Albert P.

Joseph
EDID 6512
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Purpose of Career Guidance Handbook

First Steps

• Holland Career Test

• Test Interpretation
• Occupational Exploration Worksheet
• Goal Setting

Resumes

• What are they?

• Overview of the Resume
• Tips on Writing
• Sample Resumes

Cover Letters

• What are they?

• Overview of the Cover Letter
• Types of Cover Letters
• Tips on Writing the cover Letter
• Sample Cover Letters

Interviews

• What is it?
• How to prepare for an interview
• Frequently Asked Interview questions

Networking tips
Useful Websites
Conclusion
 PURPOSE OF CAREER GUIDANCE HOLLAND CAREER TEST
HANDBOOK

Dear Reader,

Making a career decision can be a huge undertaking with so many careers to choose
from. This career guidance handbook serves as a quick reference guide to ease
your mind and help you in the process. The guide first helps you in getting to know
yourself , your interests and personality. Once you have a fair idea of who you are,
you can now match your interests and personalities with the most suitable jobs.

The handbook also assists you in taking action, by learning how to write re-
sumes, cover letters and preparing you for the “dreaded interview”. You will
also gain tips on how to network to build your net worth. Overall, this guide
is a must have that can be used long after leaving school. Hope this helps!

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TEST INTERPRETATION OCCUPATIONAL EXPLORATION WORKSHEET

This worksheet can help you collect additional information on specific jobs. The
more you know, the more likely you are to make a good decision. Use one or
more of the following references to find details on specific jobs. Complete one
worksheet for each job that interests you.

O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles (available online at http://on

line.onetcenter.org) Occupational Outlook Handbook (available online
at /www.bls.gov/oco/) Best Jobs for the 21st Century 50 Best Jobs for Y
our Personality

Job title ________________________ Interest area ____________________

Information source(s) used to research this job_________________________
What do people in this job do (job description)? ________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What skills and abilities are required for this job?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What are the general working conditions?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What training, education, and other qualifications are need?_______________
_______________________________________________________________
Job outlook/growth _________________Average earnings________________
Related jobs _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What more do you need to know about this job before you can make a decision?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What barriers do you face in getting this job, and how might you overcome
them? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 RESUME ANATOMY OF THE RESUME

A resume is likely the first point of contact with a potential employer. It highlights Contact Information
briefly one’s purpose, education, accomplishments and experience. It is your At the top of the résumé, include
“sales pitch” to your potential employer. your full name, address, contact
number and email address .
Resume DO’s
Objective
• Focus on the needs of the company, not yours A statement summarises your
• Order information correctly desired position and what you can
• Keep your resume brief- one to two pages contribute to the employer.
• Demonstrate passion and assertiveness in your writing
• Tailor your CV in a way that it can benefit each company
Education
In reverse chronological order, list your school
DONT’s
name, degree, anticipated graduation date,
major, minor, and GPA (if higher than 3.00/4.00).
• Hobbies are not a must- They must be relevant to the job
List relevant coursework if you think helpful, but it is
• Use “I” in your statements
optional.
• Put in CXC grades unless they are your highest qualification
• Include anything that can disqualify you
• Include nationality, date of birth, ID number. Experience
In reverse chronological order, list relevant full-time
employment, part-time employment, and internship.
For each position, list the position title, company name,
and work performed. Use action verbs to begin each
statement and construct it in PAR – Project/Task +
Activity + Result to show your contributions.
P – Project: Name of project, task
A – Activity: What you have done
R – Results: What you have achieved

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 Volunteer Work/Extra-curricular Activities SAMPLE RESUME ONE
In reverse chronological order, list the STARTING OFF IN CAREERS- NO PAID WORK EXPERIENCE
positions, affi liated organisations, and
significant contributions.
Godwyn William
Honours / Awards Email: gwilliam@ymail.com
In reverse chronological order, list the Cell: 284-6153
scholarships and prizes you were awarded
and the organisations. Recent school graduate seeking a career in photography

Dedicated and committed individual who has a passion for at and organizing
Skills
events. Strong leadership and organizational skills having worked with the
List your computer competence,
students’ council for the past two years. Willingness to learn the fundamentals of
language skills and job-related skills.
photography towards becoming a professional.

