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Quick Quiz Answers

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Answers

1.	Researching industry and organisational types is not important when looking for a work placement. It is more important to actually get a placement first.
A:	Generally speaking this statement is False. If your focus is on getting a work placement, then you will need to have a starting point! Researching industry and organisational types will give you a much better awareness of what is available in the labour market. It will also help you to direct and focus your attention toward those areas where you have a greater interest; conversely, employers will be more interested in you if you show interest in them and their industry. After all, there are limited benefits for you in seeking a placement in a large corporate organisation if your real interest is to work within a small, community not for profit agency. On the other hand, if you have a limited understanding of what industry sectors and organisational types are available or have quite a large interest range, it is far more practicable and useful to research first and narrow down your options. Information interviews can also assist you with your research. Resources to help you include: The Job Guide: www.jobguide.dest.gov.au Myfuture online: www.myfuture.edu.au [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
2.	It is useful to prepare for work placement activities by compiling an 'action planner'.
A:	True. Developing an action planner is a great investment of your time! You can use an action planner to track the research you have undertaken, people you have spoken to or want to speak with, thank-you emails and letters that you have sent, contact dates and follow-up activities and general thoughts about what you have found out about an industry, organisation, occupation, your contacts as well as about you! You can find an example of an action planner within the Resource area of this web site. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
3.	Finding a work placement is the responsibility of my teacher, career advisor or work placement officer.
A:	Generally speaking this statement is False. Many education providers will have community and industry linkages that are managed by work placement staff, career advisors or lecturers and so on who facilitate the connection of school, college or university students to industry for the completion of curriculum related assignments. Where current linkages do not reflect your interest area, then you could be placed somewhere that is not of primary interest to you and in some areas you may be expected to find your own placement. This is not necessarily a negative thing, since If you are able to take ownership of what work placement experience you would like to target, you may be able to influence the type of opportunities available to you by suggesting alternatives to your educational provider. If you are seeking a work placement external to your study pattern, then the responsibility is yours. While assistance is available to you from your career services, they will not guarantee a placement nor be responsible for finding you one. Be alert to what work placement experiences you would prefer, what options there are for you to undertake and if you are a student, ensure you understand where the responsibly of your school, college or university ends and where yours starts. And remember, the more conscious and deliberate your own decision making the more self directed and meaningful your career path becomes. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
4.	Networking is a very important activity when looking for a targeted work placement.
A:	True. The saying, "It's not what you know but who you know..." is as true when looking for a work placement as it is for when you are looking for an ongoing employment opportunity. It is important that you talk to as many people as you can about your goal. Do not assume that they will know or fully understand what these are unless you articulate these clearly. For example, telling someone that you studied physics and enjoyed it at school is not as clear nor as comprehensive as stating "I've researched a few industries and feel I would really enjoy health or hospital environments - do you know anyone at a hospital that I can speak with? or "I've researched a few industries and feel I would really enjoy health or hospital environments - I'm going to call SCGH to see what career options there are that incorporate physics and see what I need to do to get experience there". You will find it useful to read the notes on Networking within the Resource area of this website. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
5.	Looking in newspapers and surfing the internet, is the most effective way of finding a work placement.
A:	Generally False, although it will largely depend on the type of position you are looking for. Organisations that offer graduate and vacation positions tend to advertise on their company websites, through targeted education providers and commercial web pages. To a lesser degree these are also advertised in newspapers. The majority of work placement opportunities are not advertised through these mediums and a fewer number still will have 'work experience' as part of the advertising feature. The key is to think broadly when you are defining work experience and to know what experience will best suit your needs. For instance, it may be worthwhile considering targeted international placements (such as volunteering overseas), part-time technical or administrative job roles and casual employment positions that develop strategic career pathways in addition to the more generalised work shadowing activities. All will provide a degree of exposure to key job roles, professional networks and those who have influence over hiring decisions. Talking with people and networking is a very effective self marketing tool when looking for a work placement. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
