Railroad Retirement Board

 

844 North Rush Street

 

Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092

 

Booklet UB-12

 

(12-05) 

http://www.rrb.gov
urs of the interview.

u could improve the interview.

test(s) you’re taking.

lls.

ent.

ies and expectations, work hours,

scussing salary (but don’t sell

12

atulations!

UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS JOB SOURCES YOUR RESUME LETTERS OF APPLICATION THE INTERVIEW 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW AT THE INTERVIEW AFTER THE INTERVIEW 

KEEPING TRACK JOB SEARCH PLAN 

4456667899
11

Call employers directly (even if they’re not advertisingopenings). Talk to the person who would superviseyou if you were hired.Go to companies to fill out applications.Contact your friends and relatives to see if they knowabout any openings.Update your written record of your contacts withemployers.

6. Prepare for the Interview

Learn about the company you’re interviewing with.Review job announcement to determine how yourskills will help you do the job.Assemble resume, application form, etc. (make sureevery thing is neat).Arrange for babysitter, transportation, etc.Give yourself plenty of time.

▲▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

lace at the right time often 

e. This booklet provides 

 and conduct a successful 

e job you want. 

▲

2

 
iends to help you look for job

 Retirement Board and State Em

fices for assistance.

to get company and job informa

s to get job leads.

ements and descriptions.

eeded). Use job announcements to

h job requirements.

or letters of application.

ch kit: pens, writing tablet, maps,

n guides, clean copies of resumes

ckground and experience list, so

nd picture ID.

10

You should then match your skills and experience to jobsthat require the talents you have. Don’t limit yourself tojobs you have previously held or for which your education issuited. Your skills may be well suited to a job you havenever thought about. Your local library and State Employment Service have publications that will help you decide what jobs best matchyour skills and experience. You may also arrange for an interview with a career counselor who can help you decidewhat kind of work is best suited to your abilities. 

GETTING THE WORD OUT 

Because many job vacancies are not advertised, word-ofmouth contact is one of the most effective methods of finding a job. Take advantage of school, civic, charitable andsports activities in your community to tell your friendsand family you are looking for a job. Ask if their employers are hiring, or if they know of hiring by other employers. If you are knocking on the employer’s door even before

an opening is publicized, you have a good chance of being atthe right place at the right time. 

3

 
Ask what you could do to improve your chances next time.

KEEPING TRACK

Set up a file for recording your efforts to find work andyour plan for continuing your job search. This will enableyou to follow up on your contacts with employers after youhave written to them or been interviewed and will help youorganize and plan your efforts.In addition, if you are claiming unemployment benefitsunder the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act and donot have good prospects for returning to your railroad job,you are required to make appropriate work-seeking efforts.Your records will assist you in documenting your work-seekingefforts when you are interviewed by a representative of theRailroad Retirement Board.The following Job Search Plan summarizes the advice inthis booklet and is a handy guide for organizing yourwork-seeking efforts.

JOB SEARCH PLAN

Complete items 1-3 on this checklist before starting your jobsearch.

9

 your search to openings that

ob sources listed below are a good

d – The Railroad Retirement 

of job vacancies furnished by rail

our nearest RRB office for more

obs list at www.rrb.gov. The RRB 

n railroad web sites. 

he appropriate license or certifi

ovide information on where to

e – The State Employment Serv

b search and match you with suit

epartment of Labor web site at

ta.gov/map.asp has links to the 

web sites of all 50 states. 

ts – The “Help Wanted” section

bout companies that are hiring. 

ffices – You can obtain informa

or all levels of government (Fed4

 
ibute that other applicants can

o be doing in five years?

ngths and weaknesses?

ou?

 you to relate your strengths and

 you are seeking. They also can

o present qualities not directly re

which display diversity, initiative

ter.

e mentally evaluating your per

n from the experience:

o relaxed?

oo general? Too specific?

ualifications well?

s and experiences that will make

8

Vocational School, Community College or University Placement Offices – The placement services of schools andcolleges may be available if you are or have been enrolledas a student. In addition to using the sources listed above, check the “Yellow Pages,” library and chamber of commerce for 

information about businesses and other employers to whichyou might apply for work. 

YOUR RESUME 

What Is a Resume? Your resume is a list of your job experience, skills and accomplishments. It is your formal introduction to a potentialemployer. It is your opportunity to emphasize your skills,education and talents and to tell the employer how you canhelp the company. When Is a Resume Necessary? A resume is generally necessary when applying for jobs insales, supervisory positions, office and clerical jobs, andother so-called “white-collar” positions. One is generally notrequired when applying for jobs in skilled or semi-skilledcrafts, construction work, laborer jobs and other so-called 

5

 
7

Be Punctual – Arrive a little early so you have time to findthe proper office and collect your thoughts. You should attend the interview alone and should not bring any packagesor other personal items, except possibly a briefcase.Speak Clearly – During the interview, speak clearly andloudly enough to be heard. Sit straight and avoid nervoushabits like foot-tapping or fidgeting. Do not smoke or chewgum.Be Positive – Answer questions in a clear and positivemanner that shows you have an interest in the positionand the qualifications to successfully perform it. Listencarefully to the interviewer and allow him or her to leadthe conversation, but don’t be afraid to bring up a point youbelieve is important to your effort to obtain the position. Ifyou are not immediately sure of how you want to respond toa question, take a few moments to formulate your reply,rather than blurting out your first thought. Look directly atthe interviewer to avoid appearing nervous or evasive, and ifyou don’t know or aren’t sure of an answer, say so, ratherthan trying to bluff your way through.Expect Certain Questions – You will likely be asked questions concerning prior jobs and/or experience. It’s best not to

tion.” A letter of application is a

ective employer or hiring official

es you an opportunity to introduce

nd to request a job interview. Refer

ormation on preparing a letter of

NTERVIEW 

he most important part of the

conversation between you and

ne whether you get the job. Suc

kill that requires planning and

h the time and effort to learn. 

you an advantage. Learn as much

any, its operations, and its prod

 friends who work at the com

n idea of what to expect. Also, try

le about the position you are ap

 something new for you. Knowl

he position will set you apart

ants. 

6

 
tion.” A letter of application is a

ective employer or hiring official

es you an opportunity to introduce

nd to request a job interview. Refer

ormation on preparing a letter of

NTERVIEW

he most important part of the

conversation between you and

ne whether you get the job. Suc

kill that requires planning and

h the time and effort to learn.

you an advantage. Learn as much

any, its operations, and its prod

 friends who work at the com

n idea of what to expect. Also, try

le about the position you are ap

 something new for you. Knowl

he position will set you apart

ants.

6

Be Punctual – Arrive a little early so you have time to findthe proper office and collect your thoughts. You should attend the interview alone and should not bring any packagesor other personal items, except possibly a briefcase. Speak Clearly – During the interview, speak clearly andloudly enough to be heard. Sit straight and avoid nervoushabits like foot-tapping or fidgeting. Do not smoke or chew gum. Be Positive – Answer questions in a clear and positivemanner that shows you have an interest in the positionand the qualifications to successfully perform it. Listencarefully to the interviewer and allow him or her to leadthe conversation, but don’t be afraid to bring up a point youbelieve is important to your effort to obtain the position. Ifyou are not immediately sure of how you want to respond toa question, take a few moments to formulate your reply,rather than blurting out your first thought. Look directly atthe interviewer to avoid appearing nervous or evasive, and ifyou don’t know or aren’t sure of an answer, say so, ratherthan trying to bluff your way through. Expect Certain Questions – You will likely be asked questions concerning prior jobs and/or experience. It’s best not to 

7

 
5

Vocational School, Community College or UniversityPlacement Offices – The placement services of schools andcolleges may be available if you are or have been enrolledas a student.In addition to using the sources listed above, check the“Yellow Pages,” library and chamber of commerce for

information about businesses and other employers to whichyou might apply for work.

YOUR RESUME

What Is a Resume?Your resume is a list of your job experience, skills and accomplishments. It is your formal introduction to a potentialemployer. It is your opportunity to emphasize your skills,education and talents and to tell the employer how you canhelp the company.When Is a Resume Necessary?A resume is generally necessary when applying for jobs insales, supervisory positions, office and clerical jobs, andother so-called “white-collar” positions. One is generally notrequired when applying for jobs in skilled or semi-skilledcrafts, construction work, laborer jobs and other so-called

ibute that other applicants can

o be doing in five years? 

ngths and weaknesses? 

ou? 

 you to relate your strengths and

 you are seeking. They also can

o present qualities not directly re

which display diversity, initiative

ter. 

e mentally evaluating your per

n from the experience: 

o relaxed? 

oo general? Too specific? 

ualifications well? 

s and experiences that will make

8

 
4

 your search to openings that

ob sources listed below are a good

d – The Railroad Retirement

of job vacancies furnished by rail

our nearest RRB office for more

obs list at www.rrb.gov. The RRB

n railroad web sites.

he appropriate license or certifi

ovide information on where to

e – The State Employment Serv

b search and match you with suit

epartment of Labor web site at

ta.gov/map.asp has links to the

web sites of all 50 states.

ts – The “Help Wanted” section

bout companies that are hiring.

ffices – You can obtain informa

or all levels of government (Fed

Ask what you could do to improve your chances next time. KEEPING TRACK Set up a file for recording your efforts to find work and your plan for continuing your job search. This will enable you to follow up on your contacts with employers after you have written to them or been interviewed and will help you organize and plan your efforts. In addition, if you are claiming unemployment benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act and do not have good prospects for returning to your railroad job, you are required to make appropriate work-seeking efforts. Your records will assist you in documenting your work-seeking efforts when you are interviewed by a representative of the Railroad Retirement Board. The following Job Search Plan summarizes the advice in this booklet and is a handy guide for organizing your work-seeking efforts. JOB SEARCH PLAN Complete items 1-3 on this checklist before starting your job search. 

9

 
3

You should then match your skills and experience to jobsthat require the talents you have. Don’t limit yourself tojobs you have previously held or for which your education issuited. Your skills may be well suited to a job you havenever thought about.Your local library and State Employment Service have publications that will help you decide what jobs best matchyour skills and experience. You may also arrange for an interview with a career counselor who can help you decidewhat kind of work is best suited to your abilities.

GETTING THE WORD OUT

Because many job vacancies are not advertised, word-ofmouth contact is one of the most effective methods of finding a job. Take advantage of school, civic, charitable andsports activities in your community to tell your friendsand family you are looking for a job. Ask if their employers are hiring, or if they know of hiring by other employers. If you are knocking on the employer’s door even before

an opening is publicized, you have a good chance of being atthe right place at the right time.

iends to help you look for job

 Retirement Board and State Em

fices for assistance. 

to get company and job informa

s to get job leads.

 

ements and descriptions.

 

eeded). Use job announcements to

h job requirements. 

or letters of application. 

ch kit: pens, writing tablet, maps,

n guides, clean copies of resumes

ckground and experience list, so

nd picture ID. 

10

 
2

lace at the right time often

e. This booklet provides

 and conduct a successful

e job you want.

▲

▲

Call employers directly (even if they’re not advertisingopenings). Talk to the person who would superviseyou if you were hired. Go to companies to fill out applications. Contact your friends and relatives to see if they knowabout any openings. 

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

▲

Update your written record of your contacts withemployers. 

6. Prepare for the Interview 

Learn about the company you’re interviewing with. Review job announcement to determine how yourskills will help you do the job.

 

Assemble resume, application form, etc. (make sureevery thing is neat).

 

Arrange for babysitter, transportation, etc.

 

Give yourself plenty of time.

 

11

 
UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS 4JOB SOURCES 4YOUR RESUME 5LETTERS OF APPLICATION 6THE INTERVIEW 6

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW 6AT THE INTERVIEW 7AFTER THE INTERVIEW 8

KEEPING TRACK 9JOB SEARCH PLAN 9

urs of the interview. 

u could improve the interview. 

test(s) you’re taking. 

lls. 

ent. 

ies and expectations, work hours,

 

scussing salary (but don’t sell

atulations! 

12