NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

 

 

Course Title:	Job Search Skills
Course Prefix & Number:		POFT1220	Section Number:	0340	Semester/Year:	2019 FA
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	32	Lab Hours:	16
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Skills to seek and obtain employment in business and industry.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials:       Textbook Access Code: Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success 4th edition w/MyStudentSuccessLab   All POFI1329 Course materials/books can purchased at the NCTC Bookstore or directly online through CengageBrain.com

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Manuel Trevino, Jr
Campus/Office Location:	IT Career Connection Center, 1400 N Corinth St, Corinth Room 102
Telephone Number:	940-498-6440  x6516
E-mail Address:	mtrevino@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9 am – 3 pm	9 am – 3 pm	9 am – 3 pm	9 am – 3 pm	By Appt. Only

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
LO1	Assess career aptitudes
LO2	Describe job search procedures
LO3	Prepare employment documents
LO4	Create a professional portfolio

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
23	StudentSuccessLab and Let’s Explore Assignments	30%
14	Discussion Forums	20%
12	Chapter Quizzes	20%
5	Exams/Portfolio Final Exam	30%

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Attitude, Goal Setting, and Life Management	Students will define professionalism, Define and describe personality and attitude and their influence in the workplace, identify individual personality traits values, identify the influences of self-efficacy, set realistic, create short-term goals and describe the importance of setting priorities.	September 2
Personal Finance Management	Students will describe the importance of personal financial management, identify the significance of money management and budgeting, identify the difference between gross income and net income, create a personal budget, identify wise use of credit, and protect yourself from identity theft.	September 9
Time and Stress Management/Organization Skills	Students will describe how stress impacts workplace performance, Identify the causes of stress and name methods of dealing with stress, Deal with procrastination in a productive manner, apply time management techniques in the workplace, Define the importance of organizing for optimal performance, and apply organizational techniques in the workplace.	September 16

Etiquette/Dress	Students will describe and discuss the importance of professional behavior, state the impact dress can have on others’ perception of you, demonstrate a professional introduction and handshake, demonstrate appropriate professional behavior in business dining situations, recognize and apply the appropriate use of technology in business/social situation, and utilize professional etiquette in appropriate business situations	September 23
EXAM I: Self-Management – DUE SEPTEMBER 30
Ethics, Politics, and Diversity	Students will define ethics and its impact both personally and professionally, identify the importance of maintaining confidentiality, define and identify the appropriate us of power and power bases,	September 30

 

	understand the importance of ethical decision making, define workplace diversity and realize its impact on performance, state the basic employee rights and legal protection available for workplace diversity issues, recognize the negative impact stereo types and prejudice have in the workplace an don performance, and identify cultural differences and the positive and negative impact these difference have on business.
Accountability and Workplace Relationships	Students define and link the concepts of empowerment, responsibility, and accountability, describe how best to deal with your boss, describe how to respond when a workplace relationship turns negative, identify appropriate and inappropriate relationships with your boss, colleagues, executive, and customers, and identify basic workplace expectations regarding social functions and gift giving.	October 7

Quality Organizations and Service	Students will define productivity and its impact on organizational success, identify and define directional statements, know the various types of plans used in an organization, define the primary business functions and their purpose in an organization, define quality and its importance in business, state the differences between a produce, a good, and a service, define creativity and innovation, identify and describe the importance of customers and customer service, and describe how to handle a difficult customer.	October 14
EXAM II: Workplace Basics – DUE October 21st
Electronic Communications	Students will explain the basics of utilizing modern workplace telecommunication tools, demonstrate proper business e-mail etiquette, display professionalism when utilizing both the telephone and mobile communication devices (including texting and call behaviors), demonstrate professionalism when utilizing social media tools, and demonstrate proper behaviors when participating in video-and teleconferences.	October 21
Conflict and Negotiation	Students will define conflict and its impact on performance, name and describe the various conflict management styles and the	October 28
	appropriate time to utilize each one, describe the process and purpose of negotiation, define the various forms of workplace harassment, identify resources available to employees who are confronted with workplace harassment, describe how to deal with a hostile work environment or workplace bully, and name warring signs of workplace violence.
EXAM III: Relationships – DUE November 4