Key Skills:

Artistic Detail oriented Teamwork

Meticulous Organizing Writing

EDUCATION

George Wright Secondary School

2016

Achievements:
• 2016- Student of the Year
• 2015: Prize for visual Arts at Annual Awards Ceremony

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Problem Solving- Ability to problem solve to ensure that issues are resolved.
Demonstrated through the construction of lunch tables to ensure students
had a place to have lunch.

• Initiative: Willingness to take on challenges and get the job done. Demon-
strated by helping paint our art room
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• Reliable: Demonstrated by a regular attendance at all student council meet-
ings and always undertaking my duties.
• Trustworthy: Can be trusted to manage monies and also classified infor-
mation. Serves a treasurer of the student council and was responsible for a
considerable amount of money.
PROFESSIONAL REFEREES
Salim Haynes Biscombe Jn. Baptiste
Principal Photographer
George Wight Secondary School Reflections
Phone: 232-1688 Phone: 424-2875

STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

REFLECTIONS PHOTOSHOP 2014

• Photo assistant fo a two week period. Assisted in image processing and

lightroom.

Achievements and Contributions

• Framing techniques - Learnt skills in composition such as rule of thirds,

symmetry and filling the frame
• Lighting: understood lighting techniques of back, front and side lighting.
• Learnt basic software skills in lightroom and photoshop for editing images.

Testimonial:

• Godwyn served as an assistant to the photographer over a two week period

at our new branch in the city. During this time he showed keen interest in all
aspects of photography. He is very reliable, always punctual and regular for
work. A very fast learner.
---Tom Smith- Photographer

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTS

• 2016- George Charles Peer Helpers

• 2015- Assisted Red Cross at Caribbean Premier League Events
• 2013- Treasurer- Students’ Council

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 SAMPLE RESUME TWO PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
SECONDARY SCHOOL AND WORK EXPERIENCE (PAID)
• Charismatic - Can bring laughter and fun to any environment and a smile
to anyone’s face.
Tamar Newton • Sociable : Love to interact with individuals or groups to make them feel
Email: t amarn@msn.com welcomed.
Cell: 462-5181 • Caring : Always looking to ensure that persons are comfortable and are
taken care of.
Experienced receptionist seeking full time employment opportunities
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Outspoken, friendly and charismatic individual with experience in front desk
customer service. Can be very flexible, organized and possess excellent commu- TROPICAL PARADISE VIEW 2016- CURRENT
nication skills. Recent school leaver, but would be a strong asset to your company. RECEPTIONIST

Key Skills The position was the first contact for guest and was also required to respond to
phone calls and take visitor bookings.
Administration Bookkeeping Teamwork
Merchandising Cash management Achievements and Attributes:

Technical Skills: Office Suite- Word, Excel, Powerpoint • Customer Service- Provided service to visitors at the guesthouse respond-
ing to enquiries and providing general support when required.
EDUCATION • Bookkeeping- Was responsible for the recording of day to day financial
transactions of the company.
Entrepot Secondary School • Administration- Typed general communication and letters to business as
Form 5 requested by the employer.
2014
TUTA’S MINI MART 2015
Academic Achievements: CASH ATTENDANT
• 2014: Most Disciplined Student- Class of 2014
• 2014: Sportswoman of the Year Achievements and Contributions:
• 2013: Public Speaking Award
• Cash management- Managed cash from sales
• Merchandising- Responsible for ensuring that shelves were adequately
stocked and todetermine which items needed to be purchased.
• Teamwork- Worked collaboratively with other members of staff- awarded
staff of the month

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STUDENT WORK PLACEMENTS COVER LETTER

Completed 3-month training programme with NSDC in customer service.