6.	It is best to send out as many letters to employers as possible when looking for a work placement.
A:	False. Sending out letters or emails randomly without a clear purpose is not an effective method of looking for a work placement. Keep in mind also, that if you write a letter or send an email to an employer you need to be prepared to follow up each contact with a telephone call. If you are not prepared to follow up, then you would need to query how serious, purposeful and realistic your efforts were in the first place! A generalised approach does not reflect keen interest in a particular business. So do your homework first and before you start sending out correspondence, develop a clear starting point for yourself by working out what area of the labour market is appealing to you. Start by researching industry and organisational types as well as occupational information to better align your efforts. Your research will also expose you to other useful facts, such as recruitment and selection processes. Directing and focusing your attention toward your preferred employer types will ensure your letters and emails are written with more intent and enthusiasm; this is of much more interest to employers who prefer not to receive a general letter that is applicable to every employer. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
7.	I will not need a resume when I first start to look for a work placement as I do not have any experience to put on it yet.
A:	Generally False. It is essential that you have something prepared to give an employer that details you and your contact details, your interests and talents and other key information that may include your education, professional development, work or school based projects, recognition awards and competitions, leisure, hobbies and community activities. No matter how little your experience you will have something to write about and be careful not to overlook your transferable skills! Here you may focus a readers attention to your interests and activities that you have gained through writing statements about, for instance: Leadership university team leader of group assignments captain of a sporting group committee representative Teamwork volunteer work sporting groups education and work teams Independent learning personal interests and hobbies membership of professional bodies ongoing learning pursuits Mentoring sports coaching tutoring roles peer mentoring programmes Communication public speaking at school or fete interpersonal skills in customer service and team work written skills in essays and promotional materials such as flyers Information technology hardware and peripheral equipment software and internet research skills programming and web master experiences Office and Administration office equipment meeting protocols and taking minutes book-keeping and other work systems Organisation and time management prioritisation of commitments balancing priorities and commitments handing in homework and assignments on time A resume needs to be prepared and ready at all times! It is not something that can be put together quickly. Keep in mind also, that your resume (or Curriculum Vitae) is also a sample of your writing ability so be sure to avoid typos, spelling and grammar errors for these guarantee the quickest way to the rubbish bin for your work! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
8.	I can develop my own business or name card to leave with family, friends and other contacts to let them know what type of work placement I would like to undertake.
A:	True. Whether you call it a business card or name card, when carried in a wallet or purse, your card is ready to use immediately in any situation. As a great networking passport, it provides: your personal contact details, current study programme and/ or a short statement of you and your purpose a strategic link to your work experience activities; and. an introduction and reminder to others of what you are a looking for. So share your card to connect you with extended networks of family and friends, leisure and volunteer acquaintances, potential employers and other social contacts It is a useful self marketing tool that also has portability! A resume is not an easy document to carry around as it is bulky, needs to be carried flat and is not targeted to any particular employer or job opportunity. A card says 'remember me' and you can follow up each contact with a resume. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
9.	When I am writing an email to an employer, I do not need to pay the same amount of attention to spelling and grammar as I would in a formal job application letter.
A:	False. The necessity to pay attention to typos, spelling and grammar is as important within emails as it is within letters. How you construct your correspondence will say a lot about you and the standard of your work, so remember: once you have proof read your work, always have someone else check it over too do not rely on a spell checker. a spell checker will not pick up the different meanings between 'from' and 'form', 'work' and 'wok'; 'their' and 'there' or 'principal' and 'principle' make sure you write using Australian English be careful with acronyms. Will the reader understand them? use capitals only on words that require them avoid awkward grammar, long sentences and inconsistent verb tenses be consistent in your layout and format; and proof read, proof read, proof read! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
10.	If an employer does not respond to an email, letter or telephone message, I must assume that the employer is not interested in having me undertake a placement.
