Job Interview. Career Development Event Revised June 2011

Transcription

1 The rules for this career development event are to be utilized in conjunction with the rules contained in the introduction section of the Arizona Association FFA Career Development Event Manual. I. Purpose The State FFA Job Interview Career Development Event is designed for FFA members to develop, practice and demonstrate skills needed for seeking employment in the agricultural industry. Each part of the event simulates, as closely as possible, real world activities that are used by real world employers. II. Event Description Choose this event to polish your skills in landing a job and launching your career. Participants submit a resume and cover letter, complete a job application and participate in a telephone interview and one on one interview. III. Standards Arizona Agricultural Business Management Agriscience Curriculum SAE and FFA Integrated Skills Standards 2.0 Prepare for Employment in Agricultural Business and Management 2.1 Develop a resume and sample cover letter utilizing data from the SAE Record and Planning book and from the Job Interview CDE 2.3 Complete a job application process, including electronic applications 2.5 Demonstrate interviewing skills utilized in any FFA Career Development Event (CDE) 2.6 Apply researched company/agency information for the purpose of preparing for the interview process 4.0 Demonstrate Oral Communication Skills 4.1 Through research, collect appropriate topical information and data as would be utilized for any FFA CDE that would require oral communication skills 4.2 Use questioning techniques to obtain needed information from an audience 4.4 Demonstrate active listening skills 4.7 Communicate using effective and suitable language for a diverse audience 4.8 Demonstrate effective telephone techniques 4.10 Participate in any FFA CDE that requires oral communication 5.0 Demonstrate Written Communication Skills 5.1 Through research, collect appropriate topical information and data as would be utilized in any FFA CDE event, that would require written communication skills 5.4 Prepare business communication using appropriate written format for the situation 5.5 Prepare draft document using established rules for grammar, spelling, and sentence construction 5.8 Participate in any FFA CDE that requires written communication 9.0 Participate in Leadership Activities as Provided by the FFA Organization 9.8 Participate in FFA Career Development Events 1 J ob Interview

2 IV. Objectives This event is developed to help participants in their current job search (for SAE projects, part time and fulltime employment). Therefore, the cover letter, resume and application submitted by the participant must reflect their current skills and abilities and must be targeted to a job for which they would like to apply. In other words, participants cannot develop a fictitious resume for a fictitious job. Instead they are expected to target the resume toward a real job for which they are qualified. The following objectives guide the event: To provide students with experience in applying for positions that will prepare them for their occupational goals To provide students with practice in following employment procedures currently used in business, including: o development and utilization of a resume o preparation of a written cover letter o completion of an employment application o participation in a series of interviews To stimulate instruction regarding preparation for employment To provide recognition for those individuals who excel in this program area V. Event Format A. TEAM MAKE UP A. Chapter may enter two individuals to be scored separately. B. GENERAL RULES A. The Arizona FFA Job Interview CDE will be limited to two participants per chapter, to a maximum of 50 participants. B. Each participant will be scored individually for individual awards. C. Only the high point individual in this event will be eligible to compete at the National Career Development Event. D. Any participant in possession of an electronic device in the event area is subject to disqualification. E. A participant will be in official FFA dress in each event. F. Participants must be registered with the state FFA association by the annual deadline in order to participate in the event. Individuals must take the Job Interview Career Development Event exam, administered by the state FFA association, by the deadline established by the state FFA association. The exam will account for 50 points of the event. G. The event will begin 14 calendar days before the Spring Conference/CDE Day hosted by the University of Arizona. The event will culminate at the Spring Conference/CDE Day on the University of Arizona campus. H. The application packet, consisting of an entry form, resume, cover letter, application, and letters of reference (bonus) must be postmarked no later than 14 calendar days before the Spring Conference/CDE Day in order for members to be eligible for participation in the event. i. The telephone interview component will take place any time after the application packet is received and no later than the Wednesday before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. 2 J ob Interview

