WORKING THE JOB SEARCH

Agenda  Time and Stress Management  How do I know what I’m good at?  Employer Expectations  Consider the Market  Job Search Methods  Common Mistakes  Useful Websites

Time and Stress Management Looking for work is work! Get organized Set a schedule Prioritize activities Expect rejection Take care of yourself Avoid negativity Use available resources

Skills? What Skills?! Skills from involvement in almost any activity can be transferred to a work environment.  Hard skills: skills that are easily observed and measured, such as math, reading, and computer skills  Soft skills: skills not as easily measured, such as appearance, attitude, and communication skills

How do I know what I’m good at? Interest and soft skills assessments Testing hard skills Explore opportunities  kansasjoblink.com  acinet.org  careeronestop.org  onetcenter.org Workforce Partnership Career Coaches and Advisors

Employer Expectations Employers expect certain things, whether written or unwritten. Written:  EEO; dress code; scheduling and pay practices; benefits; confidentiality standards. Unwritten:  Work comes first; don’t gossip; stay busy; if work was always fun, it wouldn’t be called work.

Consider the Job Market How most people look for work:  Want Ads  Employment Agencies  Word of Mouth  Direct Employer Contact How Employers Look for Applicants:  Internal Networks  Job Postings  External Networks  Employment Agencies  Want Ads

Consider the Job Market continued The Problem: Most job seekers spend their time checking and responding to want ads, yet employers hire the fewest number of people through want ads. The Solution: Use a variety of methods to maximize your exposure to the job market.

Effective Job Search Methods Network, network, network! Work the Internet Apply in Person Register with Job Service and Employment Agencies Attend Job Fairs Answer Help Wanted ads Cold Calling

Common Job Search Mistakes  Underestimating the competitiveness of the market  Lack of planning  Unrealistic expectations  ‘Wait and see’ attitude  Inability to see the employer’s point of view  Being ill-prepared and inflexible  Poor or no follow up  Relying on others to do the work for you

Summary Evaluating yourself, your expectations, employer expectations, and the job market will help you be successful in your job or career search. What can we do to help? See a Workforce Partnership Associate for more information!

Programs funded through the Workforce Investment Board, Inc. are equal opportunity programs with auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.