This document provides guidance for the unemployed on finding direction and maintaining focus in their job search. It outlines steps to take stock of one's situation, adjust to changes in the job market, plan their journey through resume writing, developing prospects, practicing interviews, and following up. Maintaining a routine like waking up and dressing as if working helps stay motivated. Researching companies, asking relevant questions, sending thank you notes and considering career coaching are also recommended to help land new employment.
2. The experiences you have had and the
choices you made have brought you to
this point. Getting somewhere else
will require you to make difference
choices.
3. Finding Direction
“If you don’t know where you
want to go, then it doesn’t
matter which path you take.”-
Alice in Wonderland
4. Maintaining Your Focus
➔When You are Unemployed Finding a Job IS
Your Job
◆ Maintain a Routine
● Wake Up When You Would Go to Work
● Dress Professionally
● Set Daily Task Goals
● Set Weekly Employer Contact Goals
5. Taking Stock of Where You Are
➔What Do You Do?
◆ Is Your Field Stable?
◆ Are Your Skills Adequate
◆ Do You Need To Change?
➔What Environment Do You Want to Work In?
➔When Are You Available for Work?
➔What Salary Do You Expect?
6. Adjusting Your Map
➔How Have Career Patterns Changed?
➔How Has the Labor Market in Western NC
Changed?
➔What Skills Do You Think Are Needed in
Today’s Job Market?
8. Planning Your Journey: Marketing
➔Resume
◆ Your Sales Brochure-What Separates You From Your
Competition?
◆ Concise/Consistent
◆ Relevant to the Job You Are Applying For
◆ Specific- Stories Tell, Numbers Sell
◆ Be Conservative
9. Planning Your Journey: Marketing
➔Components of a Resume
◆ Contact Information
● Address, Phone, Email
◆ Employment History
● Reverse Chronological Order
● Employer Name, Job Title and Duties
◆ Education History
● Senior Degree/Diploma First
● Name, Location and Course of Study
11. Making Your Journey: Applications
➔Make A Written List of Prospects
➔Maintain A Written Record
◆ Name/Date of Contact
◆ Contact Information
◆ Follow Up Actions
➔Be Sure to Follow Application Directions
12. Making Your Journey: Interviews
➔Research the Company
➔Know Where You’re Going
➔Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early
➔Dress Professionally
➔Use the Restroom and Check Appearance
➔Leave Cell Phone in Vehicle
13. Making Your Journey: Interviews
➔Maintain Eye Contact and Upright Posture
➔Speak Clearly with a Moderate Volume
➔Keep Notes
➔Write Down Names and Contact information
for each Interviewer
14. Making Your Journey: Interviews
➔Sell Your Skills and Abilities
◆ Practice Interview Questions
◆ Think Before Answering
◆ It’s Okay not to Know
➔Ask Questions
◆ You Are Interviewing Them as Much as They Are
Interviewing You
15. Making Your Journey: Interviews
➔Sample Questions
◆ What is the Most Challenging Part of Working Here?
◆ What Have Past Employees Done to Succeed In This
Position?
◆ What Skill Would Be Most Useful In This Position?
◆ What Do You Enjoy Most About Working Here?
◆ What Does the Rest of the Interview Process Look
Like?
◆ When Do You Expect to Make A Hiring Decision?
16. Making Your Journey: Interviews
➔What Not to Ask:
◆ Salary
◆ Benefits
◆ Vacation
◆ Time Off
17. Making Your Journey: Follow Up
➔Send a Handwritten Thank You Card
◆ Send a Different Card to Each Interviewer
◆ Mention Interview Specifically
◆ Reiterate Interest
◆ Mail Same Day As Possible
18. Next Steps
➔Consider Meeting with a Career Coach
➔Attend a Workshop
➔Create a Professional Network
➔Have Your Resume Reviewed By a
Professional
➔Participate in a Mock Interview
➔What Is YOUR Next Step?
