Job Search Skills

2. Job Search Skills Judy Brobst College of Natural Sciences Erin Fendrich College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science

3. Steps in the Job Search • Do your Homework • Research the organization you are applying for and look for other “similar” organizations • Practice your Interview Skills • Learn how to articulate your skills, knowledge and abilities • Acquire Relevant Experience • Look at internships and volunteer experiences as a way to gain experience for what you want to do

4. How To Research Companies • On-line Directories • Hoover’s Online http://www.hoovers.com • Business New Sources • Top Money News www.usatoday.com/ • Researching Companies Online http://home.sprintmail.com/~debflanagan/ • WetFeet.com http://www.wetfeet.com/research/companies.asp • Bloomberg Personal www.bloomberg.com • Visit the Career Center for Print information

5. What are You Worth? • Do your Research on starting salaries • Identify locations where you would be willing to relocate to • Explore cost of living if you will relocate • Look at the “entire” employment package, not just the salary

6. Communication Skills Honesty/Integrity Teamwork Interpersonal Skills Motivation/Initiative Strong Work Ethic Analytical Skills Flexibility/Adaptability Computer Skills Self Confidence Qualities Employers seek in Job Candidates

7. Career Facts • Tips to help in a job search during tough times: • Interview more often • Most job seekers visit six employers in a month, when you should try to see at least two potential employers a day • Actively search for work at least 5 hours per day • Be persistent without becoming obnoxious. Network! Remember that many job openings are NOT advertised • Remember – always be honest • Lies and distortions can come back to haunt you

8. Networking in the Real World: • Turning Your Contacts into Careers “Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return.” Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, Power Networking

9. Networking Involves: • Establishing goals. • Analyzing the kinds of help you will need in achieving your goals. • Analyzing & developing your people skills. • Building and cultivating your network accordingly.

10. Why Network? Some Stats: • A referral generates 80% more results than a cold call. • 75% of people get their jobs through networking.

11. The Law of 250 • Every person knows at least 250 other people. • Each of your contacts knows at least 250 people. So that’s 62,500 at your 2nd level. • Each of your 2nd level contacts knows 250 people - and that’s over 15,000,000

12. 4 Layers of Separation You Level 1 Contact Level 2 Contact Level 3 Contact Level 4 Contact Your Friend Alice Alice’s Uncle Bill Bill’s Friend Carol Carol’s Boss David

13. Level 1 Contacts • Neighbors • Classmates/former classmates • Other job candidates • Relatives • Teammates • People you socialize with • Sorority, Fraternity & Student organizations • Former Employers & co-workers • Members of your religious congregation • People who provide services to you • Friends of parents and relatives • Professional Associations • People dependant upon networking (i.e. realtors, insurance agents, etc.)

14. Networking Log • Date last contacted • Conversation summary • Names of 3 referrals • Dates of follow-up on these 3 referrals • Date of thank-you note for referrals • Other • Contact name • Address, Phone # & E-Mail address • Occupation • How you met contact • Outstanding point about the contact

15. Listen to what employers have to say about job candidates. • Use all the resources at your disposal. • Attend career fairs • Target the companies or organizations of the greatest interest to you that could use your skills and experience. • Network, network, network! • Prepare your job search materials early. • Keep at it!