Strategies in the job search process

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ObjectivesBuilding a network of contactsIdentifying appropriate jobsFinding your employerPreparing application documentsPreparing for interviewsWriting follow-up messagesContinuing job search activities

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Job Search Strategies

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Building a Network of ContactsBroaden your circle of friends

The wider your circle of friends and acquaintances, the more likely you are to make employment contacts

Get to know your professors Demonstrate your ability in the classroom and build on the rapport

outside the classroom

Meet business executives Take active role in organizations, program committees in the area of

your interest

Make contacts through internships Foundation step in your career plan

Work with community organizations Chance to meet the leaders in different fields 4

Identifying Appropriate JobsAnalyze yourself (internal factors)

Education – type and qualityPersonal Qualities – people and leadership

skillsWork ExperienceSpecial Qualifications – languages,

communication skills

Analyze outside factors e.g. Lifestyle, location preferences

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Finding Your EmployerCareer Centers

(Campus)Network of Personal

ContactsClassified

AdvertisementsOnline Sources

(internet & intranet)Employment AgenciesPersonal Search

AgentsWeb Page ProfilesProspecting (approach

directly)

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Effective Resume Writing

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Preparing the Application DocumentsThe traditional print résuméThe scannable print résuméThe electronic résumé (such as ASCII, pdf, html)The reference sheetThe cover message—print and email

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Role of a resumeA resume is a summary of the background

facts in list formRole of a resume:

to act as your sales brochure – selling your ability to do work

provide insight into your skills and capabilities Serve as a guide for interviewer to follow your

progression

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Objective, Education, Experience and Skills Objective :

Marketing Research Intern

To apply __ years of accounting experience at __ to __ with needs of management and analysis.

Talking Head (describes nature of what follows)

Education

Specialized training in Accounting acquired

Education Include institutions, dates, degrees, and areas of study Include GPA when it works favorably for you

Experience and Skills Include dates, places, firms and responsibilities while mentioning experience Use action verbs

Strengthen job descriptionsE.g.: Achieved, improved, acquired, revamped, spearheaded, pioneered, earned ,founded etc.

List down References Use separate sheet for references 10

Organizing your resumeReverse Chronological approach

Presents work and experience from most recent to oldest

Organized and time coordinated approach

Functional / skills approachFocus on skills learnt at different jobsGood for those who have taken many jobsNontraditional career path

Accomplishments/achievements or highlights approach:pictures you as a competent workerPresents hard numbers and precise facts behind your

skills

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Please the eye!!Leave marginsAvoid heavy crowded effect

Extra space subdivisionsChoose words carefullyChoose a scanner friendly font

Enhance readability

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Traditional Print Resume Example: Chronological Organization

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Objective: Administrative Assistant PositionSummary Of skills:

Extensive experience on teamwork oriented projectsEducation: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Northern State UniversityGPA 3.0 (4.0 basis)Computer Skills:Keyboarding at 90 wpm,Word, Outlook, Excel, Oracle and AccessRelevant Courses:Business Writing Interpersonal RelationsDocument Imaging Management

Jere Bacon7431 Davenport Drive

Dallas, TX 75226jbacon@yahoo.com

Jere Bacon7431 Davenport Drive

Dallas, TX 75226jbacon@yahoo.com

512.598.9693 512.598.0017

Power PointsArrange information logicallyInclude vital informationBalance the resume –do not crowd itAdd referencesThe three key “c” words to keep in mind

when building your sales brochure are clear, concise and consistent.

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Writing the Cover letter

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Cover MessageCover Message involves matching your

qualifications with the job.

Cover Message can of two types:Print Cover LetterEmail Cover Message

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Print Cover LetterGaining Attention in the openingSelecting the ContentOrganizing for persuasionDriving for Action in the Close

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Gaining Attention in the Opening• Gain Attention , set up the information

review and make the letter stand out. e.g. “Can Darden, Inc. use a hardworking Mesa College business major ... ?”

• Be imaginative and make the letter opening fit the job e.g. Show outgoing personality for a sales job and be conservative for an accounting job

• If applicable, include references to the job or source of the job invitation e.g. Job boards or career center websites

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Selecting ContentPresent your qualifications and fit them to

the jobStudy the job thoroughlyInclude education, experience, personal

qualities and referencesEmphasise these areas according to the jobCover message should carry all the major

selling points

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Organizing for persuasionOrder by Logical grouping, time or job

requirementsPresent your qualifications favourablyUse the you-viewpoint e.g. “My experience

can help me fit into one of your technical operations...”

Avoid the tendency to overuse I’s but some should be used

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Driving for Action in the close Drive for appropriate action

e.g. Request for interview, invitation to contact references

Make action words clear and direct, preferably in question form

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Examples of good and bad application techniquesExample of Bad application techniques

“I am completing my studies.... I have had good working experience.... Before I must make a decision on my career soon, I request that you write me soon....”

Example of Good application techniques

“Is there a place in your marketing team for a person

trained in the field..... ? My studies were specially

planned to prepare me for a career in marketing... May I

talk with you about beginning that position? You can

reach me on...”

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Email Cover MessageCould be identical to print cover messages, but

shorter documents are usually preferredIdentify the job, highlight the applicants

strengths and invite the reader to review the resume

e.g. Yesterday, my advisor Mr. Payton Kubicek suggested I contact you about the summer intern position..... At Brown, I have undertaken courses.... I would enjoy applying some of these skills in a successful site targeted at high-end retail customers like Thankyoutoo.com. You will see from my web profile.... Please let me know when we can talk further about this summer position

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Handling the interview

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Handling the interviewInvestigate the company.Make a good appearance.Anticipate questions and prepare answers.Put yourself at ease.Help control the dialogue

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Preparing your answers helps you choose a strategyQuestion: What are your weaknesses?Possible Strategies: Present a weakness that’s really a hidden

strength. Cite a corrected weakness. Recall a lesson learned. Reveal a lapsed skill. Use an unrelated skill. Cite an objective. Try humor. Repeat your qualifications.

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Prepare with Interactive Tools

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Thank You

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

- Confucius

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