A:	False. Employers are busy people and even with their best intentions your email, letter or telephone message may fall by the wayside. Always follow-up your contacts to ask how your enquiry or application is progressing. This way, you will have the opportunity to talk to someone and even if they are unable to help you, they may be able to refer you on to someone who can. Remember to log all your contacts on your action planner so that you can readily identify who and when you need to follow-up a contact. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
11.	Information interviewing is something that you can do instead of undertaking a work placement.
A:	False. The purpose of an information interview is to obtain information, not to get a work placement. Information interviewing is a very useful means to gather information, research and investigate industry, organisation and occupational options. The method puts you in the interview seat through initiating conversations with people in a particular area of interest to you. It is a great way of helping you to decide where your preferences for a work placement are by helping you to: explore career options and to clarify your career goals learn about career pathways and entry points access the most up-to-date information practise business communication and interpersonal skills build confidence for more formal interviews narrow down options before you decide where you would like a work placement expand your network; and link you to unadvertised opportunities Remember to send a thank-you letter or email following every contact you make! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
12.	An employer will understand and be forgiving if I am not very confident on the telephone when I call.
A:	Generally False, though there are degrees of truth to this statement. The younger and more inexperienced you are, the more this statement could be justified. Conversely, the more mature and experienced you are the less this statement could be relied on. But if you are calling on the telephone, immaturity /maturity and inexperience/experience may not be obvious! Nerves affect everyone and whether you are calling for the first time or following-up a letter, email or telephone message, they can be managed! Developing a clear purpose and being prepared will help you. So think ahead, write down and rehearse what you intend to ask and say. This will help you to remember key points so you can practice and be familiar with what you want to say. Remember to talk aloud with a smile on your face as this will help you to sound more positive and self assured. Never fall into the trap of thinking that a telephone conversation does not require a degree of formality! General manners and telephone etiquette go a long way. Even though you may be nervous, focus on your purpose and always strive for a professional image to make positive impressions about your language ability, interest and enthusiasm; and always remember to say thank-you! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
13.	A professional association is an agency that will help me find a work placement.
A:	False. A professional association is an association of like-minded professionals. For example, the Australian Association of Career Counsellors comprise members with an interest in the discipline of 'careers'. Similarly, there are industry associations and employer associations. Some associations circulate employment opportunities to its members and while they do not help to find work placements they may be a useful starting point when researching occupational information. A professional association would normally have the following characteristics: its members are practising the named profession it sets its own admittance requirements, including acceptable qualifications it sets standards of practice and ethical conduct it aims to maintain the standing of the profession as a whole and often prescribes requirements to maintain their professional skills and knowledge through continuing professional development it has sufficient membership to be considered representative, but not necessarily solely representative, of that listed profession it is a non-profit making body it has articles of association, by-laws or codes of conduct for its members, and it has the ability to impose sanctions on members who break the associations rules A member of a professional association would normally need to meet specified admission criteria and: have access to a range of published materials (for example journals, newsletters or technical updates) be allowed to take part in making decisions that affect their profession (i.e. that are designed to promote, encourage and develop the profession) have the right to vote at meetings of the association, and have the right to be recognised as being a member of that professional association. Source: www.ato.gov.au [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
14.	A thank-you email is an acceptable alternative to mailing a thank-you letter.
A:	True. While an email is often thought of as being less formal than a letter, employers will still form impressions from what you have written, good and not so good!. It is easy to get carried away when using email systems by being too informal and hitting the send key too early! Try to avoid this by putting in the details last and write your email as you would a formal thank-you letter. Ensure you avoid typos, spelling and grammar errors and remember to proof read what you [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
15.	I don't have many clothes suitable to wear in a work environment as I am not working yet; therefore as I am not employed at the workplace, it will be okay to wear what I have.
A:	Generally True, but in a working environment. employers may set standards of dress and grooming for employees that reflect the company's culture: it is generally not okay to attend in clothes suitable for a nightclub there may be clothing or footwear restrictions in some occupations jewellery is a hazard and may need to be removed clean and ironed clothes indicate a professionalism (even if you do wear the same everyday!) it is generally not acceptable to have a naked midriff good grooming and personality can aid wardrobe limitations If you are in doubt, it's okay to ask! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
