A job does not always have to be a paid position - but it helps. If paid employment is not available, consider getting "work experiences" that you can put on a resume to help you get a job down the road.

Employers like to see that you are interested in doing something constructive.

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Check out the BENEFITS OF GETTING CREDENTIALED
 

How to Find and Keep a Job

 

(Taken from the “The Pocket Guide to Independent Living,” ILR, Inc.)

Getting a Job:

I.        Where to look?

a.       Newspapers – Classified Ads

b.       Employment Security Commission

• See telephone book for address

• Computer browsing of available jobs in a given area

• Counselors will help

c.       Employment Agencies

• Fee is usually required

• Some employment agencies deal only with temporary placements

d.       Friends, neighbors, or relatives

 

II.     How to begin to get a job

a.       Call, write for, or pick up an APPLICATION

b.       Complete all parts of the application

• Use black ink

• Keep it neat

• Spell everything correctly

• Provide complete and accurate information

c.       Return application promptly and in good condition (not wrinkled, torn or spotted)

d.       Make a follow up call in about a week if you have not heard from the company

 

Interviewing Tips:

 

III.      Having a good interview

a.       Shower, shave (if appropriate), wash hair, and brush teeth before going for interviews

b.       Do not chew gum or smoke

c.       Dress in clean, neatly pressed, appropriate clothing and clean, polished shoes

d.       Arrive at least 5 minutes early (never late)

e.       Inform secretary or receptionist of your presence and purpose

f.        Greet interviewer politely

g.      Offer to handshake only if the interviewer extends hand first

h.       Wait to be told to be seated

i.         Answer all questions in complete sentences

• Always give honest answers

• Maintain eye contact

• Smile often

• Use proper grammar (no slang or vulgarity)

• Keep answers to the point and in response to what was asked

j.         Do not touch things in office or on the desk

k.       Keep feet on the floor

l.         Try to hold questions until asked if you have any

 Keeping a Job

IV.       Helpful hints for keeping a job

a.       DEPENDABLE

• Report to work when scheduled

• Arrive on time/leave as allowed

• Keep sick time to a minimum

• Call in when ill

• Request time off as early as possible

b.       Do QUALITY work

• Do job to exact specifications

• Correct mistakes

• Do assigned jobs completely

• Do not be careless

• Never think that “Close enough is good enough”

• Take pride in doing each job well

c.       Maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE

• Be cheerful

• Be cooperative

• Accept requests willingly

• Offer positive comments

d.       Develop good COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Learn to express feelings in words

• Describe situations accurately and clearly

• Talk out problems and concerns

Changing Jobs

V.       When to change jobs

a.       When your hours/pay are not enough

b.       When problems at present job cannot be resolved to mutual satisfaction

c.       When the work you are doing is no longer satisfying

d.       When you have an opportunity to advance with another company

e.       When home and work are too far apart

 

VI.    How to change jobs properly

a.       Give notice of intent to employer

• Minimum two weeks/Maximum 30 days

b.       Leave on good terms

• May need to use present employer as a reference

c.       Return all work items provided by employer

d.       Give forwarding address so that final paychecks, W-2 forms, etc., can be sent