Professional Adjustment Career Guide PDF

PROFESSIONAL ADJUSTMENT By: Portia Zoleta-Vitug, RN, PhD PROFESSIONAL ADJUSTMENT n GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START n MAKING A CAREER PLAN n DIFFERENT FIELDS OF NURSING n MAKING A KILLER RESUME n INTERVIEW TYPES n CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY n SALARY BARGAINING TIPS n PASSING THE PROBA...

PROFESSIONAL ADJUSTMENT By: Portia Zoleta-Vitug, RN, PhD PROFESSIONAL ADJUSTMENT n GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START n MAKING A CAREER PLAN n DIFFERENT FIELDS OF NURSING n MAKING A KILLER RESUME n INTERVIEW TYPES n CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY n SALARY BARGAINING TIPS n PASSING THE PROBATION n RESIGNATION GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START n What career will suit my lifestyle? n What are my talents and skills? n What do I like doing? n What I don’t like about work? Making A Career Plan A sound career plan involves a 3 step process: 1. Know thyself 2. Study careers 3. Make a decision Different Fields of Nursing n Hospital or Industrial Nursing n Public Health Nursing n Private Duty or Special Duty Nursing n Nursing education n Military Nursing n Nursing Education n School Nursing n Clinic Nursing n Independent Nursing Practice Drafting a Killer Resume Ø Chronological Resume > conventional, itemized employment history. > Career milestones arranged in reverse chronological order, starting with current position held. n Functional Resume > Organizes work history into sections that highlight skills and accomplishments. n Combination Resume > Merge best features of the chronological and functional types- history of employment plus achievement section. n Curriculum Vitae >Detailed, lengthy and structured outline of educational background, publications, awards and work history. n Electronic Resume > Can be sent by e-mail or be viewed in the internet. Resume Writing Tips n Avoid spelling boo-boos. n Streamline. n Use personal details sparingly. n Be concise. n Make it an easy and read. Mastering Interviewing Skills n Come prepared n Arrive early n Dress smart n Reply calmly n Don’t shoot your ex- boss n Focus on the company’s interest n Don’t talk money too soon n Ask away n Don’t act desperate or apologetic n Observe proper etiquette Frequently Asked Questions n Tell me something about yourself? n Why do you want to join this company? n Why are you looking for a new job? n What kind of position are you looking for? n What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses? n What do you know about our institution? n What do you consider to be your greatest achievements? n Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? n What task did you perform in your last job? n When you start a new job, how do you establish good relationships with your new colleagues and supervisors? Conquering Interview Types n Screening Interview > Filters out unqualified applicants. > Generally HR will look for clues to eliminate you. > Give polite and direct answers. > Don’t volunteer information that could harm you. n The One-One Interview > Actual interview with the decision- maker. > Your objective is to establish affinity with hiring manager and prove you have the qualities and skills needed by the institution. n Telephone Interview > Talk in a clear, slow and confident voice. > Keep your answers concise and focused. > You can have your resume copy in front of you. n Stress Interview > Interviewer may deliberately attempt to see your reaction to uncomfortable situations. Ex. Make you wait long for your turn Throw sarcastic questions. > Remain calm and poised. > Ask for clarification if necessary. n Group/Panel Interview > Involves a meeting with two or more interviewers at the same time. > Will gauge the candidate’s behavior under the pressure of dealing with different personalities. > Create a rapport. > Smiling and rotating eye contact when answering. n Behavioral Interview > Candidate is asked to recall and describe past situations which will apply time management, leadership or conflict- resolution skills. The Application Follow-Up n The follow-up starts at the end of the interview. n Always write a thank you letter within 48 hours of the interview. n Inform your references that they might receive a call from the employer. n Do call on the day instructed to. n While doing follow-up, don’t limit to one company alone. n If the interviewer tells you the position has been filled, remain calm and respectful. n If your e-mails or phone calls are not being returned three weeks after your campaign started, it’s safe to assume you were not chosen. Choosing the Right Company n Company vision n Long-term orientation n People orientation n Excellence n Compensation More Reminders on How to Select the Best Employer: 1. It’s not a one-way street. 2. Consider a personality match. 3. Choose a company where you’re likely to grow. 4. What about the monetary benefits? 5. Know what exactly what you are getting into. Salary Bargaining Tips n Pre-Bargaining Stage > Calculate the amount you’ll need to support your lifestyle. > Assess your value. > Do a comparative research on prevailing salary trends. > Discreet study of the hiring company. n The Interview > No specific figures. Rather provide a salary range. > The less you reveal about what offer will make you bite, the more you’re likely to receive a best offer. n The Negotiation Stage > Goal is to shoot for the high end. n The Job Offer > Never accept or reject a job on the spot. n Acceptance > Get everything down in writing. > Don’t be blinded by the financial aspect. Passing Probation 1. Positive work attitude. 2. Quick to adjust. 3. Eager to learn. 4. Good people skills. 5. Be professional More Tips: 1. Do your work, impress your boss. 2. Don’t ignore comments. 3. Show initiative. 4. Don’t be in a hurry to attach yourself in a particular group. 5. Don’t ask for a salary raise yet. 10 Keys to Career Success n Sharpen your people skills n Project a professional image n Go with the winners n Don’t wait to be noticed n Take control n Acquire lifelong education n Look outward n Trust your instinct n Watch what you say n Find time for life and leisure Top 10 worker qualities employers seek n Communication skills n Initiative/Motivation n Teamwork skills n Interpersonal skills n Flexibility/Adaptability n Analytical skills n Computer skills n Organizational skills n Honesty/Integrity n Strong work ethic Resignation n Ways to know when to leave: 1. Differences don’t give a good product 2. Lost sense of purpose 3. Lost sense of fun 4. What originally motivated your interest in the job. 5. When the commitment to communicate is no longer solid. 6. If respect is lacking. 7. If you find yourself lying. Resignation n Decision should be rooted firmly in logic and avoid emotional impulses. n Tell your supervisor first. n Give 1 month notice. n Be modest. n Don’t insult anyone. n Stay on top of your responsibilities. n Adhere to institution protocool. n Organize your file. n Review employee handbook. n Do a great job training your replacement. n Don’t take anything doesn’t belong to you. Tips on Writing a Resignation Letter: 1. Short, professional and positive. 2. Do not use as a forum to criticize. 3. Don’t show to other employees. 4. Deliver directly to management.