Keys to a Successful Job Search

1
Keys to a Successful Job Search

• NWTC Career Services
• April 23, 2009

2
True or False

• If there are several applicants for one position,
  the person with the best qualifications generally
  gets the job offer.

False
3
True or False

• The Human Resources Office does all the hiring
  and firing, so thats the first place to contact
  if you are looking for a job.

False
4
True or False

• The most effective way to get job interviews is
  the old adage, See a guy who knows a guy, A
  technique known as Networking.

True
5
True or False

• It is important to include every job you ever
  held when writing a resume.

False
6
True or False

• A job interview is really a sales presentation by
  the applicant. Therefore, the job seeker must
  sell his or her personality, potential,
  strengths, and experience.

True
7
True or False

• Approximately 2 of job seekers are successful in
  obtaining an interview when responding to a blind
  ad.

True
8
True or False

• The job application is considered a tool of the
  employer, while the resume is considered a tool
  of the job seeker.

True
9
Before you start knocking on doors, youll want
to prepare for your search.

• Self Assessment
• Explore Career Options
• Research Employers
• Prepare Job Search Materials

10
A self assessment will help you identify what you
are looking for in a job.

• You should be able to
• Describe what you want to do
• Match your skills, values, and interests to
  career fields and job titles
• Research your career fields

• Career Counseling NWTC Graduate Follow-Up
  Career Center Library Occupational Outlook
  Handbook www.myplan.com

11
Researching Employers can help you learn about
the organization and determine your place in it.

• Make a list of preferred employers to target
• Learn more about the employers by researching
• Consider conducting informational interviews

• Newspapers
• Fellow Professionals
• Competitors
• Internet
• TechConnect

• Employer Websites
• Networking Opportunities
• Job Related Search Engines
• Annual Reports
• Trade Associations

TechConnect Professional Associations Career
Center Library Occupational Outlook Handbook
12
Employer Locatorhttp//www.acinet.org/acinet/empl
oyerlocator
13
Prepare Job Search Materials

• Prepare an effective resume and cover letter
  getting a job is SALES!
• 1 page accomplishments based resume
• Proof-read!
• Practice interviewing
• Review practice questions before going to an
  interview
• Purchase appropriate interview apparel
• Focus on the employers needs

Resume Critiques Resume Samples and Books
Workshops Mock Interviews
14
Top 10 Job Search Survival Tips

• 10. Consider Volunteering
• 9. Consider Temping
• 8. Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise
• 7. Join a Professional Association
• 6. Timing
• 5. Emotional Support
• 4. Use the Career Center
• 3. Network Intelligently
• 2. Turn off your computer
• 1. Give yourself a Break

15
10 - Consider Volunteering

• Volunteering with help build your network of
  local professionals
• It also may provide experience in your field.
  For example A marketing student may help plan
  and advertise for a fundraising event

16
9 - Consider Temping

• Working for a Temporary Agency has many benefits
• Get your foot in the door of a good organization
• Try before you buy You are able to try out an
  organization without much of a commitment
• Get valuable professional work experience
• Meet professionals working in your field
• Earn a few dollars during your job search

17
8 - Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise

• You will be more alert mentally, if you take care
  of your physical health
• Take advantage of the nice weather get outside
  and enjoy it!

18
7 - Join a Professional Association

• Professional Associations provide
• Journals
• Provide up to date information about your field
  (great for interviews)
• Highlight the movers and shakers in your field
• Provide connections to professional development
  and conferences
• Access to member information great for
  networking!
• Job Listing services
• Great resume builders
• Local Chapters

19
6 - Timing

• Good jobs dont stay open long- act immediately
  if you are interested in a position

20
5 - Emotional Support

• Looking for a job can be a stressful endeavor
• Rely on your family and friends for support

21
4 - Use the Career Center

• Use the Career Center in person or online
• Individual appointments to assist with your job
  search strategies are available
• Check out our office for the latest job search
  news, job listings, workshops, networking
  opportunities and links to area employers

Career Services
SC235 Monday-Thursday 800am-700pm Friday
800am-500pm
22
3 - Network Intelligently

• Networking is not just about asking someone for a
  job
• Develop contacts and build long term
  relationships
• Most jobs come through people who know you and
  your skills
• Tell everyone you know that you are looking and
  what you are looking for

• Networking 30-49
• Direct contact with Decision-Makers 19-37
• Published Job Openings 15-24
• All others 1-16

23
2 - Turn off your computer

• The internet provides a massive amount of
  information, however it does not replace valuable
  personal interaction
• Use your computer as one of many tools necessary
  for a successful job search, not the only tool
  for your job search
• Most people find jobs through other people, not
  via the internet
• For each hour you spend online, try to match it
  with one hour of phone calls and personal
  interaction

24
1 - Give yourself a break

• Dont be too hard on yourself. A job search can
  be a difficult task.
• Dont try to compare yourself to others, the job
  you decide to take has to be right for you.

25
Your goal is multiple job offers!

• You have the most control when you have choice
• You have no decisions to make until someone makes
  you an offer
• Pursue every option until you get an offer