Developing a Job Search Strategy CAT Career Conference NOVEMBER 1, 2014 RHEA DEVER, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Agenda  Beginning Your Search Strategy & Process  Capturing Skills/Experiences  Targeting Strategies  The Importance of Networking  Differentiating Yourself  Questions?

When does your job search process actually begin? It Already Has!

What You do Today Matters  Work Experience  Campus/Community Involvement  Professional Relationship Network  Academic Achievement  Research Experience Know What is Valued in Your Chosen Profession

Build Your Portfolio  Note important skills and experiences you are building throughout your college career  Helps you build a resume  Helps you establish examples to share during future interview processes  Note what you learn about your chosen field, potential target companies/institutions  Capture names of people who can serve as potential references, key contacts for potential employment/internship opportunities  The closer you are to graduation, the more critical to collect this information

Skill and Experience-Building  Focus on skill development that transfers across multiple fields and careers:  Leadership  Teamwork/Collaboration (navigating conflict)  Communication – verbal and written  Problem-solving  Managing Change  Independent-thinking  Time Management Don’t forget life skills like stress management and balance!

Build Your Professional Network  “Who you Know” still Matters  Professors  Managers/Supervisors  Internship/practicums are valuable  Professional Associations  Employees of your targeted companies  Social Media Connections  Career Fairs

Targeting Positions and Organizations  “Interview” individuals in your target profession/position  What was their career path?  What feedback regarding companies/institutions?  What experiences/skills most valuable?  Do Your Research on Companies of Interest  Organization website (mission, leadership, etc).  Review their benefits package!  Facebook Pages  Linked In and other social media sources Linked In

As You Get Closer to Graduation…  Treat job search process like a job  Be proactive – don’t wait for jobs to come to you  Submitting a resume/application is often not enough  Consider professional assistance (staffing organizations, etc.)  Temporary positions may lead to full-time job opportunity

Know your “Target” Value  Explore your resources   Salary ranges will be driven by a number of factors:  Supply and Demand – hot skill/discipline?  Region of the Country (local versus national market)  Your education and experience (2 years versus 10 years)  Internal equity  Union contract  Budgets (considering salary and fringe)

Differentiate Yourself - The Application Process  Pay as Much Attention to Application Process as you do to Resume/CV Process  Online submissions are common  Resume and Application must Align  Ensure Accuracy  Follow directions - provide all requested documents

Broad Net versus Narrow?  More isn’t always better  Know yourself and what you value  Is this a job you want  Don’t just apply to apply  Minimum qualifications mean just that – minimum  Avoid multiple applications at the same company  Don’t get discouraged – Learn from your job search experiences  Your persistence will pay off

Questions?