Long Term Search – Need a Change? Nicole Meyer and Dwayne Miller BBJ Monday, February 5, 2018 DWAYNE

Overview Long Term Search Impact Strategies When You Land External Internal Strategies Preparation Networking When You Land When Can I Start? DWAYNE

Market and External Factors Big Picture Overall Market is Good It’s Not 2008 Anymore Current Market Industries External Factors Illness Caregiver Other Reasons NICOLE Big Picture: Has it been a long term job search for you? What does a long term job search mean to you? Has it been 3, 6, 9 months or more? Type of job you’re looking for can determine the length of time it takes. I.E. A clerical, administrative or retail job will be shorter A middle management job will take longer An executive level job can take up to a year These questions are “Food for Thought.” Overall Market is Good: It’s not 2008 anymore I.E. IT market-for every one position, there were 100 applicants Current Market 2017 US Unemployment Rate 4.1% 2017 MO Unemployment Rate 3.4% 2009 US Unemployment Rate 10% 2009 MO Unemployment Rate 9.7% Top Industries for St. Louis* St. Louis has a variety of industries to meet a variety of skills. We are not in a limited market. St. Louis hosts IT, Healthcare, and Finance among others. St. Louis also is known as an emerging area for start-up companies. External Factors: Are there reasons out of your control? Illness Caregiver Other Reasons (Ask audience)

Internal Factors Self Introspection All Around Factors Within Your Control Organization Motivation Job Search Tools (Resume, LinkedIn Profile, Networking, Interview Skills) NICOLE Self Introspection All Around: Einstein's Theory of Insanity. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This statement is something to consider and reflect on. Are you doing the same tasks and activities and wondering why you don’t have a job yet? It’s time to Crash the Pity Party! And, don’t feel bad about yourself! Factors Within Your Control: Organization-How organized are you? Have you established job goals? (Including-Job Titles, Key Skills, Compensation, Location, Industry) Have you written them down? Are you using it as a guide when you see jobs listed on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc. and/or Talking to Recruiters? Do you review these on a weekly/monthly basis and tweak them as needed? NIcole Example-When I look at a job description; if my qualifications match 75% of the job requirements then I will apply. Motivation What motivates you? Need to pay the bills Enjoy working Part of your identity; Your job defines who you are as a person Job Search Tools What are they? Resume Linkedin Profile Networking Activities (one one one-coffees; events-BBJ, Beyond Networking) Interview Skills Industry Trends And, are you current and up to date Are your certifications up to date to match the job requirements? What steps are you taking to get the training/certifications required? What resources are available to get the certifications for free or reduced cost? Are you networking with people in the industry to keep up on the current trends? Nicole Example-I have been out of the insurance claims processing industry for six years and I’m interested in pursuing it again. I am reaching out to my connections in the industry to learn about the latest trends and culture. This is one of the tools I use when researching companies. And, it’s more gratifying than just sitting in front of the computer.

Strategies - Preparation Job Attributes Location Compensation Job Titles Industry Culture Tools Resume – (PAR Stories, Free Resume Reviews) LinkedIn Profile Resources Practice Interviews Recruiters Continuing Education DWAYNE Compromises – may have to start low/slow/small What needs to be Tweaked? Stepping stone to something better Cast a broader net to catch a lead Taking advice and using it – swallow your pride Take consensus Ask for honest criticism-don’t sugar coat Take everything with a grain of salt Recruiters - stigma

Strategies - Networking Purpose Future Connections, Gold Nuggets, Socialize, Helping Others, Organization/Structure Types Individuals/Events Accountability Groups – Is yours working? Volunteerism Keep a lot of Irons in the Fire Always Network NICOLE Purpose: Why do you network? What do you expect to get out of it? My reasons: Future Connections Gold Nuggets Social Outlet Help Others Organization/Structure (BBJ, Beyond Networking-Regular routine) Types: Variety is good One on One Coffees, Lunch Events-BBJ, Beyond Networking, Industry Focused, etc. Accountability Groups: Do you know what an Accountability Group is? Yes-Is it working for you? The goal of an Accountability Group is to hold yourself accountable in finding a job. No-It’s not working for you? Is it just a social hour; then you need to reevaluate and leave or join a new group. Volunteerism: In addition to looking for a job, what else are your doing? (Companies will ask) Volunteering provides purpose and makes you feel good about yourself The goal is to volunteer for a professional organization to help you find a job Since I’m in sales; I lead BBJ meetings to hone my presentation skills I am part of the Interview Committee keep my interview skills fresh Keep a lot of Irons in the Fire: Don’t pin all your hopes on one position Until you receive an offer letter, with background checks completed and a start date established; keep looking The more irons in the fire, the better your networking opportunities Always Network: Keep business cards on hand at all times (Vistaprint offers 500 business cards for $9.99) You could run into a networking opportunity at the grocery store, a child’s event, church, etc. BE PREPARED Once you land, keep networking. It shouldn’t stop once you’re on the job.

When you land What’s working well? Are there any obstacles? Stand Out Job Fit Culture Fit People Fit Are there any obstacles? Stand Out Training - Keep the Saw Sharp – Steve Covey Continuing Education Degree Certification Area of Study NICOLE Beware of Complacency – Don’t take your job for granted. What’s working well: On the job for 30, 60, 90 days Job Fit-Are the tasks of the job in line with your expectations? Culture Fit-Do you feel comfortable with the culture? Is it in line with you? People Fit-Do you feel chemistry with your team? Request feedback from your supervisor and team members to stay on track and head in the right direction Are there any obstacles? Are there parts of the job you don’t understand? Raise your hand and ask for help; don’t wait to be told what to do. Stand Out Volunteer to be part of a new project or be the leader Take initiative to participate in company charities, community events, etc. Align with trusted co-workers; get their input on what earns bonus points and gold stars Training-Keep the Saw Sharp-Steve Covey Books - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Sharpen the Saw. As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life. Sharpen the Saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. Continuing Education Degree Certification Area of Study What will you do to stay fresh for your new job? Always be learning; not only for your new job but your career.

When Can I Start? It’s Never Too Late - Start Now! Set Achievable Short and Long Term Goals! Job Search Academic Personal Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Eat Healthy Get Enough Sleep Keep a Positive Attitude Seek to Help Others – Pay it Forward DWAYNE BAGs Pollyanna Chinese New Year Begins Friday 2/16/18

Thank You Would you like to connect on LinkedIn?