Job Search Strategies

Overview Essential tools you’ll need to make your job search easier. How to implement these tools. The importance of Networking. How to write a Winning Elevator Pitch (for Networking). Appropriate Job Search Websites. The Power of Your Social Media Presence Final TIPS to make this journey a pleasant one

Essential Tools Check List Powerful RESUME Stellar COVER LETTER Updated REFERENCE SHEET Copy of MASTER APPLICATION Designated FLASH DRIVE Professional INTERVIEW OUTFIT LOG (to keep track of your contacts and efforts) Job Info Sheet – have all of your current & past employment & employer info on 1 sheet for your own reference for when you’re filling out online or hardcopy job applications. Reference Sheet – 3 Professional References you will utilize (you can turn this in to potential employers / hiring manager’s)

ActionVerb + Job Duty + Result or Why A Powerful RESUME Convince the employer that you are worth an interview Use the correct résumé format (Chronological, Functional or Combination) to highlight your skills, abilities and work history A good résumé has balance – information and presentation Update your résumé for each employer based on the job description For great bullet points use the equation: ActionVerb + Job Duty + Result or Why Proofread, proofread, proofread…

Sample

A Stellar COVER LETTER First meeting between you and the employer Business Letter that introduces you to the employer Where you are able to showcase your personality and professionalism Use the same header and font as your Resume Modify your cover letter for each company/position you are applying to Find out the name of the person in charge of hiring so you can address the letter to that person If the cover letter does not “speak well”, the résumé will not be read! Be sure to check out the resources located in the Career Center

Sample

Reference Sheet Use your header from your resume Be consistent, match format of resume List references who can speak to your work ethic and skills Provide: Name Position Company-Address/Telephone Number Email address

Implement Your Strategy TOOLS IN HAND

Circle Your Top 5 RESOURCES Career Center Current Job ChaffeyConnect Previous Supervisor Career Counselor Social Networks Career Fairs Family & Friends Career Websites Mentors & Advocates Job Search Websites Professors & Teachers Industry Specific Websites Associations & Groups Direct Job Postings Networking Events Local Library Job Recruitment Event Internships Make a LIST of all your possible job RESOURCES. Each week, circle your Top 5!

Each Week… Pick your TOP 5 RESOURCES you’ll utilize Have a PLAN of ACTION Write down SHORT-TERM job search GOALS Create a LONG-TERM job search GOAL Re-group and try DIFFERENT APPROACH Stay ENCOURAGED and GET SUPPORT Consistently DEVELOP your NETWORK

Develop Your NETWORK

What is NETWORKING? Connecting and building rapport with others Promoting yourself in a genuine and friendly way Listening, asking questions, and being genuinely interested in others We’re always “NETWORKING” whether we know it or not. Our behaviors and assets are always being assessed (someone is always watching). It’s a give and take – we must speak up gracefully and promote ourselves in a professional way and we must listen and be interested in what others are passionate about too (connecting & building rapport). Don’t focus on outcome. A lot of it will be well needed PRACTICE.

RECEIVING THE APPLICATION EVALUATIONS OF RESUMES & LETTERS Why NETWORK? Typical Selection Process of Human Resources RECEIVING THE APPLICATION (100) EVALUATIONS OF RESUMES & LETTERS (25) PHONE INTERVIEW (15) INTERVIEWS (10) TEST (10) REFERENCE CHECK (2-3) JOB OFFER (1) Your must STAND OUT and stay as competitive (in a positive way) as possible! You may meet someone that will give you your next job or lead you to someone who will!

Hidden Job Market 20% of the jobs are on the SURFACE, but 80% of the jobs are HIDDEN.

Who is part of your NETWORK? Family & Friends Mentors & Advocates Neighbors Associations & Groups Parents Alumni Associations Professors & Teachers Human Resources Career Counselors Foundations Success Guides College Clubs Academic Counselors Student Government Current Supervisor Volunteer Affiliations Previous Supervisor Internship Supervisor Co-Workers Social Network Group

How do you NETWORK? Put yourself out there, take healthy risks, go to events, career fairs, speak up, talk to people, listen attentively Know yourself – be able to confidently relay who you are professionally (30 second Elevator Pitch) Emphasize what you can do / transferable skills (i.e. technical skills, customer service skills, etc.) Share with others the WHY & HOW you are ready to offer your foremost qualities (show them by being you!)

Your Elevator Pitch 30-60 Seconds

Elevator Pitch Within 30-60 seconds relay confidently and concisely who you are professionally top 3 qualifications that you bring to the table one important question or fact about their company Why is it called an “Elevator Pitch?” Imagine you only have seconds (an Elevator Ride) to relay to the CEO why they should interview and hire YOU! Practice! Practice! Practice!

