Employment Assistance

The job search formula has never changed!    The formula is as follows:  

Job = Knowledge + Skills + Abilities + Experience

As the job seeker once you have identified the job research the skills the employer is seeking.  Often the employer will provide the job description which will include three elements:

1. Knowledge: the subjects, topics, and items of information that an employee should  know at the time he or she is hired or moved into the job. Knowledge  represents bodies of information that are applied directly to the  performance of work functions. (Example: 1. Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods. 2. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic  planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership  technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.)
2. Skills: technical or manual proficiencies which are usually learned or acquired  through training. Skills should be measurable and observable.  (Example: 1. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail. 2. Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.)
3. Abilities: the present demonstrable capacity to apply several knowledge and skills  simultaneously in order to complete a task or perform an observable  behavior. Abilities may also relate to personal and social attributes  which tend to be innate or acquired without formal instructions.  Abilities are enduring talents that can help a person do a job. (Example: 1. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. 2. Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.)

• Note: The above example from Sam Houston State University "Manager's Toolkit: What are KSAs?

Employers recognize regardless who comes in for a job there is a learning curve regardless of the amount of experience you have. Therefore, you must be able to explain your KSAs and experience in your resumé (strongly encouraged), letter of application, or employment application the experience you bring to the job.  This assists the employer in calculating the cost of getting you prepared for doing the job within the company.

As a student looking for a job while going to school you must determine if the job is right for you, your transition from military service, and your education preparing you for your future.  Consider the following three issues:

First, while you are in school and looking for a job a few issues you may consider:

• I need a job to help pay for education, housing (including utilities), food, and some extra, but I can only work part-time.
• My spouse is working and I have education benefits, but need a job for transportation, help with housing, and help with day care for my kids.
• I need a job to help pay for our expenses, but would like the job to be in my field study.

Second, while in school and you need or want a job consider employment from the employers standpoint:

• How many hours is the employer seeking (e.g., full-time, part-time, shift or hours of the day, physical workload, health and safety issues, etc.).
• The employer does not care whether you are going to school and will not offer options if your education schedule changes.
• Both my veteran status and going to school following my military service is important to the employer.

Finally, while in school and being employed consider:

• I may not be gaining any experience related to my intended future employment, but the wages would pay my bills.
• The potential job would provide experience toward my intended career, but the wages are less than needed to pay my bills fully.
• The job I am looking at has rotating shifts, but the wages and benefits are excellent.  

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