Job Preparation Skills

Job preparation skills

Summary: 1. What employers want a. honesty b. eagerness to work c. willingness to learn d. submitting to authority e. getting along well with others f. proper values and ethics g. responsibility 2. Employee problems a. laziness b. lack of initiative c. wasting time d. being arrogant e. being unwilling to change 3. Getting a job a. take the initiative b. network c. learn d. volunteer 4. Job interview a. arrive on time b. turn off your cell-phone c. dress appropriately d. display proper grooming e. bring appropriate information f. have some questions ready to ask g. be attentive h. be aware of your body language i. know the legal boundaries of an interview j. be ready to answer some questions k. turn negatives into positives 5. Preparing a CV 6. Entrepreneurship a. Characteristics i. responsible risk-taker ii. learning-orientated iii. independent iv. responsible v. impatient vi. efficient vii. resourceful viii. determined ix. goal-oriented (continued on next page) 65

x. self-confident xi. leadership xii. creativity b. self assessment 7. Volunteerism – align a. your interests b. community needs c. available resources

If someone wants to hire you, what will (s)he be looking for? Here are several things any employer will look for in a worker. 1. Honesty – If you cannot be trusted, then obviously no one will want you to hire you for work. No one wants to hire a liar, a thief, or a cheat. 2. Eagerness to work – People are hired to work. That is the only reason they are hired. If you are not eager to work, then your job may be in jeopardy. 3. Willingness to learn – In most jobs you will have to learn to do the job itself. This may involve only a few minutes (sweeping the floor or carrying boxes) to months of training (running an office or complicated machinery). If you are willing to learn, to grow, and to change, then your employer will usually look favorably on you. 4. Submitting to authority – You work for another person. That person has authority over you in the work place. While all of us are entitled to basic dignity at work, an employee must be willing to take and carry out orders from superiors. Being willing to take and carry out orders cheerfully is all the better. 5. Getting along well with others – All jobs require a person to get along well with other people. Most jobs require that a person become part of a team and employ teamwork. 6. Proper values and ethics – At any job, you need to display values that are in harmony with the company you work for. For example, if you work with the public, then foul language and poor grooming would not be appropriate. 7. Responsibility – Employers usually want a worker who is a responsible person. This means being able to work without direct supervision (your employers having to watch you). Employers do not want to have to constantly watch employees in order for them to do the work.

As there are qualities that employers look for, there are certain qualities that will cause any employee problems. Some of these problems are: 1. Laziness – You are hired to work. If you show no eagerness to work, then your ability to get and keep a job will be small indeed. No one has done anything of any significance or importance without hard work. Nothing worthwhile is accomplished without hard work. No one can have a successful life without hard work. 2. Lack of initiative – Sometimes an employer will have so little trust in his/her employees that (s)he will constantly supervise them. However, this is rarely the case. In most cases employers want workers who do not have to be told every step to take. 3. Wasting of time – If you are paid by the hour, employers will then your want to get a full hour’s work out of you. If you waste time, then in one sense you are stealing from your employers. Of course, all workers are entitled to short and periodic breaks. 66

4. Being arrogant – No one likes others who are arrogant. This is especially true of employers in regard to employees. Arrogant employees are often hard to teach. They will sometimes resist any change that has to be made. 5. Being unwilling to change – All jobs change. If your job doesn’t change then it will eventually become obsolete and you will not be needed. All of us will resist change at times. However, a worker who is willing to change is usually the one who will adapt the quickest and will be rewarded in some way.

Activity: (This can be done in small groups.) Think of a company that you are interested in. Pretend you are an employer or boss. Write up a job description of the ideal worker you would want. Write this up as if it were going to be published in the job section of the “want ads” of the newspaper. Would you qualify for this job? Why or why not?

All jobs require change and growth.

Getting a job If you don’t have a job how do you get one? 1. Take the initiative – This means you will have to get out of the house and do something. It is very rare when the job goes to the person. This happens only if you have some great knowledge or skill. Usually the person has to go to the job; go and talk to the employer. 2. Network – Networking simply means getting to know other people. A friendly person is usually someone who is liked. Your best way to get most jobs is by knowing someone. Even if you don’t know the boss or the employer, you may know workers and supervisors who can help you when the company does hiring. 3. Learn – All jobs will require some knowledge and skill. There is always something to learn. The more you know and the better skilled you are, the better chance you will have of getting a job. 4. Volunteer – One of the best ways to do all of the above (take initiative, network, and learn) is to volunteer. If you have already volunteered then you have experience, something many employers look for in employees. If you volunteer it does not mean a job will automatically open up quickly. However, it does mean that you will be in a much better position when a job opens up. When the door of opportunity opens, then you will be able to walk through it.

