job search guide - reinhardt.edu · job search guide karen ... , parents & roles, contemporary...
TRANSCRIPT
JOBSEARCHGUIDE
KarenMathews,WLCPDirectorofVocationandCareerServicesReinhardtUniversity7300ReinhardtCircleWaleska,[email protected]
RUJobGuide
TableofContents
1. FunctionalResumewithWorkHistory
2. ChronologicalResume
3. CoverLetter
4. ElevatorSpeech
5. ProfessionalReferences
6. Interview&JobNegotiationChecklist
7. StandardInterviewQuestions
8. BehavioralInterviewQuestions
9. IntervieweeQuestions
10. ThankYouLetter/Email
11. OnlineJobSearchResources
12. HowtoGetaJob
13. JobNetworkingTips
14. JobSearchMarketingSample/Form
SAMSOCIOLOGY1234MainStreet 555.111.1212Canton,Georgia30115 [email protected]: Sociology Major in Family Studies / Student Athlete with experience in customer
service,cashiering, inventory,coaching,mentoringandsportsassistingseekingentrylevelcoachinginamiddleorhighschoolprogram.
EDUCATION: REINHARDTUNIVERSITY Waleska,Georgia
BachelorofScienceinSociology:FamilyStudies April,201475%oftuitionpaidbyAthleticScholarships
RelatedCourseWork:QualitativeResearchMethods,DeviantBehavior,Marriage&Family,FamilyViolence,Parents&Roles,ContemporaryTheoryfromaSociologicalPerspective,HumanDevelopment,Race&Ethnics,SocialInequality,WritingforScience,GlobalSocialProblems,Gender&Society,IntrotoPsychology
HONORS&ACTIVITIES: Forward,ReinhardtUniversity(RU)Men’sBasketballTeam,2010–2014 PlayedFreshmanandSophomoreinAAC’sConference,RU,2010–2012 WonRegionAAChampionship,HenryCountyHighSchool(HCHS),2010 Letteredinbasketball,threeyears,HCHS,2006–2010 Volunteer,CommunityService,HCHS,2006–2010PROJECTS&PRESENTATIONS:
• ResearchedandmadePowerPointpresentationonCognitiveDevelopmentinAdulthood
• PresentedWhatAmericansThinkaGoodMotherandFatherRoleShouldBeusingaSOCIndexdatabaseforresearch.
• CurrentlyintheprocessofdevelopingaTrainingManuelforBatteredVictimsEXPERIENCE: CUSTOMERSERVICE/CASHIER/INVENTORY
• AtBio-Lab,handledboxeswithchemicalsinpreparationforshipping.• PulledautopartsatSnapperMotorServices.• ProvidedexcellentcustomerserviceanddeliveryatMarco’sPizza.
COACHING/MENTORING/SPORTSASSISTING
• Twoyears’experienceasLittleLeagueBasketballforMt.ZionChurch.• Mentoredboys,aged9to13,showingkidshowtobeinvolvedinskillsusing
electrictoolsfromHomeDepotaswellascommunityservicetokeepthemoccupiedandoutoftrouble.ActedasRoleModel.
• AtReinhardtUniversity,keptscoreboard,soldticketsandcleanedupafterbasketballgames.Workatsoccergamesaswell.
WORKHISTORY: ReinhardtUniversityAthleticDepartment,StudentWorker 2010–2013 SnapperMotorServices,PartsInventoryClerk 2012 Bio-Lab,ShippingClerk 2011 Marco’sPizza,CustomerService/Driver 2010
GEORGIAGRAPHIC1234MainStreet 345.555.1212Anywhere,[email protected]: Graphic Designer / CommunicationsMajor / Student Scholarwith experience in designing
magazine cover, brochures, banners; artwork, photograph and advertising eager to applygraphicsdesignskillsinacommunicationsroleormarketingposition.
EDUCATION: ReinhardtUniversity GPA:4.0/4.0 Waleska,Georgia
BachelorofArtsinCommunications:VisualCommunicationsMay,2013 NineAPCreditsfromEffinghamCountyHighSchoolHONORS&ACTIVITIES:
• ReinhardtUniversity’sHonorsProgramandDean’sList,2009–2012• SocialandBehavioralSciencesClub,ReinhardtUniversity,2010–2011• Salutatorian,Effingham,CountyHighSchool(ECHS),2009• YearbookStaffAssistant,ECHS,2009• GraphicDesignSummerWorkshop,ArtInstituteofCharleston,2008• NationalArtHonorSociety,ECHS,2007–2009• SubstitutePianist,St.Luke’sEpiscopalChurch(SLEC),2006–2009• ElementaryLevelPianoTutor,Self-Employed,2007-2009
PROJECTS&PRESENTATIONS:
• EthnographyStudyofat-riskteenagers.Eightpageresearchpaperidentifyingteensasaculturalgroupandidentifyingtheirhabits,norms,etc.Turnedoutsmokingisalargepartoftheircultureandtheirperspectives(epicandennic)appeartobeuniquetotheirenvironmentandcircumstances.
• SharedintheproductionofaparentingresourcebrochureforCherokeeCounty.Designedbrochureandassistedinprojectmanagement,planningandcontentdevelopment.
• AspartofPrinciplesofAdvertisingclass,performedfull-scalecampaignforCrayola.Designedposters,ads,billboards,radioandTVadsanddevelopedaPRcampaign.
• InDigitalArtClass,designedabookcoverandmovieposterforTheElectricKool-AidAcidTest,anassignedbook.DesignswerereviewedasbeingPortfolioQualityWork.
EXPERIENCE: CherokeeFOCUS/CherokeeYouthWorks HollySprings,Georgia GraphicDesigner/Tutor 2011–2013
• Createdcompanybrochure,artwork,photography,PowerPointpresentationsandAnnual
Reportfor501C3Non-profitconnectingcommunityresourcesforfamiliesandteens.• DesignedcoverforFebruary,2012issueofAroundAboutTownlakerMagazine.• Tutoredstudentsages16to21inMathandGEDPreparation.Createdeventbanners• ProvidedadministrativesupportforCaseworkersandDirector,asneeded.
EbenezerRetreatCenter Springfield,Georgia
VolunteerCounselor,VacationBibleSchool 2005-2009
• TeenCounselorforchildrenages8to10,averageof25childrenpergroup.• Operatedascaretaker,rolemodel,assistedinallactivitiesincludingmusic,etc.St.Luke’sEpiscopal Rincon,GeorgiaVolunteerChildren’sChoirAssistant&Accompanist 2007• AssistedMusicalDirectorandprovidedaccompaniment.• Providedadministrativeorganization...• Choirconsistedofabout10boysandgirls.
JOHNA.STUDENT
1234MainStreet 404.555.1212Canton,GA30114 [email protected],2013Dr.RogerLeeDeanofStudentsVicePresidentofStudentAffairsReinhardtUniversity7300ReinhardtCircleWaleska,Georgia30183Subject:CoordinatorofStudentActivitiesPositionDearDr.Lee,AsarecentgraduateofReinhardtUniversity,IaminterestedinapplyingfortheCoordinatorofStudentActivitiesposition.IhaveservedinabroadspectrumofStudentActivitiesfromResidentAssistanttoCoordinatorofOutdoorTripsandSummerCampCoordinator.Herearesomehighlightsofmyexperience:
• AsReinhardtOutdoorCoordinator,helpedsuperviseandorganizeapproximately50volunteersattwoReinhardtCollegeMountainBikeTrailworkdaysandtwoNaturalTrailWorkdays
• Coordinatedtheresearch,planning,developmentandadministrationforsixoutdoortripsandworkshopsandmanaged$7,000budget.
• ServedasChairpersonoftheStudentActivitiesFeeCommitteethatallocated$90,000offundingfromtheStudentActivityFeetotheMooreOfficeofStudentActivities.
WhilemymajorisBusiness/Accounting,mypassionisworkingwithstudentsinallkindsofactivities.ThefactthatIgraduatedmagnacumlaude,witha3.7GPA,makesmeanexcellentrolemodelforacademicachievementwhileparticipatingheavilyinschoolactivities.MyBusinessbackgroundinsuresmyabilitytohandlebudgets,providetimelyreportingandmanagethestudentactivitiesfunctioninaprofessionalmanner.Ilookforwardtohearingfromyousoon.Regards,JohnA.StudentAttachment
ELEVATORSPEECH
I’maBusiness/AccountingMajorfromReinhardtUniversitywhohasservedinabroadspectrumofStudentActivitiesfromResidentAssistanttoCoordinatorofOutdoorTripsandSummerCampCoordinator.