Job Search Skills	Students will utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career, conduct a targeted job search, including a realistic job preview, determine the cost of living in your desired work location, ensure a professional electronic image, create a job search portfolio, identify references to be used in your job search, identify sources for job leads, demonstrate appropriate behaviors for the application process, and define networking and create a professional network.	November 4
Resume Package	Students will identify the steps for building a resume package, write a career objective or personal profile, distinguish between a functional resume and a chronological resume, identify personal soft skill, job – specific skills, and transferable skills, create a wining resume and write a cover letter.	November 11
Interview Techniques	Students will demonstrate strategies to implement when invited to interview, conduct company and job-specific research for interview preparation, prepare a personal commercial to sell sills and tie them to a target job, identify pre-interview preparation activities including creating and interview portfolio and practice interview questions, demonstrate how to behave during technology-based interviews, explain key areas of employee rights and how to respond to discriminatory questions, describe specific statements and behaviors to exhibit at the close of an interview and job offer, and discuss salary negotiation strategies.	November 18
FINAL PORTFOLIO DUE – April 28TH
EXAM IV: Career Planning Tools – DUE MAY 16TH

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

 

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.

Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.                                                                            Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 4, 2019.

 

COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 

In lieu of classroom attendance, the following will constitute the course attendance policy: Each student is expected to log in at least three times a week and complete weekly assignments to constitute regular attendance. Failure to log in for two successive weeks will be cause for concern and grounds to be dropped from the course. (Please note: A monitoring tool is available to the instructor. It monitors student log- in, providing dates, times and length of time online.

This tool will be used to determine if students are logging in on a weekly basis.) Each week you will be asked to certify the work you completed, this too will be used to determine your attendance.

 

This online course requires dedication and effort on your part. You must set aside time each week to do your assignments. You should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours each week on this course. This may sound like a lot of time, but if you were taking this course in a traditional classroom, you would be in the classroom four hours a week with an additional nine to twelve hours spent on homework. It is very easy to fall behind, once the due date has passed, you will no longer be able to submit your assignments and quizzes will not be available.

 

Course Success Tip: Stay current in your work, log in often, check announcements for any special notices, and keep your personal information (email and phone number) up-to-date.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

 

 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc. Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage selfadvocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321. Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)                

• Communication
• Mathematics                         o         Government/Political Science
• Life and Physical Science       o         Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Language, Philosophy & Culture       o         Component Area Option
• Creative Arts
• American History

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

• Critical Thinking         o
• Communication          o
• Empirical and Quantitative    o

Teamwork

Personal Responsibility Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

• Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)
• Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

x         WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

 

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

 

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct Policy”.

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

1. 1. Academic Reprimand – A verbal or written notice warning to the student that academic misconduct has occurred.
   2. Assigning a failing grade (no credit) on the specific assignments, projects, papers, programs, labs, or examinations.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Cherly Furdge, Division Chair
Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 234
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville, CTC2106
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

 

Class Calendar

 

If you choose to not print the entire syllabus, it is vital that you at least print the class calendar. The calendar will be your guide throughout this course. It displays when each module will open and also due dates for all assignments. You will have one week to complete each module.

 

Discussion Forums have different due dates. Due to the forums having three different due dates, you will not see a date beside the assignment in the module. Please see discussion forum instructions for instructions about when the initial and response posts are due. The instructor has liking turned on for Discussion Forums. Liking only signifies that the instructor has read the posts and does not convey agreement or satisfactory grading.

 

Each module will be made available on Monday at 8:00 a.m. and will be disabled the following Sunday at midnight., which means all assignments will need to be completed by midnight on Sunday.

 

( before midnight on May 15th)

However, the due date for the Final Exam is different. You must schedule your MOS certification Exam with the testing center and complete the final exam.

