JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR UNIQUE POPULATIONS: Unemployed, Over 40, Over Qualified Disabled, Veterans & Not So Hot Past Sponsored by: Living Beyond Work Loss (Unemployed Support Group) VCF - Anaheim Presented by: Kathleen E. High, M.Ed. Independent Education/Career Consultant Dream Chasers & Goal Setters

Job Search Information For ALL: The World Is Changing -- Fast The “Rules” Have Changed Know Yourself and What You Have to Offer Know How to Market Yourself Develop Your “Personal Brand” Monitor Your “Online Presence” (social network, , etc.) Tailor Your Resume and Interview Questions to the Job Utilize Resources Available (Church, State, School, etc.) Check this link to see if you are weak in any specific area of job search skills: Contrasting God Job-Search to Weak Job-Search:

Resources in the Church to Help Living Beyond Work Loss (Unemployed Support Group) Support Time Workshops Other Resources Offered Bible Studies Support Services Home Groups Monday Night Prayer

Resources on Campus to Help Most College Campuses Offer the Following Resources: CAREER CENTER One-On-One Career Counseling Career Assessments (Personality, Interests, Values, Skills, etc.) Workshops (Resumes, Interviewing, Studying, etc.) Handouts (Labor Market Trends, Goal Setting, Choosing Majors, Job Search, Resume and Interviewing Tips, etc.) Career Research Resources (Online programs, books, etc.) Computer Lab COUNSELING DEPARTMENT : One-On-One Counseling Counseling Classes (for academic/career success) Disabled Student Programs & Services Vocational Counseling, Accommodations, Resources, Support TRANSFER CENTER: Help/Information for Transfer Planning SEE “UNEMPLOYED RESOURCES” FOR MORE

Unemployed What kind of unemployed person are you? Diligently doing everything you know to do Given up in the face of adversity Somewhere in between the two extremes Find productive ways to fill your time: Doing anything productive looks better Work any kind of “Survival Job” you can get Keeps you “in touch” with the working world makes your UI benefits last longer School/Training Volunteering Attending to Personal / Family Needs May want to use a “Functional” resume to downplay: Gaps of employment Currently working “Survival Jobs” Highlight relevant experiences gained outside of employment Use Handouts and Resources Available

Resources for Unemployed Handouts: Workshop handout: “Unemployed and Looking for Answers” (What they need: Information, Resources, Support) “Managing Finances” “Unemployed Resources” “Tell Me About Yourself” Life-Long Learning Options Visit: Career Planning Center: Career Counseling Research New Careers Resume & Interview help Books on job transitions, job search, resumes, layoffs, etc. Workshops: Planning for an Unpredictable Future Career Assessment & Interpretation Identifying Your Transferrable Skills

Over 40 Years Old Understand the stereotypes of older workers Question your expectations Notice the “New Rules” Take note of your obsolete assumptions Ask: Do I appear “Out of touch?” Avoid “reminiscing” over the ‘good old days’ Check your “adaptability” factor (Do you tend to resist change?) Physical Appearance: Be sure it’s updated (glasses, hair style & color, clothing, etc.) Resume – don’t list more than 10 years Keep an “Employment History – Working Document” Double check for recent experiences only Confirm your reference information is current Avoid listing obsolete technologies, processes, philosophies, etc. Avoid listing dates for education Make your life experience work for you Emphasize the benefits of maturity (wisdom, manners, work ethic, etc.)

Resources for Over 40 Handouts: Workshop handout: “Unemployed and Looking for Answers” Myths of Maturity Generational Values Life-long Learning Options Visit: Career Planning Center: Adult Re-entry Services Career Counseling Resume & Interview Help Books On Career Transitions, Career Crises, Encore Careers, Etc. “Resources” Links On CPC Website has Additional Resources

Over Qualified Know why you would want that job and what are your priorities Keep an “Employment History – Working Document” Tailor your resume to job description: Emphasize their needs, not your “laundry list of qualifications” Identify why employers feel you are over qualified Let employers know that you understand their concerns Use a little humor when addressing the situation Ask the interviewer to define any concerns he or she might have so you can address them and Tell them why you want the job even if you are overqualified Emphasize the benefits of over qualification (wisdom, complex problem solving, minimal supervision and training, etc.)

Resources for Over Qualified Handouts: Interviewing & Older Workers: How To Address The Over Qualification Issue! Workshop handout: “How to Manage Conflicting Priorities” Visit: Campus Career Centers: Career Counseling Resume & Interview help Resume Critique

Disabled Research career ahead of time for physical demands of the job Utilize available state and campus services: Help you identify appropriate career and job search goals Help you identify resources available to help Identify your transferrable skills Focus on what you can do Consider emerging career fields: Tend to offer flexibility Know the employment laws that affect you Get full job description with the required skills spelled out Know what accommodations you need; have them verified by a doctor Be prepared to answer questions regarding your accommodations if you get the job Keep statements positive (I can do… by using an adjustable table). Don't get too technical

Resources for the Disabled Handouts: Workshop handout: “Identifying Your Transferrable Skills” True Self Visit: Employment Development Department's One Stop Centers, Department of Rehabilitation, Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled (714) Campus resources: Disabled Students Programs & Services Career Center Resources: Offices above should have many additional resources available.

Veterans Attend to Any “Life Transition” Issues You Face Learn to Ask for Help Emphasize Transferrable Skills Utilize Your Resources: On Campus: Veterans’ Counselor Veterans’ Center DSPS Financial Aid Career Planning Center Off Campus: VA & Cal Vet Local Career One-Stop Centers VFW Utilize skills/jobs translator databases

Resources for Veterans Handouts: Discerning Seasons Paradigm Shifts Workshops: Managing Life’s Transitions Identifying Your Transferable Skills Resumes for Today’s Job Market Visit On-Campus Centers for Help: Veterans’ Resource Center DSPS Career Planning Center Transfer Center Student Health Center (Mental Health Counseling) Utilize Off-Campus Resources: VA & CalVet Local Career One-Stop Centers VFW Skills/Jobs Translator Databases

No So Hot Past No secret answer; but how you market yourself is crucial Create a positive image and environment Identify your skills Identify your targets Get your documents in order Use the most effective job search methods Improve your interviewing skills Follow up on all job leads Check your online presence If you are an ex-offender, know which types of jobs and employers are appropriate and which are not

Resources for Not So Hot Past Handouts: Job Search Tips for Those with a Not So Hot Past Visit: Local Employment One Stop Centers Campus Career Centers for help with resume preparation and interview skills Resources: Book: “No One is Unemployable” Booklet: Quick Job Search for Ex-Offenders

Conclusion Remember: The World Is Changing The Rules Have Changed Know How To Market Yourself Seek Help When Needed: Local Employment One-Stop Centers They often have programs to support our “unique populations” College Campus Resources: Career Planning Center/Adult Re-Entry Disabled Student Services & Programs Veterans’ Office Financial Aid Counseling

Special Thanks: Debra Michelle, DSPS Counselor, Cypress College