Getting the Job You Want

How do you know if you are ready to get and keep a job?

What should you expect from your employer?

What will your employer expect from you?

What are necessary skills for work success?

How do you figure out what would be a good job for you?

Getting Started with Your Job Search

Let’s explore some of these questions to help you find and keep a job as well as moving ahead in your career. If you have someone helping you, they can work with you as you consider these questions and develop skills for successful employment.

Finding the Right Job

American Job Centers and Division of Rehabilitation Services staff can help you determine a good job match for you.

Here are some tips to help you get and keep the job you want:

Know your interests and skills and your strengths and weaknesses.

Take advantage of volunteer or internship opportunities to gain experience and to increase your skills.

Have confidence in yourself and keep a positive attitude.

Be a responsible and hard-working employee.

Complete tasks without having to be told.

Know when to ask for help.

Job Readiness – 10 Questions to Ask Yourself

It is a good idea to focus on these strategies to increase your chances of a successful placement. If you do not currently possess these skills, you should be upfront with the employer about your current job readiness. Perhaps you could start under an extended probation period. This would allow time to demonstrate mastery of the skills required for on the job success.

Is your job preference a good choice for you?

Do your current skills and education match your job choice?

Do you have a resume prepared?

Are you available to begin work immediately?

Do you have a plan for how you will get to and from work?

Do you have a good understanding of the employer’s expectations related to daily work behaviors?

Do you have good grooming and hygiene?

Do you have suitable business clothing?

Do you have appropriate interviewing skills?

Are your necessary job supports in place (i.e. job coach)?

Expectations: Employee and Employer

Employee Expectations

Here are a few things that you should expect from your employer:

Provide a safe work environment.

Provide a reasonable amount of training so you can do the job as your employer expects.

Provide reasonable accommodations if you are eligible for and request them.

Explain company policies and rules.

Discuss any changes that affect your job (duties, pay, vacation, schedule, etc.).

Evaluate your work and provide positive and/or constructive feedback.

Employer Expectations

Here are a few things that your employer will expect from you:

Complete tasks assigned to you in a timely manner.

Be willing to learn new things.

Follow directions.

Be an honest, responsible and loyal employee.

Be on time and at work every day. If you cannot be at work for some reason, let your supervisor know as soon as possible.

Accept criticism when your employer evaluates you. You can learn from the feedback and become a better worker.

Necessary Skills for Work Success

Practicing and using the following skills are sure ways to increase your chances of success in the workplace:

Spoken communication skills – both one-on-one and in groups.

Written communication skills – either printed or on the computer.

Honesty – being truthful.

Teamwork skills – working with other people to complete a job.

Initiative – doing things without needing to be asked.

Questioning skills – asking questions in order to learn or understand something.

Creativity – having imagination and the ability to come up with new ideas.

Multicultural skills – understanding and relating to people who are different from you.

Learning skills – willing to learn new things.

Follow up and follow through – do so when necessary and appropriate.

Time management skills – making the best use of your time; staying on schedule; meeting deadlines; setting priorities.

Searching for a Job that’s Right for You

Have you figured out what might be the best job for you? If you haven’t, here are steps you can take to help make that decision.

Know yourself, your interests, your skills and your abilities.

What type of job would be a good fit?
Do the hours and time of day match your needs?

Make a list of the jobs that most interest you.

What is it about the jobs that you find interesting?
What are the tasks or environment you think you would enjoy most?
Are these characteristics found in other jobs?

Research jobs.

Research jobs at your local American Job Centers, at the library or on the Internet.

Make use of volunteering or internship opportunities.

Volunteering or internship opportunities can help you learn about a job. Division of Rehabilitation Services or staff at your local American Job Center can help you find such opportunities.

Conduct informational interviews.

An informational interview involves talking with people who are currently working in the type of job in which you are interested. Asking questions helps you to gain a better understanding of that particular job. Be sure to practice before hand.

Create a résumé.

Once you know what your ideal job might be, create a résumé. Staff at your local American Job Center can help with this task.

Find out where the jobs are.

Do some exploring and find out Where the Jobs Are.