Check sheet for Job Readiness Entries Submit this information
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Check sheet for Job Readiness Entries
Submit this information in a manila file folder
Clip this form to the inside front cover of the folder
Folder should be labeled in the upper right corner with participant’s name, county and job
category.
Name of Participant___________________________________
Club _____________________________________________
Job Title or Name of Home Based Business____________________________________
Age Group (circle one)
Intermediate Advanced
(13-14) (15 & over)
The following items are included in the folder:
_____Job Description Sheet
_____Letter of Application OR Home Based Business flyer
_____Resume
_____Completed Application for Employment (required for all job types)
Job Readiness Event Guidelines
Job Readiness is an individual event which recognizes members who communicate a
personal understanding of and ability to perform specific job requirements. Seniors will do this
through written materials and a job interview, while intermediates will be evaluated on written
materials only.
Event Categories
Age Categories: Intermediate: age 13-14
Advanced: age 15 & over
Job Categories (individuals may choose one of the four categories below):
Services: Could include full service restaurants, fast food stores, employment at a day care
center, automotive service/repair, farm/ranch workers, contractor/construction
worker, photography, cosmetologists, etc.
Home Based Business: Could include babysitting (for an individual), housekeeping, catering
services, lawn care and maintenance, home repair/maintenance, custom sewing,
pet care, word processing, special occasion photography, etc.
Retail/Office: Could include any retail store (discount, department, specialty, farm supply,
garden/nursery, book store) or office-type work (including clerical, filing, and
receptionist).
Other: Please specify job type. It should be a job that does not fit into one of the other
categories. If you have questions, please contact the Extension Educator.
Criteria for Evaluation:
Participants will be evaluated on:
• An information folder, which includes a resume, a job description sheet, a letter of
application OR home based business flyer and a completed job application form. All
materials will be completed by the participant prior to the event. The information folder
will be turned in approximately a week before the interviews.
• An interview conducted at the Extension Office.
• A follow-up letter completed immediately after the interview.
Rules:
1. Participants will apply for an actual job in which they have an interest. The member should
be presently qualified for the position. Participants are to use factual information throughout
the application and interview.
2. Participants will select one job category and indicate a specific job (see categories under Job
Readiness Event Guidelines
3. Each participant will provide to the Extension Office by the pre-entry date one copy of the
following items on 8 ½” x 11” paper inside a letter-size file folder. Materials should be
placed in the following order:
• Completed check sheet (clipped to the inside front cover of the folder)
• Job description sheet, which includes name of the firm or home based business, firm size,
job title or home based business product or service offered, short job description or home
based business operated, hours, wages, etc.
• Letter of application or home based business advertisement flyer
• Resume
• Completed application for employment (may be typed or printed in black ink)
4. All materials must be the work of the participant.
5. Participants will dress in appropriate attire for a 4-H sponsored interview.
Appropriate attire for the interview consists of the following:
Boys: Slacks with a dress shirt or sport shirt and loafers or dress shoes (coat and tie are
optional, depending on the job description.)
Girls: Dress or suit (with skirt or slacks), skirt and blouse or slacks and blouse and
appropriate hosiery with dress shoes or loafers.
Jeans, T-shirts, athletic shoes, ball caps, etc. are not appropriate for this activity.
Clothing should be pressed and/or wrinkle free.
6. The event chairperson will introduce the participant to the evaluators.
7. A team of evaluators will conduct a 10-12 minute interview. Sample questions are available
from the Extension Office; however evaluators may ask other questions.
8. After the interview, the participant will have 15 minutes to compose an interview follow-up
letter. White paper, a ruled guide sheet, black pens and a dictionary will be provided. The
participant may not use notes; however they may bring the name and address of the business
or potential client for a home-based business. The letter should be addressed to the business
or client (not the judging committee). The letter should include the following points:
• Appreciation for the interview
• Further information not stated during the interview, if any
• Whether the participant is still interested in the job
9. The total time required for this event is approximately 30 minutes per participant.
10. Resources on resume development, writing thank you notes, and interviewing are available
through OSU Career Services at hireosugrads.com. Click on “Students, Alumni, and
Parents” then click on “How To’s and Tips” on the left column for a list of ready references.
