Booklet UB-12 Guide to Finding the Right Job

GUIDE

FINDING

THE RIGHT JOB

TO

Railroad Retirement Board

844 North Rush Street

Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092

Booklet UB-12

(12-05)

http://www.rrb.gov

7. Go to the Interview
▲

Dress right for the interview.

▲

Go alone.

▲

Be clear, concise, and positive.

▲

Thank the interviewer.

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION

2

3

3

4

4

5

6

6

6

7

8

9

9

8. Evaluate the Interview

GETTING STARTED
▲

Send a handwritten thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview.

▲

Think about how you could improve the interview.

GETTING THE WORD OUT
UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS
JOB SOURCES

9. Take Tests

YOUR RESUME

▲

Find out about the test(s) you’re taking.

LETTERS OF APPLICATION

▲

Brush up on job skills.

THE INTERVIEW

▲

Relax and be confident.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
AT THE INTERVIEW

10. Accept the Job

AFTER THE INTERVIEW
▲

Understand job duties and expectations, work hours,
salary, benefits, etc.

▲

Be flexible when discussing salary (but don’t sell
yourself short).

Congratulations!
12

KEEPING TRACK
JOB SEARCH PLAN

4. Plan Your Time

▲

Make a “to do” list of everything you’ll do to look for a
job.

▲

Work hard all day to find a job.

▲

Reward yourself (do a hobby or sport, visit friends,
etc.)!

5. Contact Employers
▲

Call employers directly (even if they’re not advertising
openings). Talk to the person who would supervise
you if you were hired.

▲

Go to companies to fill out applications.

▲

Contact your friends and relatives to see if they know
about any openings.

▲

▲

Finding a job is never easy. But by conducting
an organized and thorough search, you can
greatly increase your chances of success. The
fact is that job openings occur every day, and
being at the right place at the right time often
makes the difference. This booklet provides
tips on how to plan and conduct a successful
job search to get the job you want.

▲

INTRODUCTION

Wake up early to start looking for work.

Update your written record of your contacts with
employers.

6. Prepare for the Interview
▲
▲

Review job announcement to determine how your
skills will help you do the job.

▲

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

▲

Arrange for babysitter, transportation, etc.

▲

▲

2

Learn about the company you’re interviewing with.

Give yourself plenty of time.

11

Complete items 4-5 every day of your job search.
Complete items 6-9 when you have interviews.
1. Identify Occupations
▲

Make a background and experience list.

▲

Review information on jobs.

▲

Identify jobs that use your talents.

2. Identify Employers

GETTING STARTED
List Your Skills
Your first step should be to make a list of your skills, talents
and experience. This list should include not only education,
training and job experience, but also any hobbies, sports or
charitable activities you engage in that display talent or ini­
tiative. For example, you may never have held a supervisory
position, but a background in coaching or a leadership role
in a civic or charitable group will give evidence of leadership
that an employer may find attractive.

Match Your Skills to Jobs

▲

Ask relatives and friends to help you look for job
openings.

▲

Go to your Railroad Retirement Board and State Employment Service offices for assistance.

▲

Contact employers to get company and job information.

▲

Utilize other sources to get job leads.

▲

Obtain job announcements and descriptions.

You should then match your skills and experience to jobs
that require the talents you have. Don’t limit yourself to
jobs you have previously held or for which your education is
suited. Your skills may be well suited to a job you have
never thought about.
Your local library and State Employment Service have pub­
lications that will help you decide what jobs best match
your skills and experience. You may also arrange for an in­
terview with a career counselor who can help you decide
what kind of work is best suited to your abilities.

GETTING THE WORD OUT
3. Prepare Materials
▲

Write resumes (if needed). Use job announcements to
“fit” your skills with job requirements.

▲

Write cover letters or letters of application.

▲

Assemble a job search kit: pens, writing tablet, maps,
public transportation guides, clean copies of resumes
and application, background and experience list, social security card, and picture ID.

10

Because many job vacancies are not advertised, word-of­
mouth contact is one of the most effective methods of find­
ing a job. Take advantage of school, civic, charitable and
sports activities in your community to tell your friends
and family you are looking for a job. Ask if their employ­
ers are hiring, or if they know of hiring by other employ­
ers. If you are knocking on the employer’s door even before
an opening is publicized, you have a good chance of being at
the right place at the right time.

