Job searching takes effort and a strategy. Learn to create your own job search strategy.
By the end of this session you will be able to:
* Identify ways in which you can establish career goals
* Determine how to research the job market
* Understand specific job-search methods
* Create a plan for your job search
Scaling up coastal adaptation in Maldives through the NAP process
Job Search Strategies
1. ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
830 CHISHOLM AVE
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD 20755
301-677-5590
ANA.B.BROWN2.CIV@MAIL.MIL
ROSE.M.HOLLAND2.CIV@MAIL.MIL
Job Search Strategies
2. Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
Identify ways in which you can establish career
goals
Determine how to research the job market
Understand specific job-search methods
Create a plan for your job search
3. Self Assessment
Skills and interests
Strengths and qualifications
Short-term and long-term career goals
Preferred work environments
Work values
4. COMPLETE THE “DREAM JOB” HANDOUT
SHARE YOUR DREAM JOB AND WHAT YOU
NEED TO MEET ITS REQUIREMENTS
Dream Job
5. Creating Goals
Specific Is the outcome clear?
Measurable How can I determine if I have reached my
goal?
Attainable Is this possible, give my circumstances?
Relevant Does this goal support my career plan?
Time Sensitive When will I achieve this goal?
8. Prepare
Fine tune your resume
Work on interviewing skills
Create a budget
Line up references (at least three)
Select appropriate interview clothes
Clean up your social media
Research
9. Research
Job Research
• Duties
• Work environment
• Occupational outlook
• Salary ranges
• Education
• Skills
• Abilities
Company Research
• Customers
• Mission
• Location(s)
• Size
• Organizational
structure
• Available jobs
10. Research
Labor market trends
Reduction in benefits
Greater job turnover
Which occupations are growing
Economic trends
Outsourcing
Knowledge-based economy
Department of Labor - http://www.bls.gov/
13. Want Ads / Job Boards
Less than 5% are hired this way
Want Ads
Most Ads Placed on Wednesdays
and Sundays
Respond Quickly
Target Cover Letter and Resume
to Key Words
Address Each Major Point
Job Boards
Maryland Workforce Exchange – https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/
2 General boards and 2-3 profession specific boards
Email Distribution List
ACS ERP
Professional Organizations
14. Cold Calling
Look up employers in phone book or on-line
Do a 30 second targeted commercial
Ask about vacancies
Ask for interview
Can also be done in person
Don’t go on Monday’s or Friday’s
15. CREATE YOUR OWN 30 SECOND
COMMERCIAL USING THE HANDOUT
PROVIDED.
THIS COMMERCIAL IS USED FOR
COLD CALLS, JOB FAIRS,
NETWORKING . . . PRETTY MUCH
EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE!
30 Second Commercial
16. Informational Interviews
Great for career
changers or
career starters
Dress for an
interview
Have a resume – but do NOT ask for a job
17. Informational Interviews – What to Ask
How did you get into the field?
What is a typical career path in this field?
What skills are needed for this job?
What professional organizations are worthwhile to join?
What is the salary range?
What should I include in my resume?
How should I prepare for an interview?
Who are the decision-makers in this company?
18. Job Fairs
Have a plan
Research companies before going
Tailor resumes to open positions / companies
Have your 30 second commercial prepared
Prepare a network card
Dress for success
NETWORK
Follow up after the fair
19. Strategic Volunteerism
Gain work experience
Create references in your career field
Make connections – become a company insider
Find opportunities
20. Employment Agencies / Temporary Agencies
Small and large employers use agencies to save them
the trouble of doing the HR work themselves
Do not pay for services
Register with 3-5 agencies
Read the contract carefully
Ask Questions
21. Employment Agencies / Temporary Agencies
Questions to ask:
How often do you get requests for my skills
Who are some of your client companies
Who will call me with assignments
What should I do if I don’t like the job
Do you have temp-to-hire assignments
Will you share feedback on my work performance
What happens if I decline an assignment
Can I interview with a potential employer
How much will I make
What benefits are offered
When is payday
22. Recruiters / Staffing Agencies (Headhunters)
Are normally paid for by the
employer
Are often used for management
and specialty positions
Do your research
Make sure they are reliable and have
a strong reputation
What companies use them
Check their on-line presence
You should NOT pay for a
recruiter or agency
23. Networking
Personal Network
Professional Network
On-Line Networking
EVERY PERSON YOU CONTACT!
Family
Friend
Co-workers
Acquaintances
24. Questions to Ask Your Network
Do you know of anyone who might have an
opening for a person with my skills?
Do you know of anyone else who might
know of someone who would?
Do you know someone who knows lots of
people?
27. On-Line Network
Social Media
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Blogs
Professional verses Personal
Clean up your presence!
28. Goals and Expectations
There are jobs out there – but
competition is keen for most
of them
The average job search takes 4
– 6 months
In 2013 there were 383
applications per open position
If you can clearly picture the
type of job you want, you are
more likely to be successful
Looking for a job is a job in
itself!
29. Finding a Job is a Job
Researching
Submitting application and/or resume
Prepare specifically for each employer and position
Interviewing
Follow-up
Send thank-you
Keep checking back
“Rejections are not a reflection of
your competence.”
30. LET’S NETWORK WITH EACH OTHER!
YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO NETWORK
WITH THE CLASS
Network!
31. Have a Plan
Create a Schedule
Create a daily routine for each day of the week, for example:
New contacts/applications - Mornings
Employer research – Mornings
Networking - Afternoons
Follow-ups – Afternoons
Relaxation / Recreation / Social Time
Household Chores
Volunteer Work
Treat your job search like a job!
32. Create a Schedule
This sample schedule shows:
Active Job Search – 22 hours
Networking – 8 hours
Social connectivity – 14 hours
Exercise – 15 hours
Buddy time – 4 hours
Continuing education – 4 hours
33. CREATE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR
YOURSELF USING THE “WEEKLY
SCHEDULE” HANDOUT
Create Your Own Schedule
34. Create a Job Search Log
SAMPLE JOB SEARCH LOG
Employer Job Title
Where/when
discovered
Contact
Phone/Email
Send Cover
Letter &
Resume
Follow up
1
Follow up
2
Follow Up
3
American
Red Cross,
Woodland
Volunteer
Recruiter
Jan 10, 2008
Idealist.org
Sam Smith
ssmith@redc
ross.org
530-661-
1212
Emailed Jan
11
Sam called -
asked for
writing
sample.
Emailed on
1/11
Interview
1/24 9am
123 Main
St
Sam &
panel
Bring 3 ref
Shriners
Hosp
Sac
Volunteer
coordinator
Jan 14
Idealist.org
HR @
shrinerssac.c
om
Uploaded
resume to
their website
1/16
Called to
verify
1/22.ok.
nothing until
Feb 1
Yolo
Hospice
Jill Jones
New case
manager
Met at
Rotaract mtg
Jan 18
Jjones@yolo
hospice.org
35. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself!
Being unemployed, transitioning and searching for a
job are stressful
Keep communication open with family and friends
Have a place to share your frustrations, challenges
and successes
Focus on things you can control
Exercise and eat right
Use stress management and resiliency techniques
Your attitude – don’t take rejection personally
It’s okay to ask for help!
36. Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
Identify ways in which you can establish career
goals
Determine how to research the job market
Understand specific job-search methods
Create a plan for your job search
37. ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
830 CHISHOLM AVE
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD 20755
301-677-5590
ANA.B.BROWN2.CIV@MAIL.MIL
ROSE.M.HOLLAND2.CIV@MAIL.MIL
Job Search Strategies
Notas del editor
The very first, and most Important step, in your job search is to determine your career goals.
EXERCISE: Have students complete the handout “DREAM JOB” discuss each student’s dream job
You need to create SMART goals –
SPECIFIC
MEASURABLE
ATTAINABLE
RELEVANT
TIME SENSITIVE
Why is each of these important?
EXERCISE: Refer back to “Dream Job” handout – ask the students how this along with SMART goals can help them in developing a career verses just settling for a job.
There are career exploration tools. At ACS we have a number of tools we can use to help you establish your own career goals and we can provide career counseling:
ONET
Career Decision Making System
MBTI
Other assessments
Fine tune your resume –
remember resumes are customized for each position
Resumes focus on accomplishments
Take a resume writing class!
Consult with your ACS ERP team
Work on interviewing skills – use the tools available to you
have friends assist
attend the interviewing skills workshop
make an appointment with ERP just to practice
Prepare a budget –
Do you need to purchase interview clothes – Phils Closet / Charities Closet / Thrift Shops / borrow from a friend
how much do you need to make
Child care?
Additional gas / car maintenance
Transportation costs – public or new vehicle?
Clothing for work
Line up references (at least three) –
make sure all of their information is current
Let them know you will be using them.
help them by letting them know what you are applying for.
Select appropriate interview clothes –
this is a conservative area
men suits are preferred
women suits if a skirt just above or just below the knee
If you are applying for a job as a mechanic, don’t overdress
Do your research, what do the managers wear at the company?
Clothing should be clean and maintained
Clean up your social media
What do you have posted?
Remove the ability for people to tag you
Do a google search of yourself
View your social media sites as others would see you
Research
Tools for job research:
www.ONETonline.com
Virtual Career Library
www.glassdoor.com
Company Research
Website
Social Media
People you know who work there
Call and ask for the information
REFER TO HANDOUT FOR AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU CAN RESEARCH A COMPANY
Most employers look for employees but job seekers search the opposite way
Less than 5% are hired this way
Want Ads
Washington Post
SoundOff!
Most Ads Placed on Wednesdays and Sundays
Respond Quickly
Target Cover Letter and Resume to Key Words
Address Each Major Point
Job Boards
Maryland Workforce Exchange – https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/
2 General boards and 2-3 profession specific boards
Do NOT use Craig’s List or Snag A Job (Snag A Job OK if entry level)
Do NOT pay!
ACS ERP Email Distribution List – We are sent jobs directly from employers
Look Up Employers in Phone Book or On-Line
You can also find people you might know who work there
Use your network – someone who knows someone
Linked-In
Do a 30 Second Targeted Commercial
Ask About Vacancies – sell you
Ask for Interview
Can also be Done In Person
Don’t go on a Monday or Friday
A step up from cold callingGreat for career changers or career starters
Dress for an interview
Have a resume – but do NOT ask for a job
Have a plan – you need to have a reason you are going. Are you doing research? Are you looking to network? Are you finding a job?
Research companies before going
Tailor resumes to open positions / companies
Have your 30 second commercial prepared – rehearse – tailor to company/position
Have notes in a folder
Prepare a network card – be sure to have your LinkedIn link
Dress for success
Same as you would for an interviewr
NETWORK –
get points of contact
Collect cards
Ask “what’s next”
Follow up after the fair
Send an email
Call
Connect through LinkedIn
Gain work experience – great for entry level and career changers
Provides documented work experience
Fills employment / transition gaps
Allows you to experience a job without the commitment if you are unsure if it is right for you
Create references in your career field
Provides you with recent references that can attest to your work ethic and skill in the area
Make connections – become a company insider
Who will they hire? An unknown or someone who has proved themselves.
Take this seriously – make a commitment of time and talent and stick to it
Treat this as a real job!
Find opportunities through:
Army Volunteer Corps – www.myarmyonesource.com
Volunteer match – www.volunteermatch.org
County volunteer programs
Do not pay for services – reliable agencies will not charge
Register with 3-5 agencies – this is important as you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket
It’s about time and opportunity management
Each agency has specialties
Consider registering with a specialty agency if you have a specific skill set
Account temps
Medical staffing
Questions to ask – would not be asked on a normal interview but is ok with these agencies and you should be asking them!
How often do you get requests for my skills
Who are some of your client companies
Who will call me with assignments
What should I do if I don’t like the job
Do you have temp-to-hire assignments
Will you share feedback on my work performance
What happens if I decline an assignment
Can I interview with a potential employer
How much will I make
What benefits are offered
When is payday
Are normally paid for by the employer
Are often used for management and specialty positions
Do your research – make sure they are reliable and have a strong reputation
Make sure they are reliable and have a strong reputation
What companies use them
Check their on-line presence
You should not pay for a recruiter or agency
WARNING: there are a lot of scams out there and there are head hunters who will take your money or ask you to pay for specific services such as resume writing
The number one way to get a job is to NETWORK!!!!
Personal Network
Professional Network
On-Line Networking
EVERY PERSON YOU CONTACT!
Family
Friend
Co-workers
Acquaintances
Grocery Store story – a client overheard a conversation while waiting in line. A company was having some organizational and logistical issues. She jumped in the conversation and ended up with a job offer!
Do you know of anyone who might have an opening for a person with my skills?
Use your 30 second commercial so they know WHAT skills you offer
Do you know of anyone else who might know of someone who would?
Get contact information
Do you know someone who knows lots of people?
You have to let people know you are looking for a job. Your personal network is full of people who care about YOU and want to help you! Use this to your advantage! There is nothing shameful about asking for help!
You don’t want to appear desperate, but if people don’t know they can’t let you know about open positions!
Ways to let people know
On line post or status
Ask for people to look over your resume
If you know people in the specialty/industry – ask them for ideas on where to look
Ask people if they know of anyone in the industry who you could contact to discuss job search strategies or look over your resume
Keep your ears open
Reconnect to people (LinkedIn is a great way to find them)
Supervisors
Colleagues – from in and outside your organizations
Employees you supervised
Contact to see if they will be a reference, ask them to look over your resume or for any strategies
Professional organizations
Volunteer with professional organizations – let people know you are looking
Be an active member – build and enhance your reputation
Check out job boards through the organization
Find local chapters
Social Media
LinkedIn – professional resume and networking
Facebook – find jobs, research companies
Twitter – find jobs, research companies - less is more, enhance your communication skills
Blogs – show you are a subject matter expert
Professional verses Personal
check your privacy settings on personal social media like facebook
turn off tagging features
In professional networks show your expertise
Clean up your presence
Look to see how others view your presence
Google yourself
Take the social media class
SPECIFIC TASKS
Researching
Submitting application and/or resume
Prepare specifically for each employer and position
Interviewing
Follow-up
Send thank-you
Keep checking back
Be serious about your job search
Create a Schedule – find a balance
On-line job applications
Follow up phone calls
Expanding your personal network
It is important to include things like:
Connecting with family & friends
Relaxation Recreation
Household responsibilities
Volunteer work/community service
Treat your job search like a job!
Notice there is time with friends and family.
Think about what you do what days. Mondays and Fridays are good days to do on-line work
Think about timing – you don’t want to call people during lunch or at the very beginning or end of the work day
Invest in furthering your education – this could be professional seminars, on-line workshops, improving typing speed or office skills
EXERCISE: Create your own schedule
Notice all the information is there –
Company
Job title
Contact information
When you applied
Follow ups – people forget this!
Make notes so you remember what you have done.
Being unemployed, transitioning and searching for a job are stressful
Keep communication open with family and friends
Have a place to share your frustrations, challenges and successes
Be sure to take time to relax
Exercise and eat right
Use stress management and resiliency techniques
It’s okay to ask for help!