Many people come to this country because of the opportunities for work. Having a job means having money to take care of yourself and your family. To get a job, you must follow three steps:
l Look for a job.
l Apply for the job.
l Interview for the job.
Look for a job
You can look for a job four different ways.
l Classified Advertisements. Jobs are listed in the newspaper in a section called Classified Advertisements. The jobs are grouped together under headings for each type of work. For example, a job as a construction worker or a factory worker may be listed under "Industrial Trades." A job as an office worker may be listed under "Office/Clerical." A job as a waiter or a cook might be listed under "Clubs/Restaurants." A job as a babysitter or a housecleaner may be listed under "Domestic." Many other types of jobs-such as driving a truck or working a cash register-are listed under "General Help Wanted."
l Government employment agency. Many towns have a government office that helps people find jobs. Look in the telephone book to find the address of this office in your town. When you go to the office, you will fill out forms that ask about your school and work experience. Then someone will talk to you to find out what kind of work you can do.
l Private employment agency. Almost every town has companies that help people find jobs. Look in the yellow pages under "Employment Agencies" and call to make an appointment. When you go for your appointment, you will fill out forms that ask about your school and work experience-just like at the government employment agency. Then someone will interview you. If the company helps you find a job, either you or your new employer will have to pay a fee.
l Job postings. Large employers-like government agencies, colleges and universities, big companies-usually post job openings in their personnel offices. Some of these employers post their job openings on bulletin boards where you can see them. Others put them into large notebooks that you can look through. Look at the job postings at different places where you might want to work.
Apply for the job
After you find a job opening you are interested in, the next step is to apply for the job. To apply, you must go to the employer's office to fill out the applicatiQn forms. Different companies use different application forms. But most application forms ask the same things:
l Name.
l Address.
l Telephone number.
l Date of birth.
l Place of birth.
l Social security or social insurance number.
l Names of schools you went to, the years you were there, and sometimes what you studied.
l Whether you were in the military service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard or Militia), the years you were there, and your rank.
l Names of places where you worked, the years you worked there, the type of work you did, and sometimes how much money you were paid.
l The names and telephone numbers of people who know you. These are called references.
A Classified Advertisement usually tells you how to apply for the job it advertises. Often it gives a telephone number for you to call to get more information. Sometimes it tells you the name of the person to talk to when you call. Some ads just give the company's address and tell you the times of day you can come to apply. Others list an address (like a post office box) where you can send a letter.
Employment agencies-both state agencies and private agencies-usually tell you how to apply for jobs they think you would like. The employment counselors tell you how to find the office where you can apply and the best times of day to go. Often they make an appointment for you to go and fill out your application and be interviewed.
TIPS ON APPLYING FOR A JOB
l . Be well groomed. Wear nice clothes that are neat and clean.
l . If you have an appointment, be on time or even a little early. Give yourself extra time to find the right building and office.
l . Be prepared. Write down all the facts you will need for your application about your education and your jobs. Also write down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three or four references.
Interview for the job
Some companies will interview you on the same day you fill out the job application. Other companies will study your application to decide iftheywant to interview you. They may take just a few days to decide. Or they may take as long as a month. If they decide to interview you, they will call to make an appointment with you. If you do not have a telephone, they may send you a letter asking you to call them. If they decide not to interview you, they will probably send you a letter to tell you.
An application form helps the company know what you have done in your life. But an interview helps them know what you are like. Are you honest and friendly? Do you follow instructions and work hard? Will you get along with the other workers and fit into the company? Someone must talk to you in person to find out if you would be a good employee.
An interview is also a way for you to find out more about the company and the job opening. does the company seem to care about the people that work there? Do the work areas look safe?
Are the wages and benefits good or bad? Does the person who will be your supervisor seem fair and honest? Is the job right for you? You can ask questions during your interview. You can also watch carefully and note what you see.
An interview can last only 15 or 20 minutes, or it can last more than an hour. At most companies, you will talk to someone who works in the personnel office. Sometimes you will talk to the person who will be your boss if you are hired. In very small businesses, you may talk to the top person-the one who runs the whole company.
USEFUL WORDS
Action words
to look for, to seek (a job)
to qualify, to be qualified
to apply, to make application
to interview, to be interviewed
to hire, to employ, to be employed
to earn, to make (money)
to be responsible for, to take care of
to promote, to be promoted
to transfer, to be transferred
to quit, to resign, to leave (a job)
to make, to build
to repair, to fix
to operate, to run(equipment, machinery)
to file
to type
to drive
to cook, to prepare
to serve, to wait tables
to deliver
to sell
to clean
to tend, to take care of, to watch
Naming words
work, employment
job, position
application, applicant
advertisement, ad
employment agency
personnel
job posting
interview, interviewer
qualifications
experience, background
education, training
skills, abilities
trade, craft, profession
manager, supervisor, foreman, boss
advancement promotion
references, recommendations
salary, wages, hourly wage
benefits: insurance, sick leave vacation, retirement plan
Describing words
full-time
part-time
temporary
available
immediately
hardworking
dependable
responsible
experienced
qualified
skilled
TIPS ON INTERVIEWING FOR A JOB
l Be well groomed. The people who interview you will judge you on how you look.
l Be on time. Even try to be a little early if you can. Give yourself extra time to find the right building and office.
l Try to relax. Irs okay to be nervous, but try not to get too nervous. If you are very nervous, the interviewer may not be able to see what you are really like.
l Be prepared to answer questions. Here are some questions you might be asked:
Which of your previous jobs was your favorite? Why?
What work have you done that you did not like? Why?
What would you like to be doing in one year? In five years?
Describe your idea of the perfect job for you.
Describe something you did at work that you are proud of.
What are your strengths as a worker?
What are your weaknesses as a worker?
l Be prepared to ask questions. Think of questions you want to ask about the company and the job opening. You can write the questions down so you won’t forget to ask them. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
When can I expect my first job review? (A job review is when your boss goes over your work and tells you what you are doing well and what you need to improve.)
When can I expect my first pay raise?
If I am a really good worker, what jobs could I be promoted into?
Does this company have training or educational benefits for employees?
Will there be times when I must work overtime?
Will I have to buy any special clothes or equipment for this job?
l When the interview is over, show the interviewer how glad you are to be interviewed. Here are some things you could say:
Thank you for seeing me.
I enjoyed talking with you.
I appreciate your taking the time to talk with me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
l It is a common custom in this country to shake hands at the beginning and the ending of a meeting. Be ready to shake hands with your interviewer if he (or she) puts out his hand.
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