> > Communicate Business Concepts 1. Who are some people you know that you 4. What actions might a person take when might consider for an informational interview? preparing to attend a career fair? 2. Give examples of how consumer demand, 5. Your personal data sheet should list several changing demographic trends, and new references. Application forms also ask refer- technology might affect career opportunities. ences to be listed. Make a list of three or me 3. Make a list of your talents and abilities. Specify references you could use right now. Then no whether you believe each one is strong or the type of information each reference could weak. Indicate how you might use your give that would be of help to a potential strengths in career planning. Also indicate employer. what actions you might take to improve your weak areas. 226 CHAPTER 9 Career Planning and Development 6. Prepare a list of items that you might include in supervision and communicate effectively a career portfolio when applying for a job. with people who call for information. Word 7. If you were in charge of hiring people, what processing and other office skills are desir- information would you want to obtain from able. Salary is better than average in this applicants? How would you go about getting community. this information? What are some specific b. Salespeople are needed for the auto parts questions you would ask if you were to and cosmetics departments of a large retail interview the applicants? store. Applicants should have some famil HOT iarity and/or experience with selling. Hours B. Job applicants may encounter role-playing are flexible, although some evening and situations in an interview. What types of situa- weekend work will be required. Benefits are tions may be used to assess the skills and especially attractive; incentive bonus policy abilities of prospective employees? can provide a good income for the right 9. Information has been received about three job person. openings in your community. Each is quite dif- c. Ours is a leading bank in this region, We ferent. Assume that you are qualified for only are in need of capable people who want one position. Make up whatever qualifications to begin a career in banking. Our training you think you would like to present to a program starts at the bottom, but provides prospective employer. Then write a letter a great opportunity to learn about the of application for the position. banking industry. Salary is competitive. a. Reliable person is needed to handle a 10. What kinds of questions would you ask in an variety of responsibilities in a small busi- exit interview if you were the supervisor inter- ness office. Must be able to work without viewing a sales clerk who is leaving?> > Develop Your Business Language Match the terms listed with the definitions. 21. A two-way conversation in which the inter- viewer learns about you and you learn about 11. A planned discussion with a worker to find out about the work that person does, the prepara- the job and the company. tion necessary for the career, and the person's 22. An interview in which an employer asks ques-* feelings about the career. tions about how an employee liked his/her 12. The willingness and ability of a person to move work and inquires about job improvements that might be made. to where jobs are located. 13. The things that are important to you in life. 23. Tangible evidence of your ability and skills provided when applying for a job. 14. A natural, inborn aptitude to do certain things. 15. A goal in life that is fulfilled through a job or a series of occupations. Key Terms a. ability 16. The quality of being able to perform mental or b. application form physical tasks. c. career 17. A sales letter about an applicant written for the d. career portfolio purpose of getting an interview. e. cover letter f. employment interview 18. A summary of job-related information about g. exit interview yourself. h. informational interview 19. An experienced employee who serves as i. mentor counselor to a person with less experience. j- mobility k. resume 20. A document used by employers that asks for I. talent information related to employment. m. values> > Decision-Making Strategies Jeff Barbson is looking to his future and wondering art. Jeff's father wants him to be an engineer what kind of career he should prepare for. His father because there is a need for engineers in their state is the city's civil engineer. His mother is a buyer in a His mother wants him to go into retailing. Jeff wou major department store. Both of his parents are like to go to medical school and become a heart successful and enjoy their careers. Both of them specialist. have talked with Jeff about their work. He has vis- ited his father's office and has worked as a sales 24. Based on his school record, which of the thre clerk in his mother's store. Jeff's favorite subjects Career areas do you think he should choose? are computers, economics, and art. His least 25. What advice would you give Jeff regarding favorites are history, English, business law, and career planning? math. He earns his best grades in computers and