Introduction to your job search

Introduction to searchBuilding the foundation

In this session we will…

• Build the foundation of a successful search

• Focus on adapting a winning mindset

• Let you know what to expect

• Tell you how to work

• Tell you the materials you will need

The job search

Take advantage of the system

• We provide the support you need– The process – The resources– The community– The coaching

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

• Be sure to stop and get clarity before you move to the next step

Work on one section at a time

• Be sure to complete the to do’s from each section before moving on

• Make a commitment to finish all sections

• This step by step process builds a foundation

• It will position you for an effective and successful search

The system

Introduction

Build the foundation of a successful search

Adapting a winning mindset

What to expect

How to work

Materials you will need

Enrollment

Establishing communication channels

Time management

Job search folder on your computer

Using the Contact Sheet

Tracking contacts on the Tracking Log

Compiling contact lists

Sorting your contact list

Positioning

Who you are and what you want

Assess skills and values

Creating “your story”

Track salary history and potential red flags

Define search goals and objectives

Networking opportunities

Volunteering and reconnecting with what’s

important

Action Plan

Putting it all together

Creating a resume that supports your story

Building your target company list

Creating your marketing plan

Tracking your progress

Implementation

Job search survival

Reaching out to your network

The networking circle

Personal grooming and appearance

Interview preparation and planning

The salary question

The importance of follow-up

Your reference list

Take initiative

• You are the only one responsible for your search

• Go into your search with a sense of purpose

• Get focused on the process and be proactive in completing each task

• Don’t wait, just do it!

Keep an open mind

• This is all about you

• Be teachable and willing to learn

• You will learn new things about yourself, so be flexible and willing to adjust your thinking and approach

• You will get a job, this process can help you get the “right job”!

Attitude determines altitude

• Maintain a positive attitude - No matter what!

• Count your blessings – look for the positive

• The emotional roller coaster ride of job search

• Past job seekers will tell you they are better off today than they were before

• That will happen to you too

The value of opinions

• Consider the source

• Not everyone is a expert

• You don’t have to act on everything you here

• Place a higher value on the opinions and feedback of experts such as hiring managers

Everyone has one.Everyone has one.

You’re not a job search expert

• Don’t worry if you feel lost, confused or not sure what to do - You don’t do this for a living

• Your job search can be overwhelming

• It’s about defining what you are looking for and connecting with the right people

• This system will help you bring clarity to your job search

Establish a course of action

• Every well executed goal has a plan

• We’ll provide the steps to develop a highly effective search plan

• We’ll help you allocate your time to focus more attention on the highest valued activities

Take responsibility

• There are plenty of resources that can help you throughout your search but,– Don’t rely on anyone but YOU– Accept help but, stay in control and organized– It’s NEVER someone’s job to get you a job

Your job search is a full time job

• Finding a job is your job, so treat it like one– Wake up early– Take a shower– Wear business attire– Work hard – And, if you are busy put in some overtime

• Establish a work schedule– Full-time = 30-35 hours/week– Part-time = 15-20 hours/week

Timing your search

• Patience is a virtue – it could be 3-9 months, consider the variables

• Track your progress using the tools we provide

• Set your goals and focus on hitting them

• Invest the time it takes to find the “right” job for you

• Otherwise, you may find yourself searching again sooner than you’d like

Claim your work space

• Dining room, kitchen table, home office, etc.

• It’s important to have a specific place to work– Establish consistency– Maintain some privacy– Set yourself up for success

• You are telling yourself and others that you are taking your search seriously

The tools of the trade

• Get the tools you’ll need to conduct your search

• Computer with an Internet connection

• Microsoft Word – the standard format (.doc) for letters and resumes, Adobe Acrobat also provides consistently in your format, www.openoffice.org

• A land line phone with long distance

• A cell phone is fine for short conversations

• Some basic office supplies– We’ll cover some of those items later in this session

Collect your documentation

– Your old resumes and bio’s

– Past performance appraisals or written accomplishments

– Your work portfolio (example- graphics designer)

– Articles you have written or were named in– Reference letters, past assessments or psychological

profiles– Any list of contacts (personal & business)– Any other information you can find that you think will be

helpful in your job search to define your successes, skills, contacts, etc.

Office supplies

• A day planner/calendar – Recommend “At A Glance” Brand Planner – model “Week At A Glance” for current year

• A pack of professional styled “Thank You” cards

• A 3-ring binder – 1 ½ Inch size with pockets

• A 1-31 Day index (pre-numbered & 3-hole punched)

• A pack of 3-hole punched sheet protectors

• Any other needed supplies like good blue pens and writing padfolio

Action item list

[ ]Determine your work place

[ ]Decide how many hours a week you will work

[ ]Get the necessary tools to conduct your job search

[ ]Locate all of your documentation related to your search – old resumes, contact lists, assessments, etc. (don’t do anything with it yet!)

[ ]Purchase the office supplies listed on the previous page if you don’t already have them

Do not proceed to the next step until you

have completed all the steps above.