3

UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS

As part of your job search, you may wish to upgrade or en­
hance skills you already have. For example, you may have
worked in a skilled position for many years, but never ac­
quired a license or certificate that some employers require.
By contacting the appropriate state agency, you can learn
what steps need to be taken to acquire a license or certificate.
Often, your local community college or vocational school can
provide free or low-cost training that will enable you to ob­
tain the license or certificate you need.

JOB SOURCES
While you should not limit your search to openings that
have been publicized, the job sources listed below are a good
place to start:
Railroad Retirement Board – The Railroad Retirement
Board maintains a listing of job vacancies furnished by rail­
road employers. Contact your nearest RRB office for more
information or check the jobs list at www.rrb.gov. The RRB
list also has links to jobs on railroad web sites.
Union Hall – If you have the appropriate license or certifi­
cate, union officials can provide information on where to
apply for work.
State Employment Service – The State Employment Serv­
ice can help direct your job search and match you with suit­
able job vacancies. The Department of Labor web site at
www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/map.asp has links to the
unemployment insurance web sites of all 50 states.

Think of things you can improve so that your next interview
will be better. Practice your interviewing with a friend or
family member, so that you develop confidence and a positive attitude toward your ability to project a good image.
You may want to mail a brief thank-you note to the interviewer for taking the time to talk to you. This will emphasize your interest in the position and cause you to stand out
in the interviewer’s mind.
If you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period,
contact the employer. If the position has been filled, let the
employer know you are still interested in future openings.
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.

Newspaper Advertisements – The “Help Wanted” section
will give you information about companies that are hiring.

JOB SEARCH PLAN

Government Personnel Offices – You can obtain informa­
tion concerning openings for all levels of government (Fed­

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

4

9

make negative comments about former employers, even if
you were fired or left on less than amicable terms. Rather
than complaining and appearing petty, simply explain that
there were problems and things didn’t work out. Many employees’ complaints are justified.
Also, many interviewers will ask general and somewhat
vague questions to allow you to talk about yourself.
Examples Include:
▲

What are your outside interests?

▲

What can you contribute that other applicants cannot?

▲

What do you hope to be doing in five years?

▲

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

▲

Why should I hire you?

Questions like these allow you to relate your strengths and
experiences to the position you are seeking. They also can
give you the opportunity to present qualities not directly related to the position, but which display diversity, initiative
and a well-rounded character.

eral, state, county, municipal, etc.) by contacting the appro­
priate personnel office. You may have to take a civil service
test.
Job Fairs – Business and local governments will often hold
job fairs as a means of getting employers and potential em­
ployees together.
Private Employment Services –
Private employment agencies match employers with poten­
tial employees. Some charge the employer a fee for their
services, and others charge the employee if he or she is
hired.
Vocational School, Community College or University
Placement Offices – The placement services of schools and
colleges may be available if you are or have been enrolled
as 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 which
you might apply for work.

YOUR RESUME
What Is a Resume?

▲

Was I too tense? Too relaxed?

Your resume is a list of your job experience, skills and ac­
complishments. It is your formal introduction to a potential
employer. It is your opportunity to emphasize your skills,
education and talents and to tell the employer how you can
help the company.

▲

Were my answers too general? Too specific?

When Is a Resume Necessary?

After the Interview
As you leave, you should be mentally evaluating your performance, in order to learn from the experience:

▲

Did I present my qualifications well?

▲

Did I stress qualities and experiences that will make
me stand out?

8

A resume is generally necessary when applying for jobs in
sales, supervisory positions, office and clerical jobs, and
other so-called “white-collar” positions. One is generally not
required when applying for jobs in skilled or semi-skilled
crafts, construction work, laborer jobs and other so-called

5

“blue-collar” positions. In any case, preparing a resume is good
exercise for focusing on your skills, talents and experience,
even if one is not required.

How Do I Prepare a Resume?
Your local library or State Employment Service can provide
information on how to prepare a clear and concise resume.
Also, resume services can assist you in preparing your resume
for a fee.

