Machining Fundamentals 22
• What jobs have I held? Why did I leave them?
• What skills have I acquired while in school?
You will probably have two or more areas of
interest. After listing them, start gathering informa-
tion on these areas of interest. Use as many different
sources as time permits. This may include searching
the Internet, reading publications about the profes-
sion, talking with persons doing this type of work,
and visiting industry. Plan your educational pro-
gram to prepare for entry into a specifi c job or for
advanced schooling.
The next problem is fi guring out how you go
about getting that job. Jobs are always available.
Workers get promoted or they retire. Some quit,
die, or get fi red. Technological progress also cre-
ates new jobs. However, you must “track down”
these jobs. There is no easy way to get a challeng-
ing job.
Concentrate on getting the job. If possible,
always make your initial request for a job in person.
Always be specifi c on the type of job you are seek-
ing. Make sure you are qualifi ed for that job. Never
ask for “just any job” or inquire, “What openings do
you have?”
Dress appropriately. Job hunting is not the time
to wear old clothes or torn and beat-up shoes. Be
clean and well-groomed.
When fi lling out a job application, avoid leaving
any spaces blank. The employer may think there is
something you do not want to answer. If the ques-
tion is not applicable to you, write in “Not applica-
ble,” “Does not apply,” or “NA.” For example, there
might be a question on the application that asks,
“What was your highest rank in the armed forces?”
If you were not in the armed forces, you would write
in, “Does not apply,” or “NA,” rather than leaving
the answer space blank.
Last, but not least, know where to look for a
job. There are many websites dedicated to listing
job opportunities. Schools often host job fairs where
potential job seekers can meet with employers and
companies. Even check the classifi ed advertising
section of local newspapers. Talk with friends and
relatives who are employed. They may be aware of
job openings at their places of employment before
the jobs are advertised.
A new offi ce or factory building may indicate
potential job openings. It would also be to your
advantage to prepare a list of desirable employers
in your community and visit their personnel offi ces.
Plan these visits on a routine basis when jobs are
not readily available. The offi ce staff will then know
you are interested in working for their fi rm and may
give you preference.
One thing you must remember: The job will not
come to you, you must search for it!
2.3.1 Preparing a Résumé
To speed the tedious task of fi lling out job appli-
cations, prepare a
résumé
in advance. A résumé is
a summary of your educational and employment
background. It will ensure uniform information with
little chance for confusing responses. The résumé is
submitted when applying for a job. Your résumé
should include the following items:
• Your full name.
• Your telephone number, e-mail address, and
full address. Do not forget area and zip codes.
• Education and any special training. Include
dates of all educational attendance.
• The types of equipment that you can safely
operate.
• Names of previous employers. List the places
you have worked, starting with the most
recent. Include the items that follow (for each
previous employer):
• Company name and address.
• Dates employed.
• Immediate supervisor’s name.
• Salary or pay rate.
• Reason for leaving.
• Names and addresses of references. Do not
include relatives unless you have worked
for them. Make sure you secure permission
before using a person for a reference. (Today,
many job seekers note “References available
on request,” instead of listing the names and
addresses on the résumé.)
2.3.2 What an Employee Should
Expect from Industry
From the preceding sections, you have some
idea of what industry expects from an employee.
However, are you aware of what an employee
should expect from industry? Over and above salary
and fringe benefi ts, what should you expect from an
employer?