This document provides guidance on non-academic job searching. It discusses current job market trends of decreased opportunities but an increase in hiring by smaller employers and startups. Qualities in demand include communication skills and a strong work ethic. Effective strategies include researching opportunities, networking, conducting informational interviews, and using social media like LinkedIn to develop an online presence. The key is taking control of the search process through patience, open-mindedness, and following up on leads from a variety of sources.

1. Non Academic Job Search
by
Darren Kaltved
School of Public Health
Sarah Covert
College of Education & Human Development

2. Agenda
I. Job Market Trends
II. Qualities, Mindset & Fit
III. Research
IV. Job Search Strategies
V. Networking
VI. Elevator Speech
VII. Informational Interview
VIII.Social media’s impact

3. Job Market
• The labor market has declined (about 15% fewer jobs for 2010 grads) –
expected for another 24 months
• Start-ups to mid-size employers
• College hiring starting to increase slightly compared to last year
• College graduates can expect competition from experienced workers
for the same positions
• Baby Boomer exit

4. Job Market & Recruitment Trends
Decrease in
• On-campus interviews
• Listing positions on search sites
Increase in
• Career Fairs
• Internships & Co-ops (post grad)
• Campus referrals from faculty
• Professional networking and social media
(LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

5. Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek
• Communication skills
• Honesty/Integrity
• Interpersonal skills
• Strong work ethic
• Analytical skills
• Motivation/Initiative
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Technical/Computer
• Detail-oriented
• Teamwork
Provided by the NACE Survey

6. What mindset do you need
for a search?
• Willingness to take control of the search process
• Tolerance for ambiguity (the path may not be clear)
• Openness to taking risks (consider all possibilities)
• Self-Confidence (what you offer, articulate it, believe)
• Resilience (don’t give up, identify a support system)
• Patience (4-8 months on average for a search)

7. Factors Influencing Position and Fit
• Personal Factors • Reward Structures
• Family Concerns • Work Environment
• Professional Goals • Social / Community Dynamics
• Educational Values • Affinity / Cultural Connections
• Teaching Practices • Affordability
• Scholarly Considerations • Life – Work Integration
“Why fit in when you were born to STANDOUT! “
~ Dr. Suess

8. Researching Opportunity
• “Follow the money.” What US government programs will be hiring
because they got stimulus money (check out the stimulus bill at
http://www.ncsl.org/)?
• What areas of the United States do NOT have a deficit and have lower
unemployment?
• Internationally, do similar research. Where are there local opportunities
and resources? Where are there opportunities with international
organizations or global corporations?

9. Sources for market research
• Unemployment nation-wide in February 2011 was 8.9%. For people
with college degrees it was 4.4%. www.bls.gov (US Bureau of Labor
Statistics)
• State governments http://www.ncsl.org/ plus websites of individual
states
• Nonprofits http://www.mncn.org/ (MN) National nonprofit career
information: www.idealist.org
• Federal hiring -- USAjobs: www.usajobs.gov, plus
http://www.ourpublicservice.org

10. Sources, cont.
• Minnesota workforce statistics:
www.deed.state.mn.us/lmi
• Interested in science careers? Go to
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/
• International jobs? Start with www.devnetjobs.org or www.fpa.org
(Foreign Policy Association job board)
• Check out the websites of the professional associations for your
particular field to find specialized job information. And TALK to
professionals in your field. Go to http://www.weddles.com

11. Proactive Job Search - Strategies
• Experience counts (NACE 2010 Job Outlook):
– 95% of employers factor in experience when hiring
– 75% of employers prefer related work experience
• GoldPASS
– http://goldpass.umn.edu (Search by position type & job category)
• Contact companies/agencies directly (Letter of Inquiry)
– Library Services (Wilson Lib.) – company/industry databases
– Job/Career Fairs; Conferences; Seminars
• Professional associations/societies
– www.weddles.com
– Cognitive Science Society (CSS)
– Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
• Networking (80% of Jobs Obtained)
– On-line Presence (i.e. LinkedIn)

12. Global thinking: Looking for jobs outside US
• Research opportunities through websites and conversations
• Network, network, network. How can your local network connect you
to international opportunities?
• Consider internships and other apprenticeships (such as Peace Corps) to
get experience on the ground
• Study languages and cultures. Know the job search conventions in your
target area.