LETTERS OF APPLICATION
If the type of job you want requires a resume, you should also
prepare a “letter of application.” A letter of application is a
cover letter sent to a prospective employer or hiring official
with your resume, and gives you an opportunity to introduce
yourself to the employer and to request a job interview. Refer
to your local library for information on preparing a letter of
application.

THE INTERVIEW
The interview is usually the most important part of the
hiring process. This brief conversation between you and
the employer can determine whether you get the job. Suc­
cessful interviewing is a skill that requires planning and
practice, and is well worth the time and effort to learn.

Before the Interview
A little research will give you an advantage. Learn as much
as you can about the company, its operations, and its prod­
ucts. If you have family or friends who work at the com­
pany, talk to them to get an idea of what to expect. Also, try
to learn as much as possible about the position you are ap­
plying for, especially if it’s something new for you. Knowl­
edge of the company and the position will set you apart
from less-informed applicants.

6

Before you leave for the interview, do a mental check to
make sure you have everything you need. Since you may
be asked to fill out an application, prepare by bringing a
listing of former jobs and supervisors, references, and
school transcripts, as well as your social security card,
driver’s license, military records, union card or professional license, as appropriate.

At the Interview
Dress Properly – You should be clean, well groomed and
conservatively dressed. Don’t overdress or appear too casual
(i.e., no jeans). Your appearance will affect your interviewer’s opinion of your suitability.
Be Punctual – Arrive a little early so you have time to find
the proper office and collect your thoughts. You should attend the interview alone and should not bring any packages
or other personal items, except possibly a briefcase.
Speak Clearly – During the interview, speak clearly and
loudly enough to be heard. Sit straight and avoid nervous
habits like foot-tapping or fidgeting. Do not smoke or chew
gum.
Be Positive – Answer questions in a clear and positive
manner that shows you have an interest in the position
and the qualifications to successfully perform it. Listen
carefully to the interviewer and allow him or her to lead
the conversation, but don’t be afraid to bring up a point you
believe is important to your effort to obtain the position. If
you are not immediately sure of how you want to respond to
a question, take a few moments to formulate your reply,
rather than blurting out your first thought. Look directly at
the interviewer to avoid appearing nervous or evasive, and if
you don’t know or aren’t sure of an answer, say so, rather
than 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

“blue-collar” positions. In any case, preparing a resume is good
exercise for focusing on your skills, talents and experience,
even if one is not required.

How Do I Prepare a Resume?
Your local library or State Employment Service can provide
information on how to prepare a clear and concise resume.
Also, resume services can assist you in preparing your resume
for a fee.

LETTERS OF APPLICATION
If the type of job you want requires a resume, you should also
prepare a “letter of application.” A letter of application is a
cover letter sent to a prospective employer or hiring official
with your resume, and gives you an opportunity to introduce
yourself to the employer and to request a job interview. Refer
to your local library for information on preparing a letter of
application.

THE INTERVIEW
The interview is usually the most important part of the
hiring process. This brief conversation between you and
the employer can determine whether you get the job. Successful interviewing is a skill that requires planning and
practice, and is well worth the time and effort to learn.

Before the Interview
A little research will give you an advantage. Learn as much
as you can about the company, its operations, and its products. If you have family or friends who work at the company, talk to them to get an idea of what to expect. Also, try
to learn as much as possible about the position you are applying for, especially if it’s something new for you. Knowledge of the company and the position will set you apart
from less-informed applicants.

6

Before you leave for the interview, do a mental check to
make sure you have everything you need. Since you may
be asked to fill out an application, prepare by bringing a
listing of former jobs and supervisors, references, and
school transcripts, as well as your social security card,
driver’s license, military records, union card or profes­
sional license, as appropriate.

