13 Job Search Skills

1. 13Job Search Skills

2. After studying these topics, you will benefit by: Conducting a job search in a targeted career, industry, and location Ensuring a professional online identity and protection of privacy Collecting items to be included in a job search portfolio Identifying references to be used in a job search

3. After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.): • Discovering sources for job leads • Describing how networking is a powerful job search tool • Explaining appropriate behaviors to use during the job search process • Summarizing the importance of maintaining the right attitude during a job search

4. THE JOB SEARCH Successful job search strategy includes: Creating a plan Conducting research Taking action Identifies Type of job you will be looking for Tools and resources and their use Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer

5. CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals Use power words Complete accomplishments worksheet Formal assessments Golden Personality Type Indicator Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Strong Interest Inventory

6. CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER Realistic job preview Identifies day to day and common tasks for a specific job Identify additional educational needs Identify other requirements DMV history Credit history Create a career summary statement

7. TALK IT OUT What career area do you believe suits your skills and experiences?

8. INDUSTRY RESEARCH Identify Industries Reinforce your career choice Find those that require your key skills Reflects on your values Support your life plan Specific jobs in identified industries Desired work environment ONET Database

9. TALK IT OUT Discuss the difference between a job and an industry.

10. THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers Where you want to work Cost of living Average costs of basic necessities

11. ONLINE IDENTITY Check for a favorable online identity Internet is public information Conduct a search on yourself Maintain a professional e-mail address Maintain a professional voice mail message Avoid texting slang when corresponding

12. THINK ABOUT IT Does your social network site contain information that may hinder a friend’s job search?

13. TALK IT OUT What type of photos, writing, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?

14. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used to keep you organized and prepared while job searching Some items from job search portfolio will become part of your interview portfolio, covered in Ch. 15 Keeps job seeker organized and prepared while job searching Use three-ring binder with tabs Keep original and two copies of each item Place original documents in page protectors

15. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Electronic job search portfolio Recommended Computerized folder that contains electronic copies of job search documents Scan copies of documents in your hardcopy portfolio Send as attachments if needed

16. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIOItems to include: Awards, certificates Completed generic application Copy of ID and/or driver’s license Copy of DMV record Cover letter Current state licenses Job search notebook Letters of recommendation Network list Pen Performance appraisals Personal business card Personal commercial Plastic inserts Reference list Résumé Small calendar, notepad Thank-you notes and draft Transcripts Work samples

17. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS Have completed generic application available Do not list social security number or birth date on application Applications are legal documents Credit checks Background checks Fully understand agreement prior to signing A keyboarded application is best May be online or at a kiosk

18. Professional references Past or present employers, supervisors, coworkers (volunteer or paid work), instructors No relatives, friends, or religious leaders unless you have worked/volunteered with or for them Potential employer will contact Create a separate page for references, not on résumé Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer Have a copy available at the interview PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

19. Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant Have at least three letters of recommendation Reflect job skills, accomplishments, and positive human relations No more than two years old Letters can be from Past or present employers Coworkers Instructors Someone you worked for as a volunteer PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

20. THINK ABOUT IT Other than an instructor, identify someone from whom you can secure a personal letter of recommendation.

21. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Directly from target company Internet search Job banks, social networking sites, message boards Industry journals and associations Current employees of target industry/company Posted job positions Your professional network Government career assistance centers An internship

22. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Visiting a company for open positions or attending a job fair Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of résumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job seekers Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview

23. TALK IT OUT What job fair behaviors demonstrate to a recruiter that you are professional?

24. SOURCES OF JOB LEADSUnsolicited Cover Letters and Résumés Send cover letter and résumé (may be through electronic means) One to the human resources manager One to the manager of your target job Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers Correct spelling Correct gender Increases the opportunity to secure an interview

25. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Internship (work experience) Paid or volunteer Enhances job skills Networking Demonstrate value to the company Ask for letter of recommendation

26. TALK IT OUT How can you specifically use an internship to increase your professional network?

27. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Professional network: a group of relationships established primarily for business purposes

28. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking: the act of creating professional relationships Resource of individuals to call upon for professional assistance and/or advice Face-to-face interaction or social media People to include in network: Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends

29. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Opportunities Association meetings Service clubs Conferences Job fairs Volunteer fairs Trade shows Network list: list of all network contacts’ names, industries, addresses, phone, e-mail

30. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking begins with attitude Be confident Initiate an introduction Use your personal business card Begin with a professional handshake Create an electronic network Be cautious when sharing information

31. TALK IT OUT Which type of network list (traditional or electronic) works best for your needs and why?

32. TOPIC SITUATIONTran’s Network TOPIC RESPONSE: Has Tran created a professional network? Why or why not? How can Tran enhance this network?

33. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Keep a positive attitude Personal Business Card Contains personal contact information Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail Professional and easy to read No graphics, colors, or fancy fonts Share card with anyone you meet

34. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING When meeting others: Introduce yourself with a professional handshake Use career summary statement of key skills and abilities Share card with anyone you meet Be aware of time, watch body language Practice etiquette Follow up

35. Volunteer for community organizations, internships Attending professional or trade association meetings Use current technologies and professional networking venues: LinkedIn and Facebook Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities

36. TALK IT OUT What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share with an online network?

37. THINK ABOUT IT Do you know where your career center is located? Have you taken advantage of the resources they have to offer?

38. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry A way to find out about a company Information gathering Ask questions about: Jobs Hiring Company culture

39. PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources Beware of identity theft Ensure target employer is legitimate Do not share birth date or social security number until you a finalist for the job

40. TOPIC SITUATIONRavyn’s Job Search TOPIC RESPONSE: What should Ravyn do?

41. KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused

42. KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Keep job search confidential Do not quit current job before accepting a new job Do not bad-mouth your company or anyone that works for your current or former employer