JOB SEEKING SKILLS A workbook on applications, resume writing, and interviewing. Developed by: Francine Bates, EdD, LPC Joni Dolce, MS, CRC Ni Gao, PhD, LCSW Dawn S. Pearson, PHR
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Francine Bates, EdD, LPC, is an Assistant Professor and Employment Consultant for the Integrated Employment Institute. She provides training and technical assistance for recipients of mental health services, providers, and families. Dr. Bates has extensive experience providing exemplary employment services to people with mental health conditions and other disabilities. Previously, Dr. Bates was Program Manager of a supported employment program, an employment counselor for the Department of Labor and an employment specialist for an employment and training funded program. Joni N. Dolce, MS, CRC, is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers School of Health Professions. Joni provides training and consultation to behavioral health providers around career services. She has authored and coauthored several articles and workbooks on employment. Joni presents and provides workshops and trainings locally and nationally on a variety of behavioral health and employment related topics as well as an invited speaker for employer events on the topic of mental health in the workplace. Her research interests include staff training and studying employers’ views on hiring individuals with mental health conditions. Ni Gao, Ph.D., LCSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers University. Dr. Gao has provided employment training, and technical assistance to many mental health and behavioral health providers in the past 15 years. Before joining the Department, she had 15 years of clinical and managerial experience in community mental health. Dr. Gao has been awarded several federal, private foundation, and university research grants focusing on improving employment and educational outcomes among individual experiencing mental health conditions. She has also published extensively on the topic. Dawn Pearson, PHR, has worked in Human Resources for over 25 years, 20 years as an HR Director and has developed expertise in all areas of the Human Resource field. Ms. Pearson believes knowledge is power. She is a strong advocate of continuing education and career advancement for all employees.
Graphic Design by Ifrah Akhtar
The Integrated Employment Institute is a program within the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers-SHP. The mission of the Institute is to improve employment and education outcomes for people with mental health conditions. Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Counseling Professions Rutgers School of Health Professions 200 College Dr. Jefferson Hall Blackwood, NJ Website: https://shp.rutgers.edu/psychiatric-rehabilitation/integrated-employment-institute/
04 JOB APPLICATIONS
CONTENTS
Blank Application (5) Additional Application Information (9)
12 RESUMES 15 Resume Guidelines (14) Gaps in Work History (15) Chronological Resume — Sample (17) Skills or Functional Resume — Sample (18) Resume Guide (19)
24 INTERVIEWS Introduction to Interviews Worksheet (25) Critique Sheets (27) Interview Skills: Helpful Tips (34) Sample Interview Questions (36)
This workbook includes information that was developed for use by job seekers or staff who support individuals in returning to work. It provides an overview of the key areas of the job search, including applications, resume writing, and interviewing skills. For additional information, get in touch with The Integrated Employment Institute.
Rutgers SHP — The Integrated Employment Institute
3
4
The following pages contain a blank application. You can use this for practice and reference when filling out actual job applications.
5
SAMPLE JOB APPLICATION Name: (Last Name, First) Present Address: Permanent Address: Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Social Security Number: Position Applying For:
Date You Can Start:
Availability: (Please indicate times you are available) Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Start
End
Desired Salary:
Willing to Relocate?
Area Preferences: Education: Name & Location of School
Graduated (Yes or No) Years Completed
Course of Study
High School:
College: Other:
Honors, Achievements, Extracurriculars:
6 Rutgers SHP — The Integrated Employment Institute
Employment Record: (Starting with most recent) Employer Name & Address
Dates Worked (From — To)
Job Title
Supervisor's Name and Title
Job Duties
Reason for Leaving
Military Service Record:
Were you in the US Armed Forces?
Yes
No
If yes, which branch? Type of discharge:
7 Rutgers SHP — The Integrated Employment Institute
References: Reference's Name
Address
Telephone Number
Business
Years Known
I understand that any misrepresentation made by me in this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of application and termination of employment. I understand that I may be required to take a post-hire drug test and that my employment will be conditional pending its results. I give the Company the right to investigate all references and to secure information about me. I also understand that if I am hired I will adhere to the Company’s employment policies.
Signature of Applicant
Date
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE.
Interview Date:
Interview Time:
Location:
Date of Hire:
8 Rutgers SHP — The Integrated Employment Institute
JOB APPLICATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Employers almost always require applications, even if you give them a resume. There are differences between the purpose of a resume and an application even though much of the information is the same. Most people do not like filling out applications, but it is necessary in finding work. What are some excuses people use that lead to incomplete or inaccurate applications?
It takes too long, I get tired, it's boring. My spelling is not very good. I don't know what to write when they ask about criminal history. I don't understand why I need to fill one out; I already gave them my resume. It's hard to remember dates, addresses, telephone numbers, and names of supervisors. Do any of these excuses sound familiar to you?
Filling out applications can be boring and tedious. Being prepared with a positive state of mind, having all the information you will need, and by giving yourself enough time to do a complete job without feeling rushed, will make the task easier and more fun. Just think, you may end up with the job!
Complete, accurate, and neat applications can make the difference. List any excuses below that keep you from filling out an application completely, neatly and in a timely manner:
9 Rutgers SHP — The Integrated Employment Institute
END OF SAMPLE To access or use the full workbook, please contact us. iei@shp.rutgers.edu