Review of Job Search Strategies

1. Strategies in the job search process 1

2. Objectives Building a network of contacts Identifying appropriate jobs Finding your employer Preparing application documents Preparing for interviews Writing follow-up messages Continuing job search activities 2

3. Job Search Strategies 3

5. The wider your circle of friends and acquaintances, the more likely you are to make employment contacts

6. Get to know your professors

7. Demonstrate your ability in the classroom and build on the rapport outside the classroom

8. Meet business executives

9. Take active role in organizations, program committees in the area of your interest

10. Make contacts through internships

11. Foundation step in your career plan

12. Work with community organizations

13. Chance to meet the leaders in different fields4

15. Education – type and quality

16. Personal Qualities – people and leadership skills

17. Work Experience

18. Special Qualifications – languages, communication skills

19. Analyze outside factors

20. e.g. Lifestyle, location preferences5

21. Finding Your Employer Career Centers (Campus) Network of Personal Contacts Classified Advertisements Online Sources (internet & intranet) Employment Agencies Personal Search Agents Web Page Profiles Prospecting (approach directly) 6

22. Effective Resume Writing 7

24. The scannable print résumé

25. The electronic résumé (such as ASCII, pdf, html)

26. The reference sheet

27. The cover message—print and email8

28. Role of a resume A resume is a summary of the background facts in list form Role of a resume: to act as your sales brochure – selling your ability to do work provide insight into your skills and capabilities Serve as a guide for interviewer to follow your progression 9

29. Objective, Education, Experience and Skills Objective : Marketing Research Intern To apply __ years of accounting experience at __ to __ with needs of management and analysis. Talking Head (describes nature of what follows) Education Specialized training in Accounting acquired Education Include institutions, dates, degrees, and areas of study Include GPA when it works favorably for you Experience and Skills Include dates, places, firms and responsibilities while mentioning experience Use action verbs Strengthen job descriptions E.g.: Achieved, improved, acquired, revamped, spearheaded, pioneered, earned ,founded etc. List down References Use separate sheet for references 10

30. Organizing your resume Reverse Chronological approach Presents work and experience from most recent to oldest Organized and time coordinated approach Functional / skills approach Focus on skills learnt at different jobs Good for those who have taken many jobs Nontraditional career path Accomplishments/achievements or highlights approach: pictures you as a competent worker Presents hard numbers and precise facts behind your skills 11

31. Please the eye!! Leave margins Avoid heavy crowded effect Extra space subdivisions Choose words carefully Choose a scanner friendly font Enhance readability 12

32. Traditional Print Resume Example: Chronological Organization 13 Jere Bacon7431 Davenport DriveDallas, TX 75226jbacon@yahoo.com 512.598.9693 512.598.0017 Objective: Administrative Assistant Position Summary Of skills: Extensive experience on teamwork oriented projects Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Northern State University GPA 3.0 (4.0 basis) Computer Skills: Keyboarding at 90 wpm,Word, Outlook, Excel, Oracle and Access Relevant Courses: Business Writing Interpersonal Relations Document Imaging Management Jere Bacon7431 Davenport DriveDallas, TX 75226jbacon@yahoo.com

33. Power Points Arrange information logically Include vital information Balance the resume –do not crowd it Add references The three key “c” words to keep in mind when building your sales brochure are clear, concise and consistent. 14

34. Writing the Cover letter 15

35. Cover Message Cover Message involves matching your qualifications with the job. Cover Message can of two types: Print Cover Letter Email Cover Message 16

36. Print Cover Letter Gaining Attention in the opening Selecting the Content Organizing for persuasion Driving for Action in the Close 17

38. If applicable, include references to the job or source of the job invitation e.g. Job boards or career center websites 18

39. Selecting Content Present your qualifications and fit them to the job Study the job thoroughly Include education, experience, personal qualities and references Emphasise these areas according to the job Cover message should carry all the major selling points 19

40. Organizing for persuasion Order by Logical grouping, time or job requirements Present your qualifications favourably Use the you-viewpoint e.g. “My experience can help me fit into one of your technical operations...” Avoid the tendency to overuse I’s but some should be used 20

41. Driving for Action in the close Drive for appropriate action e.g. Request for interview, invitation to contact references Make action words clear and direct, preferably in question form 21

42. Examples of good and bad application techniques Example of Bad application techniques “I am completing my studies.... I have had good working experience.... Before I must make a decision on my career soon, I request that you write me soon....” Example of Good application techniques “Is there a place in your marketing team for a person trained in the field..... ? My studies were specially planned to prepare me for a career in marketing... May I talk with you about beginning that position? You can reach me on...” 22

43. Email Cover Message Could be identical to print cover messages, but shorter documents are usually preferred Identify the job, highlight the applicants strengths and invite the reader to review the resume e.g. Yesterday, my advisor Mr. Payton Kubicek suggested I contact you about the summer intern position..... At Brown, I have undertaken courses.... I would enjoy applying some of these skills in a successful site targeted at high-end retail customers like Thankyoutoo.com. You will see from my web profile.... Please let me know when we can talk further about this summer position 23

44. Handling the interview 24

45. Handling the interview Investigate the company. Make a good appearance. Anticipate questions and prepare answers. Put yourself at ease. Help control the dialogue 25

47. Cite a corrected weakness.

48. Recall a lesson learned.

49. Reveal a lapsed skill.

50. Use an unrelated skill.

51. Cite an objective.

52. Try humor.

53. Repeat your qualifications.26

54. Prepare with Interactive Tools 27

55. Thank You “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.“. - Confucius 28