Career Handbook

Top Traits EMPLOYERS look for


Honesty/Integrity

  • Being honest with yourself and with others is undeniably the most important quality you can bring to any organization.
  • Being uncompromising in your values leads to personal success.

Motivation/Initiative

  • Being a self-starter demonstrates your desire to contribute.
  • Being willing to take the initiative establishes you as a productive member of the work team.

Communication

  • Being willing to continue to expand o the communication skills that you learned prior to college in reading, writing, and speaking will give you an advantage when it comes to career advancement.
  • Being willing to add technology and computer knowledge to your communication skills will enable you to communicate in a global workplace.

Self-confidence

  • Being self-confident enables you to grow as you build your own personal skills.
  • Being willing to engage in new learning activities without feeling embarrassed or intimidated will establish you as an independent learner.

Flexibility

  • Being able to think outside-the-box means you are open to new ideas that may never have been tried before.
  • Being flexible and receptive to the ideas of others speaks highly of your ability to work as a team member.

Interpersonal skills

  • Being friendly and open to others builds trust and confidence within the workplace.
  • Being a good listener sends a signal that the ideas of others are valued.

Strong Work Ethic

  • Being well organized and willing to take on added responsibilities will allow you to advance within the organization.
  • Being punctual and dependable will establish you as a loyal employee.
  • Teamwork skills

    • Being willing to contribute as a team member promotes the idea that the whole is greater than any individual part.
    • Being able to see that in business, as in sports, success comes when everyone pulls together.

    Enthusiasm

    • Being enthusiastic is contagious and motivates others. Exhibit a positive attitude.
    • Being enthusiastic is an outward expression of the inner self.

    Special Skills

    • Having a specialization (technical or special skills) increases marketability.
    • Having computer skills is almost a necessity in the 21st century
    • Examples of Shortcomings: Negative attitude, poor presentation skills, unrealistic expectations, lack of assertiveness, poor social skills, and poor appearance.

    CAREER FAIR

    QUESTIONS TO ASK CAREER CONSULTANTS

    How much do you really know about career opportunities and occupations? Listed below are some questions you might like to ask career consultants.


    1. NATURE OF WORK

    a. What duties does one perform in this work each day?

    b. Are the duties involved the same or different each week, month or season?

    c. What equipment is used in the performance of tasks?

    d. What materials are handled?

    e. What is the importance of the work and its relation to society?

    2. WORKING CONDITIONS

    a. Is the work done indoors or outdoors?

    b. Is the work seasonal, irregular or steady?

    c. How many hours are worked each day or week?

    d. Is overtime required?

    e. Are surroundings safe and pleasant?

    f. What kind of organizations employ workers in this occupation

    g. What are the present and probable future demands for workers?

    h. Are workers organized or unorganized? (unions)

    3. EDUCATIONS AND TRAINING

    a. How much general education is required?

    b. What specialized or technical training is needed?

    c. What are the physical demands of the work?

    d. What, if any, special abilities are needed?

    e. Is necessary training secured on the job? Off the job?

    f. How long is the training period?

    4. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES (RENUMERATION)

    a. What is the usual beginning salary or wage? Average annual earnings? Average lifetime earnings?

    b. What increases in salary may be expected? Under what conditions?

    c. Is the pay in wages, commissions, bonuses, or as a direct price for a product sold or particular service rendered?

    d. What provisions are made for sickness benefits, retirement income, unemployment insurance, profit sharing, vacations, discounts on goods purchased from the company?

    5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT

    a. What are the usual lines of promotion?

    b. How are higher positions filled?

    c. Is it possible to obtain training for promotion?

    d. What opportunities are presented for the worker to develop personally?

    6. PERSONAL-SOCIAL QUALIFICATIONS

    a. What personality traits are most important?

    b. To what extent is ability to work with others required?

    c. What previous jobs have you held?

    d. What are the best and least enjoyable parts of your job?

    e. What's your typical day like?


    THE FISH PHILOSOPHY

    Make Work FUN

    "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life"

    Confucius

    PLAY A capacity for childlike wonder carried into adult life typifies the creative person

    BE THERE The present time has one advantage over every other... it is our own.

    MAKE THEIR DAY Here is a simple rule... "Always give people more than they expect"

    CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE A smile is a curve that sets everyone straight.


    PERFORMANCE RATINGS

    PERFORMANCE

    FACTORS

    EXCELLENT

    Far Exceeds

    Job

    Requirements

    VERY GOOD

    Exceeds Job

    Requirements

    GOOD

    Meets Job

    Requirements

    FAIR

    Needs Some

    Improvement

    UNSATISFACTORY

    Does Not Meet

    Minimum Req.

