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