Identifying Job Opportunities 1

Identifying Job Opportunities

This module consists of three individual lessons:

Part 1: Internet Part 2: Networking Part 3: Job Fairs

Identifying Job Opportunities 2

Primary Points

Use the Internet to search for and identify job opportunities

Define networking and create a networking list

Create a to-do list for a job fair you want to attend

Identifying Job Opportunities 3

What You Need

An error-free resume that accurately reflects your abilities and is appealing to prospective employers

A cover letter (or e-mail) that expresses your interest in the posted job

To work hard at finding a job --- so that finding a job becomes your job.

A positive attitude!

Identifying Job Opportunities 4

The Internet

Search Windows

Identifying Job Opportunities 5

Search Techniques

Search by job title (e.g., Sales Associate or Administrative Assistant)

Search by key word or phase (e.g., data entry)

Search by sector or field as well as by job title, location, education, hours, etc.

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Useful Web Sites

Popular Search Engines Popular Employer Web Siteswww.indeed.comwww.monster.comwww.careerbuilder.comwww.google.comwww.hotjobs.comwww.thejobplanet.comwww.governmentjobs.comwww.washingtonpost.comwww.luckydogjobs.comwww.hirenet.comwww.virginiajobnetwork.comwww.jobbankinfo.orgwww.usajobs.govwww.idealist.org

www.nvcc.edu

www.cox.com

www.fcps.edu

http://www.inova.org/inova_fairfax_hospital/index.jsp

www.cardinalbank.com

www.navyfcu.org

www.vahospitalcenter.com

www.fairfaxcounty.gov

www.chevychasebank.com

www.sparkshr.com

www.kellyservices.com

www.vaworkconnect.com

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Posting Resumes on Web SitesPros and Cons

Pros Cons

Prospective employers can see your resume

Thousands of employers can see your resume

Identifying Job Opportunities 8

Email Your Resume

Copy and paste your cover letter or a brief note into the message box.

Use spell check to avoid careless mistakes.

Click on the icon for attachment.

Select and add your resume.

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Sample Electronic Resume

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Job Tracking Sheet

Date Company Job Title Note3/1/08 B Jones Company Data Entry Sent resume via email

3/1/08 Smith’s Construction Receptionist Faxed resume and cover letter

3/1/08 SAIC Admin. Asst. Completed online application and attached resume

3/2/08 SPARKS Staffing Admin. Asst. Completed online application, sent resume, called recruiter, recruiter will send assessment link on 3/3/08. # XXX-XXX-XXXX

3/2/08 The Maids Bilingual Receptionist

Called and email resume and cover letter. Manager will call later this week.

Identifying Job Opportunities 11

Networking

A network is your group of contacts It can consist of co-workers (past and

present), classmates, neighbors, family members.

Be willing to call or meet with people!A network is made up of all the people you have ever

met, served, or worked with.

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Sample Network List – Work It!

Contact Name

Job Title Company Phone Number/Email Address

Referral to Anyone in Your Field?

Jane SmithMarketing Director

Northern Virginia Landscaping

(703) 123-4567jsmith@nvl.com

John Smith

(571)123-4567

Identifying Job Opportunities 13

Informational Interviewing?

Interviews with people doing the job that you want to do.

Short meetings are best, at their convenience www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html

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Sample Informational Questions:

Tell me how you got into your current position?

What are the biggest challenges for someone in this type of job?

What is your advice for someone entering this field?

What skills are most important for success in this field?

Identifying Job Opportunities 15

Job Fairs - Preparation

Know the employers attending, and the skill sets that they are seeking.

Dress professionally and bring resumes. Have 30 second intro of self ready