Entering the World of Work

Chapter 6: Finding Job Openings

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
Follow these steps to write your introduction:

Write down you name.
Write down the type of the job you want.
Add three or four of your skills that match the job you want. Include skills that you learned in school, at a job, or at a volunteer job.
Write a script that you will use when you contact people. The script will include the information in steps 1-3. Use the sample script below to help you.

         Hello, my name is __(your name)_. Thank you for your time. I am interested in a job as a receptionist in a veterinary clinic. I know word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. I worked as a volunteer at the local humane society for the last two years. I am friendly and have good communication skills.
         I would appreciate any information that you have about any receptionist jobs in veterinary clinics in the area of __(name the locality)_. You can reach me at (your phone number).
         Thank you very much.

Point of View
Make a chart of contacts. The chart will be four columns wide. Fill in the following information:
Column 1: name of contact
Column 2: contact phone numbers including home, work, and cell phone numbers
Column 3: contact address to send a thank you note
Column4: comments, such as, “really helpful,” or “call back later.”
Leave space below the original contact for information on the referrals this contact will give you. Start a new page of the chart for each new contact that you make.

Making Good Choices
Think about what is best for Lee. Also think about what is fair for the temp agency. You may think that the temp agency is making an unfair amount of money from Lee's wages. Or you may think that the temp agency deserves some of Lee's wages since they found him the job. Lee may think that the temp agency is making an unfair amount of money from his wages. The temp agency may think that they deserve some of his wages. Both ways of thinking are correct. Each side has a different opinion.
You are allowed to have a different opinion from someone else. You need to understand the other person's opinion, even if it is different from yours. Lee needs to be able to see the temp agency's opinion. Ask yourself if you can see both sides?
Think about how Lee can solve his problem. Think about what is best for him. Perhaps he can keep the job he likes while looking for another job that he will like as well. Or, perhaps he can talk to the temp agency. They may have a policy that will allow Lee to leave their employment and work directly for Via mall.