Job Interview Let’s say you get a job interview. What are some things you must do at the interview. 1. Arrive on time – If you are late it is likely you will not be hired. Go early so that you will arrive relaxed and confident. Arrange for your transport ahead of time. 2. Turn off your cellular telephone – You should focus only on the job and the interview. 3. Dress appropriately – Usually it is best to dress for what the job requires. If you are going a job to be a secretary, then wearing shorts and a t-shirt would not be 67

appropriate. If you are going for a job of mopping floors then wearing a nice party dress (ladies) or a suit and tie (gentlemen) would not be appropriate. 4. Display proper grooming – Excessive jewelry, unusual hair styles, and the like are usually frowned upon by employers. 5. Bring appropriate information – You may be asked for dates, addresses, and telephone numbers of former employers, former schools, references, and so forth. 6. Have some questions ready to ask – You will want to know the job responsibilities, work hours, any uniform or special clothing, learning opportunities, any special travel or safety precautions, salary, any insurance, etc. 7. Be attentive – Sit up, speak up, and smile. 8. Be aware of your body language. A firm handshake, good posture, a warm smile, and eye contact are important. 9. Know the legal boundaries of an interview. For example, you are not required to disclose your HIV/AIDS status) 10. Be ready to answer some questions – You will need to be able to answer the following two questions. If you can answer these two questions well, it will help your chances of getting the job. a. Why do you want this job? b. What can you do to help us here? 11. Turn negatives into positives – If you have any negatives in your past (failed in school, spent time in prison, was fired from your last job, had a drug problem, etc.) then turn them into positives. Here are some examples: a. Employer: I see where you failed in school and didn’t finish matrix. Job applicant: Yes, I did fail in school. I was young and made foolish mistakes. But I have learned from my mistakes. I am now eager to learn and have completed some out-of-school training. b. Employer: I see where you spent three years in prison. Job applicant: Yes, that is correct. I made some terrible mistakes in my life. But now I have changed. I have learned from my mistakes. I never want to do those things again that sent me to prison. I am a new person. I have grown up. c. Employer: I see where you were fired from you last job for constantly coming late. Job applicant: Yes, that is true. I made a terrible mistake. I wanted to party with my friends every night then. But now I realize how important a job is. I no longer spend time with those friends. They only hurt me. Now I am a responsible person. d. Employer: I see where you formerly had a serious drinking problem. Job applicant: Yes, I did have a drinking problem. However, I have stopped drinking completely. I have not had any alcohol in over six months. I know it is something that will haunt me forever, but I have changed and I will never drink again. e. Employer: I see where you have three children but have never been married. Job applicant: Yes, that is true. I made some bad mistakes. I 68

trusted some boyfriends until it was too late. I have learned from my mistakes. I was young and immature, but now I am a grown up woman and have put the past behind me. My mother helps me with the children and I am determined to provide them with a good home. I want them to do well and I always help them in with their schooling. f. Employer: You don’t have any job experience. Job applicant: That is correct. However, I learn quickly. I have never learned bad habits from this job. You can train me exactly like you want me to be.

Turn your negatives into positives.

Activity: Roll play Have two people roll-play in employer and job applicant. Have the job applicant answer well the following questions: 1. Were you not fired from your last job? 2. Don’t you have a drinking problem? 3. Are you pregnant again? 4. Didn’t you spend time in prison? 5. Why should I hire you? 6. You don’t have any experience, do you? 7. You aren’t very responsible, are you? 8. You don’t know anything about this job, do you? 9. You were arrested for using drugs, weren’t you?

Preparing a CV What is a CV. The term “CV” stands for curriculum vita which means your life’s story. It is not, obviously, your whole life’s story but it is something that may help you get a job because it records things such as qualifications, experience that are relevant to the job. For example, if you want a teaching job, then you should point out characteristics that would show that you are a good teacher or at least have the potential to be one. The following is a checklist of items to include in your CV: A. Personal Details 1. Name 2. Address 3. Telephone number 4. Date of Birth 5. Place of Birth 6. Marital status 7. Children (if applicable) 8. Hobbies (if applicable) 9. Interests (if applicable) 69

10. Any achievements or awards (if applicable)

B. Education and Training 1. Schools attended (include dates and address) 2. Highest grade passed 3. Any qualifications or certificates