3 ii. In order to participate in the telephone interview and on campus interview components of the event, participants must score at least 200 points (from a total of 425) collectively on the resume, cover letter, application, and letters of reference bonus points. iii. In the event there are more than 50 entrants, the top 50 participants who score at least 200 points collectively on the cover letter, resume, and application (including bonus points for letters of reference) will participate in the interview components of the event, including the telephone interview. iv. Participants who submit letters of reference with the application packet will be awarded bonus points as follows: a. One letter of reference = 8 bonus points b. Two letters of reference = 16 bonus points c. Three letters of reference = 25 bonus points d. The letters of reference must match the references listed on the application and resume. e. The bonus points from the letters of reference will factor into the minimum 200 points required to participate in the interview components of the event. I. Each participant s cover letter, resume, application, and follow up communication will be the result of her or his own efforts. J. Jobs that participants select should be real positions and must relate to agriculture and the life sciences. K. No event materials will be accepted via electronic mail. All materials must be mailed through the United States Postal Service, or sent through another delivery service such as FedEx or UPS. Hand delivered materials must be received no later than 5:00 pm, 14 calendar days prior to the Spring Conference/CDE Day. L. Substitutions will only be considered if the following conditions are met: i. The chapter submitted an entry by the deadline above and met the stated criteria. ii. The substitute has already taken the Job Interview CDE exam. iii. The event Superintendent is contacted at least 7 calendar days before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. iv. The substitute submits an application packet postmarked, no later than 5 calendar days prior to the Spring Conference/CDE Day. 3 J ob Interview

4 C. EVENT FORMAT No later than 14 calendar days before the Spring Conference/CDE Day, the participant will submit an application packet, consisting of an entry form, resume, cover letter, application, and letters of reference (if desired) to the Superintendent of the Job Interview Career Development Event. Application packets will be sent to: Dr. Ryan M. Foor Job Interview CDE Superintendent Room 205, Saguaro Hall P.O. Box Tucson, AZ A. Cover letter (100 points) i. One copy of the cover letter on 8 ½ x 11 white paper. The letter is to be typed, one page, single spaced, left justified using Times, Times New Roman, or Arial 11 point minimum font. ii. The letter is to be addressed to the Superintendent of the Career Development Event (see above) and dated for the date the letter is sent. B. Resume (200 points) i. One copy of the resume on 8 ½ x 11 white paper (do not use cardstock, color, or specialty paper for this event). The resume is to be single sided, typed using Times, Times New Roman or Arial 11 point minimum font; not to exceed two pages total. Paper should be 24 lb. maximum weight; resume paper is acceptable. ii. Suggested resume formats can be found in The Gregg Reference Manual. iii. Resume must be non fictitious and based upon the participant s work history. C. Application (100 points) i. Students will complete a standard job application, provided by the event Superintendent, available as an interactive PDF from the CDE Manual at ii. iii. iv. The application provided by the event Superintendent must be used. Participants who submit another application format will receive a score of zero for the application component of the event. Three references must be listed on the application. The individuals listed as references must be real individuals whom the participant can list as a reference, not fictitious. The information submitted on the application must be accurate and not fictitious. 4 J ob Interview

5 The top 50 individuals, who score at least 200 points collectively on the cover letter, resume, and application (including bonus points for letters of reference) will be scheduled for phone interviews. The phone interviews will take place no later than the Wednesday before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. D. Telephone interview (50 points) i. Only participants who have submitted an application packet (cover letter, resume, application) by the postmark deadline will be scheduled for the telephone interview. ii. In the event there are more than 50 entrants, only the top 50 participants, who score at least 200 points collectively on the cover letter, resume, and application (including bonus points for letters of reference), will participate in the telephone interview component. iii. The telephone interview will be scheduled with the local chapter advisor via and will take place no later than the Wednesday before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. iv. The interviewer will call the participant at a time and phone number arranged with the local chapter advisor. v. In the event the student does not answer the phone at the scheduled time, a second attempt will be made to contact the student. If there is no answer after the second attempt, the score for the telephone interview component of the event will result in zero. No additional attempts to contact the student will be made. If the student is absent from school when the interview is scheduled, the local chapter advisor must contact the event Superintendent immediately to reschedule the telephone interview. vi. The telephone interview will last a maximum of five minutes. vii. The student s objective is to obtain a personal interview with the company to which they are applying. Students should interview with the thought that the company has already received their cover letter, resume, and application. viii. Students will interview with one of the following three types of people: a. Human, Fiscal, and Resource personnel director b. Employer s/supervisor s assistant c. Employer/Supervisor 5 J ob Interview

