Jump Start Your Job Search

Agenda• Welcome• Stages of a job opening• Skills desired by employers• Your Job Search• Resources• Questions

The Stages of a Job OpeningStage 1 - There is no job now• Employers always look for good

employees• Gain an inside track by making

contacts before there is a job opening

25% of jobs filled at this stage

Stage 2 - No formal opening exists, but insiders know of the possibility

• The need is there, but not addressed• Someone is leaving but has not announced

it to the supervisor or Human Resources• Someone is about to be moved or fired

By stage 2, 50% of jobs are filled

Stage 3 - The job opening exists, but has not been advertised

• Human Resources may not even know of openings at this stage

• Referrals and applications are encouraged, often received from insiders or contacts

By stage 3, 75% of jobs will be filled

Stage 4 - The job is advertised • Openings only reach this stage if not

filled previously• Job is open to everyone, therefore

increased competition and fewer jobs left

Only 25% of job openings reach this stage

Effective job search methods

Situational Attributes are unique to specific employer needs and are important as QUALIFIERS for specific positions– Industry experience– Functional skills– International / global perspective– General management perspective

Personal Attributes were cited as DISCRIMINATORS in hiring and keys to future success in business– Communication Skills– Teamwork Skills– Leadership Skills– Analytic Problem Solving Skills– Strategic Thinking Ability

Skills Employers Desire

Your Job Search

• Proactive search

– 10-12 contacts at top companies

– Informational interviews

– Networking

• Reactive search

– Job postings, apply directly etc (traditional methods)

Resources

• OAK link

Career Development Resources:Identify your Career Path

• List of Previous Graduates

• Career Development OAK site

Career Development Resources:Build Your Pitch

• Results oriented resume

• High impact cover letter

• Networking pitch

• Interview practice

Career Development Resources:Connect with Employers

• List of Previous Graduates

• Dore-to-Dore – Vanderbilt’s alumni database

• CareerLink

• Your network – Classmates, Professors, Friends, Family,

Facebook, Linked-in

• Establish a contact

• Obtain general information

• Demonstrate interest, as appropriate

• Seek career-related assistance:– Informational interview– Review and/or forward your resume (if alum offers)

Goals of alumni outreach

Establishing Contact with AlumniWhat would compel you to call someone back

when you are busy?

• Functional knowledge• Company familiarity• Personal referral• Know something about the contact• Insightful questions• Specific dates and times (make it easy for them to set the meeting)

How would you approach this alumna?

Dr. Kathryn Gray Skinner Home Information: *

Ashland Drive, Nashville, TN 37215Phone: (615)555-0547

Preferred E-Mail: skinnerk@mail.school.edu

Business Information: Director Rasmussen Ctr Intl. Educ

Belmont University

Dear Ms. Smith:

I am a Higher Education M.Ed. student at Vanderbilt University. I spoke with Professor Referral who mentioned that you have implemented an innovative approach to International Studies at Hireme University. I am very interested in speaking with you about this approach in particular and your position in general. I am going to be in San Francisco on May 4 and 5, and wanted to know if you would have time to meet with me for 30 minutes any time either of those days.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Anita Job

Sample Outreach: E-mail

Interviewing

• Body Language/Non-verbal Communication• Elevator Speech• STAR• Closing the Interview• Follow-up

Body Language/Non-verbal Communication

• Conservative Professional Dress Well groomed Minimal accessories

• Firm Handshake• Eye Contact

Triangle technique Smile

• Posture Open Lean forward

• Energy & Enthusiasm

Elevator Speech

Answer these questions as you plan your elevator speech:•What can you contribute to an employer?•What are your key strengths?•Which organizations have you worked for?•What do you want to do next?

Use this model: Education Experience

Achievements Goals

STAR

Use the STAR formula (Situation/Task, Action, Results) for answering behavioral interview questions.

•State the situation or task•Explain the steps/action taken•Show quantitative results

Be SpecificListen to the question

Closing the Interview

•Have you told the recruiter what you wanted him/her to know?

•Ask well-prepared questions

•Summarize/State your interest

•Ask about the next steps

•Ask for a business card

Follow-up

•Send a brief thank-you letter

•Provide requested material or information immediately

•Telephone/email – reiterate interest

Discussion

• What resources have been helpful in your search?

• What other resources would be beneficial at this point?

• Other specific discussion items?