Job Search Strategies

1
Job Search Strategies

• Tips for identifying potential jobs
• Create a personal Action Plan

2
Locate Potential Jobs

• Network, network, network
• 67 of all jobs are gotten through networking
• Keep an expanding list of potential contacts
• Make a list of all the companies that hire your
  type of position.
• Book of lists
• Yellow Pages

3
Build Your Contact List

• Make a list of co-workers, instructors,
  classmates, etc
• Let all your friends and family know that you are
  looking for a job in
• Ask them for names of people you can contact

4
Public Sources

• Check the weekly business calendar
• Business section of the Sunday paper
• Look at association websites for calendar of
  events.
• Attend local events, meetings, workshops, etc.
• Take along your own business cards.

5
More jobs leads

• Web based information
• Warning Limit the use of the internet to
• no more than 20 of your job search time.
• Go to company web sites see SBA link to NW
  companies www.careersvcs.sba.pdx.edu
• Search association web-sites
• Monster, Flip Dog, etc use sparingly!
• Only 4-8 of jobs are gotten from these
• Classified ads
• SBA list serve
• PSU Career Center www.career.pdx.edu

6
Set-up Informational Interviews

• Meet with people doing the type of work you want
  to do
• Learn about what is happening in their industry,
  company, etc.
• Ask them for names of other people to contact.

7
Develop YOU Co. plan

• It is a job to find a job.
• Action results in action.
• Its a numbers game the more people you contact
  the sooner you will find the right position.
• Create a job search activity calendar
• Record and track your contacts / follow-up.
• Keep a list of companies and people to contact.
• This list is always expanding
• Begin NOW

8
Use Broadcast Letters

• Contact a potential employers to let them know
  what you offer and you interest in exploring
  opportunities with their company.
• Good strategy when you are trying to locate a
  position in another city.
• Ill be in your area the week of .and would like
  to set-up a time to meet.

9
Keep your job search alive

• Always follow up when someone gives you the name
  of a contact person.
• Call the contact
• Send thank you notes or e-mails for interviews
  and contact sources.
• Touch base with the employer to see where they
  are in the hiring process.

10
Tips for handling telephone interviews

• Be prepared - take time to set the stage.
• Go to another room and have materials in front of
  you
• Job announcement, resume, questions to ask
• Stand up when talking more animated lively.
• Look in the mirror your smile will come through
  in your voice.
• Treat the recruiter like a colleague get
  his/her input on the company needs and current
  concerns.

11
When an offer is extended

• Thank them then ask for it in writing.
• Confirms the details of the offer
• Buys you time to make a decision
• Take time to evaluate the offer.
• Know what the current range is for the position
• Know your own salary / life style needs
• You can negotiate for more than just salary
• Time off, company lap top, moving expenses,
  education reimbursement, etc

12
Accepting an offer

• Call to let the recruiter know of your decision
  to accept.
• Follow-up with a letter of acceptance or e-mail
  confirmation.
• Include the details of the position, start date
  and compensation.