1. 13 Job Search Skills

2. After studying these topics, you will benefit by:
Conducting a job search in a targeted career, industry, and location
Ensuring a professional online identity and protection of privacy
Collecting items to be included in a job search portfolio
Identifying references to be used in a job search

3. After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.):
Discovering sources for job leads
Describing how networking is a powerful job search tool
Explaining appropriate behaviors to use during the job search process
Summarizing the importance of maintaining the right attitude during a job search

4. THE JOB SEARCH Successful job search strategy includes: Identifies
Creating a plan
Conducting research
Taking action
Identifies
Type of job you will be looking for
Tools and resources and their use
Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer

5. CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER
Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals
Use power words
Complete accomplishments worksheet
Formal assessments
Golden Personality Type Indicator
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Strong Interest Inventory

6. 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
Create a career summary statement

7. TALK IT OUT
What career area do you believe suits your skills and experiences?

8. INDUSTRY RESEARCH Identify Industries
Reinforce your career choice
Find those that require your key skills
Reflects on your values
Support your life plan
Specific jobs in identified industries
Desired work environment
ONET Database

9. Discuss the difference between a job and an industry.
TALK IT OUT
Discuss the difference between a job and an industry.

10. 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

11. ONLINE IDENTITY Check for a favorable online identity
Internet is public information
Conduct a search on yourself
Maintain a professional address
Maintain a professional voice mail message
Avoid texting slang when corresponding

12. THINK ABOUT IT
Does your social network site contain information that may hinder a friend’s job search?

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

14. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO
Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used to keep you organized and prepared while job searching
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
Keep original and two copies of each item
Place original documents in page protectors

15. 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

16. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Items to include:
Awards, certificates
Completed generic application
Copy of ID and/or driver’s license
Copy of DMV record
Cover letter
Current state licenses
Job search notebook
Letters of recommendation
Network list
Pen
Performance appraisals
Personal business card
Personal commercial
Plastic inserts
Reference list
Résumé
Small calendar, notepad
Thank-you notes and draft
Transcripts
Work samples

17. 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

18. PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Professional references
Past or present employers, supervisors, coworkers (volunteer or paid work), instructors
No relatives, friends, or religious leaders unless you have worked/volunteered with or for them
Potential employer will contact
Create a separate page for references, not on résumé
Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer
Have a copy available at the interview

19. PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant
Have at least three letters of recommendation
Reflect job skills, accomplishments, and positive human relations
No more than two years old
Letters can be from
Past or present employers
Coworkers
Instructors
Someone you worked for as a volunteer

20. THINK ABOUT IT
Other than an instructor, identify someone from whom you can secure a personal letter of recommendation.

21. 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
An internship

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

23. TALK IT OUT
What job fair behaviors demonstrate to a recruiter that you are professional?

24. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Unsolicited Cover Letters and Résumés
Send cover letter and résumé (may be through electronic means)
One to the human resources 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

25. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Internship (work experience) Paid or volunteer
Enhances job skills
Networking
Demonstrate value to the company
Ask for letter of recommendation

26. TALK IT OUT
How can you specifically use an internship to increase your professional network?

27. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
a group of relationships established primarily for business purposes

28. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Networking: the act of creating professional relationships
Resource of individuals to call upon for professional assistance and/or advice
Face-to-face interaction or social media
People to include in network:
Coworkers
Supervisors
Instructors
Family
Friends

29. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Opportunities
Association meetings
Service clubs
Conferences
Job fairs
Volunteer fairs
Trade shows
Network list: list of all network contacts’ names, industries, addresses, phone,

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

31. TALK IT OUT
Which type of network list (traditional or electronic) works best for your needs and why?

32. TOPIC SITUATION Tran’s Network
TOPIC RESPONSE: Has Tran created a professional network? Why or why not? How can Tran enhance this network?

33. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Keep a positive attitude
Personal Business Card
Contains personal contact information
Name
Mailing address
Phone number
Professional and easy to read
No graphics, colors, or fancy fonts
Share card with anyone you meet

34. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
When meeting others:
Introduce yourself with a professional handshake
Use career summary statement of key skills and abilities
Share card with anyone you meet
Be aware of time, watch body language
Practice etiquette
Follow up

35. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking Opportunities
Volunteer for community organizations, internships
Attending professional or trade association meetings
Use current technologies and professional networking venues:
LinkedIn and Facebook
Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events

36. TALK IT OUT
What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share with an online network?

37. THINK ABOUT IT
Do you know where your career center is located? Have you taken advantage of the resources they have to offer?

38. 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
Information gathering
Ask questions about:
Jobs
Hiring
Company culture

39. 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 until you a finalist for the job

40. TOPIC SITUATION Ravyn’s Job Search
TOPIC RESPONSE: What should Ravyn do?

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

42. 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