1. Job Hunter’s Guide- STCC Adult Education Version
A Quick Guide:
Massachusetts Version
This is was created by the Workforce/College & Career Team* in the Adult
Education Office at Springfield Technical Community College
June 2015
Resources and Information provided in part by: The US Department of
Labor- Education and Training Administration, The State of Massachusetts
Department of Labor and the City of Springfield- Human Resources**.
*Volunteer Coordinator, Workforce Readiness Coordinator, and College/Career Advisor.
**This guide focuses on western mass and the city of Springfield, whenever possible.

2. Part 1- Identify your employment needs
A) I am looking for a new job: Before you apply determine what type of work you would like-
full time, part time, temporary, or per diem. This means you will have to see what your life
allows. For example if you are in school and have child you may not be able to do full time, but
part time would work best. If you have a disability or are on public assistance- that would
affect how much you can work as well. Also if you are leaving one job to start another it is
customary if you are hourly, to give your employer a two weeks’ notice of your intentions to
leave. You do not have to give a reason. If you are salary it is customary to give a 4 weeks’
notice.
 Part time- Part time work is recognized as 0-30 hours per week, but can go up to 40. In
many cases these positions are not eligible for benefits (health care, dental, child care
etc.). This would be something you would have to check with your employer.
 Per Diem- Jobs that fall in this category pay you per day worked. This is a good option
for you if you need a less scheduled commitment- (substitutes in a school would be an
example of this type of work).
 Full Time- Full time work is 40 hours or more a week (depending on the employer). This
type of work usually comes with benefits and you are eligible to make salary.
 Temporary/seasonal- Work that falls under this category is at the discretion of the
employer. Some places operate seasonally (think six flags) or are in need of temporary
staff (think the Big E). For jobs of this nature you could be working any of the above
listed schedules. Many companies will hire temporary employees and keep them on the
payroll even after the job has ended.
A1) Understanding the pay:
Salary- Full time positions are most often granted a salary as one of their benefits. A salary is a
fixed regular amount usually paid out at a yearly rate- you can start at a base salary and earn
pay increases as your time at the company or organization progresses.
Hourly- This mean you get paid per hour worked. The minimum wage in mass is $9.00/hr.-
Paychecks can either be received weekly (every week) or bi-weekly (every two weeks) - your
number of hours can be set or can rotate depending on who you work for.
Stipend: When an employee gets paid a stipend, they receive a fixed regular sum. For some
positions this may be your only earnings, for others you are granted a stipend in addition to
your hourly wages or salary. An example of this is if you are traveling- that is you could be
granted up to $50 a week for food while on a work-related trip or outing.
A2) Online verses paper application:
 Online-. Using an online application- allows you to apply for multiple positions within
one company as well as they keep a record so you have the dates and names of the
positions you’ve applied for. It is an easier option for both parties and allows for quicker

3. processing. Many times you can apply directly from an employer’s website but
sometimes you can be redirected to an external web page in which you would be
instructed to create a profile and submit your application.
 Paper- This old fashioned is still the preferred method for many employers, it gives you
a chance to make a face to face connection with an employer before being called for an
interview. It is also easier for you the applicant.
A3) Moving up within your company or organization-
 Talk to your supervisor- Tell himor her about your interest in moving within the
company. This could be changing shifts or transferring to a different department.
 Look for advancement opportunities- once you get the blessing of your supervisor or
boss, take a chance and apply for in company positions that are at a higher level than
where you are now.
 Build your skills- This could be enrolling a grant writing course or taking computer
classes so you can be more adaptable in your role. Learning or brushing up on a
language will help you with this.
B) I need a job: Having a job is a great thing- however before sending out any applications,
take a moment to determine why you want a job. Also to determine as stated in section a-
what type of job you want.
Step 1- Skill/Interest Inventory- ask yourself what are you interested in, what skills do you
have? For example if you are a care taker for an elderly parent- you would have skills in
administering medicine and personal care- so you would possibly seek out a job working in
a senior home or as a personal care attendant. Or if you love fashion you would want to
work in a place that would put you in that environment so you could learn about clothing.
Step 2- Prepare for a job- This means updating your resume, or creating one, if you have
past certifications make sure they are up to date and look into getting them renewed. Make
a list of your references. Invest in an interview outfit*. This could also mean getting more
experience.
 Volunteering is a great way to gain experience- if you, as mentioned above have
a desire to work in the medical field you could volunteer in a hospital- this will
help to make up any gaps in employment that you may have as well as give you
exposure and contacts in this field who can help you move from volunteer to
paid employee. This can also help determine if that’s the right field for you.
 Finish your HISET! - Getting your diploma will be a great asset in helping you get
a job.

