Bite-sized Careers Talks 2017:Job Seeking Strategies

John McMenaminCareers ConsultantCareer Development Centre

Objectives

This session will help you to:– Identify and find potential employers– Explore different ways of making contact with

those employers in order to access the hidden jobs they may have

– Assess and focus your job search strategy

Getting started

– What job do I want?– What have I got to offer?– What jobs are out there?

The value of networking

Advertisements/websites

Recruitment agencies

Professional organisations

Networking/Word of mouth

Contacts from existing staff

Internal promotion or lateral moveEmployersrecruit this way

Most people lookfor jobs this way

Targeting companies

– Business activity– Size– Training – Prospects– Culture

– Travel– Location– Salary– Benefits– Security

75%

Iceberg principle

The open job market

Advertisedposts

The hiddenJob market

Direct approachesNetworking

25%

Open job market

– Internet– Engage– Company websites– Job sites – Social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

– Recruitment agencies – Recruitment fairs– Local and national press– Job centre Plus

Finding the hidden jobs

– Networking – conventional & social media– Informational interviewing– Work (experience), temping and volunteering– Speculative applications - in writing– Cold calling - in person, by phone

Networking

– Family, friends, fellow students– Clubs and associations– Tutors and careers consultants– Previous employers– Professional associations– Alumni Association

Social networking

Linkedin, facebook, twitter:

– Establish contact with professionals you have recently met

– Research or follow specific companies/people– Identify industry trends

But take care over your online profile. http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-advice/social-media-and-job-hunting/

Informational interviewing

– When you find someone who knows about a field or occupation

– Ask for a short interview / chat – 10 minutes– This is not JOB SEARCH – it is RESEARCH

Making the most ofinformational interviews– Imagine the conversation is with your hero and you want

their opinion on something. Offer an open question (who, what, why, how) but don’t interrogate them.

– Some questions you might ask– How did you get started in your business?– What’s the best thing about your job?– What’s the worst thing about your job?– What advice would you give to someone just starting out

in the industry?– What do you see as the coming trends in your business?– Listen to what they are saying and ask follow-up

questions that occur to you. “Interesting… so why…?”

Benefits of networking / interviewing

– What employers are looking for?– Information about specific companies– Industry trends, challenges and opportunities– Job hunting advice– Expand your network – add them on LinkedIn!– Possible experience / work opportunities – if the

interaction goes well, try your luck by asking if there is a possibility of work shadowing

Networking/informational interviewing exercise

– On the back of your action plan – write “ME” in the middle of the page

– Pick one of the jobs that you’d like. Who do you know who might be able to help you with finding information about the job and potential vacancies?

Networking exercise

– I want to become a writer

Self-published his own book whichdid quite well Tony

(Uncle)

Theresa(Neighbour) Works for a local

publisher

Jenny (Zumba)

Part of a local writer’s group

Matthew(Brother)

Julie(Friend)

Published author

Sumi(Colleague)

Nigel(ex colleague)

Now works for aliterary agent

Mark(Her husband)

Plays squash with anAccount manager atHodder & Stoughton

As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. Note: The above is just an exploration of an immediate network of friends and family and does not include contact through groups (alumni association, professional bodies), social media (linkedin) or ‘warm’ leads to working as a writer at work / at university.

ME

Speculative approaches

– Identify possible companies via:- word of mouth / networking - newspapers / online business news- online communities- professional bodies

– Identify relevant contact via:- cold calling (phone or in person)

- linkedin/twitter

Speculative applications

– Research the company / roles– Target named person, with a relevant role

in the organisation– Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and

covering letter– Follow up with a phone call– Ask for further contacts– Keep a record of all activity - follow-up

Your action plan

– What are you aiming for?(Your career goals)

– What is your current situation? (Job hunting activities underway) – What actions will you take? (Specific action steps with target dates)

Access services and resources book appointments book yourself in for events find and view vacancies find work placements view employers view careers information download resources complete online forms ask a question

engage.westminster.ac.uk

Career Development Centre Services

1-to-1Guidance

E-Advice

Vacancies& Events

InformationResources

Volunteering

Talent Bank

Mentoring

Career Development Centre Services

Engage – engage.westminster.ac.uk Online appointments, vacancies and events system Includes an enormous range of additional resources

on Engage Plus including job search Information and advice on CVs, Covering letters and application forms

Resources Guides, general and sector specific publicationsFace-to-face advice and guidance – bookable via Engage 20 minute quick query session 45 minute in-depth individual guidance or mock interview session

In summary

– Know what you have to offer and what you want– Know what’s out there– Develop your network– Plan your campaign– Review it regularly

....and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance

Contact us

Cavendish House1st Floor101 New Cavendish Street100 metres from Cavendish Campus

T: 020 7911 5184E: careers@westminster.ac.uk

engage.westminster.ac.uk