job search strategies
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TRANSCRIPT
Planning Your Job Search The Office: Strategies to get you there…
Presented By
Sonjala AllenCFA Career Consultant
www.cmu.edu/career
The Office: Big Picture
“Michael Scott: A boss's salary isn't just about money. It is about perks. It- for example, every year I get a one hundred dollar gas card. Can't put a price tag on that.”
“Being able to do the job well will not
necessarily get you hired;
The person who gets hired is often the
one who knows the most about how to get hired.”
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Workshop Goals
To understand the benefits of conducting a Targeted Job Search
To review the four most commonly used job search strategies and the 2 Minute Me
To understand the reasons, goals & process involved in Networking
To review the purpose & process involved in Informational Interviewing
To discuss habits to avoid & helpful resources
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Job Search Campaigns
Three Phases Preparation Interviewing Follow-Up
Planning Your Strategy: A Targeted Approach
Self-Assessment Defining your skills Putting your skills to work
Your advertisement What you have to sell
“YOU” Goal Setting/Strategizing
Must have a goal and strategy to be effective
Treat your job search like a 9 unit course
Get a notebook, stay organized, give yourself homework assignments
Research Job Leads and Employers
Start early Have your Career
Consultant review your resume
Start checking TartanTRAK now
Must have EXCELLENT interviewing skills
Networking Persistence
During Your Search Remember…
No specific job strategy will work
for every applicant! Be flexible. Be persistent. Allow extra time to conduct your job search. 3 key steps - Assessment, Research and
Implementation.
The Office: Self Promotion
“Andy: I am a great interviewee. Why? Because I have something no one else has. My brain. Which I use to my advantage, when advantageous.”
Self-Assessment: Take Inventory
• Skills• Experience• Personality• Likes and dislikes• Working conditions• Salary requirements• Geographic preferences• Interest in advancement
Important Questions
What Type of Job are you seeking? Values: what’s important to you in a job? Have you researched your target employers? Do you know what skills this company is looking for? Does your resume and portfolio reflect the companies and opportunities you are targeting? Are you able to give examples of how you exhibited those skills? Are you prepared to talk about your abilities? (2 min me) Are you ready to negotiate your salary?
Your advertisement: Two-Minute Me
Backbone of Your Search Sales Pitch consists of: Who You Are, Educational Bckgrd,
Professional Bckgrd & Job Objective. Plus, any Relevant accomplishments.
Used in: cover letters, info mtgs, networking, interviews. Keep in mind: Your Audience, What they are interested in,
Who your likely competitors are, what you offer that competition does not.
Pointers to Keep in Mind be relevant & @ proper level, be able to tailor it to fit
situation, keep it conversational, not laundry list. PRACTICE & SHOW ENTHUSIASM!! (Practice
again & again & again…)
Your advertisement: Resume/Portfolio
Resume Cover Letter (customized) Portfolio – (my3D) Teasers or Post Cards Your Web Site – (my3D) Plain Text Copy Resume for Emailing
Facts and Trends
Job Search can take between 6-12 months, Longer in tenuous economic times.
Only 2% of mass resume/cover letter mailings get responses 85% of job seekers find jobs through networking with friends,
acquaintances, relatives or direct contact with employer. 15 % of job seekers find jobs through advertised positions Small Organizations will be the first to hire after an economic
downturn. Small organizations, of 100 or less employees hire 55% of the
workforce Employers post an est. 36,000 new job listings online each week
What is the Current Job Market?
Less companies are recruiting on-campus
Economy is still slow Layoffs are still occurring Companies are being conservative
with their money BE PROACTIVE! DON’T DEPEND ONLY ON
TARTANTRAK
Hidden Job Market
There are two ways to find a job:1. The employer looks for you
(classifieds, websites, TartanTRAK, etc.)
2. You look for the employer the hidden job market
** 80% of all positions are filled without employer advertising.
STRATEGIES
Passive Submit your resume on
TartanTRAK and wait Attend job fairs Use classified ads Submit your resume on
employer websites
Active Be creative Research companies Network A LOT Very assertive Find the hidden job
market 75% active strategies 25% passive strategies
The Office: Know Your Industry…
“Michael Scott: There are four kinds of business. Tourism, food service, railroads and sales. And hospitals slash manufacturing. And air travel.”
Why 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
Description of job responsibilities Know conditions of employment such as salary, hours, and
working environment
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
Use Your Resources
CPDC Resources – Career Library and Web Page Online Resources
wetfeet.com vault.com Alumni Directory
National, local, and trade specific publications (Trade-specific publications are best source for targeted information.)
Membership directories of professional associations Headhunters—pros and cons Newspapers
Use Career Center’s Web Page http://www.cmu.edu/career/
TartanTrak Professional Development Tools
Success guides on Resume and Cover Letters Job Search Graduate School
Testing Schools Personal Statement Interview Questions
Portfolio development
Job Fairs Workshops
Salaries Post Graduation Statistics
Calendar of Events Employers at Carnegie
Mellon Business Card Database Employer websites
Going Global CareerSearch Vault Network Nights
Use TartanTrak Effectively
New system! Attend the workshop! Update your profile, and upload your resume! View:
Jobs Summer Internships Student Employment (Campus Jobs) Information Sessions Mock Interviews my3D – a Professional Portfolio
Use TartanTrak Effectively
Submit your resume online Continually check ‘Personal Dates’ to see if you
were PRESELECTED If you are emailed that you are ‘pre-selected’ for an
interview, then sign up for a specific interview time Must cancel an interview before 24 hours or
TartanTRAK privileges will be revoked Use an active strategy
Information sessions Contact information
Use TartanTRAK as only one of many job search resources!
Job Fairs and Events
Career Center Workshops [ongoing] Network Nights: Multiple dates
http://www.cmu.edu/career/events/network_nights/network_nights.html
Career Express Weekend - Fall Creative Careers Seminar - Fall
http://sites.google.com/site/creativecareersseminar Job Fairs: http://www.cmu.edu/career/employ/jobfairs.html
Technical Opportunities Conference TOC - Fall Business Opportunities Conference BOC - Fall Employments Opportunities Conference EOC - Spring Creative Arts Opportunities Conference CAOC - Spring WestPACS: Multiple dates
The “Hidden” Job Market
Approximately 80% of available positions are never advertised – they rely on personal contacts
Most employers prefer informal and personal methods of identifying employees, and believe personal contacts result in more in-depth, accurate information.
Make contact before an employer knows they need you Gather Your People Network -- THE most powerful
job search strategy Networking does not eliminate the need to use other job-
search methods, but it will produce helpful referrals.
Why is Networking Important?
75-95 % of jobs are never advertised US Dept. of Labor:
24% Direct Contact with Employers (Cold-Calling) 23 % Career Placement Offices 5% Classified Advertising 48% Referrals from Friends and Relatives
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Reasons to Network
Myth: The purpose of networking is to get a good job offer.
Reality: purpose of networking is: Job Search Make Contacts Explore Another Career Path Obtain Information Relate with Peers Keep Current in your Profession An Advanced Marketing Tool
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Networking:The Process
Determine Your Purpose Make List of People You Know Contact the People You Want to Meet Call to Set Up the Appointment Prepare for the Meeting It’s Your Meeting
Networking:Telephone Techniques
Principles of Telephone Communication Principles of Scripting Additional Tips
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Networking:Getting Past the Gatekeepers
Getting into Impossible Places Small v. Large Organizations
Referrals v. Direct Contact Fraulein Frieda & Other Handouts
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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWINGThe most effective job search strategy
Benefits Getting Visibility with a prospective employer
They see your resume and portfolio They get a chance to meet you and see how you conduct yourself They enjoy giving advice, sharing trends in the industry and local
Gather information Company information Job search advice for the local scene Trends in the industry Hidden or possible job leads Organization, Events or Associations you should attend or join.
Additional Contacts Names of other people in other organizations that you should
interview Other organizations that may be hiring
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWINGThe most effective job search strategy
The Process Make courteous initial contact Ask for information….NOT a job Make an appointment Have your questions ready Ask advice on your resume and portfolio Ask, “who else should I talk to”? Stay within your time limit Send Thank you letter and keep in touch
See “Informational Interviewing” on website for additional tips
Networking Etiquette
Know your purpose Do your homework Don’t act desperate Remember, networking is a two-way street Listen Respect your contact’s time Get permission Don’t be pushy or aggressive Be careful with the word “networking”
Direct Contacts
Cold Calling Direct/Targeted Mail Direct E-Mail
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Let’s talk about time…
The average person should spend 30-35 hours per week in job hunting activities
Full time employees or students should expect to spend about 15 hours per week
It takes the average person 6 months to find a job
Goal Setting/Strategizing: Effort/ Implementing and Managing Your Search
Organize yourself with a system Schedule your job search as you would schedule classes or
activities (e.g. a total of a few hours over a number of days each week, rather than blocking off an entire day)
Set reasonable daily/weekly goals for your career search Keep track of what you’re doing (i.e. notes after interviews) Keep records of initial contacts and follow-ups Update/review resume with your Career Consultant It’s usually better to explore several possibilities at once, rather
than pursue one job at the exclusion of all others. Continue to assess process
The Office: Bad Habits
“Michael Scott: [on phone] Hey Pam, yeah, I forgot what day the interview was and I drove to New York accidentally. I'll be like three hours late.”