At the Interview
Dress Properly – You should be clean, well groomed and
conservatively dressed. Don’t overdress or appear too casual
(i.e., no jeans). Your appearance will affect your inter­
viewer’s opinion of your suitability.
Be Punctual – Arrive a little early so you have time to find
the proper office and collect your thoughts. You should at­
tend the interview alone and should not bring any packages
or other personal items, except possibly a briefcase.
Speak Clearly – During the interview, speak clearly and
loudly enough to be heard. Sit straight and avoid nervous
habits like foot-tapping or fidgeting. Do not smoke or chew
gum.
Be Positive – Answer questions in a clear and positive
manner that shows you have an interest in the position
and the qualifications to successfully perform it. Listen
carefully to the interviewer and allow him or her to lead
the conversation, but don’t be afraid to bring up a point you
believe is important to your effort to obtain the position. If
you are not immediately sure of how you want to respond to
a question, take a few moments to formulate your reply,
rather than blurting out your first thought. Look directly at
the interviewer to avoid appearing nervous or evasive, and if
you don’t know or aren’t sure of an answer, say so, rather
than trying to bluff your way through.
Expect Certain Questions – You will likely be asked ques­
tions concerning prior jobs and/or experience. It’s best not to

7

make negative comments about former employers, even if
you were fired or left on less than amicable terms. Rather
than complaining and appearing petty, simply explain that
there were problems and things didn’t work out. Many em­
ployees’ complaints are justified.
Also, many interviewers will ask general and somewhat
vague questions to allow you to talk about yourself.
Examples Include:
▲

What are your outside interests?

▲

What can you contribute that other applicants can­
not?

▲

What do you hope to be doing in five years?

▲

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

▲

Why should I hire you?

Questions like these allow you to relate your strengths and
experiences to the position you are seeking. They also can
give you the opportunity to present qualities not directly re­
lated to the position, but which display diversity, initiative
and a well-rounded character.

eral, state, county, municipal, etc.) by contacting the appropriate personnel office. You may have to take a civil service
test.
Job Fairs – Business and local governments will often hold
job fairs as a means of getting employers and potential employees together.
Private Employment Services –
Private employment agencies match employers with potential employees. Some charge the employer a fee for their
services, and others charge the employee if he or she is
hired.
Vocational School, Community College or University
Placement Offices – The placement services of schools and
colleges may be available if you are or have been enrolled
as 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 which
you might apply for work.

YOUR RESUME
What Is a Resume?

▲

Was I too tense? Too relaxed?

Your resume is a list of your job experience, skills and accomplishments. It is your formal introduction to a potential
employer. It is your opportunity to emphasize your skills,
education and talents and to tell the employer how you can
help the company.

▲

Were my answers too general? Too specific?

When Is a Resume Necessary?

After the Interview
As you leave, you should be mentally evaluating your per­
formance, in order to learn from the experience:

▲

Did I present my qualifications well?

▲

Did I stress qualities and experiences that will make
me stand out?

8

A resume is generally necessary when applying for jobs in
sales, supervisory positions, office and clerical jobs, and
other so-called “white-collar” positions. One is generally not
required when applying for jobs in skilled or semi-skilled
crafts, construction work, laborer jobs and other so-called

5

UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS
As part of your job search, you may wish to upgrade or enhance skills you already have. For example, you may have
worked in a skilled position for many years, but never acquired a license or certificate that some employers require.
By contacting the appropriate state agency, you can learn
what steps need to be taken to acquire a license or certificate.
Often, your local community college or vocational school can
provide free or low-cost training that will enable you to obtain the license or certificate you need.

JOB SOURCES
While you should not limit your search to openings that
have been publicized, the job sources listed below are a good
place to start:
Railroad Retirement Board – The Railroad Retirement
Board maintains a listing of job vacancies furnished by railroad employers. Contact your nearest RRB office for more
information or check the jobs list at www.rrb.gov. The RRB
list also has links to jobs on railroad web sites.
Union Hall – If you have the appropriate license or certificate, union officials can provide information on where to
apply for work.
State Employment Service – The State Employment Service can help direct your job search and match you with suitable job vacancies. The Department of Labor web site at
www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/map.asp has links to the
unemployment insurance web sites of all 50 states.
Newspaper Advertisements – The “Help Wanted” section
will give you information about companies that are hiring.
Government Personnel Offices – You can obtain information concerning openings for all levels of government (Fed-

4

Think of things you can improve so that your next interview
will be better. Practice your interviewing with a friend or
family member, so that you develop confidence and a posi­
tive attitude toward your ability to project a good image.
You may want to mail a brief thank-you note to the inter­
viewer for taking the time to talk to you. This will empha­
size your interest in the position and cause you to stand out
in the interviewer’s mind.
If you haven’t heard anything within a reasonable period,
contact the employer. If the position has been filled, let the
employer know you are still interested in future openings.
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

Complete items 4-5 every day of your job search.
Complete items 6-9 when you have interviews.
1. Identify Occupations
▲

Make a background and experience list.

