1. Jump Start Your Job Search Agenda Welcome Stages of a job opening Skills desired by employers Your Job Search Resources Questions

2. The Stages of a Job Opening Stage 1 - There is no job now Employers always look for good employees Gain an inside track by making contacts before there is a job opening 25% of jobs filled at this stage Stage 2 - No formal opening exists, but insiders know of the possibility The need is there, but not addressed Someone is leaving but has not announced it to the supervisor or Human Resources Someone is about to be moved or fired By stage 2, 50% of jobs are filled Stage 3 - The job opening exists, but has not been advertised Human Resources may not even know of openings at this stage Referrals and applications are encouraged, often received from insiders or contacts By stage 3, 75% of jobs will be filled Stage 4 - The job is advertised Openings only reach this stage if not filled previously Job is open to everyone, therefore increased competition and fewer jobs left Only 25% of job openings reach this stage

3. Effective job search methods

4. Situational Attributes are unique to specific employer needs and are important as QUALIFIERS for specific positions –Industry experience –Functional skills –International / global perspective –General management perspective Personal Attributes were cited as DISCRIMINATORS in hiring and keys to future success in business –Communication Skills –Teamwork Skills –Leadership Skills –Analytic Problem Solving Skills –Strategic Thinking Ability Skills Employers Desire

5. Your Job Search Proactive search –10-12 contacts at top companies –Informational interviews –Networking Reactive search –Job postings, apply directly etc (traditional methods)

6. Resources OAK link

7. Career Development Resources: Identify your Career Path List of Previous Graduates Career Development OAK site

8. Career Development Resources: Build Your Pitch Results oriented resume High impact cover letter Networking pitch Interview practice

9. Career Development Resources: Connect with Employers List of Previous Graduates Dore-to-Dore – Vanderbilt’s alumni database CareerLink Your network –Classmates, Professors, Friends, Family, Facebook, Linked-in

10. Establish a contact Obtain general information Demonstrate interest, as appropriate Seek career-related assistance: –Informational interview –Review and/or forward your resume (if alum offers) Goals of alumni outreach

11. Establishing Contact with Alumni What would compel you to call someone back when you are busy? Functional knowledge Company familiarity Personal referral Know something about the contact Insightful questions Specific dates and times (make it easy for them to set the meeting)

12. How would you approach this alumna? Dr. Kathryn Gray Skinner Home Information: * Ashland Drive, Nashville, TN 37215 Phone: (615)555-0547 Preferred E-Mail: skinnerk@mail.school.eduskinnerk@mail.school.edu Business Information: Director Rasmussen Ctr Intl. Educ Belmont University

13. Dear Ms. Smith: I am a Higher Education M.Ed. student at Vanderbilt University. I spoke with Professor Referral who mentioned that you have implemented an innovative approach to International Studies at Hireme University. I am very interested in speaking with you about this approach in particular and your position in general. I am going to be in San Francisco on May 4 and 5, and wanted to know if you would have time to meet with me for 30 minutes any time either of those days. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Anita Job Sample Outreach: E-mail

14. Interviewing Body Language/Non-verbal Communication Elevator Speech STAR Closing the Interview Follow-up

15. Body Language/Non-verbal Communication Conservative Professional Dress  Well groomed  Minimal accessories Firm Handshake Eye Contact  Triangle technique  Smile Posture  Open  Lean forward Energy & Enthusiasm

16. Elevator Speech Answer these questions as you plan your elevator speech: What can you contribute to an employer? What are your key strengths? Which organizations have you worked for? What do you want to do next? Use this model: EducationExperience AchievementsGoals

17. STAR Use the STAR formula (Situation/Task, Action, Results) for answering behavioral interview questions. State the situation or task Explain the steps/action taken Show quantitative results Be Specific Listen to the question

18. Closing the Interview Have you told the recruiter what you wanted him/her to know? Ask well-prepared questions Summarize/State your interest Ask about the next steps Ask for a business card

19. Follow-up Send a brief thank-you letter Provide requested material or information immediately Telephone/email – reiterate interest

20. Discussion What resources have been helpful in your search? What other resources would be beneficial at this point? Other specific discussion items?