    QUALITY

    Leaps tall buildings with a single bound

    Must take running start to leap over tall buildings

    Can only leap over a short building, or medium with no spikes

    Crashes into buildings when attempting to jump over them

    Cannot recognize building at all, let alone jump it

    TIMELINES

    Is faster than a speeding bullet

    Is as fast as a speeding bullet

    Not quite as fast as a speeding bullet

    Would you believe a slow bullet?

    Wounds self with bullets when attempting to shoot gun

    INITIATIVE

    Is stronger than a locomotive

    Is stronger than a bull elephant

    Is stronger than a bull

    Shoots the bull

    Smells like a bull

    ADAPTABILITY

    Walks on water consistently

    Walks on water in emergencies

    Walks with water

    Drinks water

    Passes water in emergencies

    COMMUNICATION

    Talks with God

    Talks with the Angels

    Talks to himself

    Argues with himself

    Loses arguments with himself

    CAREER SKILLS PORTFOLIO

    Foundation Skills Which I possess (with examples)


    READING

    I read Dean Koontz's Lone Survivor last month. I'm working on improving my reading speed and comprehension


    WRITING

    Developed volunteer application form for service club


    SPEAKING

    Communicated and facilitated a focus group of students developing a student court system


    LISTENING

    Took the notes on feedback from the focus group on student court, wrote report and distributed.


    ARITHMETIC MATHEMATICS

    Analyzed the figures and managed the budget for the soccer team. Created a Lotus spreadsheet to maintain records.


    CREATIVE THINKING

    Developed and created the concept of student court in my school. Developed manual, training and presented plan to the Board of Education with 4 other students.


    DECISION MAKING

    I make good decisions because I always seek feedback and involvement of those effected (i.e.: the soccer club and the student court)


    PROBLEM SOLVING

    Recruited a panel of students to review the school newspaper editing guidelines for determining what should be included and what is considered vulgar.


    SEEING THINGS IN THE MIND'S EYE

    I envisioned a student court and created a plan


    KNOWING HOW TO LEARN

    I learn through trial and error and real life experiences


    RESPONSIBILITY

    Responsible for my little sister on Saturday. I help the student newspaper meet our deadlines.


    SELF-ESTEEM

    I find it easy to discuss my student, community and work involvement.

    I can express my beliefs freely and believe that I make others feel comfortable doing this.

    I'm not afraid to have someone disagree with my beliefs.


    SELF-MANAGEMENT

    I manage my time wisely and always keep a calendar with me


    INTEGRITY/HONESTY

    I believe that my reputation is the only thing that makes me different from those who cheat and lie. I always keep my promise or I don't make commitments.


    INTERVIEWING REPORT

    Typical interview questions that you may have to answer

    (Try answering them now!)

    Tell me about yourself ..


    What is your greatest strength?


    What are your three most important career accomplishments?


    Why should I hire you? Or ask yourself this one...If you were an employer, would you hire a person with your behavior patterns and your attitude?


    How would your supervisor describe you?


    What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced?


    What would you like to improve about yourself?


    What are your career goals?


    What have you learned from your past mistakes? What were some of them?


    Can you work well under stress?


    Are you a team player?


    What are the things that motivate you?


    What is the most important thing to you in a job?


    CAREER GOALS

    No matter what your occupation, you'll need G.O.A.L.S.
    Use this acronym to prescribe success.

    G - Go for the gold. Don't settle for anything less
    O - Opportunity. Make the most of every chance you have.

    Quality work.

    A - Attitude. Be focused; surround yourself with positive

    thinkers like yourself. And learn from your mistakes.

    L - Leader. Be a leader. Lead by example.

    S - Stay with it. Don't give up the ship. Stick to it.


    With your career, pick your passion. "Choose a career where you can have fun and have career growth"


    CHECK YOURSELF OUT...

    v How's your attendance and punctuality?

    v Are you reliable?

    v Are you respectful? Always? (Remember, your customers, boss, fellow employees may not always be respectful to you!)

    v How's your attitude?

    v If you were hiring an employee - would you hire yourself?


    The COPS Career Clusters

    SCIENCE, Professional CONSUMER ECONOMICS

    SCIENCE, Skilled OUTDOOR

    TECHNOLOGY, Professional BUSINESS, Professional

    TECHNOLOGY, Skilled BUSINESS, Skilled

    CLERICAL ARTS, Professional

    COMMUNICATION ARTS, Skilled

    SERVICE, Professional

    SERVICE, Skilled

    CAREER FIELDS

    AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES CAREERS

    Animal Trainer/Breeder

    Farm Manager

    Forester/Conservationist

    Golf Course Management

    Landscaping Operations and Management

    ART & COMMUNICATION CAREERS

    Actor

    Advertising/Graphic Designer

    Broadcast Meteorologist

    Illustrator

    Interior Decorator

    Journalist

    Metal & Jewelry Artist

    Museum Careers

    Physician Assistant

    Podiatrist

    Music Performer

    Photographer

    Photojournalist

    Producer Director

    Public relations Specialist

    Recording Engineer

    Radio Disk Jockey

    Television Broadcaster

    BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES CAREERS

    Accountant

    Bank Manager

    Financial Planner

    Human Resource Management

    Insurance Careers

    Labor Relations Manager

    Purchasing Agent

    Real Estate Broker/Manager

    CAREER SERVICES

    Adult & Community Education

    Erie 1 BOCES Career & Technical Services

    Government Service/Civil Service

    NYS Job Service

    S.A.T. Preparation

    Workforce Investment consortium

    US Small Business Administration

    VESID-Vocational Education Services

    For Individuals with Disabilities

    Volunteer Information

    Youth Court

    CONSTRUCTION, PRODUCTION & MECHANICAL CAREERS

    Carpenter

    Contractor

    Electrician

    Glazier

    Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technician

    Interior Designer

    Machinist

    Mason & Tile Setter

    Painter/Paperhanger

    Plumber & Steamfitter

    Printing Industries Careers

    Surveyor Welder

    EDUCATION CAREERS

    College/University Administrator

    Child Care

    Elementary Teacher

    Higher Education Marketing & Public Relations

    Professor

    Public Librarian

    School Counselor

    Student Personnel Services

    GOVERNMENT CAREERS

    Elected Official

    Internal Revenue Service

    Urban & Regional Planner

    HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CAREERS

    Audiologist

    Chiropractor

    Dental Hygienist/Assistant

    Dental Lab Technician

    Dentist

    Dietitian/Nutritionist

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Gerontologist

    Health & Medical Administrator

    Home Healthcare Provider

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Massage Therapist

    Medical Assistant

    Medical Lab Technologist/Technician

    Occupational Therapist

    Oncologist

    Optician

    Optometrist

    Orthodontic Lab Technician

    Pharmacist

    Physical Therapist

    Physician

    Psychiatrist/Psychologist

    Radiation Therapist

    Radiological Technologist

    Registered/Licensed Practical Nurse

    Respiratory Therapist

    Social Workers

    Speech Pathologist

    Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer

    Surgeon

    Surgical Technician

    Veterinarian

    Nuclear Medicine Technology

    HOSPITALITY & TOURISM CAREERS

    Chef/Cook/Caterer

    Corporate Travel Manager

    Hotel Manager

    Recreation Management

    Restaurant Operation Manager

    Sports Management

    Travel & Tourism Careers

    INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

    Computer Installation/Repair

    Computer Programmer

    Database Administrator

    Network Administrator

    Software/Hardware Engineer

    Systems Analyst

    Telecommunications Engineer

    Web design & Development

    LEGAL & PROTECTIVE SERVICES CAREERS

    Corrections Officer

    Court Reporter

    FBI Agent

    Firefighter

    Immigration Officer

    Lawyer/Judge

    Paralegal/Legal Assistant

    Parole Officer

    Police Officer

    Private Investigator

    Probation Officer

    State Trouper

    U.S. Customs Officer

    LOGISTICS, TRANSPORTATION & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES CAREERS

    Airlines Industry

    Air Traffic Controller

    Aircraft Pilot & Navigator

    Flight Attendant

    AUTOMOTIVE

    Auto/Automotive Body Repair

    Automotive Technician

    Automotive Sales

    Small Engine Mechanic

    Rail Transportation Occupations

    Truck Driver

    MANUFACTURING CAREERS

    Computer Aided drafter/Designer

    Robotics

    Sheet Metal Worker

    Tool & Die Worker/Machinist

    MILITARY CAREERS

    U.S. Air Force

    U.S. Air National Guard

    U.S. Army

    U.S. Army National Guard

    SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES CAREERS

    Aerospace Engineering

    Aquatic Biologist

    Architect

    Biomedical Science Careers

    Chemical Engineering

    Chemist

    Civil Engineer

    Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineer

    Electrical Technician

    Environmental Engineer

    Geologist

    Industrial Engineer

    Landscape Architecture

    Mechanical Engineer

    Meteorologist

    Microbiologist

    Physicist

    Plant Molecular Biochemist

    Structural Engineer

    Zoologist

    WHOLESALE/RETAIL SALES & SERVICES CAREERS

    Barber/Hairstylist/Cosmetic services

    Business Marketing & Marketing Management

    Florist

    Funeral Services & Mortuary Science

    Store Manager

    HOT JOBS

    Allied Health Professions

    Security

    Construction

    Computer/Information Technology

    Aerospace/Defense

    Teachers/Administration

    Social Service/Social Worker

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