Networking

Internet

Printed Resources

5% Job Ads 23% Employment Agencies 24% Direct Employer Contact 48% Networking

U.S. Department Of Labor

Make a list of potential network sources

Inform people of jobs and careers that interest you or that you are looking for

Be clear about what you are looking for when making contacts

Include people of all ages and job descriptions in your network

Keep contacts informed of your job search progress

Keep in touch with your network over time

Follow up on any leads or names you have been given

Be professional in your approach and behavior

Continue to expand your circle of contacts

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and assistance

Don’t expect your network to function as a job search firm for you

Don’t be discouraged if someone doesn’t have time for you

Don’t be shy; speak out and be assertive

Dress as for an interview

Prepare introductory talking points

Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview

Prepare insightful questions to ask

Act professionally

Show enthusiasm and interest

Take several copies of your résumé, a pen, paper, and business cards, if available

Use a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a bright smile

Research employers

Talk to each employer, and broaden your network

Approach employers individually

Career Fairs - potential employers

Community members – businesses, community programs, religious organizations

Family and friends – parents, siblings, neighbors

School resources - clubs, CTSOs, staff

Career Specific

Company Specific

General Job Search

Location Specific

Newspapers – want ads

Bulletin Boards – job postings

Job Application Resume Cover Letter Thank you letter

A Job Application is more than just a piece of paper. It provides employers with the first impression of a potential employee. An application that is sloppy or contains inaccurate information will always end up in the trash.

Provides personal data, education, and work history Demonstrates ability to read and follow simple

directions Demonstrates ability to write neatly, spell, and provide

clear and concise descriptions of work history and education

To verify honesty

Read entire form first

Application Tool Box:

› Pen with blue or black ink, preferably blue

› Social security number

› Work history including dates, addresses, phone numbers

› References

Answer all questions completely and honestly

Write “NA” (not applicable) if an item does not apply to you

Personal information – name, social security number, address, phone number(s)

Position applied for – list the specific job applying for

Education – schools and colleges attended, degrees and certifications earned, dates

Work experience – job titles and descriptions, employers, hours, and wages

Criminal history – applicants arrest record, if any

Signature – Full name, not nickname. Signature implies that information on application is true and complete

References – former employers, teachers, and advisors

Use references who:

› Know your character, experience, skills and work ethics

› Will give you a positive recommendation

Always ask permission before using someone as a reference

Summarizes applicant’s qualifications

Provides personal data, education, work history, and reference information

Stimulates interest of employer

Determines if applicant is worth interviewing

Limit it to one page, if possible

Showcase skills and qualifications, but be honest

Use reverse chronological order for education and work experience

Use “action verbs” such as created, designed

Use present tense in describing a current job and past tense for others

Get permission to use names as references

Key and proofread carefully

Personal Data – Name, address, phone number, e-mail Objective – Position applied for Education – Schools attended or currently attending,

specialized subjects or programs, graduation dates (or expected graduation date)

Work experience/volunteer work – Employment history, volunteer positions, apprenticeships

Skills and abilities – Job-related skills and abilities Honors and Activities – Honors, awards, activities that

indicate leadership and teamwork ability or relate to position

References – May include statement indicating that references are available upon request

To introduce the applicant to the potential employer To explain reason for applying To describe qualifications To request an interview To complement the résumé

Must be keyed in 11 or 12 pt font

Must be error-free

Address to a specific person, avoid Dear Sir

Content should be clear and concise

Letter should be brief

Use personal business letter format

Use high quality paper

Paragraph 1 – What position you are applying for and how you found out about the job

Paragraph 2 – Why you should be hired. Information about your qualifications and experience.

Paragraph 3 – Request an interview and provide contact information

Most important step in the employment process Applicant’s opportunity to

› Showcase self and qualifications› Learn about opportunities for advancement› Learn about the employer’s management style› Learn about the expectations of the job

Employer’s opportunity to:› Assess the applicant’s personality, motivation, knowledge,

and work ethic› Determine if the applicant is a “right fit” for the company

Formal – Face-to-face (F2F) meeting of applicant and employer Group - Sometimes called a panel or “tag team” interview

› Conducted by an employer and one or more staff members› Applicant is asked questions by all team members› Measures how applicant interacts with different people› Tests how applicant handles stress

Informational - Initiated by the jobseeker › Get advice/information from employer people in career field› Network for job leads and referrals› Make first impression with employer

Telephone – Often used to screen applicants and determine which applicants warrant a F2F interview

Research the company and industry Plan and practice:

› an introduction of yourself› what to say about your skills, knowledge, abilities,

experience and goals› a list of questions to ask

Select appropriate attire Prepare a résumé (if needed) Make a list of references (with permission) Plan to go alone Print directions (if needed)

Arrive on time – not too early or late Exhibit confidence and positive attitude Speak clearly Give firm handshake Display appropriate body language

› eye contact› hand gestures› active listening

Sell yourself and qualifications Be truthful Answer and ask questions Thank the interviewer for the interview

Follow up with a thank you letter› Shows employer that you are interested in the job› Opportunity to clarify something you said or forgot to say

during the interview Guidelines

› Keep it short and error free› Thank interviewer for taking time to talk with you› Restate your interest in the job and why you’d be an asset

to the company› Use personal business letter format › Send no later than two days after the interview

Be persistent, but not a pest