Purpose To start a conversation (connect) To stand out To secure a job interview Your Goal is to get AN INTERVIEW or continue the conversation, not to seal the deal To start a conversation (connect) – more “networking” To stand out – to market yourself in a positive way, introduce yourself in a creative way and show your interest in them (their company) To secure a job interview – to get employer or 3rd party more curious about you and want to know more about you in an interview

Elevator Pitch… Concisely relay Who you are (name)? What you have to offer (skills)? Why this company (fact)? Why is it called an “Elevator Pitch?” Imagine you only have seconds (an Elevator Ride) to relay to the CEO why they should interview and hire YOU! Practice! Practice! Practice!

You have SKILLS even if you’ve never had a paid position (Recognize Your TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS). Jump outside your comfort zone and speak about what you have to offer intelligently. An employer or potential employment will only know what YOU gracefully and powerfully HIGHLIGHT about yourself

Practice! Practice! Practice! Elevator Pitch… Practice! Practice! Practice! “Hello Mr. Hire, I saw your profile on LinkedIn. I love what your company does for the community. My name is Anita Job and I would love to talk more about how I can help you carry out your mission. I’m a very outgoing, talented, socially responsible college student and I know I would be a great fit within your company. Can I tell you more about that? Why is it called an “Elevator Pitch?” Imagine you only have seconds (an Elevator Ride) to relay to the CEO why they should interview and hire YOU! Practice! Practice! Practice!

Narrow down the best sites for you Job Search Websites Narrow down the best sites for you

Job Search Websites General www.chaffeyconnect.com www.monster.com www.indeed.com http://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Employers-by-Major Federal jobs www.usajobs.gov State jobs http://www.ca.gov/Work/JobOpps/index.html https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx City jobs http://www.cityofrc.us/services/employment_opportunities/eoe.asp

Job Search Websites For Veterans www.vetjobs.com https://www.calvet.ca.gov/jobs http://www.gijobs.com/ http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Services_for_Veterans.htm Veterans' Employment and Training Service U.S. Department of Labor - Nancy Ise 2450 E. Lincoln Avenue Anaheim, California 92806-4175 Phone: (714) 687-4845 Fax: (714) 518-2391 se.nancy@dol.gov

Industry Specific Websites Jobs in non-profits or social services www.idealist.org The Arts http://www.cac.ca.gov/opportunities/jobs.php [arts council] www.starpolish.com [music industry] www.mandy.com [film & TV] Publishing/Media www.journalismjobs.com www.mediabistro.com www.bookjobs.com www.publishersmarketplace.com

Industry Specific Websites Education www.higheredjobs.com www.idealist.org www.edjoin.org Food Industry http://eater.com/marketplace/jobs www.goodfoodjobs.com Medical http://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/jobs.aspxhttp:// http://www.healthcareerweb.com/ IT & Computer Jobs www.dice.com [tech jobs]

Social Media Presence

How’s Your Social Media? Keep it clean and professional Clean up your social media sites Employer’s DO Google you Google yourself Create a LinkedIn Account It’s like a Facebook for professional contacts

Final Considerations Tips

Avoid Job Scams Be Aware - Craigslist, Care.com, Primerica (multi-level marketing). Google “Reviews.” You should never have to pay a fee in order to be hired! Interviews should be conducted at an actual place of business, such as a store or office. Be careful of anyone who asks you to meet them somewhere else, like their home. Be VERY careful about “work from home” and postal forwarding jobs. Don’t accept money orders as paychecks. When responding to a job ad that contains a link, type the web address for the company into your address bar to make sure you are giving your information to a real company. An ad asking you to transfer money for someone? Definitely a scam. Does it sound too good to be true? It probably is. Run! Research and Google (“reviews”, BBB) Go with your instincts

Tips Job search can be a daunting journey Get organized and get support Schedule it! (appts / tasks) Keep a record of employers / leads Follow up with phone call or email Career Center is a Great Resource! Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Mock Interviews, Job Search assistance. Career Center = Networking Tool Treat yourself to small accomplishments Schedule it! (appts / tasks) – Use Your GOOGLE Calendar!

Person of interest/title Phone and email address Keep a Log Name of employer Info on employer Person of interest/title Phone and email address Address Follow-up École Polytechnique - Career management for graduate students - Fall 2012

Remember Have fun, smile, take breaks, treat yourself when completing small tasks Keep coming back to the Chaffey College Career Center (MACC-203) We’re here to Support You!  Career Center is a Great Resource! Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Mock Interviews, Job Search assistance. Career Center = Networking Tool Treat yourself to small accomplishments