6 Only the top 50 students who have submitted an application packet and scored at least 200 points, will participate in the remaining components of the event. At the Spring Conference/CDE Day, the following components will take place. Students must bring two copies of the resume to the event. E. Personal interview (1 round, 500 points) i. Participants will participate in one round of personal interviews. ii. The participants will provide the interviewer with a copy of her/his resume at the beginning of the personal interview round. iii. During the interview, the participant should specify the position they are applying for and articulate why they are interested in that position. iv. The personal interview will not exceed 15 minutes in length. v. The order for the personal interviews will be determined randomly. vi. Each judge will rank the participants in the respective interview flight to allow for participation from all interview flights in the panel interview round. The ten individuals with the lowest ranks will advance to the panel interview round. If there is a tie in ranks across interview flights, the numeric score from the personal interview will determine which participant(s) advance to the panel interview round. In the case of tied ranks, the individual(s) with the highest numeric score from the personal interview round will advance to the panel interview round. (For example: If there are five interview flights, the #1 and #2 ranking individuals will advance to the panel interview round. However, if there are six interview flights, the #1 ranking individuals from each flight will advance and four of the #2 ranking individuals will advance, based on high scores from the personal interview round.) F. Follow up communication (50 points) i. Participants will write a follow up, thank you communication letter or note after the personal interview round. Students will be provided computers with word processing software AND stationary and writing utensils to compose the follow up communication. Twenty minutes will be allotted to complete and submit the follow up communication. Students may word process or hand write the follow up communication. ii. iii. Communication is to be addressed to the interviewer of the personal interview, and should thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview. Students will be provided the contact information for the interviewer at the event. Participants may not bring notes, outlines, or examples into the event room. Participants who bring notes, outlines, or examples into the event room will forfeit the points for this portion of the event. 6 J ob Interview

7 The top ten participants, based on low ranks from the personal interview round will advance to the panel interview. Scores from the previous event components (Job Interview CDE exam, cover letter, resume, application, letters of reference bonus points, telephone interview, and follow up communication) will be carried over to the final round. G. Panel interview (500 points) i. The panel interview is reserved for the top ten participants, based on low ranks from the personal interview round and serves as a final round. ii. Panel interview participants will be announced after scores have been tabulated and ranks established. iii. Panel interview participants will interview in front of a panel of judges (more than one judge). iv. Participants will provide the panel with a copy of her/his resume at the beginning of the panel interview. v. The interview questions for the panel interview will be different from the questions from the personal interview round. vi. The panel interview will last no more than 10 minutes. vii. The order for the panel interview will be determined randomly. D. EVENT TIMELINE A. Participants will mail an application packet, postmarked no later than 14 calendar days prior to the Spring Conference/CDE Day to the event Superintendent. The application packet will consist of an entry form, one copy of a cover letter, resume, application, and bonus letters of reference (if desired). Application packets will be sent to: Dr. Ryan M. Foor Job Interview CDE Superintendent Room 205, Saguaro Hall P.O. Box Tucson, AZ B. Telephone interviews will be scheduled with the top 50 individuals, who score at least 200 points collectively on the cover letter, resume, application, and letters of reference bonus points. Telephone interviews will take place no later than the Wednesday before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. C. One personal interview round, the follow up communication, and the panel interview components will take place at the Spring Conference/CDE Day. Participants will bring two copies of the resume to the Spring Conference/CDE Day. 7 J ob Interview

8 VI. SCORING A. Individual Scoring: Preliminary Round Cover letter 100 Resume 200 Application 100 Telephone interview 50 Personal interview 500 Follow up communication 50 Job Interview CDE exam 50 Bonus: Letters of reference, maximum: 25 TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 1075 Final Round Cover letter carried over 100 Resume carried over 200 Application carried over 100 Telephone interview carried over 50 Follow up communication carried over 50 Job Interview CDE exam carried over 50 Panel interview (top 10 participants) 500 Bonus: Letters of reference, carried over 25 TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 1075 B. The mean (average) of the panel interview judges scores will be used to tabulate individual scores for the panel interview component of the event (maximum 500 points). C. The participant with the highest total score from the final round will be declared the first place individual in the event. D. Ties will be broken by the highest of the score of the personal interview component (500 points). If a tie still exists, the highest score of the resume will be used. VII. Tiebreakers Ties will first be broken by total net scores and then by the score for the personal interview portion of the event. If a tie still exists, the telephone interview score will then be used. VIII. Awards Awards will be presented to the top individuals at an awards ceremony. 8 J ob Interview