4.  Meet with an advisor or career coach- they will help to identify your interests
and align them with a career path. They will also work on your resume and even
will help you apply to jobs that fit you best.
 Brush up on your interview skills*
-Many colleges have career centers who will conduct mock interviews with you.
- Setting up informational interviews is a good idea too. This will provide you with
insight into various fields and helps you become at ease with the people who
could be hiring you in the future.
 Seek out training- (http://www.doleta.gov/)
-Check out job corps (if you are between ages 16-24) for technical career training
http://www.jobcorps.gov/Home.aspx
-Career One Stop- http://www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/find-
training.aspx
-Computer Skills- brush up on your technical skills with free courses at the
library.
* see part 2
Step 3- Enlist help in your job search! - Again meeting with a career specialist such as those
at future works, or at the college will help you when searching and applying- letting you
know if the jobs/positions listed are a good fit for you.
 Work with a temp agency or a staffing agency- they will help take on the legwork
or searching for you, or will even place you in a position. ( Kelly services is a good
one)
 Ask friends and family to keep an eye out- they can help you find positions in
places and might even know people in your fields of interest.
Step 4- Don’t give up- finding the right job for you takes time, rejections are not personal.
Keep faith in yourself and your abilities.
C. I want to keep the job I have! If you like where you are but feel that things have gotten a bit
stale, there is support.
Step 1- Get Volunteering- Volunteering is so beneficial- not only for you but the organization
as well. In addition to helping you gain employable skills, volunteering can bring you a much needed
change of pace.
Step 2-Speak up- talk to your supervisor, boss or manager about how you are feeling, see if
you can take assist on new projects or more responsibility.

5. Part 2- The search
So you know what you want, and understand the options before- so how do you start?
Option 1- Search by industry/field-The US. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Occupational Outlook Handbook”( http://www.bls.gov/ooh/) provides in depth information
about multiple fields/industries, job growth for those fields as well as various roles and info on
how to get into those positions.
*hint*- The “career snapshots” book available in the Adult Education Office is a good
place to start too.
Option 2- Broaden yourhorizons:
At the state level: From the states website: www.mass.gov/portal/jobs-unemployment/finding-a-
job/
At the Town Level -for town jobs go to their website and look for their human resources positions.
Option 3- Hourly positions: Indeed.com, snagajob.com, or simplyhired.com, go to the
businesses website directly (for example, if you want to work at JC Penny’s go to:
http://jobs.jcp.com/pages/in-store)
-Nontraditional methods: Look at local newspaper’s classified section, craigslist.comfor western
mass, local radio/TV stations websites- they are often in partnership with the city and towns to
help put the valley back to work.
Option 4- Get Local: Go to the business themselves- many put out “now hiring signs”.
-Local attractions: http://www.sixflagsjobs.com/, The Springfield Falcons Hockey-
http://theahl.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/jobskey.cfm?s=springfield, The Zoo at Forest
Park http://www.forestparkzoo.org/about/
-Summer employment: http://www.coolworks.com/- you could work at a ski lodge, or on a cruise
ship.
Part 3- InterviewSkills
Congrats- You got a call and they want to interview you- don’t be nervous or too over confident
as you haven’t sealed the deal yet. Its’ important to remember that an interview is about two
things- whether or not you are a fit for the company and if they are a fit for you. Read on for tips
and things to consider on this part of your job hunting.
Section A- Before the Interview:
Step 1- Research the company- sure you went online and found their application and sent it in
but that’s not enough. Read their mission statement, about us section, whose who in the

