Job Search and Interview Basics

Starting the Job Search

• Research Careers/Job Titles and Employers

• Be Prepared!!• Stay Organized!!• Utilize all search

options• Networking• Follow-up • Do not get discouraged!

“The average job seeker spends fewer than 15 hours a week looking a for a job and gets fewer than two interviews…Job seekers who spend more time actually looking for work find jobs faster than those spending less time.”

– J. Michael Farr author of The Very Quick Job Search: Get a Better Job in Half the Time

Identifying Careers and Job Titles

• Career Research– www.bls.gov/oco– www.onet.org

• Informational Interviews • Job Shadowing• Volunteer Work• Internships

What to look for:– Job Titles– Related Careers– Requirements– Job outlook– Salary– Professional

Organizations

Employer Research• Visit website • Google.com• Vault.com

• What is their mission statement?• What is the company culture?

– Does it reflect your values?

• Is it a profitable/growing organization?• Are there other locations?• What are the benefits?• Public opinion?

Geographic Research

• Cost of living• Local job offerings• Local industry• Weather• Demographics• Community issues• Housing• Education• Healthcare• Political climate• Religion

• Résumés tailored to each job title• Cover letters• 3-5 Solid References

– Be sure to ask first

• Professional email and voicemail message

• Clean online presence-not just setting to private

• Portfolios• Thank- you cards

Preparation

Organization

Excel Spreadsheet– Company information– Contact information for

anyone you know in the company

– Contact information of the person in charge of hiring

– Job requirements– When you applied– Date to Follow-up– Interview information– Thank- you letter sent

Computer Files– Research about

company– Specific résumé and

cover letter sent– All correspondence

Job Search

Advertised Jobs- 10-20%• Search engines

– Job Tracks– Monster.com– City specific sites

• Job Fairs– MSU– Regional Fairs– Virtual Fairs

• Professional Organizations

Hidden Job Market- 80-90%• Target company directly:

– Company websites– HR departments

• Networking!

Networking

Traditional– Networking events– Basic phone calls– Collecting business cards

Online- Free!– Li

– Visual CV

– n

Networking

The Steps1. Identify your network2. Make initial contact

and introductions3. Follow-up on leads4. Keep in contact

The Rules1. Never ask for a job! – Ask for information

2. Be brief and respectful of time3. Do not do all of the talking4. Ask for suggestions on how to

expand your network5. Always follow-up6. Reciprocation is a must!7. Send a thank-you note!!!

Follow-up

• Contact to make sure materials arrived• Restate interest in company and position• Thank-you notes:–Network connections– Employers at career fairs–AFTER INTERVIEWS!!!

Do Not Get Discouraged!

• Stay positive and optimistic

• Be proactive!!

• Rely on a support system

• Stress Relief is Essential!!

The Interview

Preparation

Identify :– Who will be conducting the interview?

• Job tiles and how many people

– What type of interview?– When will the interview occur?

• Exact time• How long it will run• Do you need to complete an application on site?

– Where will the interview be taking place?• Exact location- address, building, & room number• Where you should park• Always arrive 20 minutes before scheduled time

• The Company– The more you know the better

you look

• The Position– Responsibilities– Salary ranges (salary.com)– Advancement potential– Identify the skills needed

• Yourself– Compile a list of your skills– List your accomplishments– Know your résumé

Research

Boeing

30 Second Commercial

Most Common Interviews

• Telephone Interviews• Long-distance

Interviews • Group/Panel Interviews • Behavioral Interviewing• Interviews Over Food

Telephone Interview

• Room with no distractions• Preparation• Cheat sheets• Listen!!!• Ask about next step

Long-Distance Interview

• No distractions or background noises

• Cheat sheets off camera• Practice to ensure

equipment works properly

In-Person

• What to Bring– Enough copies of your

résumé on résumé paper for each person conducting the interview

– A list of references on résumé paper

– Your portfolio (if needed)– A nice pen– Your planner/calendar

• What to leave at home– Cell phone (at least set to silent)– Your children

Group/Panel Interviews

• Find way to connect with each interviewer

• Maintain eye contact with each member

• Shake hands and collect all business cards

Behavioral Interviews

• Past behavior as an indicator for future behavior

• Ask for descriptions of how you handled work-related situations

• Think of stories that demonstrate your skills

• STAR: Situation-Task-Action-Result

Interview Over Food

• Avoid hard-to-eat or messy items

• No alcohol• Keep conversation

professional• Refresh eating etiquette

What to Wear: Women

• Clothing: conservative suit, knee length skirt, or dress pants (black, gray, or navy), with dress shirt

• Shoes: <2 inch heal, closed toed, and comfortable

• Hair: traditional styles and colors pulled away from the face

• Tattoos/body piercings: conceal tattoos and remove piercings

• Jewelry: simple, avoid dangles, 1-2 rings, one necklace and one watch/bracelet

• Make-up/nails: neutral shades and subtle. Avoid perfume.

What to wear: Men

• Clothing: conservative suit (black, gray, navy) with pressed shirt and tie

• Shoes: polished dress shoe

• Hair: well groomed and shorter styles

• Tattoos/body piercings: conceal tattoos and remove piercings

• Jewelry: watch and one ring acceptable

• Hands: clean and trimmed fingernails

• Cologne: avoid cologne or strong aftershave

Body Language

• Good Posture• Eye Contact• Hand Gestures• Nod While Listening• Smile• Don’t Fidget!

Decrease Anxiety

• PRACTICE!!!! – Practice interview with the Career Center

• The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better you will look

• Know your worth• Get plenty of sleep, eat prior to the

interview, and avoid too much caffeine

• Allow plenty of time for travel• Everyone gets nervous!• Practice relaxation techniques

Common Interview Questions

• Based around basic points:– How do you differ from other candidates?– What can you do for us?– Why are you here?– Can they afford you?

• Think about the intent of the question and highlight relevant skills

Illegal Questions

• National origin• Ancestry• Age• Marital status/dependents• Sexual orientation• Religion• Political affiliation• Height/weight• Disabilities• Criminal record• Military experience

How to Handle Them:

• Answer at your own risk

• Ask the relevance• Refuse- risk looking

confrontational• Examine intent and respond

appropriately

Prepare to Ask Questions

• Daily Tasks and Responsibilities• Short and Long-term Goals• Organizational Structure• Performance Evaluations• Company Culture• Effects of Current Issue (layoffs,

merger, etc..)• Promotion Potential

Key Points

• NEVER speak badly about a former employer/job

• Focus on the positive of every experience

• Always use each question to highlight your skills and capabilities

• Avoid “ums” and nervous laughter• Stay professional- no profanity!• Tell stories!• Do not initiate discussion about

salary or benefits

End of Interview

• Thank them for their time• Shake hands• Collect business cards• Establish next step• Send thank-you letters to each interviewer• Follow-up to determine if a decision has

been made

Job Offer

• Never accept right away!!• Discuss salary only after

offer has been made• Get the offer in writing

detailing all benefits• Be sure before accepting– NEVER back out of a job

after accepting the position!!!

Questions???