C. Work Experience This should be in chronological order starting with the most recent. List all full-time, part-time, and voluntary work that you have had. Include: 1. Name 2. Address 3. Dates 4. Functions or type of work 5. Responsibilities of work

D. References If possible, check with references before listing them. These people need to know you well and they can vouch for your character and abilities. Remember you want to include people who will show you in a good light. Don’t include those who will likely say negative things about you. Also, people who are in higher positions carry more “weight.” For example, the 55 year old president of a corporation will carry more weight than your 19 year old jobless friend. Include: 1. Name 2. Address 3. Telephone number 4. Relationship to you 5. Position or occupation

E. Documents (Do not turn in original documents. Make certified copies and keep the originals.) 1. Birth certificate 2. Identity document 3. Drivers license (if applicable) 4. Certificates of qualification 5. Testimonials / recommendations

Remember to prepare your CV carefully. Here are some tips: 1. It should be free of mistakes. 2. The information needs to be accurate and true. 3. It should look “neat.” (A messy CV will not help you get a job.) 4. It should be clean. (Make several copies so that if one is dirtied, you will have others.) 5. Update your CV on a regular basis.

Sometimes a job will require that you fill out a form. Here are some tips for filling out job application forms: 1. Read all instructions, usually at the top of the page. 70

2. If possible, try to make a copy and fill it in as a “practice” form. 3. Write clearly with black or blue ink. 4. Write in the space provided. 5. Check your spelling. 6. If you are not sure of something, ask. 7. If a question does not apply to you, then put “NA” (not applicable). 8. Do not turn in a messy or dirty copy.

Remember that no job is perfect. No one starts at the top. We have to start at the bottom and work our way up. Even if you do not particularly like your job, it can give you good experience. You might think of it as a school in which you learn good work habits, how to get along with difficult people, learning about yourself, learning about your likes and dislikes, and how to handle the frustrations of life. If you do your job well, then you can use it as a stepping stone for your next job.

Activity: Look at this CV. What is wrong with it?

Name: Joe Citizen Address: Box 123, Durban 333 Telephone: 021-659-930 Date of Birth - 30 february 19885 Palce of Brith: South Africa Education - attended primary school at Bitter creek until 1997 Theron Senior Secondery schol 1997 - 1989 Brace technical School Work: Workman Insurance Company (1999 – 2001) Ace Construction Company (2001-2004) References: Mr. Sipho Cele (750-4809) Mrs. Rose Venter (Theron Sec Sch)

Notice that the CV is too cluttered. It is hard to tell read. Notice that there are various mistakes. Notice that there are various omissions. 71

This is better:

Personal details: Name Joe Citizen Address Box 123, Sweetwater 3670 Telephone 021-659-9300 Date of Birth 20 February 1985 Place of Birth Durban, South Africa Marital Status Married, two children

Education: School Address Dates Selam Primary School Box 123, 1991 – 1997 Durban 3333 Theron Senior Box 234, 1997 – 1999 Secondary School Durban 3333

Work: Employer Address Position Ace Construction Box 345, Durban 3333 Foreman Company Telephone: 333-4444 Workman Insurance Box 456, Durban 3333 Janitor Company Telephone: 333-5555

References:  Mr. Sipho Cele (supervisor at Ace Construction Company)  Mrs. Rose Venter (assistant principal at Theron Secondary School)

Entrepreneurship An enterprising person is someone who has ideas and the resourcefulness to act on these ideas. What does the word entrepreneur mean? Often the term “enterprise” is used to refer to privately run business, even a small business. Another term that is often used for someone running an enterprise is an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is someone who takes initiative and makes things happen. It is usually used in association with generating income or making money. What are some characteristics of an entrepreneur or enterprising person? 1. Responsible risk-taker – These people do not mind taking risks but are mindful of the potential of loss. 2. Learning-orientated – These people want to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge. Even making mistakes is a learning experience. 3. Independent – Enterprising people make their own decisions. They think and act from their own initiative. 4. Responsible – These people do not make excuses. They hold themselves accountable for their own decisions and actions. They will admit when they are wrong. 72

