The document provides guidance on job searching strategies and techniques. It discusses assessing skills and interests, preparing application materials like resumes and cover letters, searching for potential positions, contacting employers, and interviewing. Additional tips include conducting informational interviews, utilizing social media and online resources, targeting hidden job opportunities, and developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. The overall message is that job hunting requires self-assessment, research, tailored materials, persistence, and selling oneself as the best candidate.

1. Job Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJob Search Strategies
AbdulRahmanAbdulRahman KuttyKutty

2. The Job Hunting CycleThe Job Hunting Cycle
1: Assess
Identify assets, deficits
Prepare portfolio, SWOT
Target specific jobs
2: Prepare
Develop Resume/CV
References
Support system
6/0: Work
Track achievements
Connect with people
Increase skills
Assess yourself
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3: Search
Use varied methods
Connect with others
Track progress4: Contact
Phone calls
Cover letters
Application forms
Resume/CV
5: Interview
Research
Questions
Offer
Negotiations

3. Job: A paid position of regular employment.
Career: An occupation undertaken for a
significant period of a person's life and with
Jobs and CareersJobs and Careers
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significant period of a person's life and with
opportunities for progress.
Consider internships/externships/job shadowing
to explore different career fields.

4. Job Search SummaryJob Search Summary
Identify your skills, interests and priorities
Research career fields of interest
Identify specific organizations of interest
Create targeted resume(s) and cover letter(s)
Identify position listing sources
Identify your skills, interests and priorities
Research career fields of interest
Identify specific organizations of interest
Create targeted resume(s) and cover letter(s)
Identify position listing sources
MES Training Program
Conduct a mock interview
Apply to jobs or contact employers about potential
opportunities
Follow-up
Conduct a mock interview
Apply to jobs or contact employers about potential
opportunities
Follow-up

5. Choosing a Job/CareerChoosing a Job/Career
Narrowing down your job options can help
you make better, focused applications
with more chance of success
What has motivated the choices you've already
made, and still motivates you?
When you browse vacancy websites, why are
Narrowing down your job options can help
you make better, focused applications
with more chance of success
What has motivated the choices you've already
made, and still motivates you?
When you browse vacancy websites, why are
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When you browse vacancy websites, why are
certain kinds of jobs more attractive?
What are the factors that make up a job you'd
love or hate to do?
What jobs suit me?
When you browse vacancy websites, why are
certain kinds of jobs more attractive?
What are the factors that make up a job you'd
love or hate to do?
What jobs suit me?

6. SWOT AnalysisSWOT Analysis
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7. Choosing a Job/CareerChoosing a Job/Career
What types of employers are there?
Large Employers (250+ employees)
Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMES) (<250
employees)
Private Sector: priority is to deliver profits for
investors. Commercial awareness is heavily
What types of employers are there?
Large Employers (250+ employees)
Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMES) (<250
employees)
Private Sector: priority is to deliver profits for
investors. Commercial awareness is heavily
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investors. Commercial awareness is heavily
valued.
Public Sector: priority is to serve the public
through government mandates.
investors. Commercial awareness is heavily
valued.
Public Sector: priority is to serve the public
through government mandates.

8. Choosing a Job/CareerChoosing a Job/Career
What types of employers are there?
Charity Sector: priority is to use funds raised to
deliver the charity's aims. Paid and voluntary roles
exist, and experience is important for entry.
Social Enterprise: priority is to deliver profits for
charitable aims but commercial awareness is still
What types of employers are there?
Charity Sector: priority is to use funds raised to
deliver the charity's aims. Paid and voluntary roles
exist, and experience is important for entry.
Social Enterprise: priority is to deliver profits for
charitable aims but commercial awareness is still
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charitable aims but commercial awareness is still
important.
Self-employment: priority is to deliver sustained
profits for the individual. It includes independent
work, which needs responsibility and self-
motivation.
charitable aims but commercial awareness is still
important.
Self-employment: priority is to deliver sustained
profits for the individual. It includes independent
work, which needs responsibility and self-
motivation.

