THE WORLD OF WORK CHAPTER 21 Objectives

THE WORLD OF WORK CHAPTER 21

Objectives n n To show the importance of preparation if one is to succeed in the world of work To look at the steps which should be undertaken in choosing a career

Terms and Concepts n n n Occupation Vocation Profession Career Lifelong learning n n Employer Employee Employment Retirement

Terms and concepts: n Occupation: a job or profession n Job: the regular work a person does to earn money n n n Profession: an occupation requiring specialized knowledge; an occupation that requires prolonged training and a formal qualification. Vocation: an occupation pursued more for altruistic benefit rather than for income Career: a person's occupational history; an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress.

Definitions n n Employment: a person's job or work in service of an employer Retirement: the period of one’s life after retiring from work Employer: a person who employs people Employee: a person employed for wages or salary

The World of Work n n n “You cannot get tomorrow’s jobs with yesterday’s skills” New careers are constantly appearing on the job market, technology used in the production of goods and services is steadily being improved (necessary to reduce the cost of production) Persons preparing for the world of work must be aware of these trends

Where can we get information on career trends?

Where can we get information? n n n Newspapers Internet Career guidance seminars organized by different industries n n n Career guidance is the process of helping people to choose a career that is related to their potential, interests, needs and ambitions Guidance officers in schools Books and magazines on career guidance Schools and other educational institutions Discussions with employees in various fields

Homework: Look through the newspapers and collect information on the careers (jobs) being advertised then fill in the table below CAREER TRENDS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Popular Jobs Qualifications advertised required

Importance of choosing a career n n n Encourages people to realize their goals through careful consideration Individuals will be able to perform at their best through their own choices One finds self-fulfillment by engaging in activities which one likes Stress levels will be minimized Productivity will be high

Choosing a career n n Choose a job related to your interests, hobbies and capabilities Collect information on different careers: n n n n Levels of wages and salaries Hours of work Health and safety hazards of the job Distance from place of residence Recognition and status of the job Opportunities offered to use creativity, talents and independence Opportunities for promotion Participation in apprenticeship programs and on-thejob training to discover the demands of the job

THE EMPLOYEE SELECTION PROCESS

The Employee Selection Process n n Job advertisement Job application: cover letter Resumé / Curriculum Vitae Interview: Interview Tips

Sample Job Advertisement

Sample Application Letter 24 Queen Street, Toco January 6, 2004 The Human Resource Manager, Rogers Industrial Incorporated Ltd. , 174 Eleanor Street, Sangre Grande. Dear Sir/Madam, In response to your advertisement in the newspaper, I hereby apply for the position of Junior Accountant. I am a graduate of North Eastern College, where I successfully completed my secondary education. After graduating from school, I occupied myself in my family’s business where I gained hands-on experience in accounting procedures. I consider it a privilege to offer my services to your reputable company. If my application is successful, I will dedicate my energies, skills, and talents to the mutual benefit of your firm and myself. Please find enclosed, my resume. Thanking you for your consideration. __________ Jenny Thomas

Resumé Name: Address: Telephone No. : DOB: Marital Status: Mission Statement: I may be Jenny Thomas 24 Queen Street, Toco 644 -9345 9 September, 1984 single To enhance my knowledge and understanding of accounting and to gain experience in the world of work so that able to apply my knowledge meaningfully , contributing not only to my general progress but also to the improvement of the organization with which I work. Qualifications: 1996 -2001 (North eastern College) CXC General Proficiency: Work experience: July 2003 to date Junior Accountant, JT Agricultural Supplies, Sangre Grande Interests: Hiking, badminton, reading, swimming References: Mrs. Shirley Bernard (Teacher) North Eastern College, Sangre Grande Sgt. Clyde Ford Toco Police Station, Toco

VACANCY SALES REPRESENTATIVE QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: ü Five CXC subjects including Maths and English ü Computer literate REQUIREMENTS: ü Police Certificate of good character ü Two references ü Valid driver’s licence an asset Only persons with a friendly, outgoing personality need apply. Unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged. Email application letter and resumé to: trinidad@salesgalore. com Address to: The Human Resource Manager Sales Galore Limited 19 Wilson Road Rio Claro

The Interview n n n n n Communication skills Interpersonal skills Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain a peaceful temperament Personal characteristics (friendliness, punctuality, respect, manner of dress etc) Ambitions Knowledge of the firm / institution Strengths and weaknesses of the applicant Hobbies / leisure activities Interests and experiences

Sample Interview Questions Ø Ø Ø What do you know about the firm? What contribution can you make to the firm? What qualities should an ideal worker possess? What are your major weaknesses? Describe one of your most rewarding experiences Name three important things which you will expect from your job

Training Facilities in Trinidad and Tobago n n Various public and private institutions (check the yellow pages under “Schools”) The University of the West Indies n n The National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology (TTIT) n n www. uwi. tt. com www. nesctt. org The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTATT) n n Tech. 1@tstt. net. tt Fax: 652 -7465

Home-work: In your notebooks n Select an advertisement for a job in which you are interested. Write a cover letter and resume for the job application.

Summary n n There are many factors to be considered in choosing a career It is important to prepare if one is to succeed in the world of work There is a procedure to be followed in applying for a job Employers have a process they carry out when filling a vacancy