Work Smarter, Not HarderCreating a Job Search Strategy in a Tough EconomySue Danbom | UsmanChaudry| Sebastien CobutVolt Workforce SolutionsOctober 08 2009

OverviewCreating a Job Search Strategy:Building a resumeBuilding a virtual presenceFinding opportunitiesInterviewing

Building a ResumeBuilding a resume

Building a resume2 Formats: Chronological Functional Does your resume…Scream “Call me”Have MSA’s? (If not, get them!!!)Keywords

Made, Saved, and Achieved’s…QuantifiableMade: Products/Services you’ve created Ideas you’ve createdSalesSaved: TimeMoney Reduction in costsAchieved: Greatest Accomplishments

MSA ExampleWhat have you made, saved, or achieved for your employers?Provide exampleGive quantifiable results“I provided technical support to 300 employees with computer difficulties locally and remotely using Altiris Remote Control, resulting in a reduced response time from 3 ½ hours to 2 hours.I reduced number of service tickets 30% from 100 to 70 in my first month.”

Building a virtual presence

Building a Virtual PresenceAttract AttentionChoose appropriate sitePrepare profile carefullyPost pictureExperience and educationMSA’sKeywordsContact informationCreate networkUpdate frequently

Building a Virtual PresenceCreate On-line Profiles on Social Media SitesLinked InFacebookTwitterGoogleYou Tube

Finding OpportunitiesWhere do you find jobs? What is the most effective method? Post and Pray? Submit to jobs on job boards?Networking?

Finding OpportunitiesWhere do you find jobs? If your only answer is… “Applying to job ads and postings…”…that’s NOT ENOUGH in today’s economy.

Finding OpportunitiesApply directly to company websitesApply directly using Job Aggregators Indeed.comSimplyhired.comclickajob.co.ukJoin groups to networkNing.comGoogle GroupsYahoo! GroupsMSN Groups

Job Search StrategyTake a comprehensive approachUpdate your resume with MSA’sAdd keywords to be searchablePost to the major job boards: i.eMonster, Steptsone, CareerBuilder ... Apply directly to target companiesNetworkFamilyFriends (Friends of friends/family) Colleagues, Managers (Past and present)Associations/groups

Job Search StrategyHow will they find you?Tweak your resume for each job. Applying via e-mail…Include your resume and cover letter in the bodyANDAttach resume and cover letter soft copy Create a follow-up spreadsheet to track applications Follow up with applications on a weekly basis.

Interviewing for Success

Interviewing for SuccessKnow the job descriptionResearch the companyWhat can you contribute? (MSA’s)To the positionTo the companyWhat personal characteristics make you successful? (Examples)Why do you want the position?Prepare questions

Interviewing for SuccessBe promptDress appropriatelyTreat everyone with respectBring your resumeTurn off your phoneGive a firm handshakeBe positive and make it a conversation

Practice, Practice, Practice5Ps: – James BakerPrior Preparation Prevents Poor PerformanceTO INTERVIEW

Follow UpThank everyone you spoke to

In ReviewCreating a Job Search Strategy In a Tough EconomyWorking Smarter Not HarderPerfecting your resume and cover letter each timeBuilding a virtual presence and networkingFinding opportunities – use a comprehensive, proactive approachPrepare and practice for interviewingFollow up

Perfecting your resume and cover letter each time

Building a virtual presence and networking

Finding opportunities – use a comprehensive, proactive approach

Prepare and practice for interviewing

Follow up

Thank you