Workforce Essential Skills Training

1. WEST Module 4:
Job Search & Networking

2. In this WEST
module:
We will provide some essential tips and
tricks to help you navigate the job search
process effectively while also giving you
a crash course on networking and
several professional networking
strategies.

3. Organize Your
Job Search
Set a schedule for every
day and treat your job
search like it’s a job
Claim a spot at home for
your job search activities
Have an interview outfit
ready to go, even for video
interviews!
Save the different versions of
your resume in one place
(flash drive or folder on your
hard drive) and label them
Only spend time on
applications you are
qualified for and that fit
your employment goals
Use your phone, job
posting web sites, folders,
and notebooks to track
your applications

4. Job Search:
Study
Employment
Trends
O*Net Online
Indeed & Career Builder
Career One Stop
Note: Refer to Module 2 for in-depth coverage of these tools.

5. Job Search:
Training/
Education
Needs
Study job postings
Explore training providers (IL workNet)
Consider financial impact
LinkedIn Learning, CoursEra, etc.

6. Job Search:
Elevator
Speech
A what speech?
An elevator speech is a brief, clear message
to spark interest in you and what skills you
can offer to an employer. It's typically about
30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride
from the top to the bottom of a building in
an elevator. Thus the name.

7. Tips for a
Good
Elevator
Speech
 Personal - be friendly, confident, and energetic; in
other words, someone who others want to work with.
 Clear & Concise - be efficient with your time and
choose your words wisely.
 Sales Pitch - sell yourself as a candidate with valuable
professional skills.
 Engaging - ask your audience what opportunities they
may know of or how you can provide value to their
company.
 Customize - tailor your elevator speech to fit your
audience, just like your resume.
 Rehearse - practice makes perfect, but practice also
makes normal, consistent, and comfortable.

8. Components of
an Elevator
Speech
Who you are What you do
Your key skills and
accomplishments
What you are
looking for
Ask about any
possible
opportunities
Thank them for
their time

9. Example
Elevator
Speech
Hello, my name is Bruce Banner. I
recently finished training in medical
billing and coding and completed an
internship with the Lake County Health
Department in their Records
Department. During that time I tackled
x, y, and z. I am looking for a position to
apply my skills in the healthcare
support field. Are you aware of any
current or upcoming opportunities?
Thank you, I appreciate your
consideration.

10. Networking
What is Networking?
The exchange of information or
services among individuals and
groups; specifically: the cultivation of
productive relationships for
employment or business.

11. Networking:
Why is it
important?
It is about sharing information
and contacts, getting the help
you need, getting more done
with less effort, building
relationships, and helping
yourself and other people to
be more effective.
Networking remains the #1
cause of job attainment. Data
shows 80+% of jobs are
landed by networking.

12. Networking
Tips &
Strategies
Have a positive attitude about networking. Networks are
critical to your success.
Don’t think about it as building your network, but as
cultivating relationships.
To build relationships, start by establishing
acquaintances.
Practice good communication.
Reciprocate. Always ask if there is something you can do
for them.
Be yourself!

13. Networking
Tips &
Strategies:
Virtual
World
LinkedIn
Use Google: Search for webinars &
virtual workshops in your industry
Get comfortable with video
conferencing and interviewing
Practice proper professional
communication, now more than ever

14. For more
information…
• Visit the Job Center website and go through our 5 Steps to Your
Next Job resource page that covers many elements of both job
search and networking!
• Check out the Essential Job Search Guide on Indeed:
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/the-
essential-job-search-guide
• Watch these helpful videos about specific job search and
networking tips:
• How to Network to Get a Job -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBlHuxnH6s
• Job Search Strategies and Techniques -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_04pmxmHQc