▲

Review information on jobs.

▲

Identify jobs that use your talents.

2. Identify Employers

GETTING STARTED
List Your Skills
Your first step should be to make a list of your skills, talents
and experience. This list should include not only education,
training and job experience, but also any hobbies, sports or
charitable activities you engage in that display talent or initiative. For example, you may never have held a supervisory
position, but a background in coaching or a leadership role
in a civic or charitable group will give evidence of leadership
that an employer may find attractive.

Match Your Skills to Jobs

▲

Ask relatives and friends to help you look for job
openings.

▲

Go to your Railroad Retirement Board and State Em­
ployment Service offices for assistance.

▲

Contact employers to get company and job informa­
tion.

▲

Utilize other sources to get job leads.

▲

Obtain job announcements and descriptions.

You should then match your skills and experience to jobs
that require the talents you have. Don’t limit yourself to
jobs you have previously held or for which your education is
suited. Your skills may be well suited to a job you have
never thought about.
Your local library and State Employment Service have publications that will help you decide what jobs best match
your skills and experience. You may also arrange for an interview with a career counselor who can help you decide
what kind of work is best suited to your abilities.

GETTING THE WORD OUT
3. Prepare Materials
▲

Write resumes (if needed). Use job announcements to
“fit” your skills with job requirements.

▲

Write cover letters or letters of application.

▲

Assemble a job search kit: pens, writing tablet, maps,
public transportation guides, clean copies of resumes
and application, background and experience list, so­
cial security card, and picture ID.

10

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 and
sports activities in your community to tell your friends
and 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 at
the right place at the right time.

3

4. Plan Your Time

▲

Make a “to do” list of everything you’ll do to look for a

job.

▲

Work hard all day to find a job.

▲

Reward yourself (do a hobby or sport, visit friends,

etc.)!

5. Contact Employers
▲

Call employers directly (even if they’re not advertising
openings). Talk to the person who would supervise
you if you were hired.

▲

Go to companies to fill out applications.

▲

Contact your friends and relatives to see if they know
about any openings.

▲

▲

Finding a job is never easy. But by conducting
an organized and thorough search, you can
greatly increase your chances of success. The
fact is that job openings occur every day, and
being at the right place at the right time often
makes the difference. This booklet provides
tips on how to plan and conduct a successful
job search to get the job you want.

▲

INTRODUCTION

Wake up early to start looking for work.

Update your written record of your contacts with
employers.

6. Prepare for the Interview
▲
▲

Review job announcement to determine how your

skills will help you do the job.

▲

Assemble resume, application form, etc. (make sure

every thing is neat).

▲

Arrange for babysitter, transportation, etc.

▲

▲
2

Learn about the company you’re interviewing with.

Give yourself plenty of time.

11

7. Go to the Interview
▲

Dress right for the interview.

▲

Go alone.

▲

Be clear, concise, and positive.

▲

Thank the interviewer.

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION

2
3
3
4
4
5
6
6
6
7
8
9
9

8. Evaluate the Interview

GETTING STARTED
▲

Send a handwritten thank-you note to the inter­
viewer within 24 hours of the interview.

▲

Think about how you could improve the interview.

GETTING THE WORD OUT
UPGRADING YOUR SKILLS
JOB SOURCES

9. Take Tests

YOUR RESUME

▲

Find out about the test(s) you’re taking.

LETTERS OF APPLICATION

▲

Brush up on job skills.

THE INTERVIEW

▲

Relax and be confident.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
AT THE INTERVIEW

10. Accept the Job

AFTER THE INTERVIEW
▲

Understand job duties and expectations, work hours,
salary, benefits, etc.

▲

Be flexible when discussing salary (but don’t sell
yourself short).

Congratulations!
12

KEEPING TRACK
JOB SEARCH PLAN