Amber is busy creating her resume. When she gets to the part about providing references, she is not sure who to put down. She knows her brother will give her a good reference, since he knows her very well. Her guidance counselor at school also offered to provide a reference for her, so she is thinking of adding him. Which option would be better for Amber to use on her resume? Explain the reason for your answer.

It would be better for Amber to use her guidance counselor as a reference on her resume. This is because the guidance counselor is a professional and has experience working with students in an academic and career context. They can provide a more objective and credible reference for Amber's abilities and achievements. Additionally, employers may place more value on references from individuals who are not related to the candidate. While Amber's brother may know her well, his reference may not carry as much weight as a reference from a professional acquaintance. Therefore, using her guidance counselor as a reference is likely to be more beneficial for Amber in her job search.

Now that Amber has her resume finished, it is time for her to begin her job search. List one place where Amber could look to find job openings, two things Amber should do after finding a job she wants to apply for, and what she should wear if she is called in for an interview.

One place where Amber could look to find job openings is online job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.

Two things Amber should do after finding a job she wants to apply for are:

1. Research the company: Before submitting her application, Amber should research the company to learn more about their mission, values, and work culture. This will help her determine if the company is a good fit for her and also allow her to tailor her application materials specifically to the company's needs.

2. Customize her resume and cover letter: Amber should customize her resume and cover letter for each company she applies to, highlighting her relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.

If Amber is called in for an interview, she should dress professionally. This may vary depending on the industry and company culture, but in general, she should wear business attire such as a suit or dress pants/skirt with a blouse. It is also important to make sure her clothes are clean and ironed, her shoes are polished, and her overall appearance is neat and tidy.

You are on a job interview for your dream position. The interviewer asks if you have experience working with Microsoft Excel, a computer software program that allows you to create and customize spreadsheets to analyze data. You have never used Microsoft Excel, but you do know what it is. How would you answer? Why? Explain your reasoning.

I would be honest with the interviewer and say that while I have heard of Microsoft Excel, I have not yet had the opportunity to use it. However, I would express my willingness and enthusiasm to learn the program, as well as any related software or applications, to fulfill my duties and responsibilities in this role.

Being honest with the interviewer is key, as it sets the tone for a transparent and trustworthy relationship. It's better to admit a lack of experience or knowledge upfront rather than stretch the truth or make false promises. Additionally, showing a willingness to learn demonstrates a growth mindset and a dedication to professional development, which are attractive qualities to potential employers.

Furthermore, being honest from the start can prevent any misunderstandings or issues that may arise if expectations are not met. It also allows the employer to assess whether they are willing and able to provide any necessary training or support to help the employee develop the skills required for the job.

Grant and Cara are coworkers at a design firm. Grant is so good at his job that he does not like to listen to the opinions of others. Cara is not as experienced as Grant, and it takes her a little bit longer to complete design tasks, but she is a good listener and tries to make changes that her co-workers suggest. Which person would you rather work with? Give two reasons for your answer. Why might co-curricular, extra-curricular, career preparation, or extended learning experiences have been important in helping prepare the person you chose to have those qualities that are desirable in the workplace?

I would rather work with Cara because of the following reasons:

1. Openness to feedback and collaboration: Cara's willingness to listen to the opinions of others and incorporate suggestions into her work demonstrates her dedication to producing the best possible outcome for the team and the project. She recognizes the value of teamwork and understands that collaboration and communication are key elements of a successful project. This attitude fosters a positive and cohesive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.

2. Willingness to learn: Cara's lack of experience in comparison to Grant does not hinder her enthusiasm to learn and improve her skills. She recognizes the importance of professional development and seeks opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues. This attitude benefits the entire team because it ensures that everyone is continuously learning and improving, which leads to better results and a more competitive edge in the market.

Co-curricular, extra-curricular, career preparation, or extended learning experiences have been important in helping prepare Cara to have those qualities that are desirable in the workplace. These programs allow for students or individuals to develop important skills such as collaboration, communication, and a willingness to learn. For example, joining a debate team or participating in a drama club can help develop communication and presentation skills. Engaging in volunteer work can help individuals develop teamwork, empathy, and leadership skills. Taking additional coursework or training outside of regular school or work can help individuals expand their knowledge and build their skill sets. These experiences can also enhance networking opportunities and help connect individuals with mentors or professionals in their field, which can further foster their professional development. In summary, co-curricular, extra-curricular, career preparation, or extended learning experiences provide individuals with opportunities to develop key competencies, skills, and attitudes that are in-demand and valued in the workplace.