13. GoinGlobal
• 80,000 Country Specific Career and Employment Resources
• USA and Canada City Career Guides
• Worldwide Internship and Job Postings
• Learn about corporate culture for a particular country
• See CV/resume guidelines for different countries
• H1B Visa Employer Listings

14. GoinGlobal
To Access:
• Visit GoldPASS at http://goldpass.umn.edu
• Sign into your account
• Click on the GoinGlobal logo:

15. What is Networking?
• Using social, personal and professional contacts to help you to learn
more about a field of interest.
• Telling your contacts your story, so they realize you are:
– looking to grow professionally
– are in the job market and can give you job leads and information about unpublished job
opportunities.
• Reframe the concept of Networking from “using people” to:
– Giving someone a chance to be helpful – and to be helped in return someday
– Asking for advice and/or information
– Becoming a “known expert” – Personal Branding
– Being curious about people and what they do
• A reciprocal relationship
– i.e. volunteering, mentoring, referrals, etc.

16. Advantages of Networking
• Competitive Market:
– Supply exceeds demand
– Referrals (recommendations by people they trust) – 40% of jobs obtained
– Good people know other good people. Therefore, it’s easier and safer to recruit an employee
who, by word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.
• Strong Networking = Shorter Job Search
• 5-10% of Jobs are Advertised
• It is all about who you know or need to get to
know, and what you do with what you know.

17. Networking for Introverts
• Drop the word “networking”. Instead, refer to this process as “gathering
information”, “having coffee with someone”, or “building a few in-depth
relationships with someone”.
• Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.
• Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the
ball rolling.
• Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family members,
close friends, people close to them).
• Join at least one professional association and attend related events – this
strategy is uncommon, but the most beneficial.
• Conduct information interviews with professionals whose jobs interest you.
• Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well as blogs,
discussion groups/listservs, etc.

18. Networking: Where To Start
• Start with your immediate circle of friends / family
• Expand to colleagues, professors, classmates, alumni, and others you
share common interests
– Tell them what type of job you are looking for
– Give them a resume / business card stating your skills and background
– Always follow-up on leads
– Always send a thank you
– Focus on skill based – not as degree focused

19. 30 Second Pitch
• Who am I?
• What are my interests/passions?
• Where do I want to be in the future?
• What do I have to offer? (accomplishments, skills)
• Example: “I’m Anna Zhang. I’m getting my masters in public policy
this spring, and I want to help rural communities in Minnesota
develop new types of business.”

20. Practice Starting Conversations
Exercise:
• Take 5 minutes to write a 30-second elevator speech.
• Practice with 2 others in the room whom you have not met before.

21. Informational Interviews: Goals
• Brainstorm
– Seeking ideas, not a job
• Research
– Seeking information, not a job
• Job Specific
– Seeking information about a particular job
• Remember
– It’s not hierarchical!

22. Ask for….
• Information (trends, challenges, opportunities, great organizations in
the field)
• Advice (skills I should develop, changes in my resume, related jobs I
should consider)
• Referrals: Who else should I talk to?
May I use your name?

23. Tips for Success
• Be proactive - Initiate
• Be prepared
• Be an active listener
• Take notes
• Limit your meeting (30-45 minutes)
• Be appreciative
• Send a thank you note
• Keep in touch

24. Online Social Networking
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com
• LinkedIn has over 100 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the world.
• A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of our members are
outside the U.S.
• 85% of employers indicated they are using LinkedIn to find and review candidates.
• Professional Profile is key (i.e. summary, specialties, recommendations, and blogs)
• Under the “More” Category – click on SKILLS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com
• High School friends can sometimes repay a favor
• Employers are using Facebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com
• Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected
through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?)
• Video (Social Media Revolution)

25. Summary
• Research your options
• Develop strong professional relationships
• Present your knowledge, skills and abilities effectively for each
organization you target

26. Take Action!
• What 3 actions will YOU take in the next 2 weeks to move your job
search forward?
• Be specific: I will identify and contact 2 professionals in my field for
informational interviews by April 15. I will talk to my faculty advisor
this week to ask her for 2 names.
• Write this down and tell someone else – and arrange to report on the
results.

27. Questions?
Find your Career Services Office:
http://www.career.umn.edu