Chapter 13 Job Search Skills

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

OBJECTIVES Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career Conduct a targeted job search including a realistic job preview Determine the cost of living in your desired work location Ensure a professional electronic image Create a job search portfolio Identify references to be used in your job search Identify sources for job leads Define networking and create a professional network

THE JOB SEARCH Successful job search strategy identifies Type of job you will be looking for Needed tools and resources How to use tools and resources Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals Review Trigger Words Complete Accomplishments Worksheet Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER Realistic job preview Identifies day to day and common tasks for a specific job Identify additional educational needs Identify other requirements DMV history Credit history

TALK IT OUT Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?

CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE Introductory statements for resumé Both statements are used on résumé to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position Statement will be first item listed on resumé

CAREER OBJECTIVE A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience Include interest in position Brief one line description of skills related to position and how you will utilize your skills Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective

CAREER OBJECTIVE Example: “Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”

PERSONAL PROFILE A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience Group key skills and accomplishments into general categories Identify key qualities that match target job Take information and turn into two-three sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications

PERSONAL PROFILE Example: “Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”

INDUSTRY RESEARCH Identify and Target Step toward a satisfying career job Reflects your values Support your life plan Industries that require your key skills Specific jobs in identified industries Desired work environment

THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers Where you want to work Cost of living Average costs of basic necessities

PREPARATION Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means Conduct internet search on self Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other negative material Maintain professional e-mail address and voice mail Avoid text slang in written communications

TALK IT OUT What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews Some items from job search portfolio will become part of your interview portfolio covered in Ch. 15 Keeps job seeker organized and prepared while job searching Use three-ring binder with tabs and/or electronic files Keep original and two copies of each item Place original documents in page protectors

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Electronic job search portfolio Recommended Computerized folder that contains electronic copies of job search documents Scan copies of documents in your hardcopy portfolio Send as attachments if needed

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Personal Business Card Contains personal contact information Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail Professional and easy to read No graphics, colors, or fancy fonts Share card with anyone you meet

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Items to include: Network list Personal business card Resumé Cover letter Reference list Letters of recommendation Transcripts Current state licenses Awards, certificates, samples Completed generic application Copy of ID and/or driver’s license Copy of DMV record Personal commercial Small calendar, notepad, pen Performance appraisals

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS Have completed generic application available Do not list social security number or birth date on application Applications are legal documents Credit checks Background checks Fully understand agreement prior to signing A keyboarded application is best May be online or at a kiosk

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Professional references Potential employer will contact Do not list on your résumé Create a separate page for references Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer Have a copy available at the interview

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant Have at least three letters of recommendation No more than two years old Letters can be from past or present employers coworkers instructors someone you worked for as a volunteer

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Directly from target company Internet search Job banks, social networking sites, message boards Industry journals and associations Current employees of target industry/company Posted job positions Your professional network Government career assistance centers

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Visiting a company for open positions Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of resumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job seekers Be prepared for an on the spot interview

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Unsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes Send cover letter and resumé (may be through electronic means) One to the human resource manager One to the manager of your target job Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers Correct spelling Correct gender Increases the opportunity to secure an interview

Networking: the act of creating professional relationships Resource of individuals to call upon for assistance and/or advice Face to face Social media

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Building a Professional Network Person 3 tells Person 2 Person 6 Person 7 Person 5 Person 4 And this network continues you tell Person 1 Figure 13-1

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING People to include in network: Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking begins with attitude Be confident Initiate and introduction Use your personal business card Begin with a professional handshake Create an electronic network Be cautious when sharing information

TALK IT OUT What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share when creating an online network?

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry A way to find out about a company Ask questions about: Jobs Hiring Company culture

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking Opportunities Attending professional or trade association meetings Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events Volunteering for a local park clean-up day Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Network list: a written list of all network contacts. Include contact’s: Name Address Telephone number E-mail address

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources Beware of identity theft Ensure target employer is legitimate Do not share birth date or social security number

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Keep job search confidential Do not quit current job before accepting a new job Do not bad-mouth your company or anyone that works for your current or former employer