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Job Search Strategies

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Have a Job Search plan. Traditional approaches ... Newspaper classified ads ... Read the newspaper. Networking 101. Networking is more than just business cards ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Job Search Strategies


1
Job Search Strategies
  • Sherri Kuss
  • Employment Coordinator
  • Engineering Employment Centre E2 050
  • www.engineering.ualberta.ca/employment

2
Workshop Overview
  • Know Thyself
  • The Job Market
  • Have a Job Search plan
  • Traditional approaches
  • The Hidden Job Market
  • Do your research
  • Networking
  • Informational Interviews
  • Career Fairs
  • Resources

3
Know Thyself
  • Your career goals
  • Your interests and aptitudes
  • Your preferred working environment
  • Your strengths and weaknesses
  • Your current skills set

Things to consider before you begin
  • "What lies behind us and what lies before us are
    tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson

4
The Job Market
  • Dont be discouraged even in a cool market -
    pay attention!
  • Know the industry know the trends

Its competitive out there for the best jobs!
  • Adjust your career preparation and take advantage
    of emerging possibilities

Many post-secondary graduates are woefully
unprepared for the realities of finding a job in
todays workplace. www.businessedge.ca
5
Have a Job Search Plan
  • Determine your search strategy
  • Get ready for your work search get organized
  • Use traditional methods to find job openings
  • Use creative methods to find employment
  • Research employers
  • Network develop leads and make contacts

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail cliché
(but true)
6
Traditional Approaches
  • On-campus recruiting
  • - investigate what companies are coming and plan
    on attending a briefing or interview
    (www.Placeprocanada.com)
  • Internet job sites
  • - Effective but just dont put all your efforts
    here and ignore other job-hunting methods.
  • Career Fairs
  • Direct mail campaign
  • Company Web sites
  • Newspaper classified ads
  • - such a small percentage of jobs are ever
    advertised - as few as 5 of all jobs!

7
The Hidden Job Market
  • What is the hidden job market?
  • Job opportunities that are never publicly
    advertised
  • How do I access these opportunities?
  • Relationships, connections, referrals

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I
seem to have."    Thomas Jefferson
8
Research! Research! Research!
  • No job description? - Review Occupational
    Profiles
  • www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/
  • Newspapers, Magazines, Pamphlets, and Websites
  • Industry-specific publications
  • Company annual reports
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Career Fairs
  • Career Centre
  • Networking
  • Discussions with experts in the field

9
Build Your Industry Contacts
  • Start with familiar faces
  • Communicate regularly with peers
  • Make new contacts
  • Attend industry events and conferences
  • Participate in professional associations
  • Read the newspaper

10
Networking 101
  • Networking is more than just business cards
  • Networking is relationship building
  • What can I do for you?
  • Follow up with contacts

11
What is Networking?
  • In simplest form
  • Using contacts made (in business) for purposes
    beyond the reason for the initial contact

12
What is Networking?
Networking Example 1
  • Career fair contact results in a referral to
    another department with the company

13
What is Networking?
Networking Example 2
  • Student project discussion results in an
    invitation to a plant tour

14
Getting Ready to Network
The exchange of information does not happen
automatically or magically so PREPARATION is
critical to the process
15
Networking 101
  • Things to keep in mind
  • Eye contact
  • Smile
  • Firm handshake
  • Prepare business cards and an opening statement

16
First Impressions
  • Theres something in the air
  • Cigarette smoke smell will cling to you and can
    be overpowering to a nonsmoker
  • Do not wear a lot of perfume or aftershave be
    very light with the scent you choose and the
    amount you put on
  • Be aware that what you eat or drink impacts your
    breath
  • Do not chew gum during the event

17
First Impressions
  • How do I know what to wear?
  • Wear something that makes you feel confident
  • Basic grooming is critical
  • Clean, classic, quality pieces
  • Business casual usually works when in doubt
    check

Never judge by appearances, but remember
thats how people will judge you. Anonymous
18
First Impressions
  • Shake hands firmly upon introduction if a hand is
    offered
  • Do not interrupt when someone is talking
  • Answer questions clearly and concisely do not
    ramble
  • Pay attention to your non-verbal communication
    gestures, posture, facial expressions, personal
    space and eye contact
  • Do not hesitate to show your sincere interest in
    a conversation dont be phony, but dont play
    it too cool

19
Informational Interviews
  • The goal is to collect information.
  • Do not ask for a job or set up an interview.
  • Talk to someone who holds a position that
    interests you.
  • Benefits
  • Explore careers and clarify your career goals
  • Networking experience
  • Build confidence for interviews
  • Access the most up-to-date career information
  • See the organization from the inside

20
Informational Interviews
  • Possible areas of discussion
  • Key issues and challenges facing the company and
    the industry.
  • How new employees are recruited?
  • Education and background of the interviewee.
  • What does it take to be successful in their
    position/industry/company?
  • References to other industry contacts.

21
Career and Job Fairs
  • Visit a variety of employer booths to learn more
    about summer and career opportunities
  • Practice your networking and informational
    interviewing skills
  • Be prepared with your resume and dress
    professionally
  • Dont miss out on the opportunity to begin
    developing your industry contacts

22
Questions
  • Visit the Engineering Employment Centre website
    for more tips
  • www.engineering.ualberta.ca/employment
  • Come to the Engineering Employment Centre
    E2-050 ETLC
  • THANK YOU!
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