __________ State _______
            Dates of Employment - from ________________ to __________________
            Job Title ___________________________________________________
            Responsibilities (list your duties and responsibilities using action words, and achievements)
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________

    Education:  (List your most recent education first;  include all degrees, diplomas,     
                           certificates, licenses, honors, and significant course work)

            Degree, diploma, or certificated awarded __________________________
            From where ________________________________________________
            Major _________________________  Date received ________________
            Honors ____________________________________________________

            Degree, diploma, or certificate awarded ___________________________
            From where ________________________________________________
            Major _________________________ Date received ________________
            Honors ____________________________________________________

   Skills:  (list your relevant skills)
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________

   Experience:  (list your relevant experience)
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________
            __________________________________________________________

   Honors and Achievements: _______________________________________
            ___________________________________________________________
            ___________________________________________________________

   References:  (Do not include on your resume.  Contact several people and ask their
                            permission to use them as references.  Choose both professional and
                            personal references.  Do not use relatives as a reference).

           Professional references (people who can speak about your work abilities)

                 Name __________________________________________________
                 Phone ________________________ Title ______________________

                 Name __________________________________________________
                 Phone ________________________ Title ______________________

                 Name __________________________________________________
                 Phone ________________________ Title ______________________

           Personal references  (people, other than relatives, who can speak about you as a person)

                 Name __________________________________________________
                 Phone ____________________________

                 Name __________________________________________________
                 Phone ____________________________

             
           
            

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When is a cover letter used?

A cover letter is used to:

Tips for Writing Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter:

                                                                          Donald Barnes
                                                                         123 S.E. Fairway Rd.
                                                                          Portland, OR 97214
                                                                          (503) 555-0001
                                                                           

                                                                          November 21, 2002

Ms. Jane Employer
Technology Services, Inc.
986 S.W. Main, Suite 100
Gresham, OR 97065

Dear Ms. Employer:

My experience installing, repairing, and maintaining computer systems, along with my
skills in using software programs, are the assets I would bring to the position of Computer
Systems Technician.

I am a certified computer technician with three years experience and an Associate of 
Applied Sciences degree from Mt. Hood Community College.  My technical skills include 
expertise in Novell Netware, MS DOS and Windows, as well as experience with software 
including Microsoft Office Suite.

I believe my skills and experience provide the qualifications you seek for the position.  
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I might benefit your 
company.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Donald Barnes

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The following application tips are suggested:

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When you get a call from an employer who wants to schedule you for an interview, the scenario goes like this:  You hang up the phone, let out a scream, then panic sets in!  What will I wear?  How will I prepare?  What will I be asked?  How will I answer questions?  What will I need to do?

When you get that wonderful call, use the following "To Do" checklists as a guide.  Also, practice answering the sample interview questions provided below, and select a few questions to ask the interviewer.  If you follow the following steps and suggestions, you'll be ready!

Preparation Checklist

Do these details:

___  Write down:          
         ___  the name  of the person who will be interviewing you
         ___  the date, time, and location of the interview
         ___  a contact phone number

___  Get directions

___  Check that the building and meeting location are accessible, if applicable

___  Arrange transportation, if needed

___  Prepare additional copies of your resume to take to the interview

___  Prepare a portfolio of your work to take, if applicable

___  Plan what you'll wear
         ___  Dress professionally
         ___  Dress conservatively
         ___  Dress neatly
         ___  Be well-groomed

 

Think about:

___  What you'll do to appear confident.

___  What you'll do and say to be likable.

___  What you'll say to engage the interviewer.

         Tip:   It's easy to develop rapport and engage the interviewer by
                  complimenting a family photo, sharing a comment about a
                  common interest, or sharing a bit of information about yourself
                  to put the interviewer at ease.

___  What you'll do to be polite.

___  What you'll do to appear professional.

___  How you'll communicate your strengths, skills, and abilities.

        Tip:   If you use an assistive or adaptive device, would it help (and be
                 possible) to take it along if it helps you demonstrate your abilities
                 to the employer?

___  What you'll say to express interest in the company.

         Tip:   The more you know about the company, the more impressed the
                   employer will be.

___  How you'll describe your interests.

___  How you'll demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation.

         Tip:   A spark in your eye and show of enthusiasm goes a very long way!

___  What you'll say to demonstrate you're a hard worker.

         Tip:   Let the employer know what a hard worker you are!  "I don't quit
                  until the work gets done"  or  "I don't give up until I've solved the
                  problem"  or  "I enjoy a good challenge!"

___  How you'll remember to smile!

 

Practice interview questions:

___  Look at the sample interview questions and practice responding with
         brief, positive answers.

         Tip:   Practice in front of the mirror!

___  Look at the list of questions you can ask the employer and pick one
         or two you like best.

 

Do the night before:

___  Go to bed early.

___  Mentally rehearse (visualize) the interview from start to finish.

         Tip:   When in bed, close your eyes and mentally visualize what the
                   interview will be like the next day.  Mentally "walk-through" and
                   picture the entire interview from the moment you arrive.

                   This mental "rehearsal" is a relaxation technique, and it's great
                   for relieving stress.  Taking a mental "walk-through" also works 
                   wonders in building your confidence as you'll know what to 
                   expect -- from having "experienced" it already!

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When you arrive:

___  Arrive at the meeting location a few minutes early to catch your breath,
         but not more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

___  Check in and announce your arrival by stating your full name, and
         stating the name of the person who is scheduled to interview you.

         "Hi, I'm Ellen Smith.  I have an interview scheduled with Ms. Baker
         at 2:00."

