Self-Directed Job Search Strategies Discussion Workshop Mark Brostoff, Associate Director Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Career Services

Four Critical Elements of an Effective Job Search Self-Assessment Defining your skills Putting your skills to work Goal Setting Must have a goal to be effective Effective Resume Preparation Your advertisement What you have to sell “YOU” Interviewing/Negotiating Techniques Mastering the interview Answering interview questions

Ground Rules to Consider Easy to follow strategy Get yourself organized Finding a job is a full-time job Planning your career Networking Self-assessment of essential needs and desires Experience, knowledge and skill sets Two-parties have needs that must be met

Strategy to Consider Identify opportunities that align with your goals and interests Convince employers that they need to interview you to determine if you meet their needs and have the potential to succeed Prepare to present “Product YOU”

Step 1 Understand the Employment Marketplace Take time to understand the realities in today’s employment marketplace. They may differ from your expectations. U.S. Department of Labor statistics Occupational Outlook by industry

Step 2 Make a Plan to Achieve Your Job Search Goals Establish and follow a plan to meet your objectives. Set a time table for achieving each goal and stick to it as closely as possible Make yourself accountable Keep accurate records

Step 3 Gather Information About Your Targeted Job Through Networking and Research Determine your employment needs and desires. Investigate job functions, industries and geographical locations of jobs where you have an initial interest. Future trends

Step 4 Refining the Resume to Package “Product YOU” Identify and document your marketable experience, knowledge, and skills Visual Impact Be Positive Be Honest Target your qualifications Utilize information from your research and networking to package and market YOU

Step 5 Secure Referrals and Introductions Through Your Network Utilize networking contacts from alumni and friends Choose your references with care “Thank you” is a powerful statement. Unfortunately, it is seldom heard.

Step 6 Get an Interview with the Decision Maker Take networking contacts to the next level to secure introductions with decision makers that will lead to interviews. Goal of a job search campaign is to meet face-to-face with employers Preparation is critical to success. Research the employer, the industry, and the job

Step 7 Final Preparation to Ace the Interview Your power in a job search is in making effective presentations to employers regarding your knowledge, skills, work experience, and motivation for that company and job. Build information learned during your networking efforts to reinforce your fit with the targeted job. Maintain a good attitude and a healthy sense of humor

Step 8 The Interview and Follow-Up Review what to expect during the interview and pitfalls to avoid. Learn how to measure your fit during an on-site interview. Develop a plan to close the sale and properly follow-up Preparation is critical to good telephone communication. Scripting is simply planning what you are going to say before you say it.

Step 9 Deliver “Product YOU’ Your start date is set. Assure them you delivered on your potential. Plan to stay connected in order to retain your value and marketability.

UCSO Career Resources Career Resource Links Career/Job Search Industry Job Search Geographic Job Search Internships and Volunteer Work Interview Resources Salary & Relocation International Students Diversity Resources

Conclusion An effective strategy will help you use printed resources, web-based resources, and networking contacts to help you identify and consider a variety of jobs until you secure the opportunity you want. Your employment future is your responsibility. Savvy job seekers will make full us of the wide array of resources provided to them.