 

 

 

JOB SKILLS Course Schedule – Spring 2019

 

WEEK 1 OPENS MON Jan 22 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Jan 27, 2019

• Discussion: Getting to know your classmates
• Start Here - Module Quiz

WEEK 2 OPENS MON Jan 28 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Feb 3, 2019

• Chapter 1 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 1 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Who Am I?
• Chapter 1 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 3 OPENS MON Feb 4 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Feb 10, 2019

• Chapter 2 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 2 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Healthy Personal Financial Management
• Chapter 2 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 4 OPENS MON Feb 11 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Feb 17, 2019

• Chapter 3 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 3 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Time Management
• Chapter 3 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 5 OPENS MON Feb 19 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Feb 24, 2019

• Chapter 4 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 4 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Professional Attire
• Chapter 4 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 6 OPENS MON Feb 25 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Wed Feb 27, 2019

• EXAM I

WEEK 7 OPENS MON Feb 24 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Mar 3, 2019

• Chapter 5 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 5 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Making Ethical Choices
• Chapter 5 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 8 OPENS MON Mar 3 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Mar 10, 2019

• Chapter 6 Review Quiz
• Discussion Sexual Harassment
• Chapter 6 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 6 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 9 OPENS MON Mar 19 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Mar 24, 2019

• Chapter 7 Review Quiz
• Chapter 7 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 7 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 10 OPENS MON Apr1 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Apr 7, 2019

• Chapter 10 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Technology In The Workplace
• Chapter 10 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 10 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 11 OPENS MON Apr 7 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Apr 14, 2019

• Chapter 12 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Workplace Sexual Harassment
• Chapter 12 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 12 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 12 OPENS MON Apr 15 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Apr 21, 2019

• Chapter 13 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Job Search Skills
• Chapter 13 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 13 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 13 OPENS MON Apr 22 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun Apr 28, 2019

• Chapter 14 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Resume

WEEK 14 OPENS MON Apr 29 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun May 5, 2019

• FINAL PROJECT - JOB PORTFOLIO
• Chapter 14 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 14 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 15 OPENS MON May 6 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun May 12, 2019

• Chapter 15 Review Quiz
• Discussion - Interviewing
• Chapter 15 - Let's Explore
• Chapter 15 Learning Path Activities

WEEK 16 OPENS MON Mar 6 @ 8am; CLOSES @ Midnight Sun May 12, 2019

• FINAL EXAM

 

 

 

Orientation

Instructions for all assignments

You are required to complete an orientation quiz. The orientation quiz is located in the “Let’s Get Started” module. Completing the orientation quiz ensures that you have read the syllabus and fully understands everything that is required of you. Upon completing the quiz, you will receive 5 bonus points that will be added at the end of the semester. Before sending an email asking a question, please read your syllabus first.

 

Assignment Location

All assignments are located under module. You must click on module to see instructions and all assignments. Do not depend on the to-do-list to let you know what is due. It is vital to always go into the modules read your class calendar and access assignments. If you are confused about any assignments, contact the instructor for more clarity.

 

THE BOOK REQUIRED!!!!!! You will not be able to complete this class successfully without the book

PEARSON MySuccessLab

In order to complete some assignments in this class, you will need to purchase the textbook and PearsonMySuccessLab access. You may do so by visiting the website provided in the START HERE module.You may also purchase the book from the NCTC Bookstore. You can find more information about MySuccessLab in the first module when you click on the “course information” link.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Quizzes (12)-worth 20% of your grade

 

You will have twelve (12) scheduled chapter quizzes for this class. Quizzes availability dates are in your syllabus and on the weekly modules. Each quiz will be worth 10 points. You will have thirty (30) minutes to answer ten (10) multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

You will not be able to print nor save the quizzes for a later time. Once you click on the quiz, you must complete it. Quizzes will not only come from the power point lectures but the entire chapter reading. There is no study guide. You will have two (2) chances to take the reading quizzes

 

You must be logged-in to take the quiz in enough time to complete it. Even if you are taking the quiz, it will shut off at midnight on Sunday; therefore, make sure you log- in to the quiz in enough time to finish.

 

Section Exams (4) worth 20% of your grade

There are 3 sections exams. They are comprised of 50 multiple choice and short answer questions. You have 90 minutes to complete each exam.

 

Final ePortfolio Project – worth 10% of your grade

A final Portfolio project which is comprised of the Let’s Explore activities is DUE April 28 @ midnight. Details are found in the Final Project module.

 

Assignments & Learning Path Activities – 30 % of your grade

There are 23 Let’s Explore and Learning Path activities.

