Planning 10

CAREER PLANNING

Full Name: ______________________________________________________________

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________

Hand in completed assignments to the Career Centre ☺

Any questions come to see Mrs. Coates or Mrs. Robertson in the Career Centre.

Or e-mail us at:

Mrs. Robertson

Planning 10 Students with last names: A-M and ALL Starworks Planning

jrobertson@sd62.bc.ca

Mrs. Coates

Planning 10 Students with last names: N-Z and International Students

scoates@sd62.bc.ca

*Remember to check out the Planning website:

http://belmontplanning10.weebly.com

Assignment Contents: Resume – attach to package or save in Portfolio

Cover Letter – attach to package

Application Form

Interview Question Responses

Networking Responses

Career Matchmaker

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Making Rubric – Preparing for a job and career

Completeness /5

5 The student completes all sections.

The student follows all of the directions precisely.

4 The student completes most of the sections.

The student follows all of the directions.

3 The student only completes three sections.

The student follows some of the directions.

2 The student only completes two sections.

The student follows a few of the directions.

1 The student completes only one section.

The student does not follow the directions.

Level of Inquiry /10

5 The response demonstrates a very high level of personal inquiry, thoroughly

exploring issues related to the concept.

Key aspects of the topic show thoughtful, personal responses, views, or opinions.

4 The response demonstrates good level of inquiry, exploring most issues

thoroughly.

Thoughtful personal response, views, or opinion is evident.

3 The response demonstrates some inquiry beyond stating ideas.

Thoughts, views, or opinions are expressed.

2 The response demonstrates very little inquiry beyond stating ideas.

Thought or opinions are not supported.

1 The response demonstrates very little inquiry beyond stating ideas.

Opinion is not supported.

Knowledge and Understanding of the Concepts /10

5 The response demonstrates a very high level of knowledge and understanding

(e.g., meaning, application, conceptualization) of all the concepts being examined.

Thoughts, views, and opinions are each supported by information and/or examples

indicate a thorough understanding.

4 The response demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of all the concepts.

Support to thoughts, views, or opinions are evident and indicated understanding.

3 The response demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of most of the

concepts.

Some support by explanation or example indicating understanding.

2 The response demonstrates knowledge and understanding of some of the concepts.

Several inaccuracies indicate lack of understanding.

1 The response demonstrates a misunderstanding of many of the concepts or little

knowledge of the concepts.

No understanding of the topic is evident.

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Completing Career Matchmaker Activity

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The purpose of this project is to help you focus your career search by finding

occupations that match your interest, not to find actual job openings at specific

companies.

1. Go to www.careercruising.com and enter username: belmont and password: *******

2. On the Main page, click on “Create a New Portfolio”. Enter your information. Adding

your email is good (just in case you forget your password). Make sure your username

and password for your portfolio are appropriate for school (as administrators for the site,

we can see them!!)

3. Username: Password:

4. Click on the “Create Portfolio” box.

5. Click on the small blue “Main” box near the top of the screen.

6. Click on “Explore Assessments” and then select “Career Matchmaker”. Click “start”.

7. Answer the first 39 questions by clicking the “like”/”dislike” faces.

8. Click “yes” to save to matchmaker.

9. Click “answer more questions” and continue. Click “yes” to save changes.

10. Answer more questions and save (you should have all 116 questions done now). Click

“save to portfolio”.

11. If you wish to change the “type of education” you are willing to complete, you can

click “change”.

12. Now you can browse through your list of career suggestions (the careers are ranked

according to how well they suit your identified interests). To learn more about a career,

simply click on it. To return to your list of suggestions, use the “Back to Matchmaker

Suggestions” link. In each career profile, you will see:

How the career suits your interests

A summary of key information about the occupation

A description of the tasks people do on the job

Working conditions

Earnings

Education and training requirements

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Completing Career Matchmaker Activity

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A sample career path

Links to related careers in the program

Links to career-related websites and other useful resources

Multimedia interviews with two people in the occupation

13. After browsing through the careers on your suggestion list, select two that you are

seriously interested in pursuing. Be realistic: don’t choose ones that clearly require more

education or training than you think you might get in the future. For each career option,

write down three reasons you like it (for example, high potential earnings, comfortable

working conditions, enjoy key job tasks etc).

Career 1:

Career 1:

Career 2:

Why I Like this Career Choice:

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2._____________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________

Why I Like this Career Choice:

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2._____________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________

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Exploring A Career Option Activity

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This research project is designed to help you explore an occupation that interests you in

more depth.

14. On the Main page, click on “Explore Careers.” In the box beside “Search For

Careers”, enter the name of a career that you would like to pursue or have seriously

considered (for example, nurse, welder, web designer, or helicopter pilot). Click Go!

If you are having trouble finding a career, click on the Search By Index button to search

alphabetically.

Once you have found a career that interests you, click on it.

Career:

Total: /25 Comments:

1. Read the Job Description section. Write down three of the main tasks that people in

this career perform.

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2. Read the Working Conditions, Earnings, and Sample Career Path sections. How does

what you learned compare with your expectations? For example, are the working

conditions or earnings different from what you expected?

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3. Click the Education button and read through that section. In your own words, explain

the education and/or training you need to get into this career.

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15. Click on one of the two interviews.

Person’s name:

Now use the Back to Career Profile link near the top of the screen to return to the career

profile (the page with general information on this career choice). Click on the other

interview.

Person’s name:

Final Thoughts

Exploring A Career Option Activity

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1. Click on the blue buttons on the left to learn more about the person’s occupation. The

Likes, Dislikes, and Advice answers come in sound or video clips, and you can see a

sample A Day in The Life. Write down three important things that you learned about the

career from this interview (for example, advice to people who want to go into this career or

what personal characteristics are important for success in this occupation).

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2. Go through this interview and write down two things that you learned about the career

from it.

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3. Now that you have learned more about this career, are you still interested in going into

it yourself? Why or why not?

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Planning Education & Training Activity

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This research project is designed to help you find appropriate education and training

programs.

16. On the Main page, click on Explore Careers. In the box beside Search For Careers,

enter name of the career that you are interested in pursuing (for example, nurse, welder,

web designer, or helicopter pilot). Click Go!

If you are having trouble finding a career, click on the Search By Index button to search

alphabetically.

Once you have found a career that interests you, click on it.

Career:

17. Click on the Education button on the left side of the page. Read the Education &

Training section carefully.

18. Scroll down to the Related College & University Programs. Select one of these

program links to learn which schools offer education or training in that area (the one or

two programs at the top are usually the most suitable preparation for the career). If you

have selected a career that doesn’t have any related programs, you may wish to go back

and select a different career.

Write down the name of the program you choose.

Program:

Click on the program name. You will see a list of colleges and/or universities that offer

this program/major in your province.

Read through the list of schools and find one that you might be interested in attending.

Click on the name of the program and read through the program details. Write down the

following information (if available):

School Name: _____________________________________________________________

Program Name (if different from above): _______________________________________

What other information would you need before deciding to take this program? How will

you find this information?

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Planning Education & Training Activity

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Credential (Bachelor’s Degree, Certifcate, Diploma, etc – you can not get a Masters

Degree without a Bachelors Degree first!): __________________________________

Length of the Program:___________________________________________________

Estimated Total Expenses: ________________________________________________

Click on the School Profile button at the bottom of the page. Gather the following

information (or simply print this web page for your records):

Location(s): ____________________________________________________________

Contact Information: ____________________________________________________

Website: _______________________________________________________________

School Population: _______________________________________________________

You can save the school profile to your portfolio by clicking the Save To My Portfolio

button.

19. Click on the school’s website address.

Try to find information about the program you selected above in the school’s website,

(Hint: Look for “admissions,” “academic programs,” “courses offered,” or “course

calendar.” You can also use the school’s search function or browse through different

departments).

Answer the following questions:

What are the tuition costs for this program? (Hint: Look for “costs,” “fees,” or

“expenses.”)

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What admission requirements or prerequisites (courses or skills needed before you can

enter the program) are there for this program?

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What are the application requirements (e.g. essay, transcripts, interview)? When is the

application deadline?

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Part A: Write a Resume

To see a step by step program that will help you to create your resume, go to your

Portfolio in Career Cruising, log in and go to “Resume Builder”.

** Be sure to save your resume in your Portfolio. You will not only get credit for this

resume in Planning but you simply need to update it in grade 12 and you can get credit

for it in Grad Transitions!!!