Sample Job Description Sheet
(use this sheet, or computer generate your own)
Name: County:
Name of Firm OR Name of Home Based Business:
Job Title OR Home Based Business product or service offered:
Firm size:
Give a brief description of the job for which you are applying or the home based business you
are operating:
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Hours to be worked:
Typical Wages:
SAMPLE ONLY!
Neighborhood Pet Sitters
Who? 14-year-old neighborhood resident
Call 555-111 to schedule an interview
with me
What? When you are away, I’ll treat your pets
with the same care that you would.
When? Available as needed
Where? No need to transport. I’ll come to you!
Cost? Varies according to services requested.
♦ Dependable, low cost
♦ Less stress on your pet and you
Benefits? ♦ Saves time – no trips to vet or kennel
♦ Personal attention given to your pet
♦ Your pet will be at home waiting for
you when you return!
Cover Letter Formula
Ready Reference ♦F-3
♦ OSU Career Services
Sample Letter of Application
(Use the same letterhead and contact information found on your résumé.)
Date
Mr./Ms. Name, when possible
Title
Company
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Name:
The first paragraph is your introduction and should be three to four sentences long. Name the
position for which you are applying and indicate how you learned of the opening. State briefly why
you are interested in the organization or what you know about the organization. Try to get the
reader’s attention. You might mention a name or refer to an article, event, or experience that led you
to make this contact.
The body of your letter should be one or two paragraphs in length. This is an opportunity to outline
your qualifications and skills as they relate to the job. Do not repeat all the information on your
résumé. Instead, describe at least three reasons why you would be an excellent choice for the
position. Mention your most important qualifications as they relate to the targeted position. Tailor
your remarks to the employer’s point of view, and, if possible, give concise evidence of your
functional skills and of the qualities you possess. Refer the reader to your enclosed résumé.
The final paragraph is your closing. Make a specific request for an interview, suggesting a date and
time, or indicate that you will phone in the near future to see if an appointment can be arranged.
Make certain that the reader knows the specific action you request. Thank the reader for taking time
to read your letter and for thoughtful consideration of your application.
Sincerely yours,
(Your signature)
Your typewritten name
Enclosure (Indicates your résumé is in the envelope with your letter)
Oklahoma State University
Career Services Office ♦ 350-370 Student Union ♦ Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5253 ♦ Fax: 405.744.9954
hireosugrads.com
careers@okstate.edu
Résumé Types
Ready Reference ♦E-2
♦ OSU Career Services
Hot Tips:
• There is no one correct way to design a résumé.
• The type of résumé you choose will depend on your past experiences and the position
you target.
• The résumé’s goal is to obtain an interview!
• The interview’s goal is to obtain the job offer!
LET’S GET STARTED
Your first task is to determine which type of résumé format is best for you. The three most
common types of résumés are chronological, functional, and a combination chronological-
functional. The exact content of each résumé will vary depending on individual
circumstances. Outlined below is a summary of each résumé type:
Chronological:
A chronological, experienced-based résumé is the most common and most often
recommended type of résumé. This format concentrates on your work history by listing
experiences in reverse chronological order. You will want to utilize a chronological résumé
format if the most recent experiences support your career objective. This format also works
well for individuals whose experiences have increased in responsibility levels as well as
those seeking entry-level positions in their chosen career field.
Functional:
A functional résumé is organized by skill sets gained from several sources rather than by
places of employment. This format works best for individuals who have little experience in
the field of interest, but who possess many transferable skills. In addition, a functional format
allows an individual to emphasize his or her accomplishments. People often use a functional
format when attempting to change careers.
Combination Chronological-Functional:
A combination format incorporates the best aspects of both a chronological and functional
format into one résumé. The strength of this format is that it allows you to provide
descriptive information on your work history as well as provide descriptive information of
your specific skills.
