1. Job Searching Workshop
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RE - EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ASSESSMENT
Job Searching
Workshop

2. Job Search Outline Time and Job Hunting Advance Scheduling
Make Yourself Accountable
Keep Accurate Records
Research, Research, Research
Networking
Internet Job Search

3. Time and Job Hunting Looking for work is a full-time job!
Be consistent in the amount of time you spend each week looking for a job. Don't spend 40 hours one week and then nothing for the next two weeks!
The hardest part is getting started. Once you get the momentum into your search, you will want to keep moving forward.

4. Advance Scheduling
Job search scheduling and goal setting should be done daily and weekly. Establish measurable goals.
For example, block out the hours you've committed to the search and identify what you plan to accomplish.
If you set 9-11 a.m., Monday, for library research, your goal could be to identify 10 new employers you can pursue. Tuesday's goal could be contacting the 10 new employers you identified Monday. Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., may be scheduled for making direct telephone contacts. Be realistic, but challenge yourself.

5. Make Yourself Accountable
Check your progress at the end of each day and week. See if you accomplished your goals. When you do, commend yourself and decide if you can set tougher goals next time.
If you didn't accomplish the goals, explore why and decide what you need to do to succeed in the future. Maybe your goals were not realistic-- you tried to do too much. Learn from this and plan more realistic goals for the future.
It may be a good strategy to involve someone else in your search. Talk with a trusted friend; give them permission to hold you accountable to your plans. Attending a job club would also enable you to discuss your job search with others.

6. Keep Accurate Records
If you're conducting a serious job campaign, you may make hundreds of contacts and generate new opportunities daily. Don't simply rely on your memory. You need to have and maintain a filing system, just as you'd make a grocery or "To Do" list.
There are a variety of systems you can use including alphabetized three-ring binders, small pocket calendars and notebooks. Check your local office supply or discount store for examples. Just keep it easy to use and maintain.

7. Research, Research, Research…
Research is another important part of your preparation. When some people hear the word "research," they have visions of a mad scientist surrounded by test tubes, microscopes and Bunsen burners. Others might think of endless trips to the library where they have to read stacks of books.
The type of research needed in the job search isn't what you might think.

8. Research Cont…
Research can be as simple as looking at newspaper employment ads. Newspaper ads, the Internet, and employer brochures can be good resources for discovering what experience, training and knowledge are required by a variety of employers.
You can measure your qualifications against those required by the employer.
The information you gain while conducting this research will also impress the prospective employer during the interview. It says you're serious about your job search.

9. Benefits of Research Example:
John was looking for a welding job, although he had very little work experience. He did not think it was necessary to do research as he had an interview already set up with a small employer. After completing his job search training, he decided it might be to his benefit to research the employer. After researching, he went to his interview. One of the first questions asked of him was, "Tell me what you know about this company." Since he had done the research, he was able to impress the interviewer with the knowledge he had learned. The very next day John was offered the welding job.

10. Sample Questions
Be able to answer these questions after researching a company…
What products/services does the employer provide?
How many employees does the employer have?
How long have they been in business?
Where is the employer located? Does it have more than one location? Is it on the bus line?
What is the employer's mission statement or philosophy?
What is the company's financial situation? Is it making money?
Has the employer undergone any downsizing in the last five years?
Is the employer involved in community services? If so, what?

11. Networking
Wherever there are communities and civilizations, there is networking. What has changed over time is how networking occurs.
In the past, networking was informal and random. In fact, most people didn't even know that they were networking.
Today networking has become calculated and structured. People network every day without thinking about it. However, more people are including formal networking as part of their daily activities.

12. Finding the Hidden Job Market
Most employers don't need to advertise. There are enough applicants available to them without advertising.
Also, most employers don't want to advertise. They'd rather consider someone referred to them from a trusted employee or colleague.
It's like looking for a doctor or an auto mechanic; most people would rather go to someone recommended rather than to a name found in an advertisement.
If this is the case, then how does someone find these jobs?
Direct employer contact and;
Networking are the answers.

13. Finding the Hidden Job Market
Formal networking is the systematic pursuit of new contacts and information. It's organized and planned.
Networking is relational. A good networking relationship will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
Many people have trouble with formal networking, especially as a job search strategy.

14. Finding the Hidden Job Market
Here are some common networking concerns--
I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm looking for work.
I feel that it would be like begging for a job.
I don't want people to think that I'm taking advantage of them.
Now let's dismiss each of these concerns--
Looking for work doesn't carry the stigma that it did in the past. The average person will change jobs every five years.
Networking isn't begging. In fact, you shouldn't be asking for a job; you should be seeking information that may lead to a job.
Good networking is a mutually beneficial relationship. Plan to give as much or more than you receive.

15. Networking Strategies
Don't just wait to bump into people. Initiate contacts for the sole purpose of networking.
Develop a networking list. Make contact with each person on your list. Add names of people you meet or are referred to by your contacts.
Set networking goals. Write down specific goals for how many networking contacts you plan to make each week. Regularly check your progress.
Always ask if the person knows of anyone else you should meet. Ask if you can use her/his name when contacting the person.
Maintain networking files. Keep a record of the outcomes of each contact and important information about the person.
Meet in person whenever possible.
Let the person know you value his/her information and professional opinion.
Plan your follow-up. At the time you meet with someone, plan when you will contact this person again. Write it down on a follow-up calendar.
If you agree to do something for someone, be sure to follow through.
Say "thank you" often. Send a thank you letter or card.

16. Internet Job Search
The Internet is quickly becoming a basic part of how we receive information, communicate and conduct business. It's also becoming an important tool in an effective job search campaign.
A successful job search requires a variety of skills, tools and strategies. There is no one factor that brings success. It's the combination of many individual efforts. The Internet is a gold mine of employment resources.
People who learn to use the Internet will have a significant advantage over those who don't. It's worth taking the time to learn the Internet and use it as part of your job search.

17. Search Engines
The fundamental tool for finding information on the Internet is the search engine. Search engines use keywords to locate web pages, listings in electronic directories. Some engines search the Internet in general while others search a specific site. Mastering these tools is critical to effectively and efficiently locating information on the Internet.
There are many search sites on the Internet. Each one is a little different in its focus and use. To learn how to use a specific search engine, look for the "help" feature.
You can use the Internet to distribute your resume, make direct contact with potential employers and follow-up on job leads.

18. Employment Research
Information is a critical part of a successful job search and is obtained through research. You'll want to learn as much as possible about potential employers, your occupation and your industry.
There is no such thing as having too much information in a job search. Information is power. Information gives you control and confidence.

19. Benefits of Using the Internet for Research
All phone books that are published in the United States are available on the Internet. Not only can you find the address of a potential employer, but you may be able to click on a map that gives directions to that exact location.
Focuses your efforts
Improves time management and decision making
Minimizes wasted efforts
Improves effectiveness of resumes and cover letters
Prepares you for a strong interview performance
Strengthens your ability to negotiate the best job offer
Increases potential for successful job search, job satisfaction and economic security
Sets you apart from other job seekers
Improves potential for success once you start a new job

20. Example of Using the Internet
Mary just completed training as a nursing assistant and is looking for potential employers. She decided the best way to start would be to look for nursing home names and addresses in the phone book. At a local Career Center she was able to access phone books on the Internet. With little effort, she found a list of nursing homes in her area, along with maps to their locations and links to their websites. Linda followed one of the links and found a nursing home that was nearby. There she found information about the facility and also found a list of job openings. She also found the name, phone number and address for the assistant director of nursing responsible for hiring nursing assistants.
You'll want to learn as much as possible about potential employers, your occupation and your industry.

21. Online Resources
(Your one-stop website for researching jobs and employer information)
(Information Lookup)
National Labor Exchange Website (Job Search)
TN Dept. of Labor Job Bank (Job Search)

22. Job Searching Workshop
Congratulations!
You have completed the Job Searching Workshop.