3. job search tips

Search Tips

Now is the best time to start looking for a job.

You're as qualified as other applicants, so start now

before someone else gets your job.

Finding work is a full-time job. That means you must:

• Set your own responsibilities (things you must do everyday to get a job).

• Wake up early at a set time to start looking for work.

• Look hard for a job all day, 40 hours a week.

• Be your own boss (or appoint a friend) to make sure you carry out your job search responsibilities

Where to look for work • Direct employer contacts • Friends and relatives • Private employment agencies • Former employers • Trade associations, unions • Community service agencies • Vocational institutions • Telephone directory yellow pages • Online job board and search engines • Federal, State, County and local government • Employment Development Department Job Service • Newspapers, major and local, for classified ads, news articles about

new plants, company expansions and business trends • Public library - ask librarian for trade journals, vocational

publications and other job information

Tips for Planning an Effective Job Search:

• Make a "to do list" every day. Outline daily activities to look for a job.

• Apply for jobs early in the day. This will make a good impression and give you time to complete applications, have interviews, take tests, etc.

• Call employers to find out the best time to apply. Some companies take applications only on certain days and times during the week.


• Write down all employers you contact, the date of your contacts, people you talk to, and special notes about your contacts.

• Apply at several

companies in the

same area when

possible.

This saves time and

money.


• Be prepared. Have a "master application" and resumes, pens, maps and job information with you all the time. Who knows when a "hot lead" will come your way.

• Follow up leads immediately. If you find out about a job late in the day, call right then! Don't wait until the next day.


• Network. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Stay in touch with friends and contacts. Follow up new leads immediately.

• Read pamphlets and books on how to get a job. The time you spend reading these materials will save you a lot of time in your job search.

Job Search Methods

People use a variety of methods to find information about job openings. Some may read the want ads, others ask friends or relatives, and still others may contact employers directly. Successful job seekers use a wide variety of methods but focus most of their time and energy on the more effective methods.

Job Search Methods

Want Ads:

Easily accessed, delivered to home or newsstand. Contains only 15% of job

openings. Employers use as a last resort.

Job Search Methods • U.S. Employment Service: In some

areas of the country, 30% of job seekers get job leads. No fee. Average of 5% get jobs here. Staff see many people each week.

• Private Employment Agencies: Employer may pay a fee. Job Seeker may pay a fee (up to 15% of 1st year's wages). Only one of 20 people get jobs from using an agency.

Job Search Methods

• Mass mailing resumes: You may get lucky. 5% or lower response rate to resumes sent blind to a company or personnel department.

• Targeted Resume: Sending a resume to a specific person will increase your chances of an interview. Contacting an employer and then sending a resume is most effective. This is time consuming and takes a lot of research

Job Search Methods

• Personal Contacts & Cold Calling: 75% of all jobs are found through these two methods of networking. Takes good telephone skills, excellent communication and is time consuming.

Network of Contacts

Make a list of all the individuals you could possibly contact to research companies and obtain job leads. The lists on this presentation will help you think of people and organizations you may want to include:

Network of Contacts Individuals Friends

Co-workersClients/CustomersFormer EmployersBankersFriends of FriendsMerchantsMilitary ContactsNeighborsOther Job Seekers Personnel DepartmentsProfessionalsRealtorsRecruitersRelativesSchool Contacts

Network of Contacts Alumni Associations

Professional AssociationsChamber of Commerce ListsChurchConvention RostersCorporate DirectoriesPolitical Interest GroupsSocial ClubsSport LeaguesTrade ShowsVendorsVeteran Groups

Network of Contacts A lot of people do not like to do this

because they see it as advertising the fact that they are unemployed. If this bothers you, remember, you are not asking these people for a job. Tell them you are looking for work, and that you need information. Most people will not have a job to offer, but they will have valuable information to offer.

Network of Contacts

Try to get at least one piece of information from every person you contact. This way, you keep building your network of contacts and gathering information.

In Closing Seeking employment is challenging in

good times, and more difficult when the economy is down. Stay focused, concentrate your efforts and stay positive. Look for sources of encouragement and avoid the negative at all cost so that your momentum will sustain you until you reach your goal of becoming employed.