Job Search and Networking Strategies

1. Job Search and Networking Strategies CAREER TRANSITION PARTNERSHIP

2. A Serious Strategy • Ready…Aim…Fire!!!!

3. Agenda • Re-Connecting with Self • Organizing Your Job Search • Managing Your Day • Research • Job Search Strategies • Networking Strategies • Ready to Engage • Staying Engaged

4. Re-Connecting with Self • Personal • Vent feelings about loss of job • Restore Self Confidence • Reconnect with passion • Identify: • Accomplishments • Skills • Interests • Abilities

5. Organizing Your Job Search • Develop/Update Resume • Understand your value proposition and perfect your message/elevator speech • Cover Letter (reworked for each job) • Invest in Business Cards • Create list of Approved References • Create Job Search Email address

6. Managing Your Day • Plan your Time • 15 hours/week for part-time • 35 hours/week for full-time • Methodology – create a plan • # of resumes sent/week • # of phone calls • # of emails • # of networking/job fair events

7. Key Points • Have “Stick-To-It” • Never, Never, Never Give Up! • Have Fun • You’re never truly a success until you enjoy what you are doing!

8. Daily Tasks….To Do List • Write down tasks you need to complete tomorrow…. • Number them in order of importance…. • Start on number 1 and work on it until completed then go to number 2

9. Research • Target and gather information on Companies • Identify Executives (1-2 levels above the position you are seeking) • Jigsaw.com • Zoominfo.com • Company Websites • LinkedIn.com • OnLine Directories

10. Job Search Strategies • Networking • Employment Agencies • On-line • Offline • Professional affiliations

11. Understand your value proposition and perfect your /message elevator speech • Perfect your message – what do you want people to know about you? • Practice, practice, practice • Rehearse your message in front of a mirror and be aware of how you look, feel and show up in body language • Test your message with others and observe the response of the listener • Is your message garnering their interest? Do they want to know more? • Adjust your message based on observed feedback • Ask for help if you need it – your message is vital to your success

12. Networking • Be intentional • Thank everyone and remember every kindness • Find an accountability partner • Remember the importance of metrics • Maximize opportunities – be ready! • Be prepared to address any tough questions

13. Networking – What is it? • Simply talking to others to gain information…. • Building relations to connect to the “Hidden Job Market” • Hidden Job Market????

14. Networking 24/7 • Any time, Any Place • Make it easy…start with people you know • Seek information not a job…. • Once in the swing of it move to people you do not know • Find common ground….follow up

15. Working the Room “….working a room’ is not about talking, it’s about listening. It’s about learning what you don’t know, not sharing what you do. If you start with a clear, succinct message about yourself which can be delivered in one or two sentences you can spend the bulk of your time and energy asking questions that grow conversations – and long-term relationships.” Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks

16. Connecting with others • Be a great listener • Ask questions • Get personal • Compare interests • Share history • Use humor • Connect through technology • Connect through content • Share faith & values • Invest selflessly

17. Networking • Create list of professional contacts • Former bosses/co-workers • Acquaintances thru work, play and family • Professional Associations • College alumni • Job/Industry specific • Community based

18. Social Networks • Job Clubs (churches, community colleges) • Support Groups • Pink-Slip parties • Facebook (enhance your online reputation) • Twitter • Professional Networks • Group Forums – Blogs, LinkedIn • Volunteer • Consulting Engagements

19. Employment Agencies • Executive Search • Temporary Staffing • Unemployment • Outplacement

20. On-Line • Job Boards • Monster.com (tied to Philadelphia Inquirer) • CareerBuilder.com • HotJobs.com • TheLadders.com ($100K and above) • Professional Association • College Related • aftercollege.com • experience.com • MonsterTrak.com • Job Aggregator Boards • Simplyhired.com • Indeed.com

21. Offline • Newspapers • Trade Journals • Job Fairs/Virtual Fairs • Informational Interviews • Volunteer Opportunities

22. Ready to Engage • Match Cover Letter to: • Job Specifications/Requirements • Company Culture/Direction • Follow-up with Recruiter/Hiring Manager two – three weeks after resume submission

23. Staying Engaged • Maintain positive attitude • Include exercise in your daily routine • Stay focused on your goals • Utilize support networks • Talk to someone every day about your job search • Keep on learning • Find a mentor • Create a vision

24. Points to Remember • Your Resume is often the first step in “Selling Yourself” to your prospective New Employer. Be sure it represents you well. • Raise your excitement level prior to interviewing. Your enthusiasm will be well received by the interviewer.

25. Follow-up after the interview with a brief Thank You Note. • During the entire job-seeking process, continue to work on your self-esteem and attitude. • Follow-up on all position leads. You never know when or from where the right position will emerge.

26. The Three Words – You Wrote Down at the Beginning • Tell me and I shall forget • Show me and I shall remember • Involve me and I shall understand • Thank you for letting me share some ideas about Job Search and Networking Strategies • Good Luck….Any Questions

27. Questions ?