16.	Before starting a work placement, it is important that I have researched the industry and company first.
A:	True. Knowing a little about the industry and company that you will be spending time with is important, because it: reflects the level of interest you have in the placement will provide you with conversational icebreakers with the staff that you meet provides a basic level of understanding of what you can expect during your placement enables you to add meaning to your placement activities; and prompts you to start thinking about the integration of your 'self' to your placement learning, activities and career goals Remember to keep a work placement diary to maximise your learning potential and to facilitate the reflection on your experiences. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
17.	I will need to complete occupational safety and health training prior to undertaking a work placement.
A:	Generally False. While only a small number of workplaces may expect particular occupational safety and health training (OSH) certificates to have been completed prior to a placement, many others will cover OSH during their orientation when you first arrive. SafetyLine, managed through the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, includes information and online interactive education and training resources for primary, secondary and vocational students and young workers. You may like to consider completing one of the programmes so you can add it your resume. Resource: http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
18.	The employer will automatically have accident insurance coverage for my work placement.
A:	False. Insurance coverage is not automatic and will vary between employers and the circumstances of your placement. You should talk about insurance coverage with your employer, your school, college or university or with an employment directions network agency (on 13 64 64). Read the information regarding insurance on the quick answers section of this website. [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
19.	I do not need to send a thank-you note to an employer, until I have finished a work placement.
A:	Generally True, however... If your work placement has been confirmed to take place some weeks or months into the future, it would be good practice to send a thank-you letter. This may just be a short note confirming details and stating how much you are looking forward to the placement. It adds a nice touch to your enthusiasm! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
20.	My experiences from my work placement, will add to my employability.
A:	True. Just a few years ago, Australian research identified a number of personal attributes and employability skills that were attractive within the labour market. Employability Skills are those skills required not only to gain employment but also to progress within all enterprise and entrepreneurial pursuits and which will contribute successfully to your strategic career direction. The primary employability skills were identified as : communication planning and organising teamwork technology problem solving life-long learning self-management initiative and enterprise Personal attributes that contribute to overall employability were found to be: a balanced attitude to work and home life a sense of humour adaptability an ability to deal with pressure commitment common sense enthusiasm honesty and integrity loyalty motivation personal presentation positive self esteem reliability Source: Employability skills for the future, 2002 www.dest.gov.au [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
21.	A work placement of one day a week over a four month period is just as valuable as a placement that is offered full-time over a period of two weeks.
A:	True. Important with any placement is not necessarily the length of time that is involved, but rather the experiences that are made available and undertaken during a placement. It is also very important to record your work placement activities and to reflect on your behaviours and experiences. Through this, you will strengthen your self-knowledge and focus and relate your learning to your own macro career development as well as within your more day-to-day self-marketing activities such as within your résumé, when addressing selection criteria ane when responding to interview questions. You might like to ask yourself the following questions to help you reflect at the end of each day: "What could I have done better?" "What did I do really well?" "What can I do to improve my skills" "What lessons did I learn from the experience?" [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]
22.	My work placement does not need to be linked to my short or long term career aspirations to be of value to me.
A:	True. While there are clear benefits from undertaking targeted placements that are linked to overall career goals, this may not always be possible for a variety of reasons. For example, if you have worked at a local fast food chain to fund your way through college and you intend to follow a hospitality career, then your experience is noticeably relevant; if on the other hand you have worked in a local fast food chain but your goal is to be a social worker, you may find articulating the relevance of your experiences difficult. A good technique in all circumstances is to focusing on your transferable employability skills. Using a fast food outlet as an example you will see that: communication skills are used with other staff, managers and with clients planning and organising are used in prioritising orders and methods of work teamwork is used as you interact, help and manage other staff technology is used through the checkout , storage and intercom systems problem solving may be needed when conflict arises life-long learning is reflected in your commitment to on-the-job training and learning self-management is all about getting there on time, dressed and groomed appropriately initiative and enterprise may be demonstrated through introducing effective work-roster systems or understanding that smiling and positively interacting with clients results in repeat business and increased sales These skills are invaluable to an employer, so be sure to self-appraise your skills accurately to enhance your self marketing tools and techniques! [ back to quiz | onto the work experience checklist ]