9 IX. References This list of references is not intended to be inclusive. Other sources may be utilized and teachers are encouraged to make use of the very best instructional materials available. The following list contains references that may be helpful during event preparation. Arizona FFA Online CDE Test Bank (to be distributed by CD annually) National FFA Core Catalog Past CDE Material ( The Gregg Reference Manual: A manual of style, grammar, usage, and formatting. Sabin, W. A. (2010). Publisher: McGraw-Hill. The Elements of Style. Strunk, W., & White, E.B. (2000). Publisher: Allyn and Bacon. Microsoft Word templates 101 Toughest Interview Questions: And Answers that Win the Job! Porot, D., & Bolles Haynes, F. (2009). Publisher: Ten Speed Press. 25 Reasons Why I Won t Hire You!: What you did wrong before, during, and after the interview! Glass, Z. (1999). Publisher: Omni Publishing Company. Best Answers to the 201 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions. DeLuca, M. J., & DeLuca, N. F. (2010). Publisher: McGraw-Hill. The Complete Job Interview Handbook: The fastest way to find the job you want. Marcus, J. J. (1994). Publisher: HarperPerennial. 9 J ob Interview

10 ENTRY FORM Participants must submit a copy of this entry form with the application packet. The application packet is due, postmarked no later than 14 calendar days before the Spring Conference/CDE Day. The application packet consists of one copy of the following: Entry form Cover letter Resume Application Letters of reference (bonus) Participant information (Type or print legibly): Last name: First name: Middle name/initial: Position sought (from application): School: Chapter: School address: School city, state, zip: Advisor name: Advisor address: Advisor phone number: Send completed application packets, including this entry form, to: Dr. Ryan M. Foor Job Interview CDE Superintendent Room 205, Saguaro Hall P.O. Box Tucson, AZ J ob Interview

11 COVER LETTER SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE Format Spacing 5 Appropriate font 5 Paragraph justification (left) 5 Addressed correctly 5 Limited to one page 5 Used correct paper 5 Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling 20 Content Identified position sought 5 Interest in position 5 Where learned of job 5 Appropriately conveyed contact info 5 Employability 10 Identified next steps 5 Meshed with resume and references 5 General appearances Overall impression 5 Readability and flow 5 Total 100 PARTICIPANT S SCORE 11 J ob Interview

12 RESUME SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE Format Appropriate font 2 Structure 2 Limited to two pages 4 Used correct paper 2 Content Contact information conveyed 25 Position sought or employment objective 25 Identified education or relevant coursework 25 Identified relevant experience & skills 25 Identified achievement & honors 25 Mentioned/had references 25 Grammar 3 Punctuation 3 Spelling 4 General appearance Overall impression 15 Readability and flow; spacing 15 Total 200 PARTICIPANT S SCORE 12 J ob Interview

13 APPLICATION SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE Consistent with resume Name 10 Education 10 Experience 10 Other information 10 References 10 Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling Capitalization when appropriate 6 Abbreviations when appropriate 6 Punctuation 6 Spelling 6 Grammar 6 Form completed Not applicable or N/A indicated where appropriate 10 Overall impression Spacing 5 Consistency 5 Total 100 PARTICIPANT S SCORE 13 J ob Interview

14 TELEPHONE INTERVIEW SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE First impression Introduction 5 Spoke clearly 5 Appropriate voice inflection 5 Gathered appropriate information Time/date 5 Location 5 Contact information (name, number, etc.) 5 Response to questions Accurate 5 Concise 5 Overall impression 10 Poise Pleasant Professional Courteous Communicated effectively Ends call appropriately Total 50 PARTICIPANT S SCORE 14 J ob Interview

15 PERSONAL INTERVIEW SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE Appearance Professional dress 25 Appropriately groomed/neat 25 First impression Greeting 25 Introduction 25 Body language 25 Responses to questions Knowledge relayed 30 Abilities described & matched resume 20 Accurate 20 Cogent & organized 20 Shared appropriate experiences 20 Quality of information 20 Consistent responses 20 Communication skills Persuasive 20 Proper grammar 15 Enunciation 15 Appropriate volume 15 Concise, avoided rambling 15 Confident 20 Sincere 15 Poise 20 Discretion/tact 15 Conclusion Posed appropriate questions to employer 25 Clarified next steps 25 Appropriate thanks and exit 25 Total 500 PARTICIPANT S SCORE RANK 15 J ob Interview

16 FOLLOW UP LETTER SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE POINTS Format 10 Directed to appropriate person Address/salutation appropriate Level of formality appropriate Content Expressed appreciation 5 Appropriate level of reiteration of qualities 5 Re expressed interest 5 Provisions for follow up stated 5 Grammar/punctuation/spelling 10 Overall impression 10 Legible (including signature) Appropriate length Total 50 SCORE 16 J ob Interview

