JOBTALKS Professional Employment Services Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D Contents used in this presentation are adapted from Career Planning Strategies and used with the permission of the author.

JOBTALKS Business Career Planning and Placement Indiana University School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D. JOBTALKS Professional Employment Services Business Career Planning and Placement Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D.

Professional Employment Services job counseling resume preparation job leads interview arrangements many other services Job Search Help

Using Third Party Assistance (Six types of services) 1. College career counseling and placement services 2. State employment services 3. Private employment services 4. Private search firms 5. Career advisory firms 6. Employment specialists

Do Not Expect Miracles You must get your own job! But: 3 staff members are experts 3 their information valuable 3 most charge for their services

Employment Agencies Act as brokers - maintain two files Job Openings Candidates

Agency Reputations How do you identify the bad apples? Visit the agency Get referrals from friends Most are reputable

Agency Selection Consideration Scope: national or local? Efficient operation? Qualified counselor? Specialization in certain fields? Who pays? Need to visit to get answers!

Agency Fees Many jobs, few applicants (employer pays) Few jobs, many applicants (applicant pays) Ù Up to 25% of annual salary

Ù Take a resume with you Contacting Agencies Ù Take a resume with you Yellow pages, want ads Most openings are local Be specific about goals Don't use for counseling

Employment Agency Advice Don't sign until you read Get to know your counselor Beware of promises!

Agency Caveats Counselor is a salesperson Money made when you are placed Wild goose chase if not legitimate match. Drop the agency!

Agency Caveats Pursue several leads simultaneously After interview, check back with agency

Agency Caveats Busiest day = Monday Avoid contacting Monday Make appointment by phone!

Agency Caveats Most openings are with smaller firms Applicants contact large firms directly

Agency Caveats Some agencies rely on Sunday ads Read ads carefully Give glamorous titles May not be openings

Executive Search Firms Hired by employers Recruit high level execs Don't deal with individuals Owe allegiances to employer

Executive Search Firms Paid a retainer to find high level person Firm is paid % Search firms will not talk to you unless you have several years of experience

Executive Search Firms Maintain database of high-level talent. They are usually not looking for a job. Search firm will call for referrals

Using Executive Search Firms If qualified, turn to personal contacts Don't personally contact Have someone recommend you It is better to be recruited

Executive Search Firms Directory of Executive Recruiters (printed by Consultant News) Library Telephone Directory Charge for directories

Career Advisory Firms Serve as employment counselors Listed in metropolitan papers Counseling is expensive Sometimes called "outplacement firms" Be careful about promises of placement Very high cost and no placement service

Employment Specialists Involved in "mechanics" of job search Cover letters and mass mailings Resume and printing services Direct mail firm on your behalf (expensive but useful if there are time constraints) Direct mail firm on your behalf (expensive but useful if there are time constraints)

Summary t Job openings may not be advertised t Professional services bring you and the employer together t Key is to wisely prospect t Employment services are part of supporting cast. Your efforts pay biggest dividends

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If you would like to learn more, Career Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.