“choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” confucius

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]

Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/eLydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt

JOB SEARCH SKILLS

Chapter 13



“Choose a job you love, and you will never

have to work a day in your life.”

Confucius



OBJECTIVES

• Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career

• Conduct a targeted job search and create a job search portfolio

• Ensure a professional electronic image• Identify references to be used in your job

search• Identify sources for job leads• Define networking and create a professional

networking list



THE JOB SEARCH

• Successful job search strategy identifies– Type of job you will be looking for– Needed tools and resources– How to use tools and resources

• Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer



DECIDING ON THE RIGHT CAREER

• Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals

• Review Trigger Words

• Complete Accomplishments Worksheet

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator



TALK IT OUT

Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?



CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE

• Introductory statements for résumé

• Both statements are used on résumé to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position

• Statement will be first item listed on resume



CAREER OBJECTIVE

• A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience– Include interest in position– Brief one line description of skills related

to position and how you will utilize your skills

– Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective



CAREER OBJECTIVE

• Example:

“Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”



PERSONAL PROFILE

• A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience– Group key skills and accomplishments

into general categories– Identify key qualities that match target

job– Take information and turn into two-three

sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications.



PERSONAL PROFILE

• Example:

“Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”



INDUSTRY RESEARCH

• Identify and Target – Industries that require your key skills– Specific jobs in identified industries– Desired work environment



THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH

• Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers



PREPARATION

• Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means

• Conduct internet search on self• Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other

negative material• Maintain professional e-mail address and

voice mail• Avoid text slang in written communications



TALK IT OUT

What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?



JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO

• Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews.

• Keeps job seeker organized and prepared while job searching

• Use binder with tabs• Keep original and two copies of each item• Place original documents in page protectors• Interview Portfolio: contains items that will

be taken on an interview (addressed in chapter 15)



JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIOItems to include:

•Network list •Personal business cards

•Résumé •Cover letter

•Reference list •Letters of recommendation

•Transcripts •State licenses

•Awards, certificates & work examples

•Completed generic application

•Copy of ID and/or driver’s License

•Personal commercial

•Small calendar, note pad, & pen

•Performance appraisals from previous jobs



JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO

• Personal Business Card– Inexpensive and valuable networking tool– Contains personal contact information

• Name• Mailing address• Phone number• E-mail

• Make card professional and easy to read

• Share card with anyone you meet



EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

• Have completed generic application available• Do not list social security number or birth date

on application• Applications are legal documents

– Credit checks– Background checks

• Fully understand agreement prior to signing• A typed application is best



• Professional references– Potential employer will contact– Do not list on your résumé– Create a separate page for references– Do not send references with résumé

unless it is requested by employer– Have a copy available at the interview

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS



• Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant

• Have at least three letters of recommendation– No more than two years old– Letters can be from

• past or present employers • coworkers • instructors• someone you worked for as a volunteer

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS



SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

• Directly from target company• Internet search• Message boards and job-search sites • Industry journals• Industry associations• Current employees of target

industry/company• Posted job positions• Your professional network• Government career assistance centers



SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

• Visiting a company for open positions– Treat as interview– Dress professionally– Have extra copies of résumé– Display confidence– Bring interview portfolio– Be polite and respectful of other job

seekers



SOURCES OF JOB LEADSUnsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes

• Send two copies– One to the human resource manager– One to the manager of your target job

• Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers– Correct spelling– Correct gender

• Increases the opportunity to secure an interview



PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

• Networking: the act of creating professional relationships



Person 3tells

Person 2tells

Person 6tells

Person 7tells

Person 5tells

Person 4tells

And this network continues

youtell

Person 1tells


Building a Professional Network




• People to include in network:– Coworkers– Supervisors– Instructors– Family– Friends




• Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry– A way to find out about a company– Ask questions about:

• Jobs• Hiring• Company culture



• Attending professional or trade association meetings

• Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events

• Volunteering for a local park clean-up day

• Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities



• Talking to neighbors• Striking up conversations with strangers

while waiting in line• Posting messages on mailing lists or in

chat rooms• Talking to salespeople

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities (cont.)




• Network list: a written list of all network contacts.– Include contact’s:

• Name• Address• Telephone number• E-mail address



PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY

• Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources

• Beware of identity theft

• Ensure target employer is legitimate

• Do not share birth date or social security number



KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

• Stay positive• Stay active• Keep learning• Stay connected• Stay focused



KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

• Keep job search confidential

• Do not quit current job before accepting a new job

• Do not bad-mouth your company or anyone that works for your current or former employer

“choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” confucius

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