Chapter 13

Job Search Skills

“Choose a job you love, and you will

never have to work a day in your life.”

Confucius

OBJECTIVES

Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career

Conduct a targeted job search including a realistic job preview

Determine the cost of living in your desired work location

Ensure a professional electronic image Create a job search portfolio Identify references to be used in your job search Identify sources for job leads Define networking and create a professional network

THE JOB SEARCH

Successful job search strategy identifies Type of job you will be looking for Needed tools and resources How to use tools and resources

Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER

Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals

Review Trigger Words Complete Accomplishments

Worksheet Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER

Realistic job preview Identifies day to day and common

tasks for a specific job Identify additional educational

needs Identify other requirements

DMV history Credit history

TALK IT OUT

Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?

CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE

Introductory statements for resumé Both statements are used on résumé

to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position

Statement will be first item listed on resumé

CAREER OBJECTIVE

A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience Include interest in position Brief one line description of skills

related to position and how you will utilize your skills

Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Example:“Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”

PERSONAL PROFILE

A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience Group key skills and accomplishments

into general categories Identify key qualities that match target

job Take information and turn into two-three

sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications

PERSONAL PROFILE

Example:“Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Identify and Target Step toward a satisfying career job Reflects your values Support your life plan Industries that require your key skills Specific jobs in identified industries Desired work environment

THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH

Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers Where you want to work Cost of living

Average costs of basic necessities

PREPARATION

Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means

Conduct internet search on self Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other

negative material Maintain professional e-mail address and

voice mail Avoid text slang in written communications

TALK IT OUT

What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO

Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews Some items from job search portfolio will become

part of your interview portfolio covered in Ch. 15 Keeps job seeker organized and prepared

while job searching Use three-ring binder with tabs and/or

electronic files Keep original and two copies of each item Place original documents in page protectors

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO

Electronic job search portfolio Recommended Computerized folder that contains

electronic copies of job search documents

Scan copies of documents in your hardcopy portfolio

Send as attachments if needed

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO

Personal Business Card Contains personal contact information

Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail

Professional and easy to read No graphics, colors, or fancy fonts

Share card with anyone you meet

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIOItems to include:

Network list Personal business card Resumé Cover letter Reference list Letters of

recommendation Transcripts Current state licenses Awards, certificates,

samples

Completed generic application

Copy of ID and/or driver’s license

Copy of DMV record Personal

commercial Small calendar,

notepad, pen Performance

appraisals

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

Have completed generic application available Do not list social security number or birth

date on application Applications are legal documents

Credit checks Background checks

Fully understand agreement prior to signing A keyboarded application is best

May be online or at a kiosk

Professional references Potential employer will contact Do not list on your résumé Create a separate page for references Do not send references with résumé

unless it is requested by employer Have a copy available at the interview

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant

Have at least three letters of recommendation No more than two years old Letters can be from

past or present employers coworkers instructors someone you worked for as a

volunteer

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

Directly from target company Internet search

Job banks, social networking sites, message boards

Industry journals and associations Current employees of target

industry/company Posted job positions Your professional network Government career assistance centers

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

Visiting a company for open positions Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of resumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job

seekers Be prepared for an on the spot interview

SOURCES OF JOB LEADSUnsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes

Send cover letter and resumé (may be through electronic means) One to the human resource manager One to the manager of your target job

Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers Correct spelling Correct gender

Increases the opportunity to secure an interview

NETWORKING

Networking: the act of creating professional relationships Resource of individuals to call

upon for assistance and/or advice Face to face Social media

Person 3tells

Person 2tells

Person 6tells

Person 7tells

Person 5tells

Person 4tells

And this network continues

youtell

Person 1tells

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Building a Professional Network

Figure 13-1

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

People to include in network: Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Networking begins with attitude Be confident Initiate and introduction Use your personal business card Begin with a professional handshake

Create an electronic network Be cautious when sharing information

TALK IT OUT

What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share when creating an online network?

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry A way to find out about a company Ask questions about:

Jobs Hiring Company culture

Attending professional or trade association meetings

Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events

Volunteering for a local park clean-up day

Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Network list: a written list of all network contacts. Include contact’s:

Name Address Telephone number E-mail address

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY

Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources

Beware of identity theft Ensure target employer is

legitimate Do not share birth date or social

security number

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Keep job search confidential Do not quit current job before

accepting a new job Do not bad-mouth your company or

anyone that works for your current or former employer