Searching for a job on your own? Here are some online resources to help you:
Check the Important Dates calendar for Job Fairs and Workshops.
Review Job Opportunities that are updated weekly.
Visit the NHWorks.org website for job searches, resume drafting, career information, and more!
UPDATES: MARCH 28, 2008 NEWSLETTER
U. S. Postal Exams
The email sent out this week for the postal job opening, when it is available in Groveton, is for a Rural Carrier Sub. The salary is $17.98 per hour but does not offer benefits. In order to apply for this job you must apply online at www.usps.com/employment or on a Touch-Tone Phone by calling 1-478-757-3199. For those of you who do not have access to a computer, please come to the WAC and we can help you fill out the application online. When applying for this position, please use the announcement number 229758. This application needs to be submitted by 3/31/08, 11:59 p.m. EST. The test will be given at the St. Francis Catholic Hall in Groveton on Wednesday, April 30th at 5 p.m. The test is for a rural carrier sub position only and will be filled by taking the highest score on the test or so on down the line, until the position is filled. The person acquiring the job will have a choice of three towns including Groveton to work. This position is only part time when a sub is needed and will only be available for a full time position when the full time position is vacant. A copy of the job opportunity is in our files if you would like more information about it. Please do not confuse this test with regular testing for full time postal careers which are given in Manchester, NH.
Preparing for an Interview
§ BEFORE THE TELEPHONE RINGS
o Always keep paper and pen next to the phone
o Have a copy of your resume or application nearby
o Try to have a responsible person answering the phone
o Express the importance of keeping the telephone lines open
o Your answering machine message should be professional and appropriate
o No telephone? Find a reliable message phone and check with them regularly
§ DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Make a good impression at your interview by doing homework beforehand. The more you know about the company and the position, the better you will appear in the interview. Your interest and
o motivation will impress an interviewer, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.
§ LIST THE REASONS THE INTERVIEWER WILL HIRE YOU
o Match your skills and experience to the job for which you are applying. Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a list of what the employer is looking for based on the job description. On the right, make a list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements. Make sure you give specific examples that substantiate your abilities and work traits. Be able to answer questions based on the emphasized points of your resume.
§ PREPARING YOUR QUESTIONS
o What is the question all interviewers will ask? “Do you have any questions?” Prepare at least five good questions that indicate your interest in the job, the company and the industry or profession. Ask questions that say something about your ability to fit in, do the job and meet the company objectives. Above all, ask questions that show a response to what you have learned from the interviewer. Ask about:
§ Hiring process
§ Responsibility
§ Company’s projections
§ Being new on the job
§ The organization
§ Typical day
o Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags. Don’t ask questions about only one topic. Ask to clarify something the interviewer said.
§ PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
o Rehearse the interview
§ PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
o A person with a disability has to be prepared to present his/her disability in a job interview. Always present the disability in positive terms. NEVER use medical definitions to describe the disability and only present the information an employer would need to know. You want to stress abilities, NOT disabilities! Do not linger on discussing how your handicap limits you; explain how well you can perform the functions of the job. You want to provide examples of how you have successfully performed in past positions. These examples should be related to the job for which you are applying.
§ APPEARANCE COUNTS
o How do you look?
§ Hair and make-up should be neat and not attract attention
§ Trim or shave beard/mustache
§ Wash hands and trim nails
§ Shower and use deodorants
§ Avoid using perfume or aftershave
§ Brush your teeth
§ Cover tattoos and, if necessary, remove body piercing
o What do I wear?
§ Jewelry should be simple
§ Clothes cleaned and pressed
§ Conservative and neat, neutral colors
§ Clean and shine your shoes
o What do I bring?
§ Briefcase or purse – not both
§ Two pens and a pad of paper
§ Extra copies of resume/application, references, transcripts
§ Name of person doing the interviewing
§ Your interview questions and notes about the company
§ Two forms of identification (social security card, license, passport)
§ Diplomas, professional licenses or certificates
§ Examples of your work
§ Reading glasses
o Caution! These are “turn-offs”
§ Chewing gum or cough drops
§ Smoking and drinking alcohol
§ Wearing sunglasses
§ Forgetting your reading glasses
§ Wearing headphones
§ Body piercing
§ No cell phones or pagers
§ Don’t curse
o Other Important Concerns
§ Come alone!
§ Have reliable transportation
§ Arrive 15 minutes early (call if you will be late)
§ Have dependable child or adult care
§ Be sure to eat breakfast
§ Get a good night’s sleep
§ Do final mirror check
Above article taken from NH Employment Security handout
Anyone working with agencies such as Allstaff, Leddy or Westaff should realize that meeting with them is also your employment interview. You should use interviewing techniques and dress appropriately. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Rule of thumb: Dress one step above what is required for the job.
If you need any help with any part of the resume writing or interview process, you may want to attend a workshop given weekly at the Berlin and Littleton Unemployment Offices. You can reach them at 603-752-5500 (Berlin) or 603-444-2971 (Littleton). There is the possibility that we will be having a workshop here in Groveton in the very near future. Watch for more information to come on this in our weekly newsletter.