JOB SEARCH SUCCESSStrategies to help land that job in your new career!

Ahnna A. Estes, Career Development SpecialistNovember 2016

AGENDA• Purpose of a strategy• Components of the strategy• Breakdown of the pieces• How does it all come together - steps• Questions?

WHY DO I NEED A STRATEGY?• Landing a job is a process• Need to stay focused• Helps determine if activities are effective• Keeps things organized• Results in quicker success

PIECES OF THE JOB SEARCH STRATEGY

• Assessment of areas of interest• Resume• Research results• Calendar• List of contacts• List of internet sources• List of networking opportunities• Tracking tools• Thank you notes

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• What do you want to do?• What type of job makes you happy?• What type of job do your skills equip you for?• What fields interest you?• What companies interest you?

Assessment of Areas of Interest

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• List of strengths and skills• Helps focus job search• A living document• Dealing with gaps in employment• Extra info, substance not fluff

Resume

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• Career fields • Job titles of jobs qualified for• Companies that are of interest• Employment outlooks

Research Results

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• Paper or electronic• Use for planning, appointments, tasks and follow up• Develop habit of checking twice a day; morning and night• Use to track goals and activities to help you reach them

Calendar

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• Contacts• Internet sources• Networking opportunities• References• Tasks/To Dos

Lists

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• Paper Calendar and file system• Calendar• File cabinet or accordion file• Binder

• Electronic options• Good Job ($4.99)• Excel Spreadsheet• JibberJobber• Indeed• Switch• Glassdoor• Simply Hired

Tracking Tools

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

• Hand written is best!• Inexpensive blank note cards• Use neat handwriting, write out on a paper first then copy to card

• Emails• Short • Proofread, proofread, proofread and have someone else proofread

Thank You Notes

THE STEPS 1. Assess interests, skills and companies.2. Develop master resume, cover letter and thank you note.3. Identify all networks that can be used as resources.4. Set up organizational system to keep you on track.5. Prepare interview attire, questions and answers.6. Apply for jobs.7. Follow up with thank you notes.8. Follow up after interview.9. Keep in touch with Career Services at least weekly!10. Land that job!!!

WRAP UP• Need a strategy to ensure success, keeps you on track and organized.• Pieces of the strategy:

• Assessment of areas of interest• Resume• Research results• Calendar• List of contacts• List of internet sources• List of networking opportunities• Tracking tools• Thank you notes

• How does it all come together - steps