• AsReinhardtOutdoorCoordinator,Ihelpedsuperviseandorganizeapproximately50volunteersattwoReinhardtCollegeBikeTrailworkdaysandtwoNaturalTrailWorkdays
• Icoordinatedtheresearch,planning,developmentandadministrationforsixoutdoortripsandworkshopsandmanagedabudgetof$7,000
• AsChairpersonoftheStudentActivitiesFeeCommittee,Iallocated$90,000offundingfromtheStudentActivityFeetotheMooreOfficeofStudentActivities
Mybusinessbackgroundinsuresmyabilitytohandlebudgets,providetimelyreportingandmanagethestudentactivitiesfunctioninaprofessionalmanner.Whilemybusinessmajorisinaccounting,mypassionisworkingwithstudentinallkindsofactivities.Asamagnacumlaudegraduate,Iprovideagoodrolemodelforacademicachievementwhileparticipatingheavilyinschoolactivities.
JOHNA.STUDENT 1234MainStreet 404.555.1212Canton,GA30114 [email protected]
PROFESSIONALREFERENCES
Dr.KatherineHyatt BusinessProfessorfortwoyears BusinessProfessorReinhardtUniversity7300ReinhardtCircleWaleska,[email protected] ManagedtheReinhardtOutdoorProgramAssistantDeanofStudentsand IreportedtoDr.Mayforayear.DirectorofStudentActivitiesReinhardtUniversity7300ReinhardtCircleWaleska,[email protected](770)720-5540Dr.RogerLee ManagesallStudentAffairsActivitiesVicePresidentforStudentAffairsandDeanofStudentsReinhardtUniversity7300ReinhardtCircleWaleska,[email protected](770)720-5538
INTERVIEW&JOBNEGOTIATIONCHECKLIST
INTERVIEWPREPARATION
1. Haveahighqualityresumeandwhiteorbeigebondpaper.Takeextracopieswithyoutotheinterview.
2. HaveaProfessionalReferencesheetlistingcontactinformationforatleast3andnotmorethan5references.Yourcontactinformationatthetopshouldmatchtheheadingonyourresumeandthebondpapershouldmatchyourresumeaswell.Onlygivetheseoutifasked.
3. BepreparedtofilloutaJobApplicationForm.Everycompanyhastheirown.Youmaywanttobringapreparedformwithyousoyouhavealltheinformationinoneplaceandcanjustcopyitover.
4. Haveagood,preparedandpracticedresponseto:“TellMeAboutYourself”5. Dothoroughresearchonthecompanyyouareinterviewingincludingfinancials,competitors,industry,
recentnewsarticles,etc.6. Haveatleast5goodquestionspreparedtoaskaboutthecompany,thejob,themarket,etc.Ifyou
havebasedthoseonyourresearch,saythatinthequestion,example:“IseethatXYZcompanyhasdoubledyoursalesinthelastyear.Doyouexpectthattrendtocontinue?”
7. Thoroughlyresearchsalaryrangesforthetitleyouareinterviewingfor.Youmaybeaskedbeforetheactualinterview,whatsalaryrangeyoudesire.
a. Askwhattherangeforthejobis.Iftheyvolunteerthat,youwillknowtheballpark.Usually,theywillnottellyouthatandyouhavetogivethemarange.
b. Gotowww.salary.comandresearchtherangeforthetitleofthejobinAtlanta.www.glassdoor.comgivesyouareviewofthecompanyandtheirsalaries.Ifyoudon’tdotheresearch,youmayquotearangewhichistoolowandharmyourselffinanciallyforalongtime.Ifuncertainhowtohandlethis,[email protected]
c. TherearesomenationalstandardsfornewcollegegradsbutthosemaydifferforAtlanta.Besttoknowyourownmarket.
8. Writeandpracticeanswers(withafriend,familymemberorCareerServices)tothefollowingquestions:
a. Whyshouldwehireyou?b. Whatareyourstrengths?Weaknesses?c. Whatisthethingyoufeelbestaboutaccomplishing?d. Tellmeaboutatimeyouwereinvolvedwithateam–whatdidyoucontribute?Whatdidyou
learn?Whatwouldyoudodifferentlynexttime?9. ReviewandpracticeBehavioralInterviewingQuestions,examples:
a. Tellmeaboutatimewhenyoudealtwithadifficultcustomer.Whathappened?Whatdidyoulearnfromtheexperience?
b. Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhadtodosomethingreallychallenging.Whathappenedandhowdiditturnout?
c. Describeasituationinwhichyouwereabletousepersuasiontosuccessfullyconvincesomeonetoseethingsyourway.
d. Describeatimewhenyouwerefacedwithastressfulsituationthatdemonstratedyourcopingskills.
e. Givemeaspecificexampleofatimewhenyouusedgoodjudgmentandlogicinsolvingaproblem.
10. ScheduleaMockInterviewwithCareerServices.ItcanbeaVideoInterviewsoyouwillbeabletoreviewandimprovefromhome.
11. ReviewVideosonInterviewingontheCareerServiceswebsiteandontheweb.
THEINTERVIEW
1. Arrive10to15minutesearly,dressed inveryprofessionalclothes/shoes. Becourteoustoeveryoneyoumeet.Ifwaitinginthereceptionarea,lookaroundthewallsforinformationaboutthecompany’sproductsand/orservices.
2. Getbusinesscardsfromeachpersonyoumeet,ifpossible,soyoucanemailormailformalThankYounotesorlettersinthenext24hours.
3. Be sure your have good eye contact and a firm handshake with everyone you meet. As you arewalking toyourdestination, strikeupa conversation if the Interviewerhasn’tdone so. This is yourtimetoestablishthatall-importantconnection.
4. See if there is something in the Interviewer’soffice that youhave in common,use that toestablishrapport.
5. RemembertobreatheandtoSMILE,eventhoughyouarenervous.Beenthusiastic!6. Whenansweringquestions,stayonpoint.Aformerbossofmineusedtosaythat“morepeopletalk
themselvesoutofajobthanintoajob.”7. 70% of communication in an interview is non-verbal. If you will “parrot” the movements of the
Interviewertherewillbemoreofaconnection,justdon’tbetooobviousaboutit.8. IftheInterviewerstartstolookathis/herwatch,he/sheisreadytoclosetheinterview.9. Yourlastquestionshouldbe:“Canyoutellmewhenyouintendtomakethedecision?”Iftheysayit
willbeaweekfromMonday,waituntilthedayaftertocallifyouhaven’theardanything.10. Ifyouareinterestedinthejob,letthemknowthatbeforeyouleave.11. Getyourthankyounotesdonewithin24hoursandeithermailedoremailed.12. If, foranyreason,youdon’tgeta jobyoureallywant,remembertothankthemfortheopportunity
andaskthemtokeepyouinmindforthefuture.Dothisinaletteroremail.
THEOFFER/NEGOTIATION
1. First, if youare interviewingmore thanone company, itwouldbenice to getmore thanoneoffer.Eveninthistightmarket,thatisstillpossible.
2. Youwilloftenreceiveanofferbyphone.Besuretothankthepersonfortheofferandthenaskforadayortwotoconsidertheoffer,unlessyouknowitisexactlywhatyouwant.
3. FindoutiftheofferwillbesenttoyouinwritingviaFedExandinwhattimeframe.4. If you were not given benefits information on your initial interview, be sure to ask that that be
includedinthepackage.5. Ifyouarebeingaskedtorelocate,askisthereisapackagewhichwillhelpyouwithrelocation.6. Call Career Services to discuss the offer and get some feedback about additional things you should
considerandtodevelopanegotiationstrategy.7. If there are one or two important things about the offer that you would like to improve, you can
discusstheseanddevelopastrategytoaskforwhatyouneed/want.8. Decidewhatthingsaremostimportantandcompareoffersifyouhavemorethanonetodecidewhich
fitsyouandyourfuturecareerbetter.Trustyourgut.
9. Onceyouareonthenewjob,emailorsendletterstoyourentirenetwork,lettingthemknowwhereyouhavelanded.Ifyouaremailingletters,besuretoencloseyournewbusinesscardsfortheireasyreference.
10. Remembertokeepyournetworkactiveforthenexttimeyouarelookingforthatnewjob/career!
STANDARDINTERVIEWQUESTIONS
1. Tellmeaboutyourself.
2. Whataresomeofyourstrengths?
3. Whataresomeofyourweaknesses?
4. Tellmeaboutatimeyoudealtwithadifficultcustomer,client,studentorteacher?Whatdidyoudoandwhathappenedasaresult?
5. Whatoneortwothingsareyouproudthatyouhavedoneorbeeninvolvedin?
6. Whattypesofvolunteerorleadershipactivitieshaveyoubeeninvolvedin?
7. Whyareyouinterestedinthisjob?
8. Whyshouldwehireyouoverotherstudents?
9. Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhavetaughtsomeoneanewskill,orassistedsomeoneinimprovingtheirskills/knowledge?
10. Tellmeaboutatimeyouwereinvolvedwithateam–whatdidyoucontribute?Whatdidyoulearn?Whatwouldyoudodifferentlynexttime?
11. Whatleadershiproleshaveyouheld?
12. Howdoyouseeyourselfusingthisexperienceinthefuture?
SampleBehavioralInterviewQuestions
We'vepulledtogetheralistofcommonbehavioral-interviewquestions.
