Chapter 13 Job Search Skills
Dec 25, 2015
Chapter 13
Job Search Skills
“Choose a job you love, and you will
never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius
OBJECTIVES
Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career
Conduct a targeted job search including a realistic job preview
Determine the cost of living in your desired work location
Ensure a professional electronic image Create a job search portfolio Identify references to be used in your job search Identify sources for job leads Define networking and create a professional network
THE JOB SEARCH
Successful job search strategy identifies Type of job you will be looking for Needed tools and resources How to use tools and resources
Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER
Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals
Review Trigger Words Complete Accomplishments
Worksheet Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER
Realistic job preview Identifies day to day and common
tasks for a specific job Identify additional educational
needs Identify other requirements
DMV history Credit history
TALK IT OUT
Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?
CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE
Introductory statements for resumé Both statements are used on résumé
to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position
Statement will be first item listed on resumé
CAREER OBJECTIVE
A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience Include interest in position Brief one line description of skills
related to position and how you will utilize your skills
Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Example:“Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”
PERSONAL PROFILE
A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience Group key skills and accomplishments
into general categories Identify key qualities that match target
job Take information and turn into two-three
sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications
PERSONAL PROFILE
Example:“Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Identify and Target Step toward a satisfying career job Reflects your values Support your life plan Industries that require your key skills Specific jobs in identified industries Desired work environment
THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH
Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers Where you want to work Cost of living
Average costs of basic necessities
PREPARATION
Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means
Conduct internet search on self Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other
negative material Maintain professional e-mail address and
voice mail Avoid text slang in written communications
TALK IT OUT
What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?
JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO
Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews Some items from job search portfolio will become
part of your interview portfolio covered in Ch. 15 Keeps job seeker organized and prepared
while job searching Use three-ring binder with tabs and/or
electronic files Keep original and two copies of each item Place original documents in page protectors
JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO
Electronic job search portfolio Recommended Computerized folder that contains
electronic copies of job search documents
Scan copies of documents in your hardcopy portfolio
Send as attachments if needed
JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO
Personal Business Card Contains personal contact information
Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail
Professional and easy to read No graphics, colors, or fancy fonts
Share card with anyone you meet
JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIOItems to include:
Network list Personal business card Resumé Cover letter Reference list Letters of
recommendation Transcripts Current state licenses Awards, certificates,
samples
Completed generic application
Copy of ID and/or driver’s license
Copy of DMV record Personal
commercial Small calendar,
notepad, pen Performance
appraisals
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
Have completed generic application available Do not list social security number or birth
date on application Applications are legal documents
Credit checks Background checks
Fully understand agreement prior to signing A keyboarded application is best
May be online or at a kiosk
Professional references Potential employer will contact Do not list on your résumé Create a separate page for references Do not send references with résumé
unless it is requested by employer Have a copy available at the interview
PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant
Have at least three letters of recommendation No more than two years old Letters can be from
past or present employers coworkers instructors someone you worked for as a
volunteer
PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SOURCES OF JOB LEADS
Directly from target company Internet search
Job banks, social networking sites, message boards
Industry journals and associations Current employees of target
industry/company Posted job positions Your professional network Government career assistance centers
SOURCES OF JOB LEADS
Visiting a company for open positions Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of resumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job
seekers Be prepared for an on the spot interview
SOURCES OF JOB LEADSUnsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes
Send cover letter and resumé (may be through electronic means) One to the human resource manager One to the manager of your target job
Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers Correct spelling Correct gender
Increases the opportunity to secure an interview
NETWORKING
Networking: the act of creating professional relationships Resource of individuals to call
upon for assistance and/or advice Face to face Social media
Person 3tells
Person 2tells
Person 6tells
Person 7tells
Person 5tells
Person 4tells
And this network continues
youtell
Person 1tells
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Building a Professional Network
Figure 13-1
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
People to include in network: Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Networking begins with attitude Be confident Initiate and introduction Use your personal business card Begin with a professional handshake
Create an electronic network Be cautious when sharing information
TALK IT OUT
What is appropriate and inappropriate information to share when creating an online network?
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry A way to find out about a company Ask questions about:
Jobs Hiring Company culture
Attending professional or trade association meetings
Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events
Volunteering for a local park clean-up day
Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Network list: a written list of all network contacts. Include contact’s:
Name Address Telephone number E-mail address
PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY
Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources
Beware of identity theft Ensure target employer is
legitimate Do not share birth date or social
security number
KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused
KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
Keep job search confidential Do not quit current job before
accepting a new job Do not bad-mouth your company or
anyone that works for your current or former employer