The cover letter is a persuasive letter aimed at influencing an employer to review
VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTS an application and give the opportunity to be interviewed. It also brings out rele-
vant information in the resume. WIthout it a job application is considered naked
• Youth on Fire Movement: Engaged in community service week, Assisted and incomplete. which attempts to influence attached.
with Anse la Raye After School Assistance Programme.
Cover letters may be of two types:
• Foundations Sports and Cultural Club: Assisted coach with grassroots foot-
ball in t hecommunity. 1. Solicited letter:
This is in response to an advertisement
PROFESSIONAL REFEREES
2. The cold/ speculative letter:
Clyde Harvey Leila Jules Written for prospective job opportunities.
Owner Owner/Manager
Tuta’s Minimart Paradise View Guesthouse DOs
234-9087 560-2212
Place application letter in font of resume
Limit to one page
Tailor your cover letter
Maintain a positive tone throughout your letter
Respond to the requirements of the employer
Highlight your relevant skills and knowledge

DONTs

Include any negative information that could work against you

Make spelling or grammatical errors
Use slang or abbreviations

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 ANATOMY OF THE COVER LETTER Last paragraph
The last paragraph is to thank for the reader’s time.
You look forward to an interview and provide them
Salutation with telephone and email contact information.
Address the recipient if you know his/
her name, or address his/her position, Complimentary Close
e.g. Human Resources Manager. Write “Yours sincerely” when you address the
Address “Dear Sir/Madam” if you recipient’s name. Write “Yours faithfully” when
don’t know the recipient’s name. you address “Dear Sir /Madam”.

Heading Enclosure
Re: Applying for the Position of Enclose your résumé and other
… (Ref. no if applicable) required documents, such as
t ranscripts, certificates, etc.
First paragraph
The fi rst paragraph tells where you read the job
advertisement and your goal that you are an ideal
candidate. In unsolicited cover letter, state the job
field you are interested in and the reason for making
self-referral.

Second paragraph
The second paragraph elaborates your educational
experience and how they relate to the position. It also
elaborates your relevant work experience to convince
your reader that you are a worthy applicant.

Third paragraph
The third paragraph elaborates your other
experiences and how they relate to the position. This
paragraph can be omitted if you don’t have much to
talk about.

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 SAMPLE COVER LETTER Sincerely,
SOLICITED
Albany Rhode

Orange Grove Heights Enc. Resume

June 3, 2018
Mr. Marvin Peter
Senior Manager
Blue Gables Ltd.

Re: Application for the position of Pastry Chef

Dear Mr. Peter,

I wish to indicate my interest in the position of pastry chef as advertised by your

company. My rich experience serving in the hotel industry and a winner of many
accolades, i am confident that I can fulfil the requirements of your establishment.

I am a graduate of the Culinary Institute where I was voted as most creative in-
dividual. I have had the privilege of working with several teams where have been
able to demonstrate leadership and teamwork leading a team of chefs to winning
on two occasions the Caribbean Culinary Championships. My dedication and
love for the art of cooking has landed me several articles in some of the best cu-
linary magazines in the Caribbean.

My skills also range beyond cooking in that I have successfully planned several
events forcharity fundraisers. The Culinary Club has also been a brain child of
mine, where I mentorfifteen youth who wish to experience the joy of the culinary
arts as a career.

I believe that my skill set, creativity, innovativeness, dynamism and collaborative

spirit make me an excellent candidate for the position. I have enclosed my re-
sume to give you further details of my education and experience. I look forward
to an appointment for an interview. Feel free to contact me at 787-8907 or msj@
msn.com . Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to
hearing from you soon.

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 Sample Cover Letter GOAL SETTING
Cold Calling

https://twitter.com/ontspecialneeds/status/783452895501021184
May 22, 2014
Ms Myrtle Clarence Take time to reflect on your life. Where are you now? What would you like to
General Manager accomplish? Clearly define what it is you would like to accomplish.
Digicel, St. Lucia

RE: General Application for Positions within your Organization

Dear Ms. Clarence

As a recent graduate in the field of telecommunications, I would like to pro-

vide you with details of my qualifications and to inquire about possible positions
available within your organization.

