Job Search in ANY Economy

Kathryn Scahill, NCC, DCC

What is “The Secret” to getting a job?

The process is simple, but not easy

– Once learned, it can and will be repeated throughout your career

– The keys are Research and Preparation using the 4-step process

Career Development Process

– Self Assessment

– Market Assessment/Decision Making

– Self Marketing

– Job Search

Start with some “Introspection”

Your Career Coach will guide you through Self Assessment – understanding the Brand Called You

Values

Interests

Personality

Skills

Values

• What is important to you?

– Work/life balