Notes

Entrepreneurs:
earn money from employees' work.
hire other workers.
interact with customers and meet their needs.
are responsible for risks but also reap the greatest rewards.
work the longest hours of everyone in the company.
are the leaders of their businesses.
do not need a degree to start a business.
can focus on their skills and abilities to maximize their businesses.

Employees:
earn the wages that the employer agrees to pay.
work for others.
have to keep the employer happy.
get paid whether the business is doing well or not, but can also lose their jobs if the business fails.
work the hours agreed upon.
respond to the directions of the leader, since others make decisions.
need credentials of some type to be hired.
complete the tasks they were hired to do.

A portfolio is literally a small case for carrying loose papers. A career portfolio is a comprehensive collection of information, either in paper or electronic form, about your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Examples of the kinds of information included are:

Education records such as transcripts, certificates, and national exam test scores

Chronological work history and letters of recommendation from employers

Skills summary – for example technical, artistic, or language skills

Accomplishments such as volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or awards not included in the other categories

Samples of creative work such as publications, art, photography, or films

Career social network – list of people you know in your career area

The career portfolio can be thought of as a database you will maintain throughout your life. You will use it to obtain the data to create your resume and work samples, and to prepare for a job interview – things you will learn about later in this lesson.

A well-organized, well-maintained career portfolio can save time when you prepare to apply for a job. Paper folders, digital folders, or a three-ring binder with labeled dividers can help you collect and easily find information when you need it. Consider using label categories such as education, employment, skills and accomplishments, and include creative samples. Keep the information current and always be on the lookout for new items to add.
To create a resume, you will select only the most important information relevant to the job for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a job as a nurse, you will not need to include the list of programming languages you used in a prior job as a computer programmer.
To create a resume, you will select only the most important information relevant to the job for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a job as a nurse, you will not need to include the list of programming languages you used in a prior job as a computer programmer.

Resumes can be organized in different ways to suit different types of job applications. A reverse chronological resume highlights your employment history by listing each job held, starting with your current one. A potential employer can easily see which positions you have held that may qualify you for the job you are seeking

Your name and contact information

Your objective (career goal or ideal job)

Chronological list of jobs and responsibilities

Educational history and degrees held

List of two or three personal references an employer can contact concerning your past performance. If there is no room, add a note that references are available on request.

Popular websites you can use for work samples include:

For photos: Flickr, Google Picasa, Apple MobileMe, Snapfish

For video: YouTube, Vimeo, Openfilm

For written work: WordPress, Blogger

Heading with your contact information and date

Name and address of the person or company to whom you are writing

Salutation (for example: Dear Mr. Smith: or, if you do not know the name of the contact person, To whom it may concern:)

Paragraph stating your purpose: to obtain an interview for a specific job

Paragraph briefly highlighting your qualifications for the job and introducing your resume

Paragraph showing your enthusiasm and knowledge of the company, its products, and the job role you will fill

Complimentary closing:

Sincerely,

your signed name

your printed name

you should also spend time preparing for what you may be asked at the interview. Some likely questions include:

Why are you applying for this job?

What do you know about our company?

What would your last employer say about you?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

To help you prepare, search the Internet for information about possible job interview questions.

Consider bringing the following things to your job interview:

A map and detailed directions so you will not get lost

The phone number of your contact person at the company in case you need to notify them of a delay

Several copies of your resume for those who will interview you

Several copies of the contact information for your references, if not in your resume

A pen and a small notebook with the questions you have prepared

A clean (new) folder or briefcase to hold all of the above items

Any personal items you might need such as reading glasses, comb, or medications

Finally, be sure to bring any suitable work samples that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.

Do smile and make eye contact.

Do remember and use people's names – write them down if you need to. It is best to use formal address (Mr. Jones, Ms. Smith) unless invited to do otherwise.

Do express interest in the people you meet.

Do show your confidence and enthusiasm, but without being boastful.

Avoid yawning, fidgeting, shrugging your shoulders, frowning, slouching, and overly casual behaviors like chewing gum or texting.

Express your thanks for the opportunity to interview.

Express your enthusiasm for the position.

Communicate that you listened during the interview and understand what the company is looking for.

Highlight the reasons you are a good fit for the job.

Ask if there is anything more you can do to help the company decide; for example, provide more work samples or submit additional personal references.