My interest in telecommunications stems from a tender age where I was giv-
en the opportunity to work a two week stint at a telecommunications company.
Since then I have avidly pursued my interest and qualified myself in the field.
I am a highly motivated and driven individual with strong technical and commu-
nication skills. I have always found myself trying to find new ways to do things.
My critical thinking and problem solving skills were able to gain me the award
for highest academic performance in the telecommunications field.
As a reputable company in the telecommunications industry i do believe that I
can learn some valuable skills that will help propel me even further. Research on
your company indicates that you have been able to provide thousands of custom-
ers across the Caribbean with a very reliable broadband service which is second
to none. I would be elated to introduce myself to discuss any available positions.
I have enclosed a resume for your perusal. A follow up call will be made, however
I would be grateful if you would contact me should any position become avail-
able. Thank you for your time.
Set S.M.A.R.T. goals:
Specific- Know exactly what it is that you want to achieve. Any ambiguity means
that room is being left for ambiguous results.
Measurable- There needs to be some form of measure considered.
Attainable- Goals that are too high may not be reached. Take incremental steps
towards your goal
Realistic- Your goal must be real
Time- There must be a timeframe attached to every goal. Set aside sufficient time
to see to it that the goal is achieved by the deadline you’ve set. Get someone to
hold you accountable. They can serve as a motivator to help you put some energy
and effort in your down times.
Let your goal stretch you.

Yours sincerely, Make sacrifices if you have to, but make a commitment to achieving the goal.
Alban Gerville 19 20
 INTERVIEWS
PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW
What is an interview?
The interview is a screening process which usually follows a job application. It
determines one’s suitability for a job through a series of questions asked by an
interviewer to an interviewee.
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• Can you tell me about yourself?
• What strengths do you possess? What are your weaknesses?
• What makes you stand out from other applicants?
• How did you hear of this position?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why are you interested in this job?
• What are your greatest professional strengths?
• What is your greatest professional achievement?
• What do you see yourself doing in the next few years?
• How would you be described in your current work environment?
• Is this the right interview?
• How did you come across the information regarding the interview?
• What are your aspirations?
TIPS FOR THE INTERVIEW
• Know about your strengths and your weaknesses.
• Be sure to bring along a copy of your resume
• Spend some time practicing before the interview on possible interview
questions
• Research the company. Get to know as much about it as possible.
• Demonstrate assertiveness and optimism during the interview.
• Determine the business that you’re interested in
• When researching determine whether the skills needed can be met by you
• Take courses to build on skills
Review the rating of the business and overall relationship with the public
Show that you have an understanding of the position that you are applying for
and the skills required
Be punctual and well groomed. Make a great first and lasting impression.
Communication
Listen- it helps you gather information
Work on oral and written skills
Be sociable
Body language speaks volumes- Your posture says a lot.
Do not be hasty in responding to questions.
Be thankful at the end of your interview
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 NETWORKING CONCLUSION

Networking refers to the creation of a group of associates and acquaintances and
keeping itdynamic through constant communication for reciprocal benefit.
Networking is a two way street. It is based on :How can I help and not “What can
I get?”
Tips on Networking
I hope this guide has met your expectations. Making career plans is a critical
decision which requires sufficient information. This information can be received
through research or meeting with others in your desired profession. The guide
serves as a first step to provide you with some information which is believed to
be pertinent to you. Continue to explore and research your careers and develop
your skills. I wish you the very best in your quest to finding the career that is just
right for you.

• Be genuine, build trust, Help others

• Determine what your goals are and
meet the right people and connect with
those who can help
• Join groups and organisations
• Ask questions
• Articulate clearly what your goals are
so that individuals can guide you through.
• Follow up with the people that you meet.

USEFUL LINKS

Here are some links that you can explore to find out a little more about yourself
and assisting you in getting you ahead with your career.

http://www.career-test.co.uk/take_test.php

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/explore-careers.aspx

http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-
is-a-resume/sample-resumes

https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-inter-
view-questions

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