Stepping UP Your Career Search! Cheretta Robson Assistant Director of Career Development

There is huge difference between a “job” and a “career”!

-Chris Rock

What is a Career Search?

The immediate goal of a career search is to obtain a job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired.

First Step: Know Who You Are!

Self Assessment Values: What is important to you?

Interest: What do you enjoy doing?

Personality: Are you a introvert or extrovert?

Skills: What skills and abilities have you developed that you enjoy doing?

Second Step: Develop Skills

Know multiple Job Search Strategies Interviewing Skills Record Keeping / Organization Positive Attitude and PersistenceCertifications/ Advanced EducationCreate a Professional Brand

Third Step: Get the Right Tools

Resumes Cover Letters Create a Portfolio References and Recommendations Social Media Networks Professional Image Thank You Notes

Fourth Step: Explore Opportunities

Make a list of companies Research employers Explore positions Informational Interviews MINGLING Attend career fairs Join groups and associations

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE Communication Skills (verbal and written) Strong Work Ethic Team Work Skills Initiative Interpersonal Skills Problem Solving Skills Analytical Skills Flexibility/Adaptability Computer/Technical Skills

Fifth Step: Come UP With A Career Search Plan

Map out your job search before you begin Set weekly and daily objectives Prioritize your obligations Make Contacts Follow up Use your resources Find people you know that can help!

Common Mistakes DURING The Job Search

Relying on one strategy Lack of focus and career objective Failure to identify and using networks Targeting only large employers Unprofessional materials or appearances Underestimated time need to search for a job

TOP REASON FOR JOB REJECTION

Lack of self knowledge Lack of company knowledge Lack of questions Lack of enthusiasm Lack of confidence Poor communication skills Unprofessional application or appearance

Sixth Step: Utilize The Right Tools

Online Job Banks (i.e., SFC Job Bank) Optimal Resume LinkedIn job postings Newsletters and Journals from Trade or Professional

organizations Recruiting agencies Personnel department postings Job posting on corporate websites Newspaper classified ads Job fairs Networking nights

Job Resources for Entry Level Candidates

Top Entry Level Job Sites CollegeGrad.com CollegeRecruiter.com CoolWorks One Day, One Job Simply Hired New Graduate Jobs

IS SOCIAL MEDIA IMPORTANT?

It’s become a fact of job-hunting life. With more than 90 percent of recruiters now using social media to find job candidates, if you want to improve your job search, or your career, you’ll have to engage on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Resource: Article: How to use LinkedIn, Facebook, etc., for your job searchhttp://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12684858-how-to-use-linkedin-facebook-etc-for-your-job-search?lite

What type of social media should I use to find a job?

"More and more people are finding jobs via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites. These media aren't changing how we look for jobs, they are simply

rebooting the traditional habits of successful job hunters and making them easier.

Resource: Use social media in your job search, MNBC Business http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47551607/ns/business/t/use-social-media-your-job-search/#.UAVteJFS7hc

Seventh Step: Continuous Stage

Keep up with Industry Stay Competitive: Build Skills and

Knowledge Expand and Maintain Network Keep positive!!!

Career Development Center Services

Career Counseling Career Library of

Resources Vocational Assessment

Testing Resume & Cover Letter

Guidance Workshops/Career Events Mock Interviews SFC Job Bank

Jobs postings Panel

Discussions/Guest Speakers

Career Fairs Graduate School

Advisement Graduate School Fair Optimal Resume

SFC Job Bank

www.myinterfase.com/stfranciscollege/student

Optimal Resume

https://sfc.optimalresume.com/

General Career Resources

www.bls.gov/oco/ (for research)www.collegegrad.comwww.careerbuilder.comwww.vault.comwww.careerjournal.comwww.directemployers.comwww.flipdog.comwww.hoovers.comwww.hotjobs.comwww.jobbankusa.comwww.jobfinderadvisory.comwww.hotjobs.comwww.jobbankusa.comwww.jobfinderadvisory.com

www.monster.comwww.wetfeet.comwww.craigslist.orgwww.4work.comwww.collegejournal.comwww.collegerecruiter.comwww.aftercollege.comwww.campuscareercenter.comwww.fpa.orgwww.snagajob.comwww.simplyhired.comwww.indeed.com

General Career Resources (cont.)

 

Linked-in www.linkedin.comMeet-Up Groups www.meetup.comNational Career Fairs www.nationalcareerfairs.comNetworking for Professionals www.networkingforprofessionals.comNew York Public Business and Science Library – Free Career Workshops http://www.nypl.org/locations/tid/65/node/40820Glassdoor Company Information www.glassdoor.comOccupational Outlook Handbook www.online.onetcenter.orgEmployment Agencies/Recruiting Firms www.citidex.com/2520.htmProfessional Career Associations (varies by field but you can conduct a google search)Chamber of Commerce MeetingsFaculty Advisors/ChairsInformational Interviews/Company ResearchFriend or Family Company ReferralsHoover’s OnlineFortune, Business Week, NY Times, Forbes, Industry Week, Better Business Bureau

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

- Milton Berle -

Q & ACareer Development Center

2nd Floor, Room 2311718-489-5260

careercenter@sfc.edu

Stepping UP Your Career Search! Cheretta Robson

Assistant Director of Career Development