Part B: Write a Cover Letter

You could write the best resume in the world and be highly qualified for a job, but if your

cover letter is poorly written, or too generic, you can pretty much throw your chances out

the window. The cover letter is your first, and sometimes your only opportunity to grab

an employer’s attention and let them know why your resume is worth reading.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

1. Format the Heading Correctly. Line spacing and address conventions are

important.

Include your address at the top (in the left hand corner – approximately 1 inch

down from the top of the page).

Skip down 4 lines and enter the date (left justified).

Skip down 4 more lines and enter the Contact Person, title, then the name and

address of the company. Write to a specific person, not “To Whom it May

Concern”, or “Dear Sir/Madam”, whenever possible. (all left justified)

2. Write the body of your letter with three or four paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, tell the employer why you’re writing to them in two or

three sentences. State the position you are applying for. Avoid the standard

openings like “I wish to apply for the positions of ___ advertised in ___”.

Design your opening to get the reader to sit up and pay attention to what you

can do. Also, specify why you are interested in working for the employer.

In the next one or two paragraphs, outline your qualifications and match them

to the requirements of the position. Show enthusiasm and a desire to help the

company reach its goal. Show the employer what you can contribute to their

bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal. Use what you’ve

researched about the employer’s background and history. Try to make two or

three solid points, backed up by specific examples. Relate some relevant

details about the company so the employer knows you did some research

ahead of time.

In the final paragraph, include a positive statement or question that will cause

the employer to want to take action. Make this closing paragraph between 2-4

sentences. Direct the employer to the enclosed resume, make you availability

known for an interview, and if you want to be assertive, state when you will

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contact them to set up a meeting time to discuss the opportunity in further

detail. Provide your own contact information (phone number, e-mail address)

and welcome them to get in touch. It’s very important to finish off by

thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

3. Conclude with “Yours sincerely, “or “Regards, “or “Yours truly.” Leave four

blank lines to sign your name in blue ink, they may think it is a copy.

4. Proofread. This is essential. Some things to look our for are:

Be sure you have spelled everything correctly.

Own what you’ve accomplished, grammatically speaking. Make yourself

the active subject of every sentence (e.g. In this experience, I

developed/reinforced/learned/etc.”). But that doesn’t mean every single

sentence should start with “I…” so vary your syntax accordingly.

Break down any contractions (e.g. “I’ve” to “I have”)

Avoid informal writing. You want to sound professional, objective, and

educated.

Check the punctuation use carefully.

Keep the letter to one page.

Your tone should be upbeat, professional and informative. The employer

wants to know what you can do for them, so sell yourself and your skills

in a positive way. Keep that in mind as you write and proofread each

paragraph.

*Refer to attached cover letter example for guidance, but do not copy. Also, if you

would like assistance please come see us in room 144b.

Assignment: Write a cover letter to apply to one of the three

job postings below:

Sales Associate: Imagine talking to new and interesting people everyday.

Discover cool and innovative technology. Experience a great work environment

with advancement opportunities and excellent rewards. Your SOURCE for a

great opportunity starts here… Are you an energetic and enthusiastic person who

enjoys working with people in fast-paced environment? Do you have a passion

for electronics? If so, this may be your calling! As a member of our team you’ll

work with the latest technology, have an opportunity to earn above average

income, become a product expert through our leading edge training, and have fun

while you are doing it. While working close to home at a leading electronics

retailer, you can receive career advancement opportunities, employee discounts,

reward and recognition programs, and a competitive, employee discounts, reward

and recognition programs, and a competitive benefits package. We pride

ourselves on our knowledgeable Sales Associates and quality products. We are

looking for a career minded individuals to help us enhance our customer’s

experience. Do you have what it takes? Apply today Jason Loud, 123 Stereo

Road, Victoria, BC V8C 1R2.

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OR

Cashier: The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement

retailer, currently operates in ten Canadian provinces, 49 U.S. States, Puerto Rico,

and Mexico. The Home Depot Canada employs over 27,000 people, of all skill

levels in full and part-time positions; including customer-facing store positions

and store leaders. As a leader in employee development, The Home Depot

Canada offers associates superior training through specialized colleges and hands-

on coaching. A Home Depot cashier must provide outstanding customer service

to our Customers and drive the sales and profitability of the store. Customer

service objectives include delighting our Customers each and every day and

fostering long-term loyalty bonds between our associates and our Customer. The

Front End is the last opportunity we have to delight out customers and resolve

negative customer service experiences.