Oneofthekeystosuccessininterviewingispractice,soweencourageyoutotakethetimetoworkoutanswerstothesequestionsusingoneofthesuggestedmethods,suchastheSTARapproach.Besurenottomemorizeanswers;thekeytointerviewingsuccessissimplybeingpreparedforthequestionsandhavingamentaloutlinetofollowinrespondingtoeachquestion.Formoretips,readourarticle,BehavioralInterviewingStrategies.
Lookingforsomesampleexcellentanswerstobehavioralinterviewquestions?ThengotoourJobInterviewQuestionsDatabase,wherewehavetraditional,behavioral,andmixedinterviewquestionsforbothexperiencedjob-seekersandcollegestudentsandrecentgrads.
Hereisonelistofsamplebehavioral-basedinterviewquestions:
• Describeasituationinwhichyouwereabletousepersuasiontosuccessfullyconvincesomeonetoseethingsyourway.
• Describeatimewhenyouwerefacedwithastressfulsituationthatdemonstratedyourcopingskills.• Givemeaspecificexampleofatimewhenyouusedgoodjudgmentandlogicinsolvingaproblem.• Givemeanexampleofatimewhenyousetagoalandwereabletomeetorachieveit.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhadtouseyourpresentationskillstoinfluencesomeone'sopinion.• Givemeaspecificexampleofatimewhenyouhadtoconformtoapolicywithwhichyoudidnotagree.• Pleasediscussanimportantwrittendocumentyouwererequiredtocomplete.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhadtogoaboveandbeyondthecallofdutyinordertogetajobdone.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhadtoomanythingstodoandyouwererequiredtoprioritizeyourtasks.• Givemeanexampleofatimewhenyouhadtomakeasplitseconddecision.• Whatisyourtypicalwayofdealingwithconflict?Givemeanexample.• Tellmeaboutatimeyouwereabletosuccessfullydealwithanotherpersonevenwhenthatindividualmaynot
havepersonallylikedyou(orviceversa).• Tellmeaboutadifficultdecisionyou'vemadeinthelastyear.• Givemeanexampleofatimewhensomethingyoutriedtoaccomplishandfailed.• Givemeanexampleofwhenyoushowedinitiativeandtookthelead.• Tellmeaboutarecentsituationinwhichyouhadtodealwithaveryupsetcustomerorco-worker.• Givemeanexampleofatimewhenyoumotivatedothers.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyoudelegatedaprojecteffectively.• Givemeanexampleofatimewhenyouusedyourfact-findingskillstosolveaproblem.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyoumissedanobvioussolutiontoaproblem.• Describeatimewhenyouanticipatedpotentialproblemsanddevelopedpreventivemeasures.• Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouwereforcedtomakeanunpopulardecision.• Pleasetellmeaboutatimeyouhadtofireafriend.• Describeatimewhenyousetyoursightstoohigh(ortoolow).
FREQUENTINTERVIEWEEQUESTIONSCandidatesshouldalsoaskquestionsduringtheinterview.Thesequestionsshouldbethoughtoutbeforetheinterviewsoyouwillbereadytoaskthemattheappropriatetime.Askingrelevantquestionsisonewaytodemonstrateinterestandknowledgeand,mostimportantly,gaininformationaboutthepositionforwhichyouareinterviewing.Listedbelowarepossiblequestionsthatyoumaywanttoaskduringtheinterview.I.APPROPRIATEQUESTIONSFORTHEFIRSTINTERVIEW.
1. Whatwouldyoulikeforthepersoninthispositiontoaccomplishforyouinthenextsixmonths?
2. MayIhaveacopyofthejobdescription?3. Couldyoudescribethedutiesofthejob?4. Whowouldbemykeyassociates?MayIspeakwithsomeofthem?5. Whatdo‘they’[currentemployees]likebestabouttheirjobs/positions?6. TowhomwillIreport?7. Doesyourcompanyencouragefurthereducation?8. Whatarethemainresponsibilitiesoftheposition?9. Whatobjectivesdoyouhaveinmindthatyouwouldhopethepersonwhoishiredcan
meetorsurpass?10. Howmuchtravelisinvolvedinthejob?Howoften?11. Willthereberelocationimmediatelyorafterafewyears?12. Couldyoudescribetheworksetting--offices,machinery,resources,etc.?
13. Describeatypicaldayintheoffice. 14. Whatcharacteristicsdoesasuccessfulemployeeofyourcompanypossess? 15. Howdoesthestaffat“X”dealwithovercomingchallenges?
16. Whatarethegoalsofthisdepartment?Wheredoyouseethedepartmentmovinginthenext5-10year?
17. Whatproducts(orservices)areinthedevelopmentstagenow?18. Couldyoutellmeaboutyourtrainingprogramsfornewemployees?19. Doyouhaveaperformance-reviewsystem?Howisitstructured?Howfrequentlywill
Ibeevaluated?20. Whatisthenextstepintheinterviewprocess?
21. Doyouhaveplansforexpansion? 22. IsthisanewpositionorwillIbereplacingsomeone?
23. Whatisthelargestsingleproblemfacingyourstaff(department)now?24. Whatdoyoulikebestaboutyourjob/company?25. Doyoufillpositionsfromtheoutsideorpromotefromwithinfirst?26. Whatqualitiesareyoulookingforinthecandidatewhofillsthisposition?27. Whatskillsareespeciallyimportantforsomeoneinthisposition?28. Whatcharacteristicsdotheachieversinthiscompanyseemtoshare?29. Istherealotofteam/projectwork?30. Whatisthenextcourseofaction?WhenshouldIexpecttohearfromyouorshouldI
contactyou?
II.APPROPRIATEQUESTIONSFORTHESECONDORTHIRDINTERVIEW.
1. Whatisthesalaryrangeforemployeesinthisposition?2. Aresingleand/orfamilymedicalbenefitsprovided?Dentalinsurance?3. Whatisyourvacationpolicy?4. Aresalaryadjustmentsgearedtothecostoflivingorjobperformance?5. Inwhatwaysisacareerwithyourcompanybetterthanonewithyourcompetitors?6. MayItalkwiththelastpersonwhoheldthisposition?7. Hastherebeenmuchturnoverinthisjobarea?8. Howmuchtravel,ifany,isinvolvedinthisposition? 9. Whowillmydirectsupervisorbe(aswellasanyoneelseImayhavetoreportto
regularly)?Whatisthestyleofsupervisionandleadershipofthatperson?10. PleasedescribetheadvancementopportunitiesthatImighthave.
a)Whatisthetypicaltimeframefortheseadvancements?11. Howwillmyperformancebeevaluated?Bywhom?12. WillIhavetheopportunitytoattendprofessionalconferences?13. Whatwouldbetheextentofmyauthorityincarryingoutthejobresponsibilities?14. HowwouldIbestlearnthepractices,policies,andexpectationsthatwillenablemeto
functionsuccessfully?15. AmIbeingseriouslyconsideredforthisposition?16. Whatarethemainproblemareasthatneedattentionintheposition?17. Whosetstheprioritiesforthisposition?
III. APPROPRIATE QUESTIONS WHEN INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN DISCOVERED THROUGHRESEARCHPRIORTOTHEINTERVIEW.
1. Please describe the different types of products the company makes or servicesprovided.
2. Whatistheorganization'sgrowthrate? a)...networth? b)...profitmargin? c)...marketshare? 3. Howmanypeopleareemployedbythecompany? 4. Howhasthecompanychangedinthepast10or20years? 5. Whatgrowthareasareexpected? 6. Doesthedepartment/organizationhavea"missionstatement"? 7. Howisthecompanystructuredintermsofdivisions,departments,etc.? a)Wheredoesthispositionfitintothecompanystructure? b)Whatisthedepartment'srelationshipwithotherdepartments?
8. Wherearethedifferentdepartments/plants/officeslocatedandwhichoperations/manufacturingtakeplaceateach?
9. Whowouldyouconsidertobeyourmajorcompetitors? a)Howdoesyourcompanycomparetothese? 10. Whatendeavorsareyoumostexcitedaboutinthefuture?
JOHNA.STUDENT 1234MainStreet 404.555.1212Canton,GA30114 [email protected],2013Mr.HarryBakerAccountingManagerGeorgiaPower10PeachtreeStreetAtlanta,GA30310DearMr.Baker:ThankyousomuchfortheinterviewforaStaffAccountingPositionatGeorgiaPower.Iwasreallyimpressedbythequalityofteamworkanddedicationyourteamhas.MyyearsofplayingbaseballatReinhardtUniversityhavetaughtmethevalueofbothattributesIfeelthatIamhighlyqualifiedfortheStaffAccountantpositionbecause:
• MytwointernshipsforaccountingfirmswhereIpreparedindividualtaxreturnsandproducedfinancialstatementsfortwosmallcompanies.
• MyGPAof3.64andgraduatingMagnaCumLaude• Managingabudgetof$7,000forsixoutdoortripsandworkshops
IamveryenthusiasticaboutthedirectionoftheenergyindustryandthefactthattheUSisnowthenumberoneproducer.Iwouldlovetobecomeamemberofyourteamandassistyouwithreachingthegoalyoumentionedof10%expansionofthestaff.Sincerely,JohnA.Student
THANKYOULETTER/EMAIL
OnlineJobSearchResources
http://careertipster.com/?s=improve+your+job+search+with+these+online+resources
JobSearchEngines/JobBoards
• Indeed.com–MetaSearchEnginewithautomatedjobalerts,salarycalculator,&jobtrenddata
• Simplyhired.com–MetaSearchEnginewithsametoolsasIndeed• Jobgeni.com–MetaSearchEngineandcansetupjobRSSFeeds• Careerjet.com–U.S.JobSearchEngine• Justjobs.com–Searchjobboards,companywebsites&associationsforalljobsintheU.S.• Jobalot.com–MetaSearchEngine• Juju.com–MetaSearchEnginethatsearches15differentjobsitesinonesearch• Linkup.com–Searchesjobswithincompanywebsites• Careerbuilder.com–Nationaldatabaseinvariousfields• Monster.com–Nationaldatabaseinvariousfields• Aftercollege.com-Job&Internships.• Snagajob.com–Hourly&Part-timejobs.• Jobing.com–NationalDatabaseinSelectCities• Jobcentral.com–NationalEmployerNetwork• Careers.Yahoo.com-NationalDatabase• Collegerecruiter.com-Part-time,Full-time,entryleveljobsacrosstheU.S.• Getthejob.com–Searchjobsbykeywordnationwide• Employment911.com–Searchesover100jobsites• Freshjobs.com–Jobpostingsnoolderthan1week
SocialMediaJobSearchSites&Tools
• Tweetmyjobs.com–FindJobspostedonTwitter• Twitjobsearch.com–FindJobadspostedonTwitter• Twilert.com-CreateanautomatedsearchofkeytermsonTwittertogetanemaildaily• Tweetalarm.com–CreateanautomatedsearchofkeytermsonTwittertogetanemaildaily• Monitter.com-Searchtweetsforjobsorcompaniesusingkeywordsearchandspecify
location• Inthedoor.com–FindjobopportunitiesthroughyourFacebooknetwork• Linkedin.com/studentjobs–StudentjobsontheLinkedInnetwork• Linkedin.com/jobs–RegularJobboardforLinkedIn• Jobfox.com–Jobmatchingsiteforjobseekers• Jobster.com–Platformforfindingjobsandnetworkingwithemployers• Craigslist.com–Classifiedssitethatincludespostedjobs• Oodle.com–Classifiedssitethatincludespostedjobs• Trovit.com–Classifiedsitethatincludespostedjobs
SocialNetworkingSites&BrandingTools
• Linkedin.com–Largestprofessionalnetworkontheweb• Visualcv.com–Freemultimediaonlineresume• Rezscore.com–Gradeyourresume.BestresumesgoontheLeadershipboard• Vizibility.com–OptimizeYourGoogleSearchResultsandCreateyourown“GoogleMe”
button• Peoplepond.com–Freeprofessionalprofiletoolconnectingallyoursocialprofiles• profiles.google.com–CreateaprofilethatshowsinGooglesearches• About.me–CreateSplashpagethatdirectsvisitorstoallyoursocialprofiles• Gist.com-Manageallyournetworkconnectionsinoneconvenientplace• Identified.com–Facebooksearchengine.Givesemployersaccesstowork&educationhistory
InfographicResume&ProfileTools
• Vizualize.me• Re.vu• CVgram.me• Kinzaa.com• BrazenCareeristApp
FreePortfolioWebsiteBuildingTools
• Toolswix.com• Snappages.com• Edicy.com• Jimdo.com• Moonfruit.com• Yola.com• Sauropol.com• Thoughts.com• Blinkweb.com• 350.com• Page4.com• Launchsplash.com• Freeweb.com• Tripod.com• Clutterme.com
PersonalBrandingMeasurementTools
• Klout.com–GetyourKloutscoreandseewhatyouareinfluentialabout• Plusclout.com–InfluenceMeasurementToolforGooglePlus• Brand-yourself.com–Paidservicetoimproveonlinepersonalbrand• Peerindex.com–GetyourPeerindexscoreandseewhatyouareinfluentialabout• Kred.ly–GetyourKredScoretomeasureyourinfluenceandoutreach
• Mywebcareer.com–Getyourcareerscoretomeasureyouronlinebrandequity• Socialmention.com–Findoutthestrength,sentiment,passion,andreachofyourbrand
IndustrySpecificJobSearch
• Nicheboards.com–ListofIndustrySpecificSites• InternetInc.com-Compiledlistof100nichejobboardscategorizedbyindustry
Creative/TechnicalIndustries
• Dice.com–Technical/ITjobs• Creativehotlist.com–Design• Productionhub.com–Film&Video• Gamejobs.com–GameIndustry• Interiordesignjobs.com–InteriorDesign.• Gamasutra.com–GameIndustryjobs/news/articles• Creativeheads.net–GameIndustryjobs• Gamedevmap.com–LocatesGameCompanies• Interiortalent.com–InteriorDesign• Entertainmentcareers.net–EntertainmentIndustry• Mandy.com–Film&TelevisionIndustry• Aidb.com–AnimationIndustryDatabase• Coroflot.com–Design/Multimediajobs• Mediabistro.com–Audio/Film/Multimedia• Getfashiondesignjobs.com–Fashion&Interior• Computerjobs.com–Tech/IT• Awn.com–AnimationJobs• Media-match.com–Film&T.V.jobs–Isn’tFree• Archinect.com–InteriorDesign• Itjobs.net–IT/TechJobs
CareerRelatedInternetResourceSites
• Bls.gov–TheBureauofLaborStatisticsoffersthelatestnewsontheeconomyandemployment
• Bls.gov/oco–OccupationalOutlookHandbook–Industrytrends,earnings&workingconditions
• Doleta.gov–TheU.S.DepartmentofLabor–Employmenttrends&research• Quintcareers.com–Over4,500pagesoffreecareeradvicecontent• www.symsdress.com–Educatesstudentsonproperdressandgivestipstocreategreatfirst
impressions• Weddles.com–Providesalistofprofessionalassociationgroupsandwebsites
ResourcesSpecificallyfortheLGBTCommunity
• HumanRightsCampaign’sWorknet
• LGBTCareerLink• FederalGlobe• ProGayJobs.com• TransgenderGuide• TransgenderLaw&PolicyInstitute• ReachingOutMBAConference• OutForWork• Gendersanity
ResourcesforEx-Offenders
• H.I.R.E.Network-FindResourcesinyourspecificState
SalaryCalculatorResources-ReadHowandWhentoDiscussSalaryDuringtheInterviewProcess
Jobstart101.com–Freecoursetotrainyourselftobeastellarjobseeker
Youmayalsowanttoread:
10WaystoFindaJobonFacebook
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job
HOWTOGETAJOB
Whetheryou'relookingforyourveryfirstjob,switchingcareers,orre-enteringthejobmarketafteranextendedabsence,findingajobrequirestwomaintasks:settingandfollowingthroughonyourgoalsandusingthelatesttoolstoenterthejobmarket.Assumingyou'vechosenacareerobjectivesandarecurrentlysearchingforjobs,hereareseveralwaystoactuallygetajob.
Part1of4:BuildingYourQualifications
Reviseyourresume.Beforeyoustartjobhunting,makesurethatyourresumeisascompleteandup-to-dateaspossible.Yourresumeisanimportantdistillationofwhoyouare,whereyoucomefrom,andwhatyoucanoffer.Hereareafewtipstoconsider:
• Nevermakeupinformationonaresume;itcancomebacktohauntyoulater.
• Lookatavarietyofrecent,relevantjobdescriptions.Usesimilarlanguagetodescribeyourskillsandaccomplishmentsonyourownresume.
• Useactiveverbs.Whendescribingwhatyoudidatyourlastjob,makethesentenceastightandactiveaspossible.
• Proofread.Reviewyourresumeseveraltimesforgrammaticalorspellingerrors.Evensomethingassimpleasatypocouldnegativelyimpactyourabilitytolandaninterview,sopaycloseattentiontowhatyou'veleftonthepage.Haveoneortwootherpeoplelookatitaswell.
• Keeptheformattingclassicandtothepoint.Howyourresumelooksisalmostasimportantashowitreads.Useasimplefont(suchasTimesNewRoman,ArialorBevan),blackinkonwhiteorivorycoloredpaper,andwidemargins(about1"oneachside).Avoidboldoritaliclettering.Ensureyournameandcontactinformationareclearlyandprominentlydisplayed.
Prepareforthejobinterview:Developyourpersonal"elevatorpitch".Manystructuredinterviews,particularlythoseatlargecompanies,startwithaquestionlike"Tellmeaboutyourself."Theinterviewerdoesn'twanttohearaboutgradeschoolorgrowingup.Thisisaworkandexperiencerelatedquestionwitharightanswer:intwominutesorso,theinterviewerwantstounderstandyourbackground,youraccomplishments,whyyouwanttoworkatthiscompanyandwhatyourfuturegoalsare.
• Keepitbrief—between30secondsandtwominutes—andhavethebasicsofitmemorizedsothatyoudon'tstammerwhenyou'reaskedtodescribeyourself.Youdon'twanttosoundlikerecordingorarobot,either,soonlygetthestructureofitdown,andlearntoimprovisetherestdependingonwhoyou'retalkingto.Practiceyourelevatorpitchoutloudonsomeonewhocangiveyoufeedback.
• Anelevatorpitchisalsousefulforwhenyou'renetworking,atapartyoranywherewith
agroupofstrangerswhowanttogettoknowyoualittlebitmore.Inanetworkingsituation,asopposedtoajobinterview,keeptheelevatorpitchto30secondsorless.
Makealistofwork-relatedskillsyou'dliketolearn.Youremployerwillbeinterestedinhearingabouthowyouintendtobecomeabetteremployee.Thinkaboutwhichskillswillmakeyoumorecompetentinthepositionyou'reapplyingfor.Findsomebooksand
upcomingconferencesthatwouldsignificantlyimproveyourabilities.Inaninterview,telltheemployerwhatyou'rereadingandlearning,andthatyou'dliketocontinuedoingso.Hereisalistofsomeofthemostimportantjobskills,wantedbyemployers,thatajob-seekermusthavetobesureoflandingagoodjobandjustasimportantly,keepingit.
• Logicalthinkingandinformationhandling:Mostbusinessesregardtheabilitytohandleandorganizeinformationtoproduceeffectivesolutionsasoneofthetopskillstheywant.Theyvaluetheabilitytomakesensiblesolutionsregardingaspendingproposaloraninternalactivity.
• Technologicalability:MostjobopeningswillrequirepeoplewhoareITorcomputerliterateorknowhowtooperatedifferentmachinesandofficeequipment,whetherit'sa
PCormulti-functioncopierandscanner.Thisdoesn'tmeanthatemployersneedpeoplewhoaretechnologygraduates—knowingthebasicprinciplesofusingcurrenttechnologyissufficient.
• Communicatingeffectively:Employerstendtovalueandhirepeoplewhoareabletoexpresstheirthoughtsefficientlythroughverbalandwrittencommunication.Peoplewholandagoodjobeasilyareusuallythosewhoareadeptinspeakingandwriting.
• Stronginterpersonalskills:Becausetheworkingenvironmentconsistsofvariouskindsofpersonalitiesandpeoplewithdifferentbackgrounds,itisessentialtopossesstheskillofcommunicatingandworkingwithpeoplefromdifferentwalksoflife.
Part2of4:DoingYourHomework
Prepareforabehavioralinterview.Youmightbeaskedtodescribeproblemsyou'veencounteredinthepastandhowyouhandledthem,oryou'llbegivenahypotheticalsituationandaskedwhatyouwoulddo.Youmightalsobeaskedquestionslookingfornegativeinformation.They'llbasicallywanttoknowhowyou'llperformwhenfacedwithobstaclesinthepositionyou'reinterviewingfor.Beabletogivehonest,detailedexamplesfromyourpast,evenifthequestionishypothetical(e.g."Iwouldcontactthecustomerdirectly,basedonmypastexperienceinadifferentsituationinwhichthecustomerwasverypleasedtoreceiveaphonecallfromthesupervisor").Youmightfindyourselflistingfacts—ifso,rememberthatinthiskindofinterview,youneedtotellastory.Somequestionsyoumightbeaskedare:
• "Describeatimeyouhadtoworkwithsomeoneyoudidn'tlike."• "Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhadtostickbyadecisionyouhadmade,eventhough
itmadeyouunpopular."• "Giveusanexampleofsomethingparticularlyinnovativethatyouhavedonethat
madeadifferenceintheworkplace."• "Howwouldyouhandleanemployeewho'sconsistentlylate?"
Researchthecompany.
Don'tjustdoanInternetsearch,memorizetheirmission,andbedonewithit.Rememberthatyou'recompetingwithlotsofothercandidatesforafeworsingleposition.Youmaynotbeabletochangeyournaturalintelligence,ortheskillsthatyoubringtothejob,butyoucanalwayschangeyourworkethic.Workharderthan
everyoneelsebyresearchingthecompanyorcompaniesyouwishtoworkforasifyourlifedependedonit.
• Ifit'saretailcompany,visitafewoftheirstores,observethecustomers,andevenstrikeupafewconversations.Talktoexistingemployees—askthemwhatit'slikeworkingthere,howlongthepositionhasbeenopen,andwhatyoucandotoincreaseyourchancesofgettingit.Becomefamiliarwiththehistoryofthecompany.Whostartedit?Where?Whorunsitnow?Becreative!
Part3of4:PoundingthePavement
Doinformationalinterviews.Aninformationalinterviewiswhenyouinviteacontactoraprofessionalouttolunchorcoffee,andaskthemquestionswithouttheexpectationofgettingajob.Informationalinterviewsareagreatwaytonetwork,expandyourlistofcontacts,andfindouttipsandtricksfromprofessionalswhoareontheground.
• Havelotsofquestionsprepared—"What'sanormaldaylikeforyou?""Whataretheadvantagesofyourjob?""Whatmightyouhavedonedifferently?"areallgreat—butbemindfuloftheirtime.
• Whentheinterviewisdone,askthempolitelyforadditionalcontacts.Ifyouimpressthemenough,theycouldevenhireyouorreferyoutosomeonewhocouldhireyou.
Network.Thebestcompaniestoworkfortend
torelyheavilyonemployeereferrals.Makealistofallofyourfriends,relatives,andacquaintances.Contactthemonebyoneandaskthemiftheyknowofanyopeningsforwhichtheycouldrecommendyou.Don'tbetoohumbleorapologetic.Tellthemwhatyou'relookingfor,butletthemknowyou'reflexibleandopentosuggestions.Don'tbepickyaboutjobsatthisstage;aconnectioncangetyour
footinthedoor,andyoucannegotiatepayorswitchpositionsonceyou'vegainedexperienceandestablishedyourreputation.
• Touchbasewithallofyourreferences.Thepurposeofthisistwofold.Youcanaskthemforleads,andyou'llalsoberefreshingtheirmemoryofyou.(Hopefullytheir
memoriesofyouaregoodones,orelseyoushouldn'tbelistingthemasreferences.)Ifapotentialemployercallsthem,theywon'thesitateasmuchwhenrememberingyou.Offerallofyourreferencesacopyofyourlatestresume.
• Keepinmindthat,aswithdating,"weak"personalconnectionsareoftenthebestwaytofindanewjobbecausetheyexpandyournetworkbeyondoptionsyou'realreadyawareof.Youprobablyknowallaboutyoursister'scompany,andyouknowthatiftheywerehiringshewouldtellyou;butwhataboutyoursister'sfriend'scompany?Don'tbeafraidtoaskthefriendofafriendoranotherslightlyremovedacquaintanceforrecommendationsduringyourjobsearch.
Volunteer.Ifyouaren'talready,startvolunteeringforanorganizationthatfocusesonsomethingyou'repassionateabout.Youmaystartoutdoingboringoreasywork,butasyoustickaroundanddemonstrateyourcommitment,you'llbegivenmoreresponsibilities.Notonlywillyoubehelpingothers,butyou'llalsobegainingreferences.Emphasizeyourvolunteerexperienceonyourresume,ascompaniesthattreattheiremployeeswelltendtofavorcandidateswhohelpthecommunitysomehow.
• Internshipsmayfallintothiscategory,ortheymaybepaid.Aninternshipisagreatwaytogetyourfootinthedoor,asmanycompaniesprefertohirefromwithin.Evenifyou'refarremovedfromyourtwentiesoryourcollegedays,thewillingnesstoworkforlittleornomoneyshowscompaniesthatyou'reseriousaboutputtinginthework,learningtheskills,andgettingahead.
• Believeitornot,volunteerpositionsandinternshipscanleadtojobs.Intoday'seconomy,manycompaniesareturningtointernshipsasacost-effectivewaytovetpotentialfutureemployees.Thisisbecausemanycompaniessimplydon'thavethemoneyorresourcestotakeastabinthedarkandofferajobtosomeonewhoisn'ttested.Ifyouputinhardwork,demonstrateyourabilitytosolveproblems,andkeepyourchinup,yourvaluetothecompanymightbetoobigforthemtopassupon.
Coldcall.Locateaspecificpersonwhocanhelpyou(usuallythehumanresourcesorhiringmanageratacompanyororganizationyou'reinterestedin).Callthatpersonandaskiftheyarehiring,butdonotbecomediscouragediftheyarenot.Askwhatkindofqualificationstheylookfororiftheyhaveapprenticeorgovernment-sponsoredworkprograms.Askifyoucansendyourresumeindicatingwhatfieldyouwanttogointo.Indicatewhetheryouwouldacceptalesserjobandworkup.
• Reflectaftereachphonecallonwhatwentwellandwhatdidnot.Considerwritingoutsomestandardanswersonyourlistofskillssoyoucanspeakfluently.Youmayneedtogetsomeadditionaltrainingtobreakintoyourchosenfield.Noneofthismeansyoucannotgetagoodjob,onlythatyouneedtobecomefurtherpreparedtodoso.
• Visitthecompanyorbusinessinperson.There'sasayingamongemployers:"Peopledon'thireresumes;peoplehirepeople."Don'tunderestimatethevalueofpersonalrelationships.Gotothecompanyorbusinesswhereyouthinkyoumightwanttowork,bringyourresume,andasktospeaktotheHumanResourcesmanageraboutjobopportunities.IfyoumakeanexcellentpersonalimpressionontheHRmanager,you'vedoneyourjob:s/hewillhaveconnectedyourfacetoaresume,andwillhaveamuchbetterideaofyournaturalintelligence,yourpersistence,andyourlikability.Peopledon'talwayshirethepersonbestsuitedforthejob;peopleoftenhirethepersontheylikethebest.
Part4of4:AdjustingYourMentality
Changeyourattitude.There'sadifferencebetweenmakingphonecallsandgoingtointerviewsthinking"I'mlookingforajob"versus"I'mheretodotheworkyouneedtohavedone".[1]Whenyou'relookingtogetajob,you'reexpectingsomeonetogivesomethingtoyou,soyoufocusonimpressingthem.Yes,it'simportanttomakeagoodimpression,butit'sevenmoreimportanttodemonstrateyourdesireandabilitytohelp.Everythingthatyouwriteandsayshouldbeprecededsilentlybythestatement"ThisishowIcanhelpyourbusinesssucceed."
Settledown.Ifyou'vemovedaroundalot,bepreparedtoofferagoodreasonforit.Otherwise,you'llneedtomakeagoodcaseforwhyyouwanttostickaroundintheareawherethejobislocated.Acompanydoesn'twanttohiresomeonewithwanderlustwhostillwantstorelocate.
• Bepreparedtooutlinewhyyouarewhereyouaretoday,howlongyouintendtostaythere,andwhy.Givespecificreasonslike,"Thiscountryhasthebestschoolsystemsintheentirecontinent,andIhaveadaughterwhomightfindthecureforcancer"or"Iwasdrawntothisareabecauseit'satthecuttingedgeofinnovationforthisbusinessandIwanttobeapartofthat."Themoredetails,names,andspecifics,thebetter.
Fitthejobtotheskillsratherthantheotherwayaround.Manypeoplesearchforjobs,thentrytoseehowtheycantweakthewaytheypresenttheirownskillsandexperiencestofitthejobdescription.Instead,trysomethingdifferent.Insteadofthistop-downapproach,startfromthebottomup.
• Makealistofallofyourskills,determinewhichkindsofbusinessesandindustriesneedthemmost(askaroundforadviceifyouneedto)andfindbusinessesthatwillbenefitfromhavingyouandyourskillsaround.Youmightfindthatyougetmoresatisfactionandenjoymentoutofacareerthatwasn'tevenonyourradartobeginwith.
• It'simportantthenatureofthejobfitsyourpersonalityandsalaryrequirements,otherwiseyou'llhavespentasignificantamountoftimetofindadayjobyoudreadgettingupforeverymorning.[1]Soberealisticaboutwhatyouexpect,butbeopentowhatyouexplore.
• Don'tpanic,anddon'tcountyourselfoutjustbecauseyoudon'thave100%ofthethingsinthejobdescription.Thejobdescriptionmaydescribeanidealizedcandidate,
whichmaybeadifferentsetofqualificationsthanyouhave.Whileyoushouldcertainlychoosejobdescriptionsthatbestmatchyourqualifications,sometimesthebestyoucandoistosellthequalificationsyoudohave,andplantolearnandgrowintotherest.
JobNetworkingTipsHowtoFindtheRightJobbyBuildingRelationships
Findingajobintoday’seconomycanbetough,butthereareopportunitiesifyouknowwheretolook.Thebestwaytofindtheseopportunitiesisnotthroughonlinejobboards,theclassifieds,oremploymentagencies—it’sbytalkingtopeoplearoundyou.Yournetworkoffriends,relatives,colleagues,andacquaintancesisavaluablejobsearchresource.Networkingmaysoundintimidating,butitcanberewardingandfun,evenifyou’reshyorfeellikeyoudon’tknowmanypeople.
Whatisnetworking?
Thevastmajorityofjobopeningsareneveradvertised;they’refilledbywordofmouth.That’swhynetworkingisthebestwaytofindajob.Unfortunately,manyjobseekersarehesitanttotakeadvantageofnetworkingbecausethey’reafraidofbeingseenaspushy,annoying,orself-serving.Butnetworkingisn’taboutusingotherpeopleoraggressivelypromotingyourself—it’saboutbuildingrelationships.
Youalreadyknowhowtonetwork
Networkingisnothingmorethangettingtoknowpeople.Whetheryourealizeitornot,you’realreadynetworkingeverydayandeverywhereyougo.Youarenetworkingwhenyoustrikeupaconversationwiththepersonnexttoyouinline,introduceyourselftootherparentsatyourchild’sschool,meetafriendofafriend,catchupwithaformerco-worker,orstoptochatwithyourneighbor.Everyoneyoumeetcanhelpyoumoveyourjobsearchforward.
Tappingthehiddenjobmarketmaytakemoreplanningandnervethansearchingonline,butit’smuchmoreeffective.Adoptinganetworkinglifestyle—alifestyleofconnectingandhelpingothersingoodtimesandbad—willhelpyoufindtherightjob,makevaluableconnectionsinyourchosenfield,andstayfocusedandmotivatedduringyourjobsearch.
Networkingisthebestwaytofindajobbecause:
• Peopledobusinessprimarilywithpeopletheyknowandlike.Resumesandcoverlettersaloneareoftentooimpersonaltoconvinceemployerstohireyou.
• Joblistingstendtodrawpilesofapplicants,whichputsyouinintensecompetitionwithmanyothers.Networkingmakesyouarecommendedmemberofamuchsmallerpool.
• Thejobyouwantmaynotbeadvertisedatall.Networkingleadstoinformationandjobleads,oftenbeforeaformaljobdescriptioniscreatedorajobannounced.
Jobnetworkingtip1:Youknowmorepeoplethanyouthink
Youmaythinkthatyoudon’tknowanyonewhocanhelpyouwithyourjobsearch.Butyouknowmorepeoplethanyouthink,andthere’saverygoodchancethatatleastafewofthesepeopleknowsomeonewhocangiveyoucareeradviceorpointyoutoajobopening.You’llneverknowifyoudon’task!
Makealistofthepeopleinyournetwork
Yournetworkisbiggerthanyouthinkitis.Itincludesallofyourfamilymembers,friends,neighbors,co-workers,colleagues,andevencasualacquaintances.Startwritingdownnames,andyou’llbesurprisedathowquicklythelistgrows.
Thinkaboutpeopleyouknowfromformerjobs,highschoolandcollege,church,yourchild’sschool,thegym,socialmedia,oryourneighborhood.Alsothinkaboutpeopleyou’vemetthroughyourcloseconnections:yoursister’sco-worker;yourbestfriend’sboss;yourcollegeroommate’sspouse;friendsofyourparents;youruncle’sbusinesspartner.Don’tforgettoincludepeoplelikeyourdoctor,landlord,accountant,drycleaner,oryogainstructor.
Yes,youdohaveajobnetwork,andit’smorepowerfulthanyouthink:
• Youalreadybelongtomanynetworks(family,friends,colleagues,fellowcivicclubmembers,etc.)andyourjobsearchnetworkcanbenaturaloutgrowthoftheseprimarycontacts.
• Eachnetworkconnectsyoutoanothernetwork(e.g.,yourchild’steachercanconnectyouwithotherparents,schools,andschoolsuppliers).
• Eachmemberofanetworkmayknowofanavailablejoboraconnectiontosomeonewhowillknowofone.
