Transcript Slide 1

5
Plan to Achieve Career Excellence
Welcome to PACE!
This is an e-learning program designed to
guide you through a career planning process.
For more information please consult your high
school guidance counsellor or employment
counsellor at the Department of Postsecondary, Education, Training and Labour.
© The Work Room (www.careersthatwork.ca) 10142014SC
Welcome to Module 5: Job Search Strategies
This represents the fifth step of a five part career planning
process;
1
Identifying Interests
2
Researching Careers
3
The Action Plan
4
Workplace Essential Skills
5
Job Search Strategies
This module is very flexible in terms of where you complete it
in the above sequence. Normally, it would be the final step in
the career plan process, but it can be completed at any point
in the 5 step process without disrupting your career plan.
Once you have finished this module, it is recommended you
resume completion of the remaining modules in the order
presented.
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Job Search Strategies
To find employment in today's job market you need 3
things;
1. A plan
2. The proper job search tools
3. Commitment
Each component will be presented and you will be
asked to make choices that will build your personal
job search strategy. By the end of this module you
should have a plan, the proper tools and the
commitment to succeed in your job search.
If you have completed Modules 1-4, you may have
already established a career goal. Everything you do
in this module is designed to focus your energy on
getting the employment experience you need to get
you one step closer to that career goal.
If you haven't decided on any career goals don't
worry, building a solid job search action plan now will
benefit you at any stage in your career.
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The Plan;
A. The employer looks for you
(Advertised Job Market)
This is the conventional job search method
whereby you search posted job ads
(newspaper, internet) and respond by
submitting a résumé and/or contacting the
employer.
The 5 best ways to find work
% of people who found work this way
B. You look for the employer
(Hidden Job Market)
This is the process of contacting employers
through cold calls or networking even
though there has been no job posting or
indication of job opportunities within the
company.
Asking employers directly
Asking friends, family, and contacts
Responding to newspaper ads
Using private employment agencies
Using government employment centers
http://www.nald.ca/Clr/rightjob/cover.htm
(link removed)
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35%
28%
14%
6%
5%
The Advertised Job Market
Some segments of the workforce rely on the Advertised Job
Market for their job vacancies.
1. Provincial, federal and municipal government post
opportunities open to the public.
2. The private sector also uses the Advertised Job Market for;
entry level positions
high demand jobs
jobs that have a high turnover
For the job seeker, this method has the advantages of being
less time consuming for finding job leads and it is easier
approaching employers when you know you are being invited.
It has the disadvantages of being more competitive as well
as frustrating for seasoned or specialized workers who can't
find many opportunities that match their skill sets.
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The Advertised Job Market
Local newspapers:
Website for all provincial newspapers
http://www.canadaeast.com
Government Job Banks:
NB Jobs (local and provincial listings)
www.nbjobs.ca
Careers in the federal public service
http://jobs.gc.ca/
Careers in the provincial government
https://www.ere.gnb.ca/
Private Sector Job Banks:
Job Bank for the Atlantic Provinces
http://www.careerbeacon.com/
Indeed (Canada)
www.indeed.ca
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The Hidden Job Market
Most jobs are waiting in the hidden job market. These
positions are filled by (or created for) candidates who come
to an employer's attention through employee
recommendations, referrals from trusted associates,
recruiters, or direct contact with the candidate. It's less risky
for an employer to hire someone who comes highly
recommended.
Often, positions are created for people who can offer
a solution to an employer's business problem or can improve
a company's profitability. In effect, you can create your own
job within a company!
Did you know?
Statistics say that over 80% of all job vacancies are not
advertised. These opportunities are accessed through
the "hidden job market".
http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/looking.shtml
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The Hidden Job Market
How do you access the hidden job market?
1. Develop a skills inventory.
You have a product to market - yourself! You should
know your best selling points before talking to potential
employers. The good news? You have already completed
this in Module 4: Workplace Essential Skills.
2. Target employers.
Focus on those jobs you want to do and what companies
you want to work for and make a list of targets. Concentrate
most of your job search on this list.
3. Network.
Try to meet people who work for your targeted companies.
Do you have friends or family who work there or know people
who do? Try to meet the employers through cold calls,
meetings at social events or volunteer. In short, get out
there and meet people and let them know you are looking for
a job.
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The 80/20 Principle
When it comes to job search, you can have your cake
and eat it too!
Why choose one othe the job search methods when you
can use both?
