1. Chapter 13
Job Search Skills

2. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius

3. OBJECTIVES
Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career
Conduct a targeted job search including a realistic job preview
Determine the cost of living in your desired work location
Ensure a professional electronic image
Create a job search portfolio
Identify references to be used in your job search
Identify sources for job leads
Define networking and create a professional network

4. THE JOB SEARCH Successful job search strategy identifies
Type of job you will be looking for
Needed tools and resources
How to use tools and resources
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
Review Trigger Words
Complete Accomplishments Worksheet
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

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

7. TALK IT OUT
Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?

8. CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE
Introductory statements for resumé
Both statements are used on résumé to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position
Statement will be first item listed on resumé

9. CAREER OBJECTIVE
A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience
Include interest in position
Brief one line description of skills related to position and how you will utilize your skills
Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective

10. CAREER OBJECTIVE Example:
“Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”

11. PERSONAL PROFILE
A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience
Group key skills and accomplishments into general categories
Identify key qualities that match target job
Take information and turn into two-three sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications

12. PERSONAL PROFILE Example:
“Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”

13. INDUSTRY RESEARCH Identify and Target
Step toward a satisfying career job
Reflects your values
Support your life plan
Industries that require your key skills
Specific jobs in identified industries
Desired work environment

14. 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

15. PREPARATION
Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means
Conduct internet search on self
Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other negative material
Maintain professional address and voice mail
Avoid text slang in written communications

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

17. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO
Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews
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 and/or electronic files
Keep original and two copies of each item
Place original documents in page protectors

18. 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

19. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO 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

20. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Items to include:
Network list
Personal business card
Resumé
Cover letter
Reference list
Letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Current state licenses
Awards, certificates, samples
Completed generic application
Copy of ID and/or driver’s license
Copy of DMV record
Personal commercial
Small calendar, notepad, pen
Performance appraisals

21. 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

22. PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Professional references
Potential employer will contact
Do not list on your résumé
Create a separate page for references
Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer
Have a copy available at the interview

23. PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant
Have at least three letters of recommendation
No more than two years old
Letters can be from
past or present employers
coworkers
instructors
someone you worked for as a volunteer

24. 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

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

26. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Unsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes
Send cover letter and resumé (may be through electronic means)
One to the human resource 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

27. Networking: the act of creating professional relationships
Resource of individuals to call upon for assistance and/or advice
Face to face
Social media

28. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Building a Professional Network
Person 3
tells
Person 2
Person 6
Person 7
Person 5
Person 4
And this network continues
you
tell
Person 1
Figure 13-1

29. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
People to include in network:
Coworkers
Supervisors
Instructors
Family
Friends

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

31. TALK IT OUT
What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share when creating an online network?

32. 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
Ask questions about:
Jobs
Hiring
Company culture

33. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking Opportunities
Attending professional or trade association meetings
Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events
Volunteering for a local park clean-up day
Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups

34. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Network list: a written list of all network contacts.
Include contact’s:
Name
Address
Telephone number
address

35. 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

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

37. 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