9. Make a Target ListMake a Target List
Companies
Organizations
Associations
Councils
Agencies
Companies
Organizations
Associations
Councils
Agencies
• Health Care
• Energy
• Education
• Utilities
• International
Business/Trade
• Public Safety
• Health Care
• Energy
• Education
• Utilities
• International
Business/Trade
• Public Safety
• Green/Sustainable
Technologies
• Debt Management
• Consulting
• Bankruptcy Law
• Government
Contracting
• Green/Sustainable
Technologies
• Debt Management
• Consulting
• Bankruptcy Law
• Government
Contracting
Recession-resistant Industries
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Agencies
Firms
Agencies
Firms
• Public Safety
• Accounting
• Federal Government
• Pharmaceuticals
• Sales
• Food
• Gaming
• Public Safety
• Accounting
• Federal Government
• Pharmaceuticals
• Sales
• Food
• Gaming
• Military
• Beauty and Health
• Debt Collection
• Ultraluxury Items
• Engineering
• Building/Construction
• Military
• Beauty and Health
• Debt Collection
• Ultraluxury Items
• Engineering
• Building/Construction

10. Job Hunting ResourcesJob Hunting Resources
Family & Friends
They know of your interests and abilities
They have contacts in the community
Networking
Make use of personal connections when searching for a job
opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends etc.)
Family & Friends
They know of your interests and abilities
They have contacts in the community
Networking
Make use of personal connections when searching for a job
opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends etc.)
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opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends etc.)
Help wanted listings
Newspaper, online
Employers
Contact business employers to learn
of available jobs
Even if no openings, may contact
in future
opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends etc.)
Help wanted listings
Newspaper, online
Employers
Contact business employers to learn
of available jobs
Even if no openings, may contact
in future

11. Job Hunting ResourcesJob Hunting Resources
Employment Agencies
Help people find jobs by matching applicants’
qualifications with job openings
Career Counselors and Advisors
At schools/colleges, Charity/Social orgs.
Employment Websites
Employment Agencies
Help people find jobs by matching applicants’
qualifications with job openings
Career Counselors and Advisors
At schools/colleges, Charity/Social orgs.
Employment Websites
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Employment Websites
Post your resume so employers
can search for you
Employment Websites
Post your resume so employers
can search for you

12. Informational InterviewsInformational Interviews
Tell them who you are and what you are
looking for.
Ask for a few minutes of their time.
Ask them your questions:
https://www.career.virginia.edu/students/handouts/networking.pdf
Request tips and advice, NOT a job.
Tell them who you are and what you are
looking for.
Ask for a few minutes of their time.
Ask them your questions:
https://www.career.virginia.edu/students/handouts/networking.pdf
Request tips and advice, NOT a job.
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Request tips and advice, NOT a job.
DON’T send your resume, unless he/she
requests it.
Conduct as many informational interviews with
professionals in your field of interest as you
can!
Request tips and advice, NOT a job.
DON’T send your resume, unless he/she
requests it.
Conduct as many informational interviews with
professionals in your field of interest as you
can!

13. What Info to SeekWhat Info to Seek
Identify top organizations and jobs of
interest
Gain understanding of job market
Create better cover letters and resumes
Prepare for effective interviews
Identify top organizations and jobs of
interest
Gain understanding of job market
Create better cover letters and resumes
Prepare for effective interviews
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Prepare for effective interviews
Make informed employment decisions
Prepare for effective interviews
Make informed employment decisions

14. Social MediaSocial Media
Google yourself to see what appears when
someone searches for your name!
Create a LinkedIn Profile so you have a
Professional Presence
Review Privacy Settings on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, etc.
Google yourself to see what appears when
someone searches for your name!
Create a LinkedIn Profile so you have a
Professional Presence
Review Privacy Settings on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, etc.
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Instagram, etc.
Consider how information on your page could be viewed by a
potential employer
Be careful about what you say about work and/or job search
related experiences. Don’t let a tweet cost you a job or
internship!
Instagram, etc.
Consider how information on your page could be viewed by a
potential employer
Be careful about what you say about work and/or job search
related experiences. Don’t let a tweet cost you a job or
internship!

15. Identify (potential) position openings
Submit materials
Follow-up
Identify (potential) position openings
Submit materials
Follow-up
Make Contact with EmployersMake Contact with Employers
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16. The Hidden Job MarketThe Hidden Job Market
First Stage
No job opening, but employers
always looking for good
workers.
Competition: NO ONE!
Second Stage
The need is clear---the
insiders know---but no
action is taken.
Competition: No one or only
a few others.
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Third Stage
Job now “open”---in house posting,
referrals desired, and applications
being accepted.
Competition: Current employees or
personal referrals.
Fourth Stage
Job posted publicly.
Competition: EVERYONE with
internet access, a newspaper,
placement agency, etc.
The Hidden Job Market

17. Employers’ Recruitment PracticesEmployers’ Recruitment Practices
1. Internal (someone that I have
seen at work or from whom I received
an application.)
2. Network someone that
has been recommended (by a
contact, professor, friend,
etc.)
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etc.)
3. Human
Ressources
4. Ads
(newspapers and
internet)

18. Employers’ Recruitment PracticesEmployers’ Recruitment Practices
Receiving
the
applications
(100)
Evaluation
of resumes
and letters
(25)
Phone
interview
(15)
Face to face
Interview(s)
(10)
Tests
(10)
Reference
check
(2-3)
Job
proposition
(1)
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(10)
The selection process ofThe selection process of
dept. of human resourcesdept. of human resources

