Prelude to Interviews JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: BY Nicholas Omondi Ouma BEd. (KU) MEd.(Educational Communication & Technology, KU) County Director of Youth Development, Taita Taveta

Presentation Overview Self-Assessment Job search ‘tool kit’ Research Networking and the “hidden” job market Implementing/managing your search Final thoughts

Self Assessment What do you want to do? What are your skills and interests? – what do you find enjoyable? Helps to narrow audience Informational interviews – talk to friends, family, faculty members. Identify likes/dislikes Ask yourself questions - ex. What was your favorite class? To gain insight

Desirable Skills & Qualities Here are the top skills and qualities of the “Perfect Job Candidate,” according to employers of college graduates, polled in 2010: Communication skills- Computer skills Detail-oriented- Initiative Strong work ethic- Analytical skills Interpersonal skills- Leadership skills Problem-solving skills - Teamwork skills Flexibility and adaptability

Draw the connections Examine your profile! Self-analysis exercise Your Education: What did you do or learn during your education (diploma, courses, projects) that could convince the employer that you are able to do each task? Your Experience: What did you gain from all your work experience (job title, responsibilitie s, tasks, etc.), paid or unpaid, that could be connected to this future job? Your Knowledge: Among all your specialized, technical, computer and other knowledge, which items are pertinent for this job offer? Your Personality : Among all your personality characteristi cs, which are pertinent for this position? Others: What other experiences and skills could be interesting for your profile (ex. Professional membership, certification, continuing education, etc.)?

Job search tool Kit – Resume/CV and Cover letters Are your primary (and mandatory!) marketing tools so be strategic. Must demonstrate your skills and experience Tailor your resume/CV and cover letters for each opportunity (paid or volunteer) that you apply for Focus on the most relevant skills and experience to the employer for that opportunity. An employer looks at your application (resume/cover letter) for approximately seconds when deciding if they should invite you for an interview!

Job search tool Kit – Calling Card/Business Card Helpful for situations when distributing a resume is not appropriate or convenient e.g. in:- networking events, association meetings, career fairs, information sessions, or impromptu meetings. James Mrefu xxx B.Com (Accounting Option) CPA (K) Excellent Accounting and Tax compliance Goal oriented and competent Excellent customer relationship management Proficient in Computer skills …

Job search tool Kit – Social Media Includes Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, Twitter, blogging, personal websites, e-portfolios As opposed to a candidate “finding” their employer of choice, an employer “finds” YOU, the candidate as a result of your involvement. Eg Dennis Itumbi – now OP. Keep it professional: Your screen or profile name, the pictures posted on your profile (or on those of your friends or contacts), the videos uploaded to YouTube, and status updates/posts/tweets should be appropriate. “clean up your social media footprint”.

Research - Job Sources On Campus Interview Program Internships Career Fairs Employer Information Sessions Online Job Sites Direct Contacts with Employers Networking Professional Associations Newspapers/Professional Journals General Employment Agencies

Job Search Tip: More than 80% of students who had full time jobs before graduation connected face- to-face with employers:  Employers interviewing on campus (OCI)  Speaking with company representatives  Attending employer information sessions  Attending career fairs  Participating in internships  Networking

Why participate? It’s FREE! Save on transport! Interview on campus Chance to interview for multiple internship and full- time positions Employers chose TTUC and want to interview you! Depends on the profile the college has built over time & nature of its alumni. Get notifications Greater chance of being hired Secure a job before you graduate Easy online sign-up Who can participate? All current TTUC students are eligible depending upon employer requirements. TTUC may need to establish a Career Centre under the office of the Dean to organize this. On Campus Interview

TTUC CAREER CENTRE Functions of such a centre could be, among others; Offer career guidance (course/unit choices, job search, CV writing, interviewing skills, etiquette etc) Making Professional Connections Liaising with potential employers for On Campus/college Interviews (OCI) OCI is used by employers for: full-time entry level positions, management training programs and internship programs.

Research - Employers Employers expect it Displays your seriousness, thoroughness and attention to detail Helps to personalize cover letters and resumes, and answer questions appropriately Helps determine your “fit” with the organization

What to Learn About a Company/Organization Description of job responsibilities Personnel information (NAME, policies, relevant information of executives) Organizational culture, goals, and strategies. Size, age, location, history, ownership Products or services, major competitors, recent development, expected growth

Before the job fair: Obtain a list of participants and research those organizations of interest and prioritize list Develop error-free resume and your 30-second commercial Be prepared with questions to ask employers At the job fair: Greet the employer and present your resume Dress professionally, ask questions and get their business card After the job fair: Follow the instructions from each employer regarding follow-up Send a letter to employer to refresh their memory of your conversation Career Fairs

Online Job Search National job sites Industry-specific sites Company-specific sites Association sites – professional associations Government sites International sites

Internships How can internships be valuable? - Test the water, how you fit… - Put your theory to practice - Applicable experience for your resume - Earn extra cash especially if it is paid. - Gain industry networking contacts - Get your foot in the door and turn your internship into a full-time job

Characteristics of the labor market Hidden job market

10% of job seekers apply for 80% of potential jobs in this market DID YOU KNOW? 90% of job seekers apply for the 20% of jobs available in this market

Networking Why network? Uncover the hidden job market 75-80% of jobs are obtained via personal contacts (Canvassing) Learn more about your chosen career field Get advice through informational interviews to find out how to conduct your job search Do not limit yourself to only top organizations Make contact before an employer knows they need you!

Networking How do you network? Talk to everyone you know! Informational Interview Join the student chapter of a professional association* Pass out your calling card Share how you can be a valuable resource for them Grow your connections Stay connected

Networking Who do you network with? Current students and alumni Family, friends, relatives Faculty, department staff Current supervisors Employers directly

Network through Informational Interviews Make courteous initial contact Ask for information….NOT a job Face-to-face meetings Be politely persistent Try to obtain several referrals from each person you contact Follow up and keep them informed of your progress Thank them

Implementing/Managing Your Search Organize yourself with a system Keep records of initial contacts and follow- ups Set reasonable daily/weekly goals for your career search Continue to assess process Update/review resume/CV with a Career Advisor

Get Organized!

Final Thoughts Be organized, self-motivated, and assertive Job searching requires time and energy Don’t be discouraged if it takes you a few months to secure a desirable position If you’ve searched for 6 months, you may need to redirect your search or gain experience  Take a temporary position or internship  Volunteer work Persevere Continue to develop and use new resources to diversify your search

Job search websites