Job Search Strategies

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Job Search Strategies
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Topics

• Self-assessment
• Gaining relevant experience
• Written materials
• The job market
• Job search strategies
• Interviewing
• CSEL services

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Assess Yourself Clarify Your Goals
Consider your

• Abilities
• Skills
• Education

• Values
• Lifestyle
• Interests

CSEL self-assessment career information tools

• e-Choices
• SIGI-Plus

• OOH
• CX Online

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Gain Exposure Relevant Experience
Engage in

• Networking
• Informational Interviews
• Job Shadowing Externships
• Volunteering
• Service Learning Course
• Internships
• Co-op

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Develop Written Materials for the Job Search

• Attend CSEL workshops
• to learn more about
• Resumes
• Cover letters and other job search correspondence
• Portfolios

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The Job Market

• The open market
• Positions that are advertised to the public
• Any qualified applicant may apply
• The hidden market
• Positions that are not advertised to the public
• Hiring is done internally or through referrals

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The Open Job Market

• Where are jobs advertised?
• Internet (web sites listservs)
• Newspapers
• Professional journals
• GOLD Connection
• Note Only 20 of jobs are advertised

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Using the Open Job Market

• Select openings that are consistent with your
  skills, interests and values
• Research the organizations before applying
• Create a targeted cover letter and resume
• comment on what you like about the company and
  job based on the research you have done
• express how you can benefit the company
• be prompt in responding to advertised positions

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The Hidden Job Market

• Accessed by networking
• First, collect contact information of people you
  know directly
• Next, come up with a list of people you dont
  know, but want to know
• Then, talk to friends, relatives, professors and
  supervisors to get their recommendations
• Begin with contacts who are lower on the
  organizational chart
• Note 80 of all jobs are found on the hidden job
  market!

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Job Search Strategies

• The more diverse your strategies, the more
  effective your search will be
• Use as many resources as possible
• Be realistic about timelines (the average job
  search takes 3-6 months)
• Keep organized contact records and employer
  research
• Plan your day and follow through

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Job Search StrategiesOn-campus Recruiting

• Learn about the companies on-line
• Sign-up, upload resume, and apply for interview
  through the GOLD Connection
• Develop questions for the recruiters
• Dress professionally
• Send thank you notes afterwards
• Attend the Introduction to On-line Job Postings
  and On-Campus Interviewing workshop for more
  details!

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Job Search StrategiesJob Fairs

• Identify and research employers through the CSEL
  web site (i.e., organization, size, product,
  services, locations)
• Attend How to Succeed at a Career Fair workshop
• Dress in professional attire
• Bring plenty of resumes
• Deliver your one-minute infomercial
• Collect business cards follow up

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Job Search StrategiesTemp/Private Employment
Agencies

• May provide relevant work experience
• May lead to full time jobs
• Provide networking opportunities
• Avoid 3rd party head hunters
• usually have the best interest of the company in
  mind, not you!
• Only use private employment agencies who receive
  fees from employers (not applicants)

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Job Search Strategies Targeted Mailing

• Identify top organizations (10-15)
• Research the companies
• Identify the appropriate contact person
• Write a tailored cover letter and resume using
  quality stationary
• Inquire about current or anticipated openings in
  your field of interest
• Express that you will follow up and do it

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Job Search StrategiesNetworking

• Develop a list of networking contacts, starting
  with people you know (family, friends, faculty,
  advisors)
• Inform contacts of employment goals and enlist
  them in assisting with your search
• Provide contacts with current resume
• Maintain regular communication with contacts
• Thank anyone who has provided you with assistance

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Job Search StrategiesNetworking Activities

• Phone calls
• E-mails
• Letters
• Career Fairs
• Internships
• Attend conferences
• Map out a plan with a career counselor

• Informational Interviews
• Job shadowing
• Mentoring programs
• Externships
• Join campus clubs and organizations

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Interviewing

• Prepare well
• Research the company
• Review commonly-asked questions
• Attend CSELs Interviewing Techniques workshop
• Watch interviewing videos in CSEL library
• Practice with friends
• Schedule a practice interview at CSEL

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Persevere!

• The search requires daily attention
• Dont give up
• You might get a lot of nos, but all you need is
  one yes
• Dont take rejections personally
• Stay connected to your support system
• Your hard work will pay off

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Career Services and Experiential Learning
Workshops

• Business Etiquette
• Choosing or Changing Majors
• Choosing the Best Career
• Cover Letters Business Correspondence
• Curriculum Vitae
• Federal Employment
• Graduate School Planning

• How to Succeed at a Career Fair
• Internships and Cooperative Education
• Interview Techniques
• Job Search Strategies
• Introduction to On-line Job Postings and
  On-Campus Interviewing
• Portfolios (How to Prepare)
• Resumes

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Career Services and Experiential Learning Programs

• Career Planning Workshops
• Career Information
• Career Information Library
• Free Career Related Related Publications
• Alumni Mentors
• Career Counseling
• Major/Career Options
• Career Assessments
• Job Search Assistance
• Resume/Cover Letter Critique
• Practice Interviews
• Experiential Education
• Internships /Externships
• Lockheed Martin Work Experience Program

• Graduate/Professional School
• Directories and resources
• Annual Graduate, Law and Professional School Day
• CSEL Events
• 8 Annual Career Fairs
• Majors Fair
• Annual Senior Day
• Career Panels
• On-Campus Recruitment
• GOLD Connection
• Job Listings
• Resume Referral
• On-Campus Interviewing
• Company Presentations

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Career Services and Experiential Learning
Calendar of Events 2004-05

• Statewide Job Fair
• May 13, 2004
• Fall Career Expo
• October 5, 2004
• Graduate, Law Professional Day
• October 20, 2004
• Senior Day
• October 27, 2004
• Public Administration Job Fair
• November 9, 2004
• Experiential Education Career Panel
• November 16, 2004
• Spring Internship Fair
• January 25, 2005

• Spring Career Expo
• January 26, 2005
• Arts Science Career Panel Series
• February 8, 2005
• College of Engineering Panel
• February 22, 2005
• Arts Science Career Panel Series
• March 8, 2005
• Majors Fair
• March 9, 2005
• Statewide Job Fair
• May 12, 2005

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Career Services Experiential Learning

• Locations/Hours
• Career Services Student Resource Center 7G
• Normal Hours of Operation Mon. Fri. (800 am -
  500 pm)
• Walk-in Service Mon. Fri. (1000 am - 400 pm)
• Experiential Learning Howard Phillips Hall,
  Ste. 208
• Normal Hours of Operation Mon. Fri. (800 am -
  500 pm)
• Walk-in Service Mon-Fri. (800 am-1200pm)
  (200pm -500pm)
• Satellite Locations
• College of Business BA2, Room 222
• Lockheed Martin Sand Lake Road
• Rosen College of Hospitality Management 9907
  Universal Blvd., Ste. 201

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The UCF Creed
Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity,
and excellence are the core values that guide our
conduct, performance, and decisions. Integrity I
will practice and defend academic and personal
honesty. Scholarship I will cherish and honor
learning as a fundamental purpose of my
membership in the UCF community. Community I
will promote an open and supportive campus
environment by respecting the rights and
contributions of every individual. Creativity I
will use my talents to enrich the human
experience. Excellence I will strive toward the
highest standards of performance in any endeavor
I undertake.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA