EXTENDED ABSENCES - BUILDING TRADES

ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE UPON YOUR RETURN TO SCHOOL

Day 1

10 Questions You Should Ask in an Interview

READ THE ARTICLE BELOW. USE THE SUGGESTIONS AND QUESTIONS TO STAGE YOUR OWN MOCK INTERVIEW. THIS WILL BE USED IN CLASS. APPLY FOR A POSITION IN THE COMPUTER FIELD BASED ON WHAT YOU HAVE READ. Complete the report as specified below:

1. PREPARE A FIVE PAGE TYPED REPORT (if you have no computer Word Processing program at home, you may write the report)
   1. DOUBLE SPACED
   2. FONT: TIMES NEW ROMAN FONT SIZE: 12
   3. INCLUDE A COVER PAGE, AND A RESOURCE PAGE FOR A POSITION IN THE COMPUTER FIELD THAT YOU HAVE RESEARCHED
   4. SUMMARIZE THE POSITION (JOB DESCRIPTION, DEGREES REQUIRED, ETC.)
   5. INCLUDE QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD ASK SIMILAR TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW. DO NOT COPY THE QUESTIONS BELOW. YOU MAY RE-WORD THE QUESTIONS, AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY.

When preparing for an interview, most applicants concentrate on formulating well-crafted answers to potential questions from their interviewers. However, not many realize it is just as important to prepare a few good questions they should ask during the interview. "When interviewing job applicants, I often learn as much from the questions they ask as from the responses they give," said John Langland, president of Langland & Langland Consulting. "What potential employees inquire about reveals what they deem important -- as opposed to merely answering my questions with information they think I will find important." What can asking questions in an interview do for you?  Show your interest in the position and the company  Give you an active role in the interview  Offer explanations about the position and the company, which help you, decide if you want to work for that organization  Showcase the depth of your knowledge and help you guide the discussion into a particular area of expertise Langland suggests preparing at least three questions in advance and taking notes during the interview to record the responses. "A few insightful, knowledgeable questions can speak volumes about you and distinguish you from other job candidates," he said. "However as important as asking questions are asking bad questions, such as, 'How many vacation days does the company offer?' is worse." Langland advises asking these 10 questions during your next interview:

1. What are the top three tasks you want the candidate to perform after being hired? This gives you a concrete idea of the projects you will be working on if hired. Often job ads list general qualities and capabilities the position requires, but the answer to this question will lay out the actual specifics of the job.
2. Why did you choose this company? The answer will help you determine the organization's strengths and weaknesses with this insider's perspective.
3. How do you see me benefiting the company? This tells you exactly what they're looking for in a candidate and where they see your strengths.
4. Is there room for growth and advancement? This points to your drive and initiative and underscores your intent to secure a career, not just a job.
5. Are there opportunities for professional training or further education? This shows a willingness to learn and adapt as changes in the position or industry occur. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle employment market and may make you very valuable to the company should a reorganization occur.
6. How will I be evaluated and by whom? This provides insight into the company's corporate culture and the department structure in which you will be working.
7. What is the general culture of the company? This can tell you if you will fit into the organization. If they're strictly a "suit and tie" operation and you're all about comfort clothes, you may want to rethink the position.
8. Are there other job responsibilities not mentioned in the ad? This reveals exactly what the ad meant when it said: "...and other duties as assigned." Will you be helping other departments in a pinch? Making coffee? These are things you should know before going any further in the candidate selection process.
9. When will you be making a decision on the successful candidate? Knowing this helps you gauge when to follow up on the interview.
10. May I call you if other questions arise? This keeps the door open for further communication. The interview is an artful conversation designed to help both parties learn more about each other in an effort to decide if the candidate and the position are a good match. Use it as an opportunity to spotlight your accomplishments and determine if the job is right for you.

Day 2

The students will do computer research on writing a resume. They will make a list of web sites used in their research. The list should include at least 10 sites dealing with resume writing. The students will then select a resume type they feel will fit their personality and give them the best chance at a job. The students will then write a rough draft of their resume and have it checked by their parent or guardian. This rough draft will be turned in when the students return to school. This part of the project will count as quiz grade.

Day 3

The students will review their resume and the web sites they used.  The students will the write the final draft of their resume.  The resume will count as a test grade and will go on file with the shop teacher for future use when the student applies for jobs.  This part of the project will count as a test grade.  

Day 4

The students will research the History of the Building Trades. The research will include the History of Carpentry and Masonry. The students will include material for both as far back as they can find on an internet search. The students will research the types of materials and tools used in the past and into current times. The students will then write an outline for a report on the history of the trades and materials. The report will contrast the tools and materials used today with the tools and materials used in the past.  The report will also give a history of the two trades and how one developed from the other. The students will turn in the outline along with their research notes

Day 5

The students will write a five [5] page double spaced report on the materials from their research yesterday.  The report will include a bibliography from their research and will have a cover. The report will be turned in when the students report back to class.