CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENTS

ALL ABOUT ME (10)

This assignment should be at least one page in length.

VIEWPOINT:            If I were the interviewer, what would I like to know about the applicant?

                                    –          your background

                                    –          your education

                                    –          your work experience

                                    –          Describe aspects that relate to the job situation. Be informative

CONFIDENTIALITY (10)

What does confidentiality mean to you? What things are supposed to be treated as “confidential” at your job?

YOU BE THE JUDGE (10)

What do you think workers want most from their jobs?

                                    –          money

                                    –          fringe benefits

                                    –          job security

                                    –          interesting work

                                    –          promotion

                                    –          good working conditions

                                    –          feeling appreciated for the work they do

                                    –          being in control of their jobs

                                    –          an opportunity to grow

Arrange the above items in order of importance, from most important to least

important, for you.

Many people think that money is a great motivator. Do you agree? Why or why not? Comment - 1 page length.

“DEAR KID” (10)

Read the “Dear Kid” letter. Explain what you believe employers expect from prospective employees. (Transitions p. 45)

Dear Kid:

Today you asked me for a job. From the look of your shoulders as you

walked out the door, I suspect you’ve been turned down before, and maybe you believe by now that kids out of high school cant find work.

But I did hire a teenager today. You saw him. He was the one with the polished shoes and necktie. What was so special about him? Not experience; neither of you had any. It was his attitude that put him on the payroll instead of you. Attitude son, attitude. He wanted that job badly enough to shuck the leather jacket, get a haircut, and look in the phone book to find out what this company makes. That’s where he edged you out. .

You see, Kid, the people who hire people aren’t “with” a lot of

things. We have some Stone Age ideas about who owes whom a living.

Maybe that makes us prehistoric, but there’s nothing wrong with the cheques

we sign, and if you want one you’d better tune into our wavelength.

Ever hear of “empathy”? It’s the trick of seeing the other person’s

side of things. I couldn’t have cared less that you’re behind in your car

payments. That’s your problem. What I needed was someone who’d go into

the plant, keep his eyes open, and work for me like he’d work for himself.

If you have even the vaguest idea of what I’m trying to say, let it show the

next time you ask for a job. You’ll be head and shoulders above the rest.

You may not believe it, but all around you employers are looking for

young men and women smart enough to go after a job in the old-fashioned

way. When they find one, they cant wait to unload some of their work on

their new employee.

                                                For both our sakes, get eager, will you?

                                                                                                                                                “The Boss”

                                                                                                                                     (Author unknown)

 THE IDEAL JOB (20)

What do you expect from a job? Imaging that you have just acquired the “ideal”job.

                        –          What kind of company are you working for?

                        –          What are you doing in this job?

                        –          How do you get to work each day?

                       –            How much are you getting paid?

                      –          How do you dress?

THE IDEAL JOB (continued)

                        –          What are your hours of work?

                        –          Do you get a long lunch and long breaks?

                        –          Where do you eat your lunch?

                        –          Are you able to take breaks whenever you want?

                        –          Do you have to punch a time clock?

                        –          How long are your vacations?

                        –          Does the company proved day care?

                        –          What company benefits are provided?

                        –          What is your supervisor like?

As you answer these questions, identify parts of your “ideal” conditions that have

existed in past work experiences.

JOB APPLICATION (20)

Choose a job from the St. Catharines Standard that you would be interested in

applying for. Analyse this ad by looking for the qualification and qualities that the employer wants in a prospective employee. Write a cover letter that tells the employer the ways in which you possess the qualities and qualifications referred to in the ad.

 “PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD” (10)

Compile a personal list of a minimum of ten ways explaining “How I Can Put My Best Foot Forward” at my job placement. The list can include any area in which you feel you need to improve.

SETTING GOALS (10)

Answer the following questions:

1.         Start by dreaming a little. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to be at the end of

            this year? In two years? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Write down

            your thoughts.

2.         Next, write down what you need to do in order to be where you want to be at each time period.

3.         Determine which goals are long term and which are short term.

4.         Which goals are realistic? Which ones are unrealistic?

5.         What skills do you need to develop in order to meet your goals?

6.         Identify the obstacles to meeting your goals. How will you overcome them?

            Think about this carefully.