UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF JOB HUNTING
ASSESS YOURSELF
DETERMINE
YOUR OBJECTIVES
CREATE A CAREER PORTFOLIO
JOB
SEARCH METHODS
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
APPLY
INTERVIEW
FOLLOW-UP
UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF JOB HUNTING
The right frame of mind is just as important for landing a job as how you search.
• Finding a job is a job, it takes time. Job search should be treated like a full-time job.
• Job hunting is all about promoting yourself and your talent.
• Know how your skills and experience can benefit employers.
• You will not get every job you apply for, but don’t get discouraged. Stay positive and don’t quit until you succeed!
ASSESS YOURSELF
Identify and write down your interests, skills, values, needs, and work habits.
If you know your personality you can more easily determine the right work and
employer for you.
DETERMINE YOUR OBJECTIVES
Know what you want before you look, it will help you focus on the best targets
more quickly.
What type of position do you want?
What kind of employer is right for you?
What kind of job activities would you enjoy?
CREATE A CAREER PORTFOLIO
Prepare and gather documents such as:
Resume
Sample application
Cover letters and follow-up letters
Letters of recommendation
School or college transcripts, certifications, diplomas, and degrees
Awards
JOB SEARCH METHODS
Research potential employers and identify those you think might be a good fit.
Posted Job Listings
i.e. Want ads, Cal JOBS, job announcements, etc
Cold Calling
Phone or visit employers to check and see if they are hiring.
Volunteering
Normally an unpaid position that will allow you to gain experience.
Networking
70-80% of the jobs available aren't posted. A super way to
tap into the hidden job
market.
Employment Agencies
Utilize an employment agency for temporary and possibly
permanent positions.
Job Fairs
A great way to discover and meet employers hiring.
Informational Interviewing
Valuable source of gathering information about
a specific occupation or industry.
NEVER RELY ON JUST ONE METHOD OF JOB SEARCH
TYPE OF JOB
SEARCH METHOD |
BENEFITS + |
DRAWBACKS
- |
Posted Job Listings |
They represent actual jobs |
Only 20% of available jobs
are posted |
|
They don't require much
research |
Only 10% of available jobs
are listed in the newspaper |
|
Easily accessible |
You may not see a job in
the field you want |
|
|
You will be competing with
all the other people that saw the ad too
|
Cold Calling |
You may discover positions
not posted yet |
The research takes a lot
of time |
|
You may reach the person
with hiring power |
You must use initiative |
|
You can focus on the type
of job that you want |
It is hit and miss.
You may target employers that aren't hiring. |
Volunteering |
Allows you to develop skills
and gain experience |
Volunteer positions are
usually not paid |
|
It's great to put on your
resume |
After your volunteering
time is over you are not guaranteed a job |
|
Sometimes it turns into
a job |
|
|
You are meeting and getting
to know people that may know about other job opportunities |
|
|
You could get a referral
to a company that is hiring |
|
Networking |
You may hear about jobs
that aren't posted yet |
It requires initiative and
assertiveness on your part |
|
The person referring you
may have the ability to recommend you for the job |
You are relying on other
people to inform you about job leads |
|
It's the most effective
way of job searching |
|
Employment Agencies |
The agencies research job
leads for you |
They may charge fees |
|
|
They may not have a job
that is a good match for you |
|
|
Sometimes the jobs they
have available are temp jobs with no chance of becoming a permanent
employee |
Job Fairs |
You can meet with many employers
in a short amount of time |
You're competing for the
employers attention along with many other applicants |
|
You get to see the employer
in person |
You must be able to sell
yourself on the spot |
Informational Interviewing |
You can find out how the
best way to obtain a position with the company |
The interview is for information
only, not a job |
|
The person conducting the
interview may remember you and possibly hire you in the future |
You must be prepared with
questions to ask the employer |
|
If the person interviewing
you is not hiring, they may tell you about someone who is |
|
|
You may hear about a job
opening before it becomes available to the public |
|
|
You are getting specific
information about the type of job you want |
|
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Make sure you wear neat, clean, and appropriate clothing each time you visit
the business, even when you pick up the application. You never know who you may
encounter or who will remember you. If you smile and dress nicely you are more
likely to leave a good impression.
APPLY
Prepare your cover letter, resume, and supporting documentation. Customize the materials for each target employer. Clearly illustrate how you can be of value to each employer. Keep in mind that different jobs will require you to focus on different strengths you have. Make sure documents look professional and then apply for the job. If possible, ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring. Introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Ask when you may check back on the status of the application. Don’t forget to follow up with the employer as instructed.
INTERVIEW
Research the company before the interview. Know what the company is all about
and how you can contribute to its goals.
Know what the employer wants:
Show that you can fit into the company image.
Prove you can do the job or learn the job effectively.
Show that you are dependable, trustworthy, and that you will be there
for the company
Show that you care about the company and what they do
Don't just have a good attitude, have their attitude
FOLLOW-UP
Follow up each interview with a thank you letter stressing how you can benefit each employer. Be sure to check back with the employer within a week following the interview to see if you got the job.
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