The Hidden Job Market = 80%
Spend 80% of your job search actively networking, cold
calling, handing out resumes, pursuing job leads and
conducting follow-ups.
The Advertised Job Market = 20%
Spend the remaining 20% reading classified ads,
searching job boards and researching companies.
Many job boards and private employment agencies allow
you to create a profile to let them know your skills and
what types of jobs you are seeking. When a job meets
your criteria, you will be notified of the match and you can
apply for the job. This can be a real time saver!
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Job Search Tools
There is a ton of information in the form of books,
websites and videos on how to conduct a proper job
search and what tools you may need to be successful.
The Work Room Career Resource Centres
(http://www.careersthatwork.ca/) can provide you with a
lot of this information.
You will require the following:
1. Cover Letter
2. Résumé
3. Portfolio (which could include);
References
Samples of your work
Skills Inventory
Research on the company
Certifications/Diplomas
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The Cover Letter
The cover letter is your introduction to an employer.
It allows you to talk in your own voice, link your
experiences to the specific job opening, share your
special abilities and show that you can write cohesively
and effectively, which is important in any job. In short, it
helps you sell yourself.
A good cover letter is short, concise, and lays out exactly
what you are looking for and why you are qualified.
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid;
Joe Sample
123 Main St.
Saint John, NB XXX XXX
July 23, 2009
Jane Doe
Human Resource Manager
ACME Industries
1 First St.
Saint John, NB XXX XXX
Dear Ms. Doe:
I am sending you this letter and attached resume to apply for the
position of customer service representative (competition number :
CSR-12.2008).
• Skipping the cover letter altogether
• Using a generic cover letter
• Not referencing the position to which you
are applying
• Spelling mistakes
• Addressing it to the wrong person or company
• Using an unprofessional email address
(example: [email protected])
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I am very well suited for this position as I really enjoy working with
people and helping them make informed purchasing decisions. As
you can see by my attached resume, I have been received many top
salesperson awards with my past employer and I believe I can bring
the same success to your organization.
If you have any questions or would like more information I would
welcome the opportunity to meet with you. You can reach me at
(506) 555-5555 or by email at [email protected].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
___________
Joe Sample
The Résumé
There are three main types of résumés;
Chronological Résumés present information in a
timeline approach. Typically, the most recent work
experience is presented first followed by the next most
recent and so on. This format works best for candidates
with a strong work history related to the target job.
Functional (or Skill-based) Résumés allow a
candidate to play down gaps in their experience since
they emphasize abilities and accomplishments without
providing detailed background information on where
and when they were acquired. This format is best
suited to candidates who lack employment experience
or are changing careers and has transferrable skills and
experiences.
Combination (or Targeted) Résumés are the best of
both worlds. They allow a candidate an opportunity to
demonstrate the skill sets they possess that are directly
related to the job AND provide a detailed background
information on where and when these skills were
acquired.
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Which format is the “best”?
The combination résumé is a blend of
the traditional resume that is most
familiar to employers and the functional
résumé that allows you to emphasize
your best skills sets. This tend to have
the best success in most situations.
However, it is not the best format in all
situations. That is why there are
alternatives that may act as a more
effective medium to sell your skill
sets to a potential employer!
The Chronological Résumé
Use this format if;
You are pursuing a position in a field in which you have a
solid and consistent record of progress.
Do not use this format if;
Your most recent work experience does not relate to the
job for which you are applying.
You have worked exclusively in one field and are applying
for a job in a different profession.
You are seeking an entry-level position and have almost
no work experience.
You have been a chronic job hopper and held most of
your jobs for less than one year.
Joe Sample
123 Main St. Saint John, NB XXX XXX
(506) 555-5555 [email protected]
______________________________________________________
Objective: To apply my sales experience to increase profits for your
company and to enhance the experience for your customers.
Employment History:
Customer Service Representative
Val-U Mart
Saint John, NB
2005-present
+ Regional sales leader for 5 consecutive years
+ Earned 3 awards for customer satisfaction
Telemarketer
TransCan Mobility
Saint John, NB
2003- 2005
+ Sold long distance packages and cellular phones to new customers
+ Met all sales quotas
Volunteer Experience:
+ Chairperson for the Young Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Society
Education:
Your employment history has large gaps.
Bachelor of Business Administration program
UNBSJ
Saint John, NB
2004
+ Graduated at the top of the Dean's List
References:
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John Jones, CEO Val-U Mart
(555) 555-9999
Sally Brooks, President of TransCanada Mobility
(555) 555-8585
The Functional Résumé
Use this format if;
You are an entry-level job seeker with no significant workrelated experience.
