Chapter 3 Agriculture as a Career 131 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Getting Hired Selecting the career or job that you are interested in can be difficult. Getting hired for a specific job opening can be just as challenging. After looking at yourself and committing to be the type of employee that employers want to hire, you need to market yourself to those who make the hiring decisions. Typically, there are four main stages to getting hired: „ Initial contact „ Application and paperwork „ Interview „ Follow-up At each step in this process, there are things you can do to make sure that you are visible and memorable to the employer. Initial Contact The first step in getting a job is making contact with the employer. You may hear about the job from a friend or relative, through an online or newspaper posting, or from a job board at your school or a local business. It is advisable that you make your initial contact either in person or through a phone call, Figure 3-30. However, some businesses prefer you communicate through email. Conduct research about the position, the company, and its hiring policies. Figure out how you would fit this job before you make the call. The initial contact will likely set the impression the employer has of you through the entire hiring process. If possible, set up an interview during your initial contact. Write down the date, time, and location of the interview, along with the pertinent contact information. Be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and interest in the job. The most important thing about this contact is to portray yourself as a pleasant, professional individual who can communicate well and as someone the potential employer would consider hiring. Applying for the Job After you have made initial contact, you may be asked to provide a résumé and complete an application form. Many businesses now require you fill out an online application, but some still use paper forms. The most common documents to accompany a job application are a résumé and cover letter. Understanding the key factors to include in this paperwork can give you an advantage over other applicants. Odua Images/Shutterstock.com Figure 3-30. When making your initial contact by phone, use good phone etiquette: stand or sit up straight, turn off electronics, do not eat or chew gum, speak clearly, and smile. You should also make sure no one will interrupt you. Why do you think it is a good idea to smile when you answer or speak on the phone?