job search strategies

Job Search StrategiesJob Search StrategiesJen Conole, MS, JCTC/JCDCTransition & Relocation ManagerU. S. Coast Guard Health, Safety, and Work-Life

ObjectivesObjectivesYour valueResearch Different Jobs (“What’s

Out There?”)Finding your Fit and Narrowing it

DownWhat do Employers Look For?Where to SearchResearching CompaniesAlternatives and Resume Builders

Your ValueYour ValueFlexibility, adaptabilityVersatilityVariety of skillsLeadershipAutonomy, IndependenceLoyaltyTeamworkJob-specific skills

Research Different JobsResearch Different JobsWhat’s out there?

◦Occupational Outlook/Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/OCO/)

◦O*NET (http://www.onetonline.org/) ◦Magazines (CNN Money, San Diego

Reader, etc.)◦ Job Fairs◦ Informational Interviews◦Company Websites (HINT: make no

assumptions!)◦Other websites (www.wetfeet.com;

www.theladders.com)

Finding Your FitFinding Your FitMyers Briggs Type Indicator

(MBTI) – Personality assessmentHuman Metrics /Google your

“type”Boolean searches (bachelor and

"social science" and resource*)

What do Employers Look What do Employers Look For?For?Degree/credentials/education/

trainingSkillsInterestWork history and commitment to

jobSave or make them $$$Record of successLeadership/autonomy

Where to SearchWhere to SearchProfessional Associations (

The Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals)

Job FairsCraig’s List (be very careful!! – if it

looks too good to be true, it probably is!)

Newspaper websites (San Diego Union Tribune)

Job Search Engines*

Where to SearchWhere to SearchSocial Media

◦Blogs (The Office Professional’s Blog, Steve Smith’s Career Services Blog)

◦LinkedIn◦Google (find out who’s been

searching for you!)◦Twitter◦Facebook?

Consider your NetworkConsider your Network

Researching CompaniesResearching CompaniesWhat should you know?

◦Organizational structure◦Products/services offered◦History and philosophy/vision◦Size and locations◦Growth and earnings◦Major competition◦Typical career path

Job FairsJob FairsResearch companies ahead of time (if

possible) – come prepared with questions

Dress to impressBring several copies of your resume

(one page, if possible)Use good eye contact and a firm

handshakeEngage in conversation…with

everyone! (and don’t forget to smile!)Collect contacts (not “swag”)Focus on connections/commonalities

Alternatives and Resume Alternatives and Resume BuildersBuildersValuable Networking and Skill

Building!◦Internships

Low pay or no pay

◦Volunteerism (Corporation for National and Community Service)

Higher EducationFree Training/Certifications

◦Career OneStop Centers◦Continuing Ed

ConclusionConclusionYour valueResearch Different Jobs (“What’s

Out There?”)Finding your Fit and Narrowing it

DownWhere to SearchResearching CompaniesWhat do Employers Look For?Alternatives and Resume Builders

Questions?Questions?