You are re-entering the workforce after a lengthy absence
and little of your work history has bearing on the kind of
job you are trying to find.
Joe Sample
123 Main St. Saint John, NB XXX XXX
(506) 555-5555 [email protected]
__________________________________________________________
Objective: To apply my sales experience to increase profits for your
company and to enhance the experience for your customers.
Related Skills and Personal Accomplishments:
You have held several jobs, but those jobs do not
demonstrate professional growth.
Be very careful if you use this format!
One disadvantage of functional résumés is that many
employers view them with suspicion because they do not
detail a work history.
While your strengths and accomplishments are important
to a potential employer, most want to know what specific
job you held that enabled you to demonstrate the skills
you're describing. They also want to know how recent
that experience was and, if possible, see some continuity.
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+ Ability to meet/exceed sales quotas
+ Excellent customer service skills
+ Team player
+ Marketing expertise
+ Entrepreneurial approach to job duties
+ Actively involved in many business mentoring programs for students
+ Awarded many distinctions for sales and customer service
Volunteer Experience:
+ Chairperson for the Young Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Society
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration program
UNBSJ
Saint John, NB
2004
+ Graduated at the top of the Dean's List
References:
John Jones, CEO Val-U Mart
(555) 555-9999
Sally Brooks, President of TransCanada Mobility
(555) 555-8585
The Combination Résumé
Use this format if;
You are looking to change careers and want to highlight
general skills that relate to your past jobs.
You have had no luck in getting past the screening
process with a chronological résumé.
You are applying for a job that interests you and that you
think you can handle, but the connection between your
work history and that particular job is not particularly
strong.
The principal advantage of a combination résumé is that,
like a functional résumé, it enables you to establish early
on what you have accomplished in your career and what
skills and attributes you can offer a potential employer.
But because you also will include a description of your
work history, you can diffuse the suspicions that may
arise when the information is omitted.
Joe Sample
123 Main St. Saint John, NB XXX XXX
(506) 555-5555 [email protected]
__________________________________________________________
Qualification Highlights:
+ Ability to meet/exceed sales quotas
+ Excellent customer service skills
+ Team player
Recent Employment History:
Customer Service Representative
Val-U Mart
Saint John, NB
2005-present
+ Regional sales leader for 5 consecutive years
+ Earned 3 awards for customer satisfaction
Volunteer Experience:
+ Chairperson for the Young Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Society
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration program
UNBSJ
Saint John, NB
2004
+ Graduated at the top of the Dean's List
References:
This is a really versatile marketing tool that is quickly
gaining popularity with job seekers and employers alike.
© The Work Room (www.careersthatwork.ca) 10142014SC
John Jones,
CEO Val-U Mart
Sally Brooks, President of TransCanada Mobility
(555) 555-9999
(555) 555-8585
Common Résumé Mistakes
No matter which résumé style you choose, there a few
things you should never include on your résumé or
cover letter;
•
Social Insurance Number
• Personal Attributes (height, weight, age, race, etc.)
• If you have children (or are pregnant)
• Religious Beliefs
• Photograph
• Inaccurate (or false) information
• Banking information (or a fee to apply for a job)
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The Portfolio
A portfolio refers to your entire collection of tools you have
prepared for your job search. It includes your;
Cover letter
Résumé
It can also include things you may need for your interview;
Copies of your credentials
Samples of your past work
Evidence of your past accomplishments
Letters of reference
Research on the company to which you are applying
It is a lot of work to prepare a professional-looking portfolio
but it can pay huge dividends. Taking the time to collect
this material also prepares you for job interviews.
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The Portfolio
It is important to note that it is not intended that you give
your portfolio to the employer as part of the application
process.
This is your tool to use if the employer requests
evidence that you have the proper credentials or is
interested in seeing some of your past work.
With that said, there are some circumstances in which a
prospective employer may request a copy of your
portfolio as part of the application process. Examples
include the modeling industry, software developers,
interior designers, architects, etc..
Some people wrongly equate a portfolio with a
scrapbook project. They include personal and family
photos and collections of their likes and dislikes thinking
it will help an employer to "get to know them better".
Employers do not have the time nor the interest for an
autobiography.
Anything that does not demonstrate a skill, relevant work
experience or serve some practical purpose in your job
search, does not belong in your portfolio.
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Commitment
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to
their commitment to excellence, regardless of their
chosen field of endeavor.