19. ResumeResume
If you want a job, you'll want a resume. Your resume
(sometimes called a CV or curriculum vitae) is a
marketing tool - a way to sell yourself. It has one
main purpose: to win you an interview.
If you want help, get it from professionals or try out
If you want a job, you'll want a resume. Your resume
(sometimes called a CV or curriculum vitae) is a
marketing tool - a way to sell yourself. It has one
main purpose: to win you an interview.
If you want help, get it from professionals or try out
MES Training Program
If you want help, get it from professionals or try out
at many different websites offering free/paid service
to create the right resume.
If you want help, get it from professionals or try out
at many different websites offering free/paid service
to create the right resume.

20. Cover LetterCover Letter
A cover letter is a short (one page), tailored letter
that should always accompany any resume or
application documents that you send to a prospective
employer.
Refer to the job requirements or selection criteria
listed in the advertisement and link these to your
A cover letter is a short (one page), tailored letter
that should always accompany any resume or
application documents that you send to a prospective
employer.
Refer to the job requirements or selection criteria
listed in the advertisement and link these to your
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listed in the advertisement and link these to your
skills, qualifications, strengths, successes and
experience that you have documented on your
attached resume.
Make sure you complement your resume – don’t
duplicate it.
listed in the advertisement and link these to your
skills, qualifications, strengths, successes and
experience that you have documented on your
attached resume.
Make sure you complement your resume – don’t
duplicate it.

21. InterviewInterview
Conduct research on the employer/company, the industry, job
opportunity, the interviewers etc.
Review common interview questions and prepare responses
Dress for success
Arrive on time for the interview — and prepare for success
Make good first impressions — to everyone you encounter
Conduct research on the employer/company, the industry, job
opportunity, the interviewers etc.
Review common interview questions and prepare responses
Dress for success
Arrive on time for the interview — and prepare for success
Make good first impressions — to everyone you encounter
MES Training Program
Make good first impressions — to everyone you encounter
Be authentic, upbeat, focused, confident, candid, and concise
Remember body language, avoiding bad habits
Ask insightful questions
Sell yourself throughout and then close the deal
Thank interviewer(s) in person, by email, and/or postal mail (in
24 hours)
Make good first impressions — to everyone you encounter
Be authentic, upbeat, focused, confident, candid, and concise
Remember body language, avoiding bad habits
Ask insightful questions
Sell yourself throughout and then close the deal
Thank interviewer(s) in person, by email, and/or postal mail (in
24 hours)

22. 10 soft skills for Job Hunters10 soft skills for Job Hunters
1. Strong Work Ethic
Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter
what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work?
2. Positive Attitude
Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and
good will?
3. Good Communication Skills
Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make
1. Strong Work Ethic
Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter
what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work?
2. Positive Attitude
Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and
good will?
3. Good Communication Skills
Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make
MES Training Program
Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make
your case and express your needs in a way that builds bridges with
colleagues, customers and vendors?
4. Time Management Abilities
Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different
projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely?
5. Problem-Solving Skills
Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will
inevitably arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for
someone else?
Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make
your case and express your needs in a way that builds bridges with
colleagues, customers and vendors?
4. Time Management Abilities
Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different
projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely?
5. Problem-Solving Skills
Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will
inevitably arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for
someone else?

23. 10 soft skills for Job Hunters10 soft skills for Job Hunters
6. Acting as a Team Player
Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and
take a leadership role when appropriate?
7. Self-Confidence
Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of
calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask
questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?
6. Acting as a Team Player
Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and
take a leadership role when appropriate?
7. Self-Confidence
Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of
calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask
questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?
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8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism
Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to
learning and growing as a person and as a professional?
9. Flexibility/Adaptability
Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you
embrace change and be open to new ideas?
10. Working Well Under Pressure
8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism
Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to
learning and growing as a person and as a professional?
9. Flexibility/Adaptability
Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you
embrace change and be open to new ideas?
10. Working Well Under Pressure

24. Make a Mind MapMake a Mind Map
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25. Job Search SummaryJob Search Summary
Identify your skills, interests and priorities
Research career fields of interest
Identify specific organizations of interest
Create targeted resume(s) and cover letter(s)
Identify position listing sources
Identify your skills, interests and priorities
Research career fields of interest
Identify specific organizations of interest
Create targeted resume(s) and cover letter(s)
Identify position listing sources
MES Training Program
Conduct a mock interview
Apply to jobs or contact employers about potential
opportunities
Follow-up
Conduct a mock interview
Apply to jobs or contact employers about potential
opportunities
Follow-up