This is a GREAT role if you:

Have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and

weekends.

Have great communications skills

Have previous experience as a cashier is an asset

Have a strong work ethic, coupled with undeniable enthusiasm and

energy.

Have the ability to thrive under pressure and a strong attention to detail.

Apply to Julie Hammer, 123 Level Road, Victoria, BC V8X 1S5.

OR

Food Counter Attendant: The Pizza Place is looking for Part-time employee,

Salary: $11.05 Hourly

Date: As soon as possible

Education: Some high school

Experience: no experience

Type of Equipment: Cash register

Work Setting: Fast food

Counter Attendant and Food Preparer Skills: Take customers’ orders, prepare,

heat and finish simply food items, portion and wrap foods, package take-out food.

Kitchen Helping Skills: Wash, peel and cut vegetables and fruit, receive, unpack

and store supplies in refrigerators, freezers, cupboards and other storage areas,

remove kitchen garbage and trash, sweep and mop floors.

Bussing skills: Clear and clean tables, trays and chairs, replenish condiments and

other supplies at tables and serving areas.

Apply to Johnny Pepperoni, 123 Crusty Place, Victoria, BC V7M 2W3

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Hope Jones

1234 Golden Road

Victoria, BC V82 1R5

250-555-1234

December 8, 2010

Ms. Karen Smith

Store Manager

Lululemon Athletica

584 Johnson Street

Victoria, BC V8W 1M3

Dear Ms. Smith:

I am interested in applying for a position as sales clerk in your Victoria store. I heard

about his opening on your careers website. I am currently in grade 10 at Belmont

Secondary and would like to apply for part-time employment for after school and on

weekends.

I have extensive background in dance and have been practicing Bikram’s hot yoga for the

last year. I am well-acquainted with your clothing line and yoga accessories. I know the

styles of clothing and fabric types suited for various types of activities. I have been told

that I have amazing fashion sense and I work well with people. Dancing and yoga are my

two passions and to incorporate these two activities with a career in retail fashion would

be very exciting. I am eager to learn, always honest, responsible, and I have a positive

attitude.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my attributes further. I am available

weekdays after 3:30 p.m. and anytime on weekends. Thank you for considering my

application and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours truly,

Hope Jones

Hope Jones

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Part C: Application Form

Often when you apply for a job, the company required you to fill out an

application form. These forms are standardized so it is easier for the employer to

scan the data and make comparisons. Also, it is a screening too: if you can’t fill

out the form correctly or the printing is messy or you don’t sign the bottom, then

an application is often tossed into the trash (recycle) because they don’t want an

employee who can’t follow directions. Please use a blue or black pen, and your

best printing to fill out the attached application form. If you make a mistake you

can come see me for another one, or attach another application form that you

gathered.

Part D: Questions

1. You need 30 hours of work or volunteer experience as part of your Grad Transitions to

graduate in grade 12. Name 3 jobs, workplaces or volunteer locations that you might use

to get those 30 hours.

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2. Name 3 people that you or your parents know that might help you obtain a job. This is

your network, and often the first place most of you will find a job. For example, my

Uncle owned a sailing academy so that is where I got my first job as a receptionist.

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Part E: Interview Questions

The best way to feel comfortable in an interview situation is to practice your responses to

typical questions. We would like you to pretend that you are going in for an interview for

the position that you wrote the cover letter for, and choose any 3 questions from the

following list and write out a response to each. Either use the following page, or type out

and attach your answers.

Strategies for answering questions. Always be positive – ATTITUDE makes a

difference.

If you answer YES to a question, provide supporting examples.

If you answer NO, turn the question around by stressing what you can do and

what you are willing and able to learn.

Keep you answers focused and directed on the questions asked and the job for

which you are applying.

You will be marked based on the following criteria:

3 questions answered

Quality/Effort of responses

1. Tell us about yourself.

2. Describe your ideal job.

3. Why should we hire you?

4. What are your greatest strengths?

5. What are your weaknesses?

6. Do you prefer working on your own or under supervision?

7. In your opinion, what contributes to successful teamwork?

8. Describe a situation where you were in conflict with a co-worker/fellow

student and how you dealt with this conflict.

9. What are your plans after graduation?

10. What interests you most/least about this position?

Record the number and then answer the interview question. Answer only 3

questions. (more space is provided on the next page).

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