 

When you meet the interviewer:

___  Shake hands, smile, and introduce yourself while establishing direct
         eye contact with your interviewer.  If you're unable to shake hands, 
         a quick nod is great.

___  Wait to be invited to sit down.

___  Directly face the interviewer.

___  Show high energy -  don't slouch, for example.

___  Act naturally and use natural gestures, but don't fidget!

___  Smile naturally and act friendly.

 

When the interview begins:

___  Answer questions directly and to the point.  Don't add irrelevant
         information or information that isn't asked of you.

        Tip:   Keep answers short -- less than 60 seconds.  Keep the
        interview moving.  Long answers may bore the interviewer, or
        cause too much time to be spent on one question.

___  Emphasize your strengths.

         Tip:   Use positive words -  "Yes, I can...."    "I know how...."
                   "I am able to...."   "I enjoy...."  or  "I'd be happy to demonstrate...."

___  Show and express inner confidence in your abilities.

___  Be positive.

___  Focus on what you can do for the company, not what the company can
        do for you.

___  Find positive things to say about your last employer, if applicable.

 

When the interview ends:

___  Don't get up to leave until the interviewer signals the interview is done.

___  Smile, shake hands, and establish eye contact.

___  Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview and for taking
         the time to meet.

___  Ask for the interviewer's business card.

___  Make sure the interviewer has a phone number where you can be
         reached, or where you can receive a message.

___  Do not ask to use the phone or ask any favors of the interviewer
         on your way out.  If you need to use a phone, locate a phone in another
         location.

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___  Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back!  Then....

___  Immediately write and send the interviewer a thank you note.  
         Make sure the person's name is spelled correctly.  The interviewer's
         business card is good for this purpose.

A sample thank you note might read:

 

                                                                             Carl Hopeful
                                                                             702 N.E. Flanders St.
                                                                             Portland, OR 97217

                                                                             June 28, 2002                                                       

 

Ms. Anne Interviewer
Office Supply Wholesalers, Inc.
111 Burlington St.
Tigard, OR 97224

Dear Ms. Interviewer,

Thank you for the opportunity to meet this afternoon.  I feel my experience and
training in retail sales prepare me well for the sales position we discussed, 
and I am confident I will be an asset to your company.

I remain very interested in the position, and I look forward to hearing from you
soon.  If you require additional information, I may be reached at (503) 222-1111.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Carl Hopeful

 

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As you'll see, there are really only  four  interview questions.  Employers want to know these
four things:

1. Why do you want to work for this company?

2. What can you do for the company?

3. What kind of person are you?

4. What are you going to cost the company?

Almost every interview question falls under one of these four question categories.  If you 
can answer these four questions, you're halfway there!

Now, let's look at sample questions.  Try practicing as many of them as you can.

Question #1:    Why would you like to work for this company?

a.  What do you know about our company?
b.  What interests you about our company?
c.  Are you seeking a permanent or temporary job?
d.  Why are you interested in the position?
e.  Why do you want this job?

Question #2:    What can you do for the company?

a.   What jobs have you held?
b.   What qualifications do you have for this job?
c.   What experience do you have related to the position?
d.   Would you be satisfied doing routine work?
e.   Are you willing to work overtime if needed?
f.    What previous jobs have you enjoyed the most?  Least?  Why?
g.   Do you have any special abilities?
h.   What job in our company do you want to work toward?
i.    Are you self-motivated?  Give an example.
j.    What hours are you available to work?
k.   Are you willing to work any shift?
l.    What could you offer this company?
m.  What job tasks do you most enjoy?  Least enjoy?

 

Question #3:    What kind of person are you?

a.   What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be successful
      in the job you are applying for?
b.   How well do you take instructions or orders?
c.   Tell me about yourself.
d.   Describe your strengths and weaknesses.
e.   How well do you cooperate and work with others?
f.    How do you handle conflicts with co-workers?
g.   What kind of supervisor do you prefer?
h.   What are your interests?
i.    Why did you choose this particular field of work?
j.    How do you perform and cope under pressure?
k.   What would you do if you felt a supervisor was unfair?
l.    Why did you leave your last job?

 

Question #4:    What are you going to cost the company?

a.   What salary do you expect?
b.   How much money do you hope to earn 5 years from now?  10 years?
c.   How long can we expect you to work for us?
d.   How willing are you to perform other tasks when your own workload 
      is down?
e.  To be cost effective it is necessary to be organized.  What abilities or
      experiences do you have in organizing job tasks?  Give an example.
f.    What pay do you expect?
g.   What was your recent salary?
h.   What is a person with your experience worth on the present labor market?
i.    What are your ideas on salary?

 

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At the end of the interview, an employer will usually ask if you have any questions.  It's good 
to ask at least one or two questions to show interest.

Following are sample questions you might wish to ask the interviewer.  Only ask the
interviewer two or three questions at most.  

Note:   It's best not to ask the interviewer questions about salary, benefits, vacation, and 
other benefits until you receive a second interview or the job is offered.  These topics 
can be discussed at that time.

Look at the list of questions below and select 2 or 3 questions you might want to ask the 
employer.

Possible Questions for the Interviewer:

___   #1:   What are the opportunities for advancement?

___   #2:   What are the work hours?

___   #3:   Are there opportunities for overtime work?

___   #4:   How would my performance be evaluated?

___   #5:   Are there company training programs in which I might participate?

___   #6:   What are the major qualifications of people who have been successful
                  in this position?

___   #7:   Do you anticipate any new products or expansion plans for the company
                  in the near future?

___   #8:   Could you tell me something about the people I would be working with?

___   #9:   What is the single largest challenge facing the staff now?

___ #10:   What are the company's plans for the future?

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