Ifyou’renervousaboutmakingcontact—eitherbecauseyou’reuncomfortableaskingforfavorsorembarrassedaboutyouremploymentsituation—trytokeepthefollowingthingsinmind:
• Itfeelsgoodtohelpothers.Mostpeoplewillgladlyassistyouiftheycan.• Peopleliketogiveadviceandberecognizedfortheirexpertise.• Almosteveryoneknowswhatit’sliketobeoutofworkorlookingforajob.They’llsympathizewithyoursituation.• Unemploymentcanbeisolatingandstressful.Byconnectingwithothers,you’resuretogetsomemuchneeded
encouragement,fellowship,andmoralsupport.• Reconnectingwiththepeopleinyournetworkshouldbefun—evenifyouhaveanagenda.Themorethisfeelslikeachore
themoretediousandanxiety-riddentheprocesswillbe.
Jobnetworkingtip2:Reachouttoyournetwork
Alltheconnectionsintheworldwon’thelpyoufindajobifnooneknowsaboutyoursituation.Onceyou’vedrawnupyourlist,startmakingcontactwiththepeopleinyournetwork.Letthemknowthatyou’relookingforajob.Bespecificaboutwhatkindofworkyou’relookingforandaskthemiftheyhaveanyinformationorknowanyoneinarelevantfield.Don’tassumethatcertainpeoplewon’tbeabletohelp.Youmaybesurprisedbywhotheyknow.
Figureoutwhatyouwantbeforeyoustartnetworking
Networkingismosteffectivewhenyouhavespecificemployertargetsandcareergoals.It’shardtogetleadswithageneric“Letmeknowifyouhearofanything”request.Youmaythinkthatyou’llhavebetterjobluckifyouleaveyourselfopentoallthepossibilities,buttherealityisthis“openness”createsablackholethatsucksallofthenetworkingpotentialoutoftheconnection.
Agenericnetworkingrequestforajobisworsethannorequestatall,becauseyoucanlosethatnetworkingcontactandopportunity.Askingforspecificinformation,leads,oraninterviewismuchmorefocusedandeasierforthenetworkingsource.Ifyou’rehavingtroublefocusingyourjobsearch,youcanturntoclosefriendsandfamilymembersforhelp,butavoidcontactingmoredistantpeopleinyournetworkuntilyou’vesetcleargoals.
Startwithyourreferences
Whenyouarelookingforajob,startwithyourreferences.Yourbestreferences—thepeoplewholikeyouandcanendorseyourabilities,trackrecord,andcharacter—aremajornetworkinghubs.
• Contacteachoneofyourreferencestonetworkaboutyourpossibilitiesandaffirmtheiragreementtobeyourreference.• Describeyourgoalsandseektheirassistance.• Keeptheminformedonyourjobsearchprogress.• Preparethemforanycallsfrompotentialemployers.• Letthemknowwhathappenedandthankthemfortheirhelpregardlessoftheoutcome.
Jobnetworkingtip3:Improveyourcommunicationskills
Effectivecommunicationisacornerstoneofjobnetworking.Assimpleascommunicationmayseem,muchofwhatwetrytocommunicate—andotherstrytocommunicatetous—getsmisunderstood.
Effectivecommunicationcombinesasetoflearnedskills:attentivelistening,recognizingandusingnonverbalcues,managingstressinthemoment,andunderstandingyourownemotionsandthoseofthepersonyou'recommunicatingwith.
Attentivelistening
Effectivelisteningmeansnotjustunderstandingthewordsortheinformationbeingcommunicated,butalsounderstandinghowthespeakerfeelsaboutwhatthey'recommunicating.Tolisteneffectively:
• Focusfullyonthespeakerandhisorherbodylanguage,ratherthandaydreaming,texting,ordoodling.Ifyoufindithardtoconcentrate,tryrepeatingthespeaker'swordsoverinyourhead.
• Avoidinterruptingortryingtoredirecttheconversationtoyourconcerns.Listeningisnotthesameaswaitingforyourturntotalk.Youcan'tconcentrateonwhatsomeone'ssayingifyou'reformingwhatyou'regoingtosaynext.
• Showyourinterestinwhat'sbeingsaid.Nodoccasionally,smileattheperson,andmakesureyourpostureisopenandinviting.
Nonverbalcommunication
Wordlesscommunication,orbodylanguage,includesfacialexpressions,bodymovementandgestures,eyecontact,posture,andthetoneofyourvoice.Thewayyoulook,listen,move,andreacttoanotherpersontellsthemmoreabouthowyou'refeelingthanwordsaloneevercan.
• Youcanenhanceeffectivecommunicationbyusingopenbodylanguage—armsuncrossed,standingwithanopenstanceorsittingontheedgeofyourseat,andmaintainingeyecontactwiththepersonyou'retalkingto.
• Bodylanguagecanemphasizeorenhanceyourverbalmessage—pattingafriendonthebackwhilecomplimentinghimonhissuccess,forexample,orpoundingyourfiststounderlineyourmessage.
Managingstress
Overwhelmingstresscanhampereffectivecommunicationbydisruptingyourcapacitytothinkclearlyandcreatively,andactappropriately.Whenyou'restressed,you'remorelikelytomisreadotherpeopleandsendconfusingoroff-puttingnonverbalsignals.
Toquicklydealwithstresswhilecommunicating:
• Recognizewhenyou'rebecomingstressed.Areyourmusclestight?Areyourhandsclenched?Isyourbreathshallow?• Takeamomenttocalmdown.Takeafewdeepbreaths,clenchandrelaxyourmuscles,ortakeabreakifpossible.Stroll
outsideorspendafewminutesinaquietplacetoregainyourbalance.• Bringyoursensestotherescue.Thebestwaytorapidlyandreliablyrelievestressisthroughyoursenses:sight,sound,
touch,taste,andsmell.Wearingafavoriteperfumeorcologne,orkeepingaphotoofyourfamilyathandmayhelptocalmyou.
• Findthehumor.Whenusedappropriately,humorisagreatwaytodiffusestress.Lightenthemoodbysharingajokeoramusingstory.
Emotionalawareness
Developingemotionalawarenessprovidesyouthetoolsforunderstandingbothyourselfandotherpeople,andtherealmessagestheyarecommunicatingtoyou.Althoughknowingyourownfeelingsmayseemsimple,manypeopleignoreortrytosedatestrongemotionslikeanger,sadness,andfear.Butyourabilitytocommunicateeffectivelydependsonbeingconnectedtothesefeelings.Ifyou'reafraidofstrongemotionsorinsistoncommunicatingonlyonarationallevel,itwillimpairyourabilitytofullyunderstandothersandbuildstrongconnections.
Jobnetworkingtip4:Focusonbuildingrelationships
Networkingisagive-and-takeprocessthatinvolvesmakingconnections,sharinginformation,andaskingquestions.It’sawayofrelatingtoothers,notatechniqueforgettingajoborafavor.Youdon’thavetohandoutyourbusinesscardsonstreetcorners,coldcalleveryoneonyourcontactlist,orworkaroomofstrangers.Allyouhavetodoisreachout.
• Beauthentic.Inanyjobsearchornetworkingsituation,beingyou—therealyou—shouldbeyourgoal.Hidingwhoyouareorsuppressingyourtrueinterestsandgoalswillonlyhurtyouinthelongrun.Pursuingwhatyouwantandnotwhatyouthinkotherswilllike,willalwaysbemorefulfillingandultimatelymoresuccessful.
• Beconsiderate.Ifyou’rereconnectingwithanoldfriendorcolleague,takethetimetogetthroughthecatching-upphasebeforeyoublurtoutyourneed.Ontheotherhand,ifthispersonisabusyprofessionalyoudon’tknowwell,berespectfulofhisorhertimeandcomestraightoutwithyourrequest.
• Askforadvice,notajob.Don’taskforajob,arequestcomeswithalotofpressure.Youwantyourcontactstobecomealliesinyourjobsearch,notmakethemfeelambushed,soaskforinformationorinsightinstead.Ifthey’reabletohireyouorreferyoutosomeonewhocan,theywill.Ifnot,youhaven’tputthemintheuncomfortablepositionofturningyoudownortellingyoutheycan’thelp.
• Bespecificinyourrequest.Beforeyougooffandreconnectwitheveryoneyou’veeverknown,getyouracttogetheranddoalittlehomework.Bepreparedtoarticulatewhatyou’relookingfor.Isitareference?Aninsider’stakeontheindustry?Areferral?Anintroductiontosomeoneinthefield?Alsomakesuretoprovideanupdateonyourqualificationsandrecentprofessionalexperience.
Slowdownandenjoythejobnetworkingprocess
Thebestracecardriversaremastersofslowingdown.Theyknowthatthefastestwayaroundthetrackisbyslowingdowngoingintotheturns,sotheycanacceleratesoonerasthey’reheadingintothestraightaway.Asyou’renetworking,keepthis“Slowin,fastout”racingmantrainmind.