5. Impatient – Enterprising people usually have high energy levels and want action. They don’t like delays. 6. Efficient – These people hate waste of time or materials. They want the work done without waste of any kind. 7. Resourceful – When unexpected situations come, these people will solve the problems creatively. 8. Determined – Enterprising people don’t give up easily. When obstacles are encountered, they search for ways to overcome them. 9. Goal-oriented – These people know what they want and work toward that end. 10. Self-confident – These people see themselves as talented and able. They believe in themselves. 11. Leadership – Entrepreneurs have followers. They are able to influence other people. 12. Creativity – These people seek new ways to do things. They constantly search for ways to solve problems. Self assessment Here is an assessment to help you decide if you are an enterprising person or entrepreneur. A. Are you a self-starter? 1. I do things on my own. Nobody has to tell me to get going. 2. If someone gets me started, I keep going all right. 3. Easy does it. I do not put myself out until I have to. B. How do you feel about other people? 1. I like people. I can get along with just about everyone. 2. I have plenty of friends. I do not need anyone else. 3. Most people irritate me. C. Can you lead others? 1. I can get most people to go along when I start something. 2. I can give orders if someone tells me what we should do. 3. I let someone else get things moving, and then I go along if I feel like it. D. Can you take responsibility? 1. I like to take charge of things and see them through. 2. I will take over if I have to, but I would rather let someone else be responsible. 3. There is always some eager person around wanting to show how smart (s)he is, so I let them. E. How good a worker are you? 1. I can keep going as long as I need to. I do not mind working hard for something I want. 2. I work hard for a while, but when I have had enough, that is it and I stop. 3. I cannot see that hard work gets you anywhere. F. Can you make decisions easily? 1. I can make up my mind in a hurry if I have to. It usually turns our okay too. 2. I can make up my mind if I have plenty of time. If I make decisions quickly, I later think it should have been decided the other way. 3. I do not like to be the one who has to make decisions. G. Can people trust what you say? 1. Yes they can. I do not say things I do not mean. 73

2. I try to be on the level most of the time, but something I just say what is easiest. 3. Why bother if the person does not know the difference? H. Can you stick with it? 1. if I make up my mind to do something, I do not let anything stop me. 2. I usually finish what I start – if it goes well. 3. If things do not go well from the start, I quit. Why worry? I. How good is your health? 1. I never get run down. 2. I have enough energy for most things I want to do. 3. I run out of energy faster than most of my friends.

How to score: The higher the score, the more likely you are to be an enterprising person.

9 (low score) 27 (high score)

If your score is close to nine, then you need to work on some of the skills needed to get and keep a job. If your score is 27 or very close to 27, then you have the attitude and skills necessary to be successful at our job. Remember, not all people are able nor want to work for themselves. Many successful people work for others their entire lives. Many highly enterprising people work for others.

Volunteerism Just because you do not have a job does not mean that you can not work. One of the best ways to gain experience, learn skills and knowledge, and develop good work habits is to do volunteer work. In order to do successful volunteer work, you need to align three areas. These are: 1. your interests 2. community needs 3. available resources Let’s look at these more closely. 1. Your interests – What is it that gets you excited? What do you often think about? What do you picture yourself doing? What do you enjoy? What makes you feel good about yourself? 2. Community needs – What are the needs of the community? What do people want? What do people say are the problems in the community? What would change if the community could change things? 3. Available resources – What is available in the community? What is there plenty of in the community? For example, if people are unemployed, they may have lots of time. 74

your community interests needs

available resources

For a volunteer program to be successful there needs to be an alignment of these three areas. In other words, they need to overlap. For example, let’s say you like bird-watching. But they might not be a strong community need. Also an overcrowded urban environment is not good for attracting a variety of birds to watch. The only circle that has anything positive is your interest. Another example. Let’s say you enjoy working with little children. There are many working parents who need child care and there is no crèche in your community. You have a place suitable for a crèche and there are parents able and willing to pay for it. You know of community members who have experience and certificates in pre-school children’s education. Here all three circles overlap: your have an interest, there is a community need, and there are resources (place, personnel, parents with money, etc.) Another example. There is high unemployment in your community. There is a great need for community members to develop job training skills. However, you know nothing about this. Also you just can’t see yourself teaching others. The thought of having to teach others frightens you. Here, one of the circles (community need) is strong but you have no interest. Another example. There is a strong need for old-age pensioners to get their pensions on time. You love working with older people and they like you a lot. You know the biggest problem is that people do not have transport. While you have no car, you do know many who do have cars and taxis who can make them available one day per month at little effort on their part. Here all three of the circles align (your interest, community need, and resources). You can organize and coordinate this to work properly. Most of the old-age pensioners may be able to pay for this service. Volunteerism does not mean that you will make no money at all. It means that making money is not the first priority. Serving the community is the first priority.