Job Search Strategies
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Job Search Campaign Strategies
Writing a formal job search campaign will give you the opportunity to consider the situation from several different perspectives. Taking the time to organize your plans will pay off, especially when it becomes time to consider offers.
Research
Circle as many as you like: I am interested in: Non-profit | Firm | Corporate | Government | Financial | Entertainment | Sports | (___________) I am specifically interested in working in the: North | Northwest | Northeast | South | Southwest | Southeast | Midwest City of choice: ____________________ Select three: I am very: Organized | Responsible | Creative | Technically-minded | Adaptable | Disciplined | Enthusiastic | Enterprising | Innovative | Personable | Positive | Productive | Resourceful | Versatile Rate the following: 1-Not very important My dream job would offer: A lot of money Great benefits Tuition reimbursement Training and educational opportunities A comfortable work environment Responsibility An opportunity to grow An opportunity to learn Personable co-workers A friendly supervisor/boss A relaxed atmosphere A highly competitive atmosphere A growing company A profitable company An easy commute 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 2-Somewhat important 3-Very important 4-Extremely important
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Planning
Establish goal(s):
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In your own words, write your campaign goal. Be specific and include the area of PR that you are interested in, the geographic location of your choice and your strongest professional attributes.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Establish objectives:
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Network with professionals in the community. Gather information on companies/organizations. (see chart below) Gather information on the position offered. (see chart below) Organize all information gathered and keep in a file on the specific company, include business cards, contact names, contact dates and notes from the interview. Interview at several different companies/organizations. Other:_________________________________________________________________ Other:_________________________________________________________________ Other:_________________________________________________________________
Research on Company/Organization Name of Company Type (Brochures, Philosophy press kit, articles) Standing in Community Financial Position Years in Business
Research on Position Name of Company Job Title Responsibilities Desired Qualifications Benefits/Pay
Identify key publics—whom you need to contact in order to reach your goal
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Decision-makers ________________________ PRSSA ________________________ PRSA Members ________________________ Networking contacts ________________________ Message design— List the three strongest professional attributes identified in the research section: ______________________________________________________________________ State how will you reinforce this message to the potential employer:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tactics—what you will do in order to achieve your goal Attend PRSA Meetings ___________ When? ___________ Contact PRSSA ___________ How? ___________ Send ____(#) resumes ___________ When? ___________ Telephone ____(#) companies ___________ When? ___________ Other ___________ ___________ Other ___________ ___________ Other ___________ ___________
Calendar— Maintain a daily and monthly calendar of things to do. Include dates for receiving information on company/organization, initial telephone calls, mailing resumes, interviews and thank you letters. Keep track of when you said you would call, write or contact someone. Even after the fact, these dates are good to refer to. Always keep things-to-do lists and calendars.
Budget— Approximately how long will your job campaign take? ______________________________________________________________________
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What will your personal expenses be during this time? ______________________________________________________________________ If your resources are not sufficient, what steps do you need to take to improve your resources?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Programming
Job Search Campaign Things-To-Do List Priority Project Write resume Write sample cover letter Compile portfolio Create a personal press kit (see portfolio section) Contact key publics Send resumes, cover letters and personal press kits (see portfolio section) Contact by telephone Set up interviews Organize notes Write sample thank you letters Follow-up calls Target date for completion Date completed
Evaluation If you are not offered a job:
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Ask for advice from professionals and interviewers. Review your campaign and make adjustments—resume, cover letters, thank you letters, portfolio. Analyze your interviewing style—audio or video tape yourself if possible.
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Be persistent. Be patient. Do not take it personally.
If you are offered a job:
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Make recommendations for yourself for future job campaigns. Review the research on the company and notes taken from the interview. Consider: Environment, co-workers, insurance, retirement plans, salary and bonuses. Call a mentor and ask for advice. Rate the position as described below.
Rate the following: 1-Not very important This job offers: A lot of money Great benefits Tuition reimbursement Training and educational opportunities A comfortable work environment Responsibility An opportunity to grow An opportunity to learn Personable co-workers A friendly supervisor/boss A relaxed atmosphere A highly competitive atmosphere A growing company A profitable company An easy commute
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2-Somewhat important
3-Very important
4-Extremely important
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234
Compare your responses to the research section of your campaign. Make a list of pros and cons regarding the position. Do not take longer than five business days to make a decision. Trust your instincts.
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