For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. --Jeremiah 29:11

A question before we begin… What is one action you can take to have a job before you receive your diploma?

What do know about yourself? YOU, INC. Skills and abilities? Natural strengths? (Thriving in Mind by Katherine Benziger) Passions? Observe. Listen. Look for intersections! What gives you energy? What are your key accomplishments? What are your USP’s? Why should an employer hire you over the person next to you? Characteristics of a CEO STAR: Situation or Task, Action, Results

What do employers want? Positive attitude Verbal and written communication skills Honesty & integrity Interpersonal skills & teamwork Strong work ethic Motivation & self-initiative Flexibility & adaptability Computer skills Analytical/critical thinking and problem solving skills Organizational skills = SELF MANAGEMENT

How do you communicate your strengths? Resumes (Skill highlights, keywords, verbs, quantify, share your story and achievements) Cover letters (Hook, highlight, call to action) References (Supervisors, professors, coaches) LinkedIn Profile (How can it be used?) Networking (Building relationships?) Elevator speech (Verbal “billboard”) Portfolio (Electronic or hard copy “demonstrations”)

You, Inc. in the Marketplace Narrow Your Focus Research job titles that match you (O*Net) Find employers/environments that suit you and need your skills Target your job search documents and network, network, network…. Before you the end of your Junior Year 5-6 job titles that match you 5-6 employers that have a mission and values that fit you

Successful Job Search Start now & get experience…. An Available Network: Alumni LinkedIn Group Pay attention & build self-management skills….

The Best and Worst Ways to Find a Job The Job-Hunter’s Survival Guide How to Find Hope and Rewarding Work, Even When “There Are No Jobs” Richard N. Bolles

College Days, Reconsidered % who say doing each of the following while they were undergraduates would have better prepared them to get the job they wanted: Gain more work experience 50% Study harder38% Look for work sooner30% Choose a different major29% From PEW Research Center, Q22a-d; published in The Atlantic, February,

Your Purpose & His Promise For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. --Jeremiah 29:11