They will have information about job requirements and work opportunities. Most appointments with federal and state governments have specific requirements, including a test for which you must apply in advance. For information about government jobs, contact your local, federal or state civil service commission office, which is usually in the local post office. The exact addresses, however, of both federal and state civil service commission offices are in your telephone di rectory.
Union officials, employers, and representatives of the civil service commissions are all willing to help you, but it is up to you to contact them.
Help from Local Recruiters for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps
These years can be used to acquire education and training that will later open doors to interesting and well-paying civilian jobs. As far as the needs of the armed forces allow, your aptitudes, training and interests will be considered in your assignment.
Naturally, you will be able to use these years to better advantage if you have made a thoughtful occupational selection before joining the armed forces.
Experience gained from military service can be useful. A recent study indicated that workers in some jobs do better and make more progress when they have had related military training. In addition, as a veteran you will receive special consideration when applying for a job. The local state employment service office has the responsibility of contacting veterans and providing them with additional services. However, even if you are a veteran, don't wait for an employment service to contact you. Visit the local state employment service office and ask for the veteran's representative. He will see that you are well taken care of.
Help from Workers in the Field that Interests You
Another way of finding out about particular jobs is to question people about their fields of work. Most people like to "talk shop" and are glad to give information to young, interested beginners. They may even know about openings in their own establishments or in other companies. If you know someone engaged in the line of work that appeals to you, ask for information. Or ask a friend or relative who might know someone who works in your field.
Part-time and Temporary Employment
Many students work from time to time while they are still in school, either after school hours or during vacations. By working part-time or during the summer, students gain experience that can be useful in obtaining full-time work after graduation. For some students, such work is an experiment. They find out what they like and don't like. In addition, many of them use the money earned from a part-time or temporary job to help meet school expenses. For others, such work is a source of extra spending money.
In many parts of the country, the state employment service cooperates with local schools, businesses and industries to set up programs that combine on-the-job training with continued education for students. These programs usually run throughout the school year and may offer the opportunity to earn credits toward high school graduation. They may also include training courses at the employer's establishment or at the school.
If you have had some part-time or temporary work, think about what you have learned and how you may use it toward choosing and obtaining a full-time job. If you are interested in on-the-job training that relates to your educational or vocational goal, see your high school counselor, teacher or principal for more information; and visit your local employment service office for additional details.
Direct-Mail Promotion
If the record of your qualifications and work history are too long for one of the forms outlined thus far, you might also use a letter. Of course, such a letter should have sales appeal and contain all pertinent information. The resume should be prepared as shown in the personal occupational inventory for the modem analytical form.
After you have completed your resume and accompanying "selling" letter, you must prepare a carefully compiled list of firms to whom they should be sent. In some ways, this step is the most important of your job-seeking program. The best resume and letter in the world will not help you if they go to the wrong firms. The kind of paper you use, and the method of reproducing your resume and letter must be considered very carefully. You must also give consideration to the quantity you will need, the cost of printing, reproduction and mailing.
Following is a list of directories. By going through them you can easily compile a list of prospective concerns who would be interested in what you have to offer. List these organizations and their addresses in the order of your preference. Address your letter and resume to the personnel department:
- American Firms Operating in Foreign Coun tries, Directory of, 9th ed,, N.Y. Worid Trade Academy Press/Uniworld Reference Publica tions, New York, 1977
- College Placement Annual, The College Placement Council, Inc., Bethlehem, Penn.
- Construction Employment Guide, 3rd ed., World Trade Academy Press, Inc., New York, 1977
- Dun & Bradstreet Reference Directory (an nual), Dun & Bradstreet, New York.
- Foreign Firms Operating in U.S., Directory of, 4th ed.. World Trade Academy Press, Inc., New York, 1977
- Guide to American Directories, 7th ed., B. Klein & Co., New York, 1976
- Looking for Employment in Foreign Countries (by J. L. Angel), 6th ed.. World Trade Academy Press, New York, 1972
- Multinational Marketing and Employment Di rectory, 7th ed., World Trade Academy Press, Inc., New York, 1977
- Poor's Register of Directories and Executives (annual). Standard & Poor's Corp., New York.
- Thomas' Register of Manufacturers (annual), Thomas Publishing Co., New York.
- Trade Directories of the World, Croner Pub lications, Queens Village, NY (Looseleaf kept up to date by an amendment service.)
