For more help with job search contact us:

Career and Transfer Connections

Sierra College(916) 660-7481 or ctc@sierracollege.edu

Job Search Checklist

Step 1: Organize yourself: Save all info you collect

Set up a digital folder Bookmarks Physical folder for contacts

Step 2: What do I really want to do? Identify personal strengths, skills, interests, and values.

Assessments Looking for Direction Workshop Informational interview

Step 3: Determine the title of the job that you want. Research

www.mynextmove.org Google Indeed.com CalJOBS Professional Associations (use CaCareerCafe.com or google profession) Made a list of possible job titles/fields of interest. Narrow it to two or three careers/jobs I plan to pursue.

Step 4: Assess your Fit Education Experience Skills Do I have a weakness? How can I improve myself for the job?

Step 5: Research Openings/Companies Research 3 organizations or companies that might hire someone with my skills,

interests, and background. Research 3 potential career fields: typical entry-level jobs, typical salaries, best

geographic location for jobs, etc.

Determine the areas I’d like to live and work and if I am willing to move or commute for a job.

Identify 10 potential employers for the type of work I’m seeking Step 6: Develop Your Brand/Marketing Plan Consistent, Deliberate, Professional and Gracious! Sierra College Job Search Workshop LinkedIn Profile Uploaded ”Cleaned” up Facebook Page and other social media Resume and cover letter(s) reviewed by a professional in the field or a staff

member at Career & Transfer Connections Office. Developed my “30-second speech” for short encounters with employers. Interview suit that is appropriate for the field in which I plan to work. Professional-sounding answering machine/voice mail message in case an

employer calls. Neutral/professional e-mail address to give to employers.

Step 7: Start Networking, Applying and Interviewing Attended a WOW Interview Workshop Uploaded my resume(s) to the appropriate web sites and company web sites. Sierra Job Link for career opportunities. Read job-search resources for my field(s) of interest. Identified three individuals who will serve as references. Developed my interview skills. Prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions and/or

doing a mock interview. Follow up on every interesting job lead immediately. Developed a list of potential networking contacts and keep in touch with them. Resume next to my phone in case I receive a call from an employer. Follow-up each cover letter with a phone call or e-mail to the employer requesting

a job interview. Send thank you letters or e-mails to every person who interviews me.

Step 8: Adjust the Plan Proactive in my job search Positive attitude everyday Flexible and organized and ready to meet with an employer

start: strengths

know yourself

© 2013 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

To gain more insight into who you are and what you want, fill in the Venn diagram below.

do what you love. You’ll be better at it. — francis ford coppola

TIP: To find out what you love to do,

keep a “lab” notebook and record what

you are doing when you feel the happiest.

What do you love to do?

What will people pay you to do?

What are you good at?

How have you shown abilities in the following? Brainstorm each ability and give examples of how, when, and where you have use these skills

HOW WHEN WHERE PROBLEM SOLVING/ DECISION MAKING

COMMUNICATION

TEAMWORK

CRITICAL THINKING

PLAN/ ORGANIZE/ PRIORITIZE

COMPUTER LITERACY

TECHNICAL SKILLS

LEADERSHIP

PROBLEM SOLVING

Elevator Pitch Worksheet An elevator pitch is essential when networking with career professionals and attending career-related events such as career and internship fairs. An elevator pitch should be a short yet impressive introduction of yourself designed to market your experiences and skill sets. Important components of an elevator pitch are listed below. Fill out the worksheet and practice your pitch out loud. Remember to keep your pitch to 30 seconds or less. COMPONENTS OF AN ELEVATOR PITCH Who You Are and What You Do: You should start out your pitch by introducing yourself (name, year in school, what you study, etc.) as well as your relevant experiences such as work experience, leadership experience, volunteer work, club involvement, research experience, academic experience, etc. Hi. My name is ____________________________ and I am a ______________________ (junior, senior, etc.) studying __________________________at Sierra College. I have experience in_______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your Skills and/or Accomplishments: State some of your strongest skills and/or accomplishments that you feel would be meaningful to an employer or career professional. My strongest skills are______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ OR Some of my accomplishments include__________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What You Are Interested In Doing: State your career field of interest and list why you are interested in that field. I am interested in_______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What Ae You Wanting: What are you hoping to gain/learn from your contact with the employer or career professional? I’m interested in learning more about____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

Example: Hi. My name is Paige Turner and I am a senior studying Hospitality, Resort and Tourism Management. I have experience as an intern at several hotels including the Sheraton Hotel and the Comfort Suites. My skills in communication, problem solving, and sales have been strengthened from my internship experiences. I am interested in a sales position within the hotel industry and would love to learn more about your company and what you look for when hiring sales managers.

LinkedIn Profile ChecklistPHOTO: It doesn't have to be fancy - just

use your cellphone camera in front of a plain background. Wear a nice shirt and don't forget to smile!

HEADLINE: Tell people what you're excited about now and the cool things you want to do in the future.

SUMMARY: Describe what motivates you, what you're skilled at, and what's next.

EXPERIENCE: List the jobs you held, even if they were part-time, along with what you accomplished at each. Even include photos and videos from your work.

ORGANIZATIONS: Have you joined any clubs at school or outside? Be sure to describe what you did with each organization.

Continued >>

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE & CAUSES: Even if you weren't paid for a job, be sure to list it. Admissions officers and employers often see volunteer experience as just as valuable as paid work.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE: Add at least 5 key skills - and then your connections can endorse you for the things you're best at.

HONORS & AWARDS: If you earned a prize in or out of school, don't be shy. Let the world know about it!

COURSES: List the classes that show off the skills and interests you're most excited about.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Ask managers, professors, or classmates who've worked with you closely to write a recommendation. This gives extra credibility to your strengths and skills.

Want more LinkedIn tips for students? Check out students.linkedin.com

PROJECTS: Whether you led a team assignment in school or built an app on your own, talk about what you did and how you did it.

EDUCATION: Starting with college, list all the educational experiences you've had - including summer programs.