6. company and learn about their product or services, also look to see if they give insight to the
company culture etc.
Why? Knowing more about who they are and what they do will help you determine your
chances at success in that company. If you are an animal rights activist and are applying for a
company who supports trophy hunting, even if the job pays well- you wouldn’t be happy there
very long as they are not aligned with your morals or ethics.
Step 2- Take a dry run- A week or so take a drive to the site where your interview will be.
Why? This is help you find out where to park while you are there, as well as give you an idea of
how much time it will take you to get there. You can also see if the area is safe, accessible etc. If
you are not taking yourself to the interview, this will help you arrange the necessary
transportation.
Step 3- Call to confirm- Many times the person who is interviewing you had that appointment set
up by a secretary. Calling a day or two before will take the pressure off them and you can check
on whether or not there haven’t been any last minute changes. You can also ask if the interview
will be one-on-one or a small panel or would include other applicants for that role. You should
also ask what they consider an acceptable time to arrive and to be late and whether or not there
is any paperwork etc. you would need to fill out before meeting with the interviewer, ask well as
to check the proper title and pronunciation of names of those who will be meeting with you.
This will also give you a clue on how to dress. (See section B)
Step 4- Secure your affairs- This means securing a reliable means of transportation, finding
childcare, clearing at least 2 hours of time in your schedule for time before, during and after the
interview.
Step 5- Prepare yourself- You’ve taken care of steps 1-4 now is your time to rehearse some
answers to commonly asked questions as well as to generate your own. (This will be covered in
section E). Also get quality sleep the night before and avoid a big meal. If they want to see
samples of your work (documents etc.) collect those, if you need technology, make those
arrangements with the company.
Section C- The day of the Interview:
Step 1- Time your arrival- If you were told to show up 10 mins beforehand, then do just that.
The time of those interviewing you is just as valuable as yours- respecting this is important. They
have other candidates to see and will not hesitate to pass over your application if you cannot
plan accordingly.
Step 2-Make an effort- How you look is a factor in your candidacy for a job- even if the company
culture is laid back and semi-casual or you are working in a service role, do not show up dressed
like that. If you have a beard make it neat and trimmed, comb your hair, remove any chipped

7. nail polish from your fingers, invest in heals or flats, dress pants and a button down pressed shirt
etc. Practicing your handshake is also a good idea- believe it or not- this too can affect your
candidacy.
Sample dress for men- Ironed dress pants, dress shoes, button down ironed shirt. If you have
tattoos on your arms- conceal them with a long sleeve shirt. If the company require their male
employees to wear ties- then you should too. Don’t wear jeans or print shirt or sandals. Remove
any chains or rings you may wear.
Sample dress for women- dress pants, or a solid colored skirt that come no higher than mid-thigh.
Heels or dress shoes, opaque tights or stockings- if you have tattoos or want to err on the more
conservative side. A nice blouse or dress shirt. Remove all flashy jewelry, simple is better.
Section C- After the interview:
Step 1- The follow-up- Within a week of meeting with a person, send a thank you note, by mail if
you can. If any of your contact information has changed let them know so that if you do get
offered the job they can get ahold of you. If you were asked to send follow up documents- do
that.
Step 2- Prepare for the offer or the rejection- If the offer comes, accept it graciously and ensure
them that you will be available to start when they would like you to and to take care to do what
they ask of you before starting. Accept their payment offer. If you should get a call that you were
not accepted- thank them for the experience of interviewing with them, say good bye and move
on to your next prospects.
Step 3- Maintain your bridges- This means not quitting your job because you were sure this
position would work out. Do your best to remain on good terms with your current employer. If
you did get the job- give your employer fair notice that you will be leaving so they can make
arrangements to fill the gaps of their personnel. Thank them for the time you were there and
offer to help train any new employees (if any) they brought on to replace you.
Section D- The types of Interviews- Interviews surprisingly can take a few forms. It’s important to
know how to handle them depending of what type the company you’re applying to wants to hold.
1) Traditional- This is you and one other person. The questions below can be applied to all
types of interviews. Follow this guide and you’ll be well primed for this type which is the
most common.
2) The phone interview- This is an option if you are applying for a position out of your state or
if they do not have the space or personnel to accommodate traditional interviews. Find a
time that works with both parties. Also be the one to answer the call if they are calling you.
Be on time. Make sure you can talk in a private quiet place, take care of distractions (turn