-Vince Lombardi
Job search preparation is useless if a person is not
willing to put all that work into action. Much like a
performance athlete, all the training has led to the big
event. How will you perform under pressure?
Your performance will be measured by the employers
you will meet through cold calls, networking and
interviews. You will face acceptance and rejection but
you must not waiver in the belief in your abilities and the
fact that you will get a job that best suits you.
Improve your odds by using your support network
(friends, family, career resource centres, and
counsellors) for moral support and encouragement when
you feel your motivation dropping.
Stay positive and focused on your goals!
Let’s take a few minutes and talk about the interview
process…
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The Interview and the Art of Networking
You've got a plan, prepared a portfolio and now you are
ready to start meeting employers.
The point of meeting an employer is to determine if any
future employment relationship would be beneficial to
both parties.
What's in it for the employer? Will they be hiring an
employee that will be a positive assets for the company?
What current business problem will this person help
solve?
What's in it for the employee? Will this company help
me to develop the skills I need for my long term career
growth? Does this job meet my needs (wages, benefits,
etc)?
An interview is nothing more than a structured method to
keep your meeting with an employer as professional,
objective and time effective as possible.
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The Interview and the Art of Networking
Successful job seekers are those who know how the
business world works and can adapt their behaviours
to fit those expectations.
The expectations most employers have for their
employees are;
Provide services that benefit the company
Positively represent the company in business
relationships
Add value to the corporate culture
(ie: they are team players, bring new ideas,
expertise)
It is a risky proposition for employers to hire someone
who may turn out to be a liability, so your job is to
ease those concerns and help them understand how
valuable an asset you are to that company.
The next couple of slides will provide you with tips on
marketing yourself as an asset.
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The First Impression
Many hiring decisions are made within the first few
seconds of an employer meeting a job seeker, so it is
important to stack the odds in your favour by;
Look the employer in the eye when you speak
Shake hands with a firm grip
Dress in professional business attire (even if the job
does not require a suit/dress)
Be well groomed
Conceal tattoos, piercings and be conservative with
makeup / hair styles.
Did you know…
Communicate confidently
Be polite and professional
Be prepared (research the company in advance)
Be punctual (even a little early)
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The Interview
There are six types of interview styles that a job seeker
may encounter;
Traditional Interview
Behavioural Interview
Case Interview
Situational Interview
Stress Interview
Phone Interview
The traditional and behavioural interview styles are the
most common, but we will examine each style so you
can be prepared for anything an employer may throw
your way.
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The Traditional Job Interview
The traditional job interview uses broad-based
questions such as, “Why do you want to work for this
company," and “Tell me about your strengths and
weaknesses.“
Interviewing success or failure are more often based on
the ability of the job-seeker to communicate than on the
truthfulness or content of their answers.
Employers are looking for the answers to three
questions:
1. Does the job-seeker have the skills and abilities
to perform the job?
2. Does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm and
work ethic that the employer expects?
3. Will the job-seeker be a team player and fit into
the organization?
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Tell me what you know about
my company and why you
would like to work here.
The Behavioural Job Interview
The behavioral job interview is based on the theory that
past performance is the best indicator of future
behavior.
It uses questions that probe specific past behaviors,
such as: “Tell me about a time where you confronted an
unexpected problem," and “Give me a specific example
of a time when you managed several projects at once."
Job-seekers need to prepare for these interviews by
recalling scenarios that fit the various types of
behavioral interviewing questions.
Job-seekers should frame their answers based on a
four-part outline:
1. Describe the situation
2. Discuss the actions you took
3. Relate the outcomes
4. Specify what you learned from the experience
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Tell me about a time where
you were faced with a
difficult situation and how
you resolved it.
The Case Interview
Case interviews are designed to scrutinize the skills
that are especially important in management consulting
and related fields: quantitative skills, analytical skills,
problem-solving ability, communications skills,
creativity, flexibility, the ability to think quickly under
pressure, listening skills, business acumen, keen
insight, interpersonal skills, the ability to synthesize
findings, professional demeanor, and powers of
persuasion. There are a variety of problem-solving
strategies a person can research and practice if they
expect they may be asked to participate in a case
interview. But generally a person should,
Listen to the scenario carefully
Ask for clarification if needed
Be aware that there is rarely only "one" right
answer
Identify the most important issues and address
those first
Don't be afraid to be creative
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Our company is in the process of creating a
new corporate logo. I am going to provide
you with some proposed samples and I want
you to tell me which one reflects our mission
statement best and why.
The Situational Interview
In situational interviewing, job-seekers are asked to
respond to a specific situation they may face on the job,
and some aspects of it are similar to behavioral
interviews.
These types of questions are designed to draw out more
of your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as
how you handle problems with short notice and minimal
preparation.
Situational interviews are similar to behavioral
interviews, except while behavioral focus on a past
experience, situational interviews focus on a hypothetical
situation.
The key to preparation and success in situational
interviews is simply to;
1. Review your past work experiences
2. Review the steps you took to resolve problems
3. Rehearse examples of past experiences that
are relevant to typical employment scenarios.
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Let's pretend you were about to close the
sale on a major account, but for some
unexpected reason, the client decides to buy
from a competitor. What steps would you
take to save the account?
The Phone Interview
Here are a few tips to help you have a successful
phone interview;
Know what job you are interviewing for.
Practice. Have a friend call you to do a mock
phone interview so you get the feel of being
interviewed over the phone.
If you cannot devote enough time to a phone
interview, suggest a specific alternate time to
the recruiter. It's often best to be the one who calls
back so you can be mentally prepared.
Consider keeping some notes in front of you to
remind yourself of key points you want to cover
with the interviewer. You don't want your responses
to sound scripted, but you don't want to fumble for
important points either. Also have your resume in
front of you so you can remember highlights of your
experience and accomplishments.
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Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If
you've completed a response, but the
interviewer hasn't asked his or her next
question, don't start babbling just to fill in
airtime. Instead, ask a question of your own
related to your last response.
No matter which style (or combination of interview questions) an
employer chooses to throw at you, your key to getting through with a
good result is;
1. Research. Research the company and the type of job to which
you are applying. Your knowledge of these factors is critical to your
success.
2. Preparation. While the types of questions differ depending on
the interviewing style, job-seekers must plan ahead. A god strategy
is to prepare 1-2 minute “stories” that highlight the skills you want to
showcase to the employer. Stories of a time you acted as a leader,
dealt with a difficult situation and had to complete a task under a
tight deadline would be good to have prepared ahead of time. You
should also have several questions ready to ask the interviewer.
3. Maintain your cool. Interviews are stressful (even for the
employer). Relax, be courteous and remain confident in your
abilities. The rest will take care of itself.
4. Follow-Up. It is amazing how many job-seekers skip this crucial
step. A good strategy is to send an email to the employer to thank
them for the interview. Not only is this part of professional etiquette,
it shows you are keen and keeps you on the top of their mind when
they are making a hiring decision. Keep it brief and NEVER send
gifts as part of your thank you.
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Putting it all Together
Summary of Module 5: Job Search Strategies
Let's take one final look at what you've got packed to start
your journey;
1. A plan. It is recommended that most of your job
search (80%) should target the hidden job market and the
remaining 20% to the advertised job market. You will
determine what combination works best for you.
2. The tools. You should have a cover letter, resume and
portfolio (with copies of your certificates, company
research and interview prep) ready to go.
3. The commitment to know what you want and not stop
until you get it. The job search process can be an
emotional rollercoaster but maintaining your focus and
sticking to a well organized plan will get you through it.
So that's it!
You are ready to hit the streets and find that job that's out
there waiting for you.
© The Work Room (www.careersthatwork.ca) 10142014SC
Check out these websites:
http://www.monster.ca/
http://www.nbjobs.ca
http://www.quintcareers.com/
http://www.youth.gc.ca/
www.careersthatwork.ca
Select the “Job Search” icon
Putting it all Together
A career planning workbook and career
coaching guide for parents are available from
a Work Room coordinator as part of the PACE
e-learning modules. In the workbooks are
exercises that you can complete and track
your career plan (an example is shown on the
right).
No matter how you structure your job search,
make sure you stay focused and organized.
Establish a routine that you can maintain and
always find opportunities to network.
Remember that you are a professional
that has a lot to offer an employer.
Stay positive and believe in yourself!
You will succeed.
© The Work Room (www.careersthatwork.ca) 7-16SC
Congratulations!
You have completed Module 5: Job Search
Strategies of the PACE e-learning series.
You can revisit this module at any time to review the
material or visit website links and resources that it
contains.
If you are working on your career plan with an
employment counsellor, guidance counsellor or
career coach, you should discuss with them the
information contained in this module.
© The Work Room (www.careersthatwork.ca) 10142014SC