Keep in mind…
Each of these three types of résumés can be formatted to be both scanned and emailed. This
will enable all information on your résumé to be placed in a database for quick matching of
qualifications to position openings. This technology is increasingly used by employers to find
qualified candidates. For more information, look for the Ready Reference E-10.
Oklahoma State University
Career Services Office ♦ 350-370 Student Union ♦ Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5253 ♦ Fax: 405.744.9954
hireosugrads.com
careers@okstate.edu
Sample Résumé Framework
Ready Reference ♦E-8
♦ OSU Career Services
Below is only one example of many possible résumé formats. Choose one you find that fits your needs. Your
College Career Consultant is available to explore other options that best suit you.
YOUR NAME
Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone (Include area code)
E-mail address
OBJECTIVE Identify the position you seek and what you can offer the employer
EDUCATION Name of School
City, State, Country (if outside USA) Graduation Month/Year
GPA: (Only if 3.5 or above, and only if you are comfortable with it)
EXPERIENCE Job Title Month/Year – Month/Year
Most Recent Employer Name, City, State, Country (if outside USA)
List your proudest and most relevant accomplishment for this job.
Give another accomplishment, which is related to the target job qualifications.
Name a skill perfected which is a transferable skill required for the target job.
Job Title Month/Year – Month/Year
Next Most Recent Employer Name, City, State, Country (if outside USA)
State a global summary of the scope of the job and add your proudest
accomplishment as it relates to the target job.
List another accomplishment which is relevant to the qualifications needed of the
target job; describe it in as quantifiable of terms as possible.
Name a skill perfected which is a transferable skill required for the target job.
SKILLS List any skills required for your occupation
List computer skills in categories (computer languages, software, hardware)
List certifications
List language proficiency or international exposure
ACTIVITIES List activities where leadership has been developed
Professional organizations
Work-related activities
Honor societies, honor rolls
Volunteer and community service
Oklahoma State University
Career Services Office ♦ 350-370 Student Union ♦ Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5253 ♦ Fax: 405.744.9954
hireosugrads.com
careers@okstate.edu
Interview Questions
Ready Reference ♦G-4
♦ OSU Career Services
Because the job interview is a dynamic and individualized process, it is impossible to provide an exact list of
questions in a given interview. Every interviewer will choose questions tailored to the needs of the
organization and position with the purpose of discovering the best candidate for the position. Listed below,
however, are some general tips and common questions most candidates face in a traditional job interview. The
list is not exhaustive, but it can serve as a general guide to get you started. In addition, many interviewers
choose to ask behavioral types of questions. The goal of behavioral questions is to understand how you have
handled various situations in the past to more accurately predict how you will behave in the future. To learn
more about behavioral interviews, read Ready Reference G-7 The Behavioral Interview.
5 Practical Interview Tips
1. Speak in specifics, not generalities. Think of the interview as a process of storytelling in which your role is
the dissemination of specific information about your personal qualities and life experiences.
2. If you don’t understand a question, simply ask, “Am I correct in understanding that you are asking if…”
You may simply ask for the question to be repeated or clarified.
3. Stress important skills that all employers appreciate, including initiative, honesty, reliability, teamwork,
and communication skills. Use personal examples from your classes, work experiences, or involvement in
various student organizations to reinforce these qualities. Remember, too, that a large part of
communication is active listening. Be careful not to interrupt the interviewer.
4. Be honest at all times. Integrity is a highly valued quality in today’s world.
5. Be yourself. Beyond the professional skills and education you bring to the interview, the decision will be
made on whether your personality fits into the culture of the organization.
20 Questions to Expect in a Traditional Interview
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
2. Why do you want to work in this position?
3. What are your greatest strengths? What is the area where you have the greatest need of development?
What actions are you taking to accomplish it?
