SEARCHING FOR A JOB CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

Our goals for this session: Understand the various effective means for finding work Identify your own personal network Develop a strategy for keeping job search organized Identify other helpful resources CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

You’ll have more success by 33% Networking: Asking for job leads from family members, friends, people in the community etc. 47% Directly contacting employer that interests you, whether they have a job opening or not. 69% Using the Yellow Pages (online or print): search for companies in your field 84% Support group: work with a like-minded group of people to research and contact companies CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

NOT as effective: Answering newspaper and internet “want ads” Working as temp-to-perm employee

Search and apply for job openings. There are thousands of online job banks. Most work in the same basic way: employers pay to post job openings; job seekers search the openings and apply for those that interest them. Most sites allow you to search by occupation, location, industry, and other characteristics. Post your resume. Sometimes you can post your resume without applying for a specific job. On some job sites, like jobs.scworks.org employers can then review your resume for positions they haven't even posted.jobs.scworks.org Get a feel for job requirements and pay. Job websites can be a good research tool. They can help you learn what kinds of workers employers want, they skills they expect, and the pay and benefits they offer. Job Websites CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015 Job banks are websites where job seekers can search and apply for job openings online. They are sometimes called job boards. Online job sites are a great place to start your search, and it's a good idea to check several. The larger ones include jobs of all levels, occupations, and locations. Others specialize in certain kinds of jobs. Most job sites allow you to:

CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015 BEWARE! You should not have to pay to post your resume or search job openings. However, you may have to register to use all the features of a job website. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Some job postings are scams. Be wary of any that ask you for an "up- front" investment of money for products or instructions. Also be wary of those that offer commissions or pay thousands of dollars for job duties such as processing checks on behalf of foreign nationals or reshipping goods from your home. Never give out personal information. A legitimate company won't ask you for your social security number, credit card numbers, bank account information, or any other personal details.

CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015 Find Ads Search local and national job websites. Sign up to automatically receive an e- mail when new openings are listed. Research employers and check their websites for job openings. Many companies don't advertise jobs anywhere but on their own websites. Search association or industry websites that are related to your employment goals. Use as many sources of ads as you can.

Review Postings Review the same sources regularly to find new listings when they are listed. Don't ignore "blind" ads (ads where you apply to a box number and do not know the employer's name). Many good jobs are listed as blind ads. Look at all of the jobs listed, not just those that fit your goal. You may find a company you're interested in, even if they haven't listed a job in your occupation. CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

Respond to Job Postings Respond to new openings as soon as possible. Research the employer and the job before you apply. Direct your application or resume and cover letter to a person by name. Avoid "To whom it may concern" or "Personnel Manager." Find the correct name and title to use from the company website or call and speak to a receptionist. If possible, deliver your application or resume in person and try to meet the person doing the hiring. Keep a log of where you apply, so that you don't apply for the same job over and over. After you apply, check back with the employer to ask for an interview. CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

Build Your Network Networking is a key part of job hunting. All it means is talking to others — either formally or informally — about your job search and career goals. Most employers have enough applicants without advertising. And they often prefer to hire someone who's been referred by someone they already know and trust. This is called the hidden job market. You can tap into it by networking. CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015

Build Your Network Everyone networks — at school, church, social activities, work, and online. Networking is not the same as asking for a job. Usually your networking contacts will not be potential employers. Networking helps you learn inside information about jobs that are being created or not advertised. You can use it for ongoing professional and personal development. Networking helps you connect with and help others with shared interests. An employer who is not hiring today may be looking for someone like you tomorrow. CCM Mission Station F.I.T. Program 2015