Part of Lesson Plan: Job Applications

Activity Overview / Details

Decide if you really want a job or are you going through the motions to make someone else happy. ( Parents tell you).

For every college, job, training program in which you apply, an application will be required.  The ability to complete an application is a skill you will use throughout your life.  You must be able to understand the questions, know all the required information, and be able to fit your answers into limited spaces.  These applications provide an example of your handwriting abilities, neatness, and your ability to organize and communicate information effectively on a form. Your application must be completely filled in with no blank spaces, neat, easy to read and free of any mistakes.

Finding a job is actually harder than working at a job. It takes a committed effort. It actually takes more time per day/week to look for a job than you will probably work.

If you really want a job, make a list of where you would love to work, ask friends and parents to help you.  Research the company, find out what they do, or sell, where they operate. Most businesses have web pages, ask your parents, teachers etc about the company. Employers are impressed when applicants actually know about them.

Be prepared:

1.Dress the part, dress one step better than people who work in the industry.  Don't wear a suit to a construction job, do wear comfortable closed toed shoes to a warehouse, etc. Dress this way to both pick up and drop off application.Tuck in the shirt. The following is a catchy phase I use, the students laugh but seem to remember the illiteration, always remember the 3 "B's" no exposed breasts, bellies or butts.

2. Go alone and don't kiss your girl/boyfriend goodbye at the door.

3. Have your portfolio with you with master application already filled out in case they ask you to fill one out on the spot. Carry a blue and black pen to complete application.

4. Have letters of reference with you.

5. Have a resume with you, some businesses do not accept applications , they only accept resumes.

6. Be excited and smile. Act like you want to be there.

7. Use good grammar, speak up, use the words "Yes" instead of yea.

8. Use good posture.

9. Be courteous to everyone in the business, the "secretary" could be the boss' husband!

10. Give a firm but not crushing handshake.

11. Be prepared to interview on the spot.

12. Make lists of who you saw, what you did (pick-up-drop off, to whom you spoke) with dates, next steps.

13.  Be sure to ask to speak to the owner, manager, HR (human resources), or whomever makes the hiring decisions, don't just ask anyone if they are hiring (they may want more hours).

14. No sunglasses, gum, make sure you cover any tattoos or piercings if they may be an issue with the organization.

15. Be conscious of your personal hygiene, don't go straight from pe to pick up or drop off the application, or use perfumes or after shaves, some people are allergic to these, don't smoke or be in the company of those who do will doing this activity, it lingers on your clothes.

16. If you are not driving yourself, have your driver drop you off around the corner, it does not look good if you cannot get to work yourself.