4. Why should we hire you over another candidate?
5. What attracts you to our organization?
6. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
7. What do you believe is your greatest asset to bring to this company?
8. Do you consider yourself a team player?
9. If I were to call your most recent supervisor, what would he or she likely say about you?
10. How has your college education or work experience prepared you for this position?
11. Describe your ideal job and work environment. Describe an ideal supervisor.
12. What interests you most about this position?
13. What is your greatest concern in thinking about the position?
14. Tell me what you know about our organization and how you perceive the position.
15. Why did you choose your major?
16. If you were to begin your college career again, what would you change about your education?
17. Are you interested in pursuing a more advanced degree? If so, in what area?
18. Tell me about three accomplishments of which you are most proud.
19. What motivates you most?
20. Tell me about a failure you have experienced in your life. What did you learn?
Oklahoma State University
Career Services Office ♦ 350-370 Student Union ♦ Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5253 ♦ Fax: 405.744.9954
hireosugrads.com
careers@okstate.edu
Thank-You Letter Tips & Sample
Ready Reference ♦F-7
♦ OSU Career Services
Sample Thank-You Letter
(Use the same letterhead and contact information found on your résumé.)
Date
Mr. John Deere
Human Resources Manager
Something Corporation
111 South Street
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr. Deere:
Thank you for the recent opportunity to interview with you. Our time together was both
informative and interesting. In fact, it only strengthened my enthusiasm for Something
Corporation and the position you have posted. It would be a privilege to serve on your team.
There is nothing that would please me more than to apply my education and work experiences to
accomplish the goals you have set for this position. As you review your notes, I hope you will be
reminded of my qualifications and desire to contribute to your organization. With an ability to
relate well with other professionals, a willingness to accept challenges, and a desire to achieve
results, I offer you my commitment to excellence. Should you have any additional questions or
need clarification in any area, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Again, thank you for the interview and your thoughtful consideration of my application. I do
indeed look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Chris Clover
Oklahoma State University
Career Services Office ♦ 350-370 Student Union ♦ Stillwater, OK 74078
405.744.5253 ♦ Fax: 405.744.9954
hireosugrads.com
careers@okstate.edu
Job Readiness
Evaluation of Written Material
Name of Participant _______________________________ County _________________
Job Title or Name of Home Based Business ____________________________________
(exact title from Job Description)
Job Category: _____ Services
_____ Home Based Business
_____ Retail/Office
_____ Other (specify) ________________________
Instructions: Write the appropriate rating in the “Score” column.
Where information or evidence is missing, assign a “0”.
Please total the points.
Make comments to help participants identify their strengths/weaknesses.
Evaluation Criteria Needs Good Excellent SCORE Comments
Improvement
Job Description Sheet 1 2 3
complete
Resume complete & 1 2 3
appropriate
Well written letter of 1 2 3
application or
advertising flyer
Completed application 1 2 3
form
All materials neat & 1 2 3
legible, with proper
grammar
Totals
(15 possible points)
Rating level achieved:
(circle one)
Blue 11-15 points
Red 6-10 points
White 1-5 points
Judges Signatures ___________________________________
___________________________________
Job Readiness
Evaluation of Interview and Follow-up letter
Name of Participant _______________________________ County _________________
Job Title or Name of Home Based Business ____________________________________
(exact title from Job Description)
Job Category: _____ Services
_____ Home Based Business
_____ Retail/Office
_____ Other (specify) ________________________
Instructions: Write the appropriate rating in the “Score” column.
Where information or evidence is missing, assign a “0”.
Please total the points.
Make comments to help participants identify their strengths/weaknesses.
Evaluation Criteria Needs Good Excellent SCORE Comments
Improvement
Interview attire suitable for 1 2 3
specific job
Ability to express self 1 2 3
Made eye contact with 1 2 3
interviewers
Friendly, poised and 1 2 3
confident
Neatly groomed with good 1 2 3
posture
Job knowledge – basic 1 2 3
understanding of
job/business
Follow-up letter 1 2 3
- Business-like letter
- Neat, legible, proper
grammar
Sub-total
(21 points possible)
Scores from evaluation of
written materials
Totals
(36 points possible)
Rating level achieved:
(Circle One)
Blue 25-36 points
Red 13-24 points
White 1-12 points
Judges Signatures ___________________________________
___________________________________
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