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How to Job Search—Seven Steps

How to Job Search—Seven Steps . Southwest Minnesota State University Career Services, BA 156 www.southwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices. Job Searching . People on average have 5-7 careers People changed jobs every 3.4 years (Source: Bureau of Labor Stats. Of the U.S. Dept. of Labor)

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How to Job Search—Seven Steps

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  1. How to Job Search—Seven Steps Southwest Minnesota State University Career Services, BA 156 www.southwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices SMSU Career Services

  2. Job Searching • People on average have 5-7 careers • People changed jobs every 3.4 years (Source: Bureau of Labor Stats. Of the U.S. Dept. of Labor) • At several points in your life you will need to conduct a job search. It’s important to know the process

  3. Objectives • Learn the steps to completing a successful job search • Review the “must have” marketing tools • Introduce job hunting resources • Prepare to start search

  4. Step #1: Get Organized • Identify career and life values, goals and objectives • What sort of job am I looking for? • Where do I want to work? • What do I value in my work? • Realistically assess your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and abilities • Ready your marketing tools

  5. Marketing Tools • Resume • Cover Letter • Reference Page & Recommendations • Mustangjobs.com • Portfolio • Polished Interviewing Skills Career Services can help you develop these tools

  6. Step #2: Research the Market • Identify and rank information on companies: • Largest • Fastest growing • Most profitable • Research annual reports • Use the web or local libraries

  7. Job Search Resources • Mustangjobs.com • Full Time and Internship Positions • On Campus Recruiting • Newspapers & Professional Journals • Telephone and Online Directories • Minnesota Workforce Center • Chamber of Commerce • Governmental Agencies • Job Fairs • MN State Job and Internship Fair in February • SMSU Job and Internship Fair in April • MN Education Fair in April

  8. Job Search Resources (continued) Internet Job Sites • Super Sites • Visibility to employers makes these sites popular (e.g. CareerBuilder, Monster) • Hub Sites • Still well know but smaller sites—target specific groups (e.g. The Ladders—for executives) • Niche Sites • Smaller sites often associated with a profession or industry association (e.g. Mustangjobs.com, LandIt.org)

  9. Job Search Resources (Continued) Criteria for Choosing Job Sites —keeping safe and avoiding scams • Know the site and the organization behind it • A site included in a job site directory (like Job-Hunt .org or RileyGuide.com) should be ok • Check www.Alexa.comto view site “ranking”. Numbered 1-100,000 in descending order (estimate of traffic). For example, Yahoo #1, MSN #2, Google #3

  10. On line Job Search • Use Safe Job Sites • Refine your job search using keywords and advance search options • Apply to positions you are qualified for • Set up Email Job Alerts or Job Agents • Upload and Post your Resume • Write a Customized Cover Letter

  11. Step #3: Network & Target Your Market • Develop a systematic list of people who could provide company information and referrals • Family & Friends • Past Employers • Professional Organizations • Alumni Directories • Faculty and staff • Create a list of employers you want to work for—contact these companies for job and internship opportunities 80% of positions are in the “Hidden Job Market”—Use your personal network and company websites to find the openings.

  12. Step #4: Pace Yourself & Stay with it • Keep a written log of contacts, callbacks, and interviews—increases efficiency • Develop short & long term action plans • Seek feedback from others • Review and adjust your objectives as needed

  13. Step #5: Prepare for the Interview • Decide on clothes to give you the “professional” look • Practice your Interview Skills • Review “How to be Interviewed”-- Power Point on Career Services’ website • Watch online video--“The Interview” on Mustangjobs.com • Schedule a practice interview with a career counselor • Watch expert advice on how to answer interview questions on Interview Stream • What to bring—Pad folio, extra resumes, reference page, professional pen, questions for interviewer

  14. Step #6: Make Sure to Follow Through • Follow up with the employer within 1-2 weeks of sending your resume • Always send Thank You Letters after an interview—within 24 hours • Follow directions—send the information the employer requests

  15. Step #7: Be Persistent • Job searching takes time—the average search is 4-6 months • Remember…Follow up is key • Be open minded about potential opportunities

  16. Recapping the 7 Steps • Get organized • Research the market • Network and conduct info interviews • Pace yourself & stay with it • Prepare for the interview • Make sure to follow through • Be persistent

  17. Need Help? • Schedule an appointment at Career Services • Stop by BA 156 or call 507-537-6221

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