 

 

Discussion Forum Requirements and Rubric (14)-worth 20% of your grade

You are required to participate in fourteen (14) discussion forums. Each discussion forum is worth 25 points. You are required to make an initial post, two response post and respond to two people who responded to your post.

 

The initial post is due by Wednesday at Midnight Central Time. The initial post must consist of no less than 300-words. Your response to two classmates must be made by Friday at midnight. When you respond to your classmates, please do not put I agree. That is not a response. Your response must be no less than 150 words in length.

 

Additionally, you will respond to at least two (2) posts from other students made to your “Initial Post” by Sunday @ midnight. In the event that no one has posted to your “Initial Post”, you should respond to four (4) other student’s “Reply Posts”. Reply posts must also be a minimum of 150 words. This must be done Sunday by Midnight. If all reply posts are made on Sunday night a reduction in grade will be made.

 

Forums are scholarly dialogs, so while sharing what you think and not just what published authors wrote is encouraged, only stating opinion isn't acceptable. The key textbook concepts must be used when completing discussion forum posts.

• Instead, thoughtfully integrate relevant Textbook concepts and theories or research you read about this week and strive to make connections between that academic content and your own observations and experiences.
• Formal citations are not required in the discussion forums.

Your responses to the postings of other students should be relevant and substantive. It must contribute significantly to the discussion.

• Reply posts containing just a few sentences or statements of agreement or disagreement only or that stray away from the topic, congratulating classmates for a “good job”, or repeat what another classmate has already said in his or her posts does not demonstrate substantive discussion.

·         A ZERO will be given if all of your post are made on Sunday or if initial post is made after Wednesday @ midnight.

 

Weekly Discussion Forum Rubric:

 

	Excellent	Satisfactory	Needs Improvement	Unsatisfactory	Points Awarded
Initial Post Content 10 points possible     MUST be made before	Comments are thorough, well written, and insightful. Ideas are well organized. Student’s mastery of content is demonstrated through critical analysis of the material and	Comments are well written and complete. Ideas are mostly well organized. Student demonstrates analysis of the material and makes some integration of	Comments lacks critical analysis and depth. Student demonstrates a basic understanding of the topics, but does not support that understanding with relevant	Posting does not meet the requirements for the assignment and demonstrates little understanding of the material.

Midnight on Wednesday to receive credit.	comments are grounded in scholarly research or textbook concepts and theories. Posting demonstrates in-depth understanding of the topics. (9-10 Points)	research or textbook concepts and theories. Posting demonstrates an understanding of the topics. (7-8 Points)	research or textbook concepts and theories. ( 5 – 6 Points)	(0 – 4 Points)
Peer Responses and Replies Content 12 points possible 3 points per peer post	Student posts at least four, well-developed, substantive posts to classmates that demonstrate in-depth analysis and critical thinking.	Student posts at least three posts which are well- developed, substantive, and demonstrate in- depth analysis and critical thinking.	Student posts at least two post to peers which somewhat contributes to the discussion; however, post does not demonstrate in- depth analysis or critical thinking.	Student does not post to peers and/or posts do not add to the discussion.
Utilizes Correct Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling and Sentence Structure 3 points possible	Postings are professional and generally free of errors in mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence structure. (3 Points)	Postings are professional but may contain minor errors in mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence structure. (2 Points)	Posting is adequate but contains some errors in mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence structure that somewhat interfere with understanding. (1 Point)	Posting has numerous errors in mechanics, usage, spelling and sentence structure. Errors interfere with readability. (No Points)
Total points earned					/25

 

 

Completing assignments

 

It is important that you complete all assignments. Missing assignments can affect your grade. One quiz could made the difference in you receiving an A or a B.

 

Extra Credit

 

Extra credit will be given at the instructor’s discretion. Please do not ask for extra credit to increase your grade.

 

Grading turn-a-round time

 

Grades for all assignments that are not automatically graded will be posted within one week with the exception of the final project. Due to the length of final project, it may take up to two weeks for the grades to be posted. Most of the exams, quizzes and lesson assignments are automatically graded. If an exam has an essay or short answer question, the points for the question will be posted within one week.