Self-Directed Job Search Strategies

Self-Directed Job Search Strategies Discussion Workshop Mark Brostoff, Associate Director Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Career Services Four Critical Elements of an Effective Job Search • Self-Assessment • Goal Setting • Defining your skills • Putting your skills to work • Must have a goal to be effective • Your advertisement • What you have to sell “YOU” • Effective Resume Preparation • Interviewing/Negotiating Techniques • Mastering the interview • Answering interview questions Ground Rules to Consider • Easy to follow strategy • Get yourself organized • Finding a job is a full-time job • Planning your career • Networking • Self-assessment of essential needs and desires • Experience, knowledge and skill sets • Two-parties have needs that must be met Strategy to Consider • Identify opportunities that align with your goals and interests • Convince employers that they need to interview you to determine if you meet their needs and have the potential to succeed • Prepare to present “Product YOU” Step 1 • Understand the Employment Marketplace • Take time to understand the realities in today’s employment marketplace. They may differ from your expectations. • U.S. Department of Labor statistics • Occupational Outlook by industry Step 2 • Make a Plan to Achieve Your Job Search Goals • Establish and follow a plan to meet your objectives. • Set a time table for achieving each goal and stick to it as closely as possible • Make yourself accountable • Keep accurate records Step 3 • Gather Information About Your Targeted Job Through Networking and Research • Determine your employment needs and desires. • Investigate job functions, industries and geographical locations of jobs where you have an initial interest. • Future trends Step 4 • Refining the Resume to Package “Product YOU” • Identify and document your marketable experience, knowledge, and skills • Visual Impact • Be Positive • Be Honest • Target your qualifications • Utilize information from your research and networking to package and market YOU Step 5 • Secure Referrals and Introductions Through Your Network • Utilize networking contacts from alumni and friends • Choose your references with care • “Thank you” is a powerful statement. • Unfortunately, it is seldom heard. Step 6 • Get an Interview with the Decision Maker • Take networking contacts to the next level to secure introductions with decision makers that will lead to interviews. • Goal of a job search campaign is to meet face-to-face with employers • Preparation is critical to success. • Research the employer, the industry, and the job Step 7 • Final Preparation to Ace the Interview • Your power in a job search is in making effective presentations to employers regarding your knowledge, skills, work experience, and motivation for that company and job. • Build information learned during your networking efforts to reinforce your fit with the targeted job. • Maintain a good attitude and a healthy sense of humor Step 8 • The Interview and Follow-Up • Review what to expect during the interview and pitfalls to avoid. • Learn how to measure your fit during an on-site interview. • Develop a plan to close the sale and properly follow-up • Preparation is critical to good telephone communication. Scripting is simply planning what you are going to say before you say it. Step 9 • Deliver “Product YOU’ • Your start date is set. • Assure them you delivered on your potential. • Plan to stay connected in order to retain your value and marketability. Resource Tools Use online resources to help locate valuable information 1. Vault 2. WetFeet 3. Going Global 4. H1VisaJobs UCSO Career Resources • Career Resource Links • Career/Job Search • Industry Job Search • Geographic Job Search • Internships and Volunteer Work • Interview Resources • Salary & Relocation • International Students • Diversity Resources Get it done • An effective strategy will • help you use printed resources, webbased resources, and networking contacts • help you identify and consider a variety of jobs until you secure the opportunity you want. Remember • Your employment future is your responsibility. • Savvy job seekers will make full us of the wide array of resources provided to them.