Bite-sized Careers Talks 2017: Job Seeking Strategies John McMenamin Careers Consultant Career Development Centre
Bite-sized Careers Talks 2017:Job Seeking Strategies
John McMenaminCareers ConsultantCareer Development Centre
Objectives
This session will help you to:– Identify and find potential employers– Explore different ways of making contact with
those employers in order to access the hidden jobs they may have
– Assess and focus your job search strategy
The value of networking
Advertisements/websites
Recruitment agencies
Professional organisations
Networking/Word of mouth
Contacts from existing staff
Internal promotion or lateral moveEmployersrecruit this way
Most people lookfor jobs this way
Targeting companies
– Business activity– Size– Training – Prospects– Culture
– Travel– Location– Salary– Benefits– Security
75%
Iceberg principle
The open job market
Advertisedposts
The hiddenJob market
Direct approachesNetworking
25%
Open job market
– Internet– Engage– Company websites– Job sites – Social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
– Recruitment agencies – Recruitment fairs– Local and national press– Job centre Plus
Finding the hidden jobs
– Networking – conventional & social media– Informational interviewing– Work (experience), temping and volunteering– Speculative applications - in writing– Cold calling - in person, by phone
Networking
– Family, friends, fellow students– Clubs and associations– Tutors and careers consultants– Previous employers– Professional associations– Alumni Association
Social networking
Linkedin, facebook, twitter:
– Establish contact with professionals you have recently met
– Research or follow specific companies/people– Identify industry trends
But take care over your online profile. http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-advice/social-media-and-job-hunting/
Informational interviewing
– When you find someone who knows about a field or occupation
– Ask for a short interview / chat – 10 minutes– This is not JOB SEARCH – it is RESEARCH
Making the most ofinformational interviews– Imagine the conversation is with your hero and you want
their opinion on something. Offer an open question (who, what, why, how) but don’t interrogate them.
– Some questions you might ask– How did you get started in your business?– What’s the best thing about your job?– What’s the worst thing about your job?– What advice would you give to someone just starting out
in the industry?– What do you see as the coming trends in your business?– Listen to what they are saying and ask follow-up
questions that occur to you. “Interesting… so why…?”
Benefits of networking / interviewing
– What employers are looking for?– Information about specific companies– Industry trends, challenges and opportunities– Job hunting advice– Expand your network – add them on LinkedIn!– Possible experience / work opportunities – if the
interaction goes well, try your luck by asking if there is a possibility of work shadowing
Networking/informational interviewing exercise
– On the back of your action plan – write “ME” in the middle of the page
– Pick one of the jobs that you’d like. Who do you know who might be able to help you with finding information about the job and potential vacancies?
Networking exercise
– I want to become a writer
Self-published his own book whichdid quite well Tony
(Uncle)
Theresa(Neighbour) Works for a local
publisher
Jenny (Zumba)
Part of a local writer’s group
Matthew(Brother)
Julie(Friend)
Published author
Sumi(Colleague)
Nigel(ex colleague)
Now works for aliterary agent
Mark(Her husband)
Plays squash with anAccount manager atHodder & Stoughton
As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. Note: The above is just an exploration of an immediate network of friends and family and does not include contact through groups (alumni association, professional bodies), social media (linkedin) or ‘warm’ leads to working as a writer at work / at university.
ME
Speculative approaches
– Identify possible companies via:- word of mouth / networking - newspapers / online business news- online communities- professional bodies
– Identify relevant contact via:- cold calling (phone or in person)
- linkedin/twitter
Speculative applications
– Research the company / roles– Target named person, with a relevant role
in the organisation– Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and
covering letter– Follow up with a phone call– Ask for further contacts– Keep a record of all activity - follow-up
Your action plan
– What are you aiming for?(Your career goals)
– What is your current situation? (Job hunting activities underway) – What actions will you take? (Specific action steps with target dates)
Access services and resources book appointments book yourself in for events find and view vacancies find work placements view employers view careers information download resources complete online forms ask a question
engage.westminster.ac.uk
Career Development Centre Services
1-to-1Guidance
E-Advice
Vacancies& Events
InformationResources
Volunteering
Talent Bank
Mentoring
Career Development Centre Services
Engage – engage.westminster.ac.uk Online appointments, vacancies and events system Includes an enormous range of additional resources
on Engage Plus including job search Information and advice on CVs, Covering letters and application forms
Resources Guides, general and sector specific publicationsFace-to-face advice and guidance – bookable via Engage 20 minute quick query session 45 minute in-depth individual guidance or mock interview session
In summary
– Know what you have to offer and what you want– Know what’s out there– Develop your network– Plan your campaign– Review it regularly
....and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance
Contact us
Cavendish House1st Floor101 New Cavendish Street100 metres from Cavendish Campus
T: 020 7911 5184E: [email protected]
engage.westminster.ac.uk