Conducting an Effective Job Search Jason Whitney – Internship Coordinator/Career Advisor The Career Center at the UACC

1. Conducting an Effective Job Search Jason Whitney – Internship Coordinator/Career Advisor The Career Center at the UACC

2. Agenda • Office Mission and Resources • Search Plan • Informational Interviews • Networking • Cover Letters and Resumes • Top 10 Transferable Skills • Career Resources/Options in Geography

3. Office Overview Mission: To help all UNH students and alumni identify, explore and implement their career goals. • Career advising appointments • UNH Wildcat Careers internship/job postings • On – campus interviews (Wildcat Careers) • Walk-In Review Hours, Monday - Friday, 12 – 3 p.m. • Job/Internship Fairs – March 31, 2009 (All Majors) • Alumni Jobline • Resume Review and Practice Interview Events

4. Search Plan Your job search is the final exam • Know what you want – what are your goals? • Develop your resume and cover letter* • Research potential employers • Conduct informational interviews • Network for information and connections • Apply for opportunities • Attend career fairs/professional events • Prepare for interviews

5. Research Your Options • Research company websites • Explore your department’s career resources • Join a professional association and use their resources to find opportunities • Talk with your Professors • Speak with your family and friends • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field

6. Informational Interviewing • Exploratory conversations – can be informal, but treat them like a job interview • A time to gather information about: * particular career paths * specific industries and companies • Gain valuable first-hand information from individuals who are doing the job everyday

7. Preparing for the Interview • Carefully consider what it is you wish to ask and accomplish in the discussion • Develop questions focused on three major categories: • Career preparation • Content and responsibilities of the person’s job • Trends in the industry and profession • Research the organization with whom the person is affiliated • Set goals and objectives for your meeting and prepare an outline for the meeting

8. Conducting the Interview • Try to make it a face to face meeting • Indicate right away that you are looking for information and advice...not a job! • To begin with, discuss your own background, skills and interests • Ask broad and open-ended questions • If appropriate, bring your resume and ask the person to critique it • End the meeting by asking for additional contacts • Always send a thank you note!

9. Sample Questions • What is the best preparation for this profession? • How did you become interested in this profession/organization? • What are some of the rewards/challenges of your work? • What was your undergraduate major? How did it help you prepare for your job? • What do you like about your work? • What are some of the trends in the industry?

10. After the Interview • Evaluate the success of your discussion - what did you learn? What do you still want to know? • Prepare a brief thank you letter – via email • Add this person to your networking database and continue to keep in touch

11. Learning about career options by talking to people Exploratory informational conversations with the people you know Developing professional contacts The art of building long-term relationships Access to the hidden job market Joining a professional organization related to your field Ongoing throughout your lifetime Networking Is…

12. Networking Isn’t… • Always going to get you a job right away • Contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they can give you one • Making cold calls to people you don’t know (sometimes this can be effective) • Always a formal process • Always an easy process

13. Your Network • Your family members and extended family members • Your friends, their parents and family members • Former and current employers and co-workers • Classmates, faculty, advisors • Coaches, clergy, teachers • Club and organization members (including volunteer positions) • Professional Associations

14. Cover Letter • The set up to the resume – give the employer reasons to be more interested in your candidacy • Research and customize for each organization – Avoid deadly ‘formletteritis’ • Explain why you are the best candidate for the job • Showcase your passion and enthusiasm • Show off your writing skills

15. Resume • Marketing brochure – promote the ‘brand’ of you to the employer • Job description is not enough • Include accomplishments and skills • ~30 seconds to make an impression • Proof read! • Customize for each job

16. Top 10 Skills Employers Seek • Communication skills (verbal and written) • Honesty/integrity • Teamwork skills (works well with others) • Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) • Motivation/initiative • Strong work ethic • Analytical skills • Flexibility/adaptability • Technical skills • Organizational skills

17. Career Resources Related to Geography • ‘Niche’ job boards/career resources: www.geographyjobs.com www.geosearch.com www.gisjobs.com www.aag.org, www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2005/spring/art01.pdf www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/geography.htm www.amergeog.org/focus_magazine.htm

18. Career Paths/Related Skills • Positions available: GIS Analyst, Technical Sales, Project Manager, Surveyor, Mapping Technician, Cartographer, Geospatial Analyst, State/Local Government, Environmental Services, Demographer, Transportation Analyst, Teacher, and more… • Qualifications: Related degree, technical skills/software programs, related experience

19. Final Questions? Thank you! jason.whitney@unh.edu 862-2064 Hood House, lower level, Room 3