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Habits to Avoid - Common Networking Mistakes
Selecting 1-2 targets too quickly Not being specific in selecting target - Lacking a target list of good
companies Not doing accurate research/ranking targets Relying on only 1 technique for getting interviews Contacting the wrong people Weak resume/cover letters/2 Min. Me Not spending enough time (8-15 hrs/week) Not having 6-10 things going at all times Talking to people at wrong level Trying to bypass system Inflating time you’ve actually spent working Not staying in contact with your network!!
Habits to Avoid - Common Job Search Mistakes
Relying on one strategy Selecting 1-2 targets too quickly Not being specific in selecting target Not doing accurate research/ranking targets Contacting the wrong people Lacking a target list of good companies Weak resume/cover letters/2 Min. Me
Habits to Avoid - Common Job Search Mistakes
Lack of focus/career objective Failure to identify and use network Targeting only large employers Failure to follow–up Unprofessional materials/appearance Impersonal approach Underestimate time needed to search
Evaluating an Unsuccessful Job Search
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
Keep It In Perspective
Don’t take rejection personally… Maintain a balance between job search and
everyday routine Remind yourself of your skills and
accomplishments Use your resources Be persistent - you will find employment
Redirect Your Search
Clarify goals and redefine options – broaden or narrow them
Have your resume reviewed by a Career Advisor or other professional
Geographic restrictions Do your skills match with the needs of the
company?
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Still Stuck?
Are You Running a Good Campaign?
-Remember, this is your 5th Class
-6-10 “things” in the works @ all times
-Assess your progress regularly
-Keep some kind of records to track activity Habits to Avoid The Importance of Resiliency
Job Search Checklist
Create your promotion materials (Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio) Practice interviewing-schedule mock interview Meet with your Career Consultant Visit the Career Center Library Develop a list of potential employers Organize all contact names, companies, phone numbers & your
favorite URL’s Figure out the best way to send your resume to employers
(networking, U.S. mail, email, hand deliver, job fairs, TartanTRAK…) Follow-up two weeks later with each employer Start a notebook and stay organized Schedule times for your job search
Job Search Checklist -Continued
Research Company Websites and relevant job banks. Review Industry Journals for companies Study Job descriptions Gather information about Trends and Companies Look at Opportunities on TartanTrak Conduct Informational Interviews Attend Portfolio Reviews Participate in Internships Freelance/Contract Work Attend Job Fairs/Workshops Join Associations Volunteer Work BE PERSISTENT! and START NOW!
Job Search Ethics for Interviewing, Site Visits and Job Offers
You are expected to -- Attend all scheduled campus interviews Be on-time for campus interviews and site visits Present your qualifications in a truthful manner Honor all agreements made with recruiters. This is
especially true with site visits. Honor all agreements made with recruiters. This is
especially true of accepting a job offer Cease interviewing upon your acceptance of a job offer
FYI: Offer Policy
Fall Interviews: Employers conducting interviews in the fall semester must give students until December 1 to respond to an offer, without pressure to respond on an earlier date. Students interviewing on or after December 1 should be given three weeks to respond to an offer.
Spring Interviews: Employers conducting interviews in the spring semester must give students three weeks to respond to an offer, without pressure to respond on an earlier date.
Full-time offers to summer interns: Employers who give an offer for full-time employment to a student who has had a summer internship with the employer must give students until November 1 to respond to an offer, without pressure to respond on an earlier date.
The Next Step…Contact Your Career Consultant
Call 412.268.2064 or stop by the Career and Professional Development Center for an appointment with your Career Consultant (except MISM-see below):
Walk-ins Wednesday 2—4 pm BA Jennifer Frick CFA/BXA(Architecture, Design) Sonjala Allen CFA/BXA(Art, Drama, Music) Elaine Stolick CIT (BME, ChemE, CivE, MechE) Lisa Dickter CIT (ECE, EPP, MSE) Carol Young H&SS (History, IS, Mod Lang, Psych, and SDS) Debra Johnson H&SS (Economics, English, IS, Phil, and Stats) Ray Mizgorski INI Jennifer
Burkett MCS Renée Starek MISM (call Heinz School) Susan Timko SCS Kevin Collins
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.
The Office: You can do it!
“Darryl: Make it happen, Captain.”
“Michael Scott: I am makin' it happen. Sargent.”