What You Need to Do to Get The Job of Your Choice!

1. What You Need to Do to Get The Job of Your Choice! presented by Angela L. Cline Assistant Director of Career Development J. B. Speed School of Engineering Division of Academic Affairs

2. Job Search Components • Self-Assessment • Job Search Strategy • Networking • Résumé • Cover Letter • Interview • Follow up

3. Self Assessment • Skills, values, interests • You’ve co-oped, what works for you? • What’s important in a job? Rank your “needs” down to “desires”. • Know your strengths and weaknesses • Real, and interview answers

4. Job Search Strategy • Plan strategy and time line • Seek opportunities that match your skills, interests, values • (“needs” down to “desires”) • What’s important? Job content, money, free time, location, benefits, etc. • Conduct Salary Survey – know your field • Identify employers by using all sources such as: • Speed School Career Development • U of L Career Services • Websites, newspapers, job fairs, networking events

5. Networking • Only 10% to 20% of all job openings are advertised (Job-Hunt.org) • Contact (maybe to just ask for help) • Former co-op employers and associates • Former co-op employer competitors • Professors • Related expos and trade shows • Friends and relatives • ALWAYS PROVIDE A RÉSUMÉ or Contact Information

6. Résumé • Identify possible employer needs • From your experience and research • In your interest area • Job objective • Tailor for each position to meet employer needs • Summary of Skills • Use key words to identify the skills you want to sell • Match employer’s needs • Contents Sections • Identify accomplishments in work or school history that illustrate you can fill an employer’s needs in your interest area…you’ve done it!

7. Résumé (continued) • End the résumé • Usually with “References Available on Request” • Keep records • What was sent • To whom • NOTE: Your resume should be tailored for each job highlighting your objective and skills to match the employer needs listed in the job description

8. Business Letters • Cover letters • One for each job • Do not just send a résumé • Tailor your cover letter for each job • By covering employer needs, entice the reader to go on to your résumé • Your accomplishments in the area of the position you seek – school, work, hobbies, etc.

9. Interview • Be organized • Dress appropriately • Arrive approximately 10-15 minutes early • Make the interview a dialogue – an information exchange • Answer questions and provide a related question immediately following -- throughout the interview • Listen • Analyze • Give short answers followed with appropriate questions • Accomplish your goals (for information exchange) • Main Goal - Get an offer in your area of interest • Try to summarize the interview at the end that leads to a positive conclusion about an offer for you in your interest area • Get a date when they will respond to you – and the method

10. Follow Up • Follow up with Thank you letter • Make sure you include: • A summary of your accomplishments related to their needs as you have determined them • Your contact information • Most employers prefer email • Follow up with a phone call if you do not get a response within stated time promised

11. References • Job-Hunt.org, http://www.job-hunt.org/findingjobs.shtml