Networking Internet Printed Resources

 5%Job Ads  23%Employment Agencies  24%Direct Employer Contact  48%Networking U.S. Department Of Labor

 Make a list of potential network sources  Inform people of jobs and careers that interest you or that you are looking for  Be clear about what you are looking for when making contacts

 Include people of all ages and job descriptions in your network  Keep contacts informed of your job search progress  Keep in touch with your network over time  Follow up on any leads or names you have been given  Be professional in your approach and behavior  Continue to expand your circle of contacts

 Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and assistance  Don’t expect your network to function as a job search firm for you  Don’t be discouraged if someone doesn’t have time for you  Don’t be shy; speak out and be assertive

 Dress as for an interview  Prepare introductory talking points  Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview  Prepare insightful questions to ask  Act professionally  Show enthusiasm and interest  Take several copies of your résumé, a pen, paper, and business cards, if available

 Use a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a bright smile  Research employers  Talk to each employer, and broaden your network  Approach employers individually

 Career Fairs - potential employers  Community members – businesses, community programs, religious organizations  Family and friends – parents, siblings, neighbors  School resources - clubs, CTSOs, staff

 Career Specific  Company Specific  General Job Search  Location Specific

 Newspapers – want ads  Bulletin Boards – job postings

 Job Application  Resume  Cover Letter  Thank you letter

A Job Application is more than just a piece of paper. It provides employers with the first impression of a potential employee. An application that is sloppy or contains inaccurate information will always end up in the trash.

 Provides personal data, education, and work history  Demonstrates ability to read and follow simple directions  Demonstrates ability to write neatly, spell, and provide clear and concise descriptions of work history and education  To verify honesty

 Read entire form first  Application Tool Box: › Pen with blue or black ink, preferably blue › Social security number › Work history including dates, addresses, phone numbers › References  Answer all questions completely and honestly  Write “NA” (not applicable) if an item does not apply to you

 Personal information – name, social security number, address, phone number(s)  Position applied for – list the specific job applying for  Education – schools and colleges attended, degrees and certifications earned, dates  Work experience – job titles and descriptions, employers, hours, and wages  Criminal history – applicants arrest record, if any  Signature – Full name, not nickname. Signature implies that information on application is true and complete  References – former employers, teachers, and advisors

 Use references who: › Know your character, experience, skills and work ethics › Will give you a positive recommendation  Always ask permission before using someone as a reference

 Summarizes applicant’s qualifications  Provides personal data, education, work history, and reference information  Stimulates interest of employer  Determines if applicant is worth interviewing

 Limit it to one page, if possible  Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest  Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience  Use “action verbs” such as created, designed  Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others  Get permission to use names as references  Key and proofread carefully

 Personal Data – Name, address, phone number,  Objective – Position applied for  Education – Schools attended or currently attending, specialized subjects or programs, graduation dates (or expected graduation date)  Work experience/volunteer work – Employment history, volunteer positions, apprenticeships  Skills and abilities – Job-related skills and abilities  Honors and Activities – Honors, awards, activities that indicate leadership and teamwork ability or relate to position  References – May include statement indicating that references are available upon request

 To introduce the applicant to the potential employer  To explain reason for applying  To describe qualifications  To request an interview  To complement the résumé

 Must be keyed in 11 or 12 pt font  Must be error-free  Address to a specific person, avoid Dear Sir  Content should be clear and concise  Letter should be brief  Use personal business letter format  Use high quality paper

 Paragraph 1 – What position you are applying for and how you found out about the job  Paragraph 2 – Why you should be hired. Information about your qualifications and experience.  Paragraph 3 – Request an interview and provide contact information

 Most important step in the employment process  Applicant’s opportunity to › Showcase self and qualifications › Learn about opportunities for advancement › Learn about the employer’s management style › Learn about the expectations of the job  Employer’s opportunity to: › Assess the applicant’s personality, motivation, knowledge, and work ethic › Determine if the applicant is a “right fit” for the company

 Formal – Face-to-face (F2F) meeting of applicant and employer  Group - Sometimes called a panel or “tag team” interview › Conducted by an employer and one or more staff members › Applicant is asked questions by all team members › Measures how applicant interacts with different people › Tests how applicant handles stress  Informational - Initiated by the jobseeker › Get advice/information from employer people in career field › Network for job leads and referrals › Make first impression with employer  Telephone – Often used to screen applicants and determine which applicants warrant a F2F interview

 Research the company and industry  Plan and practice: › an introduction of yourself › what to say about your skills, knowledge, abilities, experience and goals › a list of questions to ask  Select appropriate attire  Prepare a résumé (if needed)  Make a list of references (with permission)  Plan to go alone  Print directions (if needed)

 Arrive on time – not too early or late  Exhibit confidence and positive attitude  Speak clearly  Give firm handshake  Display appropriate body language › eye contact › hand gestures › active listening  Sell yourself and qualifications  Be truthful  Answer and ask questions  Thank the interviewer for the interview

 Follow up with a thank you letter › Shows employer that you are interested in the job › Opportunity to clarify something you said or forgot to say during the interview  Guidelines › Keep it short and error free › Thank interviewer for taking time to talk with you › Restate your interest in the job and why you’d be an asset to the company › Use personal business letter format › Send no later than two days after the interview  Be persistent, but not a pest