Effectivenetworkingisnotsomethingthatshouldberushed.Thisdoesn’tmeanyoushouldn’ttrytobeefficientandfocused,buthurried,emergencynetworkingisnotconducivetobuildingrelationshipsformutualsupportandbenefit.Whenyounetwork,youshouldslowdown,bepresent,andtrytoenjoytheprocess.Thiswillspeedupyourchancesforsuccessinthejob-huntingrace.Justbecauseyouhaveanagendadoesn’tmeanyoucan’tenjoyreconnecting.
Don’tbeahit-and-runnetworker
Don’tbeahit-and-runnetworker:connecting,gettingwhatyouwant,andthendisappearing,nevertobeheardfromuntilthenexttimeyouneedsomething.Investinyournetworkbyfollowingupandprovidingfeedbacktothosewhowerekindofenoughtooffertheirhelp.Thankthemfortheirreferralandassistance.Letthemknowwhetheryougottheintervieworthejob.Orusetheopportunitytoreportonthelackofsuccessortheneedforadditionalhelp.
Jobnetworkingtip5:Evaluatethequalityofyournetwork
Ifyournetworkingeffortsdon’tseemtobegoinganywhere,youmayneedtoevaluatethequalityofyournetwork.Takesometimetothinkaboutyournetwork’sstrengths,weaknesses,andopportunities.Withoutsuchanevaluation,thereislittlechanceyournetwork
willadapttoyourneedsandyourfuturegoals.Youmaynotnoticehowboundyouaretohistory,orhowcertainconnectionsareholdingyouback.Andyoumaymissopportunitiestobranchoutandforgenewtiesthatwillhelpyoumoveforward.
Takinginventoryofyournetworkandwhereitislackingistimewellspent.Ifyoufeelyournetworkisoutofdate,thenit'stimetoupgrade!Yourmereawarenessofyourneedswillhelpyouconnectyouwithnewandmorerelevantcontactsandnetworks.
Rateyournetwork
Giveyourself1pointforeachquestionyouansweryes.
• Doyoutrustyournetworktogiveyouthetruthabouttherealyou?• Doesyournetworkchallengeyouasmuchasitsupportsyou?• Doesyournetworkfeelvibrantanddynamic?• Doesyournetworkrepresentyourfuturegoalsasmuchasyourpast?• Arethenetworksconnectedtoyournetworkstrong?
5pts–Yournetworkisingreatshape!
3-4pts–Youneedtoenhanceyournetwork.
0-2pts–Yournetworkneedsamakeover.
Jobnetworkingtip6:Takeadvantageofboth“strong”and“weak”ties
Everyonehasboth“strong”and“weak”ties.Strongtiesoccupythatinnercircleandweaktiesarelessestablished.Addingpeopletonetworksistimeconsuming,especiallystrongties.Itrequiresaninvestmentoftimeandenergytohavemultiple"bestfriends.”Tryingtostayintouchwithnewacquaintancesisjustaschallenging.
Butaddingnew“weaktie”membersgivesyournetworkvitalityandevenmorecognitiveflexibility—theabilitytoconsidernewideasandoptions.Newrelationshipsinvigoratethenetworkbyprovidingaconnectiontonewnetworks,viewpoints,andopportunities.
Tipsforstrengtheningyourjobnetwork
• Tapintoyourstrongties.Yourstrongtieswilllogicallyandtrustinglyleadtonewweaktiesthatbuildastrongernetwork.Useyourexistingnetworktoaddmembersandreconnectwithpeople.Startbyengagingthepeopleinyourtrustedinnercircletohelpyoufillinthegapsinyournetwork.
• Thinkaboutwhereyouwanttogo.Yournetworkshouldreflectwhereyou’regoing,notjustwhereyou’vebeen.Addingpeopletoyournetworkwhoreflectissues,jobs,industries,andareasofinterestisessential.Ifyouareanewgraduateoracareerchanger,jointheprofessionalassociationsthatrepresentyourdesiredcareerpath.Attendingconferences,readingjournals,andkeepingupwiththelingoofyourdesiredfieldcanprepareyouforwhereyouwanttogo.
• Maketheprocessofconnectingapriority.Makeconnectingahabit—partofyourlifestyle.Connectingisjustasimportantasyourexerciseroutine.Itbreatheslifeintoyouandgivesyouconfidence.Findouthowyournetworkisdoinginthisenvironment,whatstepstheyaretaking,andhowyoucanhelp.Asyouconnect,theworldwillfeelsmallerandasmallworldismucheasiertomanage.
Jobnetworkingtip7:Takethetimetomaintainyournetwork
Maintainingyourjobnetworkisjustasimportantasbuildingit.Accumulatingnewcontactscanbebeneficial,butonlyifyouhavethetimetonurturetherelationships.Avoidtheirrationalimpulsetomeetasmanynewpeopleaspossible.Thekeyisquality,ratherthanquantity.Focusoncultivatingandmaintainingyourexistingnetwork.You’resuretodiscoveranincrediblearrayofinformation,knowledge,expertise,andopportunities.
Scheduletimewithyourkeycontacts
Listthepeoplewhoarecrucialtoyournetwork—peopleyouknowwhocanandhavebeenveryimportanttoyou.Invariably,therewillbesomeyouhavelosttouchwith.Reconnectandthenschedulearegularmeetingorphonecall.Youdon'tneedareasontogetintouch.Itwillalwaysmakeyoufeelgoodandprovideyouwithaninsightortwo.
Prioritizetherestofyourcontacts
Keeparunninglistofpeopleyouneedtoreconnectwith.Peoplewhoseviewoftheworldyouvalue.Peopleyou’dliketogettoknowbetterorwhosecompanyyouenjoy.Prioritizethesecontactsandthenscheduletimeintoyourregularroutinesoyoucanmakeyourwaydownthelist.
Takenotesonthepeopleinyournetwork
Collectingcardsandfilingthemisastart.Butmaintainingyourcontacts,newandold,requiresupdates.Addnotesabouttheirfamilies,theirjobs,theirinterests,andtheirneeds.Unlessyouhaveaphotographicmemory,youwon’trememberallofthisinformationunlessyouwriteitdown.Puttheseupdatesandnotesonthebackoftheirbusinesscardsorinputthemintoyourcontactdatabase.
Findwaystoreciprocate
Alwaysrememberthatsuccessfulnetworkingisatwo-waystreet.Yourultimategoalistocultivatemutuallybeneficialrelationships.Thatmeansgivingaswellasreceiving.Sendathank-younote,askthemabouttheirfamily,emailanarticleyouthinktheymightbeinterestedin,andcheckinperiodicallytoseehowthey’redoing.Bynurturingtherelationshipthroughyourjobsearchandbeyond,you’llestablishastrongnetworkofpeopleyoucancountonforideas,advice,feedback,andsupport.
HelpguidethanksJohnE.Kobara,ExecutiveVicePresidentandChiefOperatingOfficeroftheCaliforniaCommunityFoundation.Thisarticleisadaptedfromhisblog,AdoptingtheMentoringandNetworkingLifestyle.
JobSearchMarketingPlanSample
JohnDoe1234MainStreet 404.555.1212 Lawrenceville,GA30044 [email protected]
AccomplishedMutualFundAccountantandIncentiveanalystwithover9yearsexperienceinCommercialandInvestmentBanking.BSinFinance;MastersinAccountingandFinancialManagementinprogress,expectedgraduationtimeisDecember2008.
AccomplishmentsRequestedandwasgivenincreasedresponsibilityintheRepresentativeassignmentprocessRecognizedfortimelyandaccuraterecordkeepingSelectedtotrainnewteammatesonprocesses,systemsandproceduresofmutualfundsRecognizedforexceptionalaccuracyandtimelyturnaroundondailyprocessing
IndustryExperience Company Role Location
SunTrustBank IncentiveAnalyst Atlanta,GA
StateStreetCorporation MutualFundAccountant Boston,MA
BostonFinancialDataService ControlSpecialist Boston,MA
TargetMarketCharacteristicsLocation MetroAtlantaAreaCompanySize Small,MediumandlargeorganizationsTitlesofPositionsDesired FundAccountant,FinancialAnalyst,Investment
Analyst,InvestmentAccountant,TreasuryAnalyst,Accountant,DerivativeAnalyst,FinancialReportAnalyst,FinanceandAccounting
TargetCompanyList Focuscompanies AdditionalCompanies
MorganKeegan SuntrustRobinsonHumphrey MadisonGrey BankofAmerica Invesco Wachovia USTrust(BankofAmerica) RelianceTrustCompany RidgeworthCapitalManagement(Trusco)
Note:IamlookingAnyCompany.
JOBSEARCHMARKETINGPLAN
JaneDoe,PMP12345MainStreet (404)555-1212 Anywhere,GA30075 [email protected]
CareerSummary
AccomplishmentsIndustryExperience
Company Role Location
TargetMarketCharacteristicsLocation CompanySize TitlesofPositionsDesired
TitlesofPotentialHiringManagers
TargetCompanyList
Focuscompanies AdditionalCompanies