17 PANEL INTERVIEW SCORECARD Name Chapter/School Contestant Number POSSIBLE SCORE Appearance Professional dress 25 Appropriately groomed/neat 25 First impression Greeting 25 Introduction 25 Body language 25 Responses to questions Knowledge relayed 30 Abilities described & matched resume 20 Accurate 20 Cogent & organized 20 Shared appropriate experiences 20 Quality of information 20 Consistent responses 20 Communication skills Persuasive 20 Proper grammar 15 Enunciation 15 Appropriate volume 15 Concise, avoided rambling 15 Confident 20 Sincere 15 Poise 20 Discretion/tact 15 Conclusion Posed appropriate questions to employer 25 Clarified next steps 25 Appropriate thanks and exit 25 Total 500 PARTICIPANT S SCORE 17 J ob Interview

18 Class/Category Scoring summary (w/percentages) Points (used for onsite tabulation) Percentage of total score Online Exam 50 10% Workplace Employability Skills 50 15% Cover Letter 100 5% Resume 200 9% Application 100 5% Telephone Interview 50 3% Personal Interview % Follow Up Letter 50 3% Panel Interview % 100% 18 J ob Interview

19 Apartment West Center College Street Yellow Springs, Ohio March 3, 2005 SAMPLE COVER LETTER (Sabin, 2005, p. 570) Mr. Oliver Digby Director of Human Resources Hunt and Ketcham Inc Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio Dear Mr. Digby: You advertised for a marketing manager in the March 2 Plain Dealer. I have used many Hunt and Ketcham texts in my computer courses, so I know that your company publishes books of consistently high quality. As the following comparison shows, my experience and background come close to satisfying all of the requirements stated in your ad. Your Requirements College degree Knowledge of technical publishing market Field sales experience My Qualifications B.S. in marketing plus continuing education courses in marketing and computer software applications Over six years experience in sales and marketing divisions of two educational publishing companies Extensive contact with field sales reps and customers, resolving a wide range of sales support and customer service problems The enclosed resume will provide additional information about my marketing experience. I would appreciate the chance to meet with you and discuss the ways in which I can help Hunt and Ketcham achieve its marketing objectives and its profit goals. I will call your office on March 14 to determine whether there is a convenient time for you to see me. Sincerely, Alison L. Bumbry 19 J ob Interview

20 SAMPLE RESUME (Sabin, 2005, p. 562) RALPH A. PINKHAM 148 Biscay Road Damariscotta, Maine OBJECTIVE: To gain experience as a bank teller as a first step toward a career in banking. EDUCATION: A.A. in business management, 2005 University of Maine, Augusta, Maine Courses in accounting, business communication, business management, finance, and office technology. Academic scholarships, Member of the intramural wrestling team, Tutor in a university sponsored community literacy program, EXPERIENCE: Sales associate, Reny s, Damariscotta, Maine, June 2005 present Handled cash and credit card transactions, using electronic cash register. Helped customers with product selections and suggested tie in purchases. Resolved customer problems. Assisted in taking inventory and restocking shelves. Suggested special promotions and helped design merchandise displays. Cashier, Pinkham s Plantation, Damariscotta, Maine, May 2000 August 2003 Worked part time in family owned business. Handled cash and credit card transactions. Advised customers on planting and care of purchased items. Set up special seasonal displays and recommended special pricing arrangements to boost sales. SKILLS: Strong number sense and quick mastery of electronic cash register and calculators. Proven ability to handle large amounts of money accurately. Outgoing personality with the ability to grasp and respond to customers needs and concerns. Excellent communication skills in writing, over the phone, and face to face. Mastery of Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes software. Facility in the use of e mail and accessing information on the Web. 20 J ob Interview

21 Apartment West Center College Street Yellow Springs, Ohio March 25, 2005 Mr. Oliver Digby Director of Human Resources Hunt and Ketcham Inc Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio Dear Mr. Digby: SAMPLE FOLLOW UP LETTER (Sabin, 2005, p. 571) Thank you for taking the time last Friday to explain why my lack of field sales experience in the technical publishing market prevents me from being considered for the marketing manager s position at Hunt and Ketcham. Thank you, moreover, for arranging for an interview that same day with your director of sales. Ms. Cantrell gave me a very detailed picture of a field rep s responsibilities. She also stated that in light of all my prior experience in educational publishing, I ought to make the transition to technical publishing very easily. I was encouraged to learn that after a year or two of experience in the field, I would be a strong candidate for any marketing manager s position that might open at that time. Ms. Cantrell has promised to let me know within the next four weeks whether she in in a position to offer me a field rep s job. If she does, I very much look forward to seeing you again. In any event, thank you for all the help you have given me. Sincerely, Alison L. Bumbry 21 J ob Interview