Bridging The Gap To Employability Career Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006, Department of Career Development & Experiential Learning Job Search for Grad students Finding your place in the world of work Created by Wanda Tiller

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 The 7 Steps to Finding Employment 1.Self-Evaluation 2.Choosing the path that is right for you 3.Job Market Search 4.Hidden Job Market Search 5.Research Employers of Interest 6.Up to date Job Search Tools 7.Follow-up

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Self Evaluation What do you need to know about yourself?

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 1:Self Evaluation Analyze your likes and dislikes-what do you enjoy: evaluating reports experimental design data collection data analysis oral presentations technical writing working with others supervising teaching establishing policy

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Self Evaluation: Information About Yourself What do you want? Independence Responsibility Impact Income Security Stress Prestige Travel Identify short and long term goals

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Self Evaluation-What Can You offer? Evaluate your qualifications (what skills have you acquired through work, school, etc.) –Transferable Skills: The skills you’ve gathered through various jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life experiences that can be used in helping you secure employment. (October, 11, 2004, E.g. Communication, Research, Planning, Human Relations, Organization, Management, Leadership, etc…

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Self Evaluation: Information About Yourself What are your strengths? Lab skills-general or specific Research Accomplishments-publications, awards, education, experience Recommendations-from supervisors, faculty, others in field, previous employers Social Skills-relating to others Leadership-what have you done to demonstrate

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Choosing the Right Path How do you go about this? What information do you need?

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 2: Choosing the right path Match interests and qualifications with requirements and rewards in specific careers Explore the Campus Career Centre, HRDC offices, local libraries and the Internet for specific info on various career opportunities Take internships, part time employment or summer employment in your field Do some Labour Market Research and talk to people in your field of interest – – –

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Considering Career Options Research: university, research institutions, industry? Teaching: university, college, continuing ed., web- based, K-12? Clinical: private practice, academic position? Administration? Journalism? Writing? Law? Sales? Finance? …and many more

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Searching the Open Job Market How do you go about searching the open job market? Sources of information?

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 3: Search the open job market Check classified ads in local and national newspapers Attend Career Fairs Attend campus employer information sessions Check online job listings

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Job Fairs Why Attend? -Collect information about job openings, employment trends, types of careers -Get advice -Build network -Practice selling yourself

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Job Fairs Continued Who will be there? Research these companies of interest (Focus on most interesting employers first) Practice your presentations Make a list of what you want to learn Develop questions (current openings, hiring patterns,% with graduate degrees, growth potential, career paths) Collect business cards You are always being interviewed so be professional (eye contact, shake hands, smile, project confidence)

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Hidden Job Market What is the hidden job market? What percentage of jobs are available at any given time in the hidden job market?

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 4: Search the Hidden Job Market Approximately 75-85% of jobs are never advertised –i.e. for every 100 jobs, only of them are advertised in the Saturday paper How large is your network? Develop a list of friends, family, past employers, professors etc. Talk to these contacts and let them know you are looking for work Make contact by telephone, face to face or networking letters Talk to people already working in your field of interest about careers in that area Attend career fairs and campus information sessions given by recruiters Talk to headhunters

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Hidden Job Market If you have identified a company that you want to work for, what do you do?

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 5:Research Companies Research employers you are interested in working with, whether a position is advertised or not Explore available resources: –The Canadian Job Directory: The Ultimate Canadian Guide to Canada’s Hidden Job Market –The St. John’s Board of Trades ( ) –Industry associations Research growth areas and recent developments (mergers and new products)

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 6: Effective Resume and Cover Letter Have an up-to-date cover letter and CV or resume Target both the position and employer you are interested in pursuing Have it critiqued before sending it out –No spelling errors! –Only one chance to make a good first impression! Attend a workshop or read current literature on developing effective cover letters, CV’s and resumes

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Step 7: Follow up Sometimes it is appropriate to call the organization after you have applied for a position –Try and get a name If you get someone in a hiring position on the phone, restate your interest in the position –Be polite –Try to get idea of hiring date Inquire about the interview process and when they are expected to take place

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Cyber Job Search Numerous Websites – – – –Various industry specific websites Online Newspapers Post your resume on various sites – Explore employers of interest and their recruitment practices

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Points to Consider: Looking for a job can be a full time job! –If unemployed, treat it as a 9-5 job. Keep a notebook with up to date records of all contacts and contact information Be Prepared! Always have a copy of your resume on hand, pen and paper, and questions developed Explore Job Directories such as The Canada Student Employment Guide and The Career Directory Know yourself and what you are looking for Stay positive: giving up is not an option Send Thank you cards to those who have helped you

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 And Remember…………. It may take you 10 cold calls, etc… before you get one solid lead. So during the job search process, remember not to give up and find a way to vent your frustration when needed: –Go out with some friends –Go out to a restaurant –Take a day off –Find somebody you can talk to

Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 For additional help, please visit us at Career Development & Experiential Learning University Centre, UC Thank You!