8. off the TV, Step away from a computer). Tell your family you are busy and not to disturb you
while on the call. Make sure you are home and your phone works. Dress up in interview
clothes- it sounds silly but it will help you slip into the right mind frame. Have a pen and
paper available with questions.
3) Video or Skype- Again dress/look the part, log on at the right time and make sure you are
not in an inappropriate place such as a bathroom or a bedroom with an unmade bed etc.
Tidy up the space that will be in view of the camera, make sure you are the only one there
(no kids, spouses etc.). Turn off incoming calls etc. so your focus will be on the person and
the screen. Check your teeth!
4) The lunch- If they picked the place- take time to look at their menu beforehand- pick out a
few items so you can be ready to order and take a drive so you can figure out parking etc.
Avoid alcohol- if they order a drink let them, but stick with a soft drink or water. Arrive early
and dress for the part. Turn cell phone off. Take their lead and let them order first and then
pick something in that price range too. Avoid ordering too much food- keep it to one
entrée, a salad or appetizer- Avoid ordering complicated food. Focus on the conversation
and not the eating. If you are asked to suggest a place- pick one in close proximity to their
office. If they asked you for this- they will pick up the bill more often than not. While that is
being taken care of ask about next steps in the process. Say thank you for the meal and the
meeting and send a thank you note.
5) The Group Interview- Companies will do this if the role is to be shared or if they need
several people to serve a function. If you were told ahead of time this would be the case- be
friendly with the other applicants, generate small talk. If you are caught off guard do not
show it. Avoid sizing everyone up. View them as allies- if they brought up a good point-
address it and use it to build your response. Use their names- talk when it is your turn and
do not interrupt. Be brief. Take notes and listen. If the group is other staff members the
same rules apply.
6) The Elevator pitch- This will happen if at a career fair or if the person agrees to see you in
the few minutes before making an appointment. You need to be able to sell yourself and
merit a proper interview in return. Introduce yourself and use their name and title (if you
know it) hand them a resume and/or business card. Be clear with your intentions- if you
heard about this from the Executive assistant- say “Gail in Mr./Mrs. CEO’s office -told me
about the position of ____ when I met her at a networking last Thursday.” Or say “ I am a
third year graduate student at ‘state college’ who has been working with researchers at
_____ to develop a ____ that reflects advances being made by your company and when I
heard about ______ position, I knew we were on track. My role as ___________has helped
cut down the costs involved by using ___________ we saved 40% of our original budget and
were able to refocus those funds on ________. Say thank you, smile shake hands and take
your leave.
7) The second interview-They like you and several other candidates, this is your chance to set
yourself apart another degree. Ask if there is agenda- they may have you meet several
employees, or make a site visit. You want to clear as much time as they require of you to be

9. there. If the first interview was for a specific role on a project- research more about that so
you can ask directly related questions to the role and of the nature of work you would be
doing. As always be on time, thank them and let them follow up. A second interview does
not merit a job offer.
Section E- Interview Questions and Answers:
A) What they will ask you- (supportfromthemuse.com, jobsearch.about.com). This is a sample- not a
comprehensive list.
Q1. How did you hear about us? They want to know a) if there recruitment efforts are successful,
and b) b) how involved your efforts have been in finding jobs.
A. Tell them how you’ve found them- was it someone in their company who let on about this
job? Give that individual credit if you haven’t already done so in the application. If it was a job
search agency, say that too or if you just did a google search.
Q2. Tell me about yourself- What they want to know is why you would be the best fit for this
position. Remember they do have copies of your resume and application, so avoid rehashing your
work or education history. They want to know what about you, and whether or not your goals etc.
will reflect what they are looking for.
A. “One important lesson I’ve learned from ______ (past roles or supervisors) is that a key
element in ensuring customer happiness is ______. This has been a guiding principle in how I
approach all my relationships.” Talk about personal growth that came from your work experiences
etc.
Q3. Why are you looking to transition jobs? What they are looking for is partially your work ethic,
they also want to know that if given the job you will not let them down. Be honest about being
fired or reasons why you’ve quit. Do not bad mouth your current or former boss or workplace.
A. “I’ve held my role for _____ and now that I have obtained my degree- I would like to rise to
the challenge of ____.” Basically don’t say- you like money and want more of it. Give strong
compelling but concise answers that show the direction you are headed and how this company
can help get you there and vice versa.
Q4.Tell me about a time when…- They are asking you to tell a story about workplace scenarios and
getting a feel of how you would act if they should arise again, or what you are like as an employee.
The question could be about a time you worked a part of a team, had to meet a deadline you
weren’t ready for, or if you had a crisis dealing with a customer etc.
A. Be ready with concrete examples or what worked and what did not work, what you’ve
learned and how you applied those lessons. Tell them about how you arrived at a solution
and how and where you fit in, in a group.

10. Q5. Why should I hire you? What they are asking really is “are you the best candidate for this
position”?
A. If you can beforehand pull out what they wrote in their job description of qualifications and
reflect back on those in the interview. How have you demonstrated these skills or personal
traits in your life and work? Don’t be cocky for this question- be honest in your
accomplishments and how you will use your talent and skills to adhere to the company’s goals
and visions.
Q6. . Why shouldn’t I hire you? Again they are simply trying to see if you will fit in to the workplace
and if you are the single best fit for this role. They are creating a balanced opinion.
A. About.com suggests you start with “you should hire me if…” then go into a quality you have
that in the proper environment could be a strength. Or they suggest you could finish that
statement something like this “"You shouldn't hire me if an extrovert wouldn't fit in well at
your company or in this job. I thrive on interaction with colleagues and customers. I can stay
on task, but building positive relationships with people is my clear priority." Be prepared to
follow-up on these questions.
B- Questions you should ask them and why:
Q1. Of the items listed in the job posting how would you prioritize them for the role? This will give
you a better idea of what would be expected of you and allow you to understand their goals and
visions for this role.
Q2. How does the company support its employees with items such as family or school
commitments? If the company did not specify there hours, this will tell you if they are flexible and
accommodating. If their hours are set this will help determine if you can take on this position
despite its pay. *Do not ask what they will pay you! Let them bring this up*
Q3.Is this an established or a new position? If this hasn’t been stated yet- this will give you an idea
if this position could have a high turnover rate (like sales associates in retail) or if there is longevity.
Feel free to ask if this is a newly created role if this role is permanent or short term (ex would be a
temp grant writer) or permanent would be (community development). You also want an idea of
the degrees of responsibility you will have, and get insight as to why this role is available.
Q4.What are the opportunities for growth with this position or company? You don’t want to apply
for a dead end job, but you do want to see if this is a role that adaptable and will change providing
you with a supplies of new projects etc. to focus on. Are they keeping up with trends etc.?
Q5. How soon would you want whomever is hired to start? This will give you a sense of the weight
on this role, as well as the urgency. It will also allow you enough time to make arrangements. It will
also reveal the thought they are putting into finding a candidate- if they are rushing to fill this
position that may not always be a good sign.

11. Q6. What do you like most about working here? You don’t want to be a part of a company that no
one likes. This will tell you if employees are here to “just do a job” or do they truly enjoy being
there and do they believe in what they do.
Part 4- Accepting the job
You’ve made it past the interviews, and now have offers coming in- how do you decide?
Step 1- Look at the offers: Do they provide you with benefits, or are the willing to work with your
schedule and commitments (school and family or a second job or military). If those items were a
part of your criteria and they do not reflect that, then they may not be the best fit for you.
Step 2- Take your time: Unless a deadline is clearly stated, let all employers know the situation and
assure them that you will provide them an answer within a week, thank them for their offer.
Step 3- Get a second opinion- run your options by your husband or wife, or family. They will be
able to see the up and downside of each position that you may not be aware of.
Step 4-Leverage your options: Do you have two similar positions on the table? Call each place and
mention your other offer- see if they are willing to up their ante a bit. If not then that may make
your decision for you.
A. Accepting an offer- Once you have made a decision- call the person who offered to you and
accept. Thank them and if you have the time- discuss the terms and conditions of
employment (salary/pay, when benefits will kick in, support if needed when starting), first
day to start, who to report to etc. Also take the time to tell your other options your decision
so they may move on to their next most qualified candidate.
B. Declining an offer- If you found that what was offered does not work with you, or a better
offer came along- call them and let them know. Tell them simply that you didn’t feel the job
was the right fit for you at this time and thank them for their time and consideration. You
can explain your reasons- as about.com shows- “If the target job involved only inside sales,
you could say that you were interested in a sales position handling major accounts that would
provide a clear pathway to sales management.” This could allow them to keep you in mind
for future opportunities.
The End
Congrats!Good Luck with your new job!