Transcript Keys to a Successful Job Search

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KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH
NWTC Career Services
April 23, 2009
True or False
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If there are several applicants for one position, the
person with the best qualifications generally gets the
job offer.
False
True or False
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The Human Resources Office does all the hiring and
firing, so that’s the first place to contact if you are
looking for a job.
False
True or False
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The most effective way to get job interviews is the old
adage, “See a guy who knows a guy,” A technique
known as “Networking.”
True
True or False
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It is important to include every job you ever held when
writing a resume.
False
True or False
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A job interview is really a sales presentation by the
applicant. Therefore, the job seeker must sell his or
her personality, potential, strengths, and experience.
True
True or False
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Approximately 2% of job seekers are successful in
obtaining an interview when responding to a blind
ad.
True
True or False
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The job application is considered a tool of the
employer, while the resume is considered a tool of the
job seeker.
True
Before you start knocking on doors, you’ll want to
prepare for your search.
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Self Assessment
Explore Career Options
Research Employers
Prepare Job Search Materials
A self assessment will help you identify what you
are looking for in a job.
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You should be able to:
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Describe what you want to do
Match your skills, values, and interests to career fields and
job titles
Research your career fields
Career Counseling | NWTC Graduate Follow-Up | Career Center Library |
Occupational Outlook Handbook | www.myplan.com
Researching Employers can help you learn about the
organization and determine your place in it.
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Make a list of preferred employers to target
Learn more about the employers by researching
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Employer Websites
Networking Opportunities
Job Related Search Engines
Annual Reports
Trade Associations
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Newspapers
Fellow Professionals
Competitors
Internet
TechConnect
Consider conducting informational interviews
TechConnect| Professional Associations| Career Center Library | Occupational
Outlook Handbook
Employer Locator
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/employerlocator
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Prepare Job Search Materials
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Prepare an effective resume and cover letter – getting a job is SALES!
 1 page accomplishments based resume
 Proof-read!
Practice interviewing
 Review practice questions before going to an interview
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Purchase appropriate interview apparel
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Focus on the employer’s needs
Resume Critiques| Resume Samples and Books| Workshops| Mock Interviews
Top 10 Job Search Survival Tips
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Consider Volunteering
Consider Temping
Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise
Join a Professional Association
Timing
Emotional Support
Use the Career Center
Network Intelligently
Turn off your computer
Give yourself a Break
#10 - Consider Volunteering
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Volunteering with help build your network of local professionals
It also may provide experience in your field. For example: A marketing
student may help plan and advertise for a fundraising event
#9 - Consider Temping
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Working for a Temporary Agency has many benefits:
 Get your foot in the door of a good organization
 “Try before you buy” – You are able to try out an organization without
much of a commitment
 Get valuable professional work experience
 Meet professionals working in your field
 Earn a few dollars during your job search
#8 - Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise
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You will be more alert mentally, if you take care of your physical health
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Take advantage of the nice weather – get outside and enjoy it!
#7 - Join a Professional Association
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Professional Associations provide:
 Journals
 Provide up to date information about your field (great for interviews)
 Highlight the ‘movers and shakers’ in your field
 Provide connections to professional development and conferences
 Access to member information – great for networking!
 Job Listing services
 Great resume builders
 Local Chapters
#6 - Timing
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Good jobs don’t stay open long- act immediately if
you are interested in a position
#5 - Emotional Support
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Looking for a job can be a stressful endeavor
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Rely on your family and friends for support
#4 - Use the Career Center
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Use the Career Center in person or online
Individual appointments to assist with your job search strategies are
available
Check out our office for the latest job search news, job listings, workshops,
networking opportunities and links to area employers
Career Services
SC235
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-7:00pm
Friday – 8:00am-5:00pm
#3 - Network Intelligently
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Networking is not just about asking someone for a job
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Develop contacts and build long term relationships
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Most jobs come through people who know you and your skills
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Tell everyone you know that you are looking and what you are looking for
Networking
Direct contact with Decision-Makers
Published Job Openings
All others
30-49%
19-37%
15-24%
1-16%
#2 - Turn off your computer
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The internet provides a massive amount of information, however it does not
replace valuable personal interaction
Use your computer as one of many tools necessary for a successful job
search, not the only tool for your job search
Most people find jobs through other people, not via the internet
For each hour you spend online, try to match it with one hour of phone calls
and personal interaction
#1 - Give yourself a break
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Don’t be too hard on yourself. A job search can be a difficult task.
Don’t try to compare yourself to others, the job you decide to take has to
be right for you.
Your goal is multiple job offers!
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You have the most control when you have choice
You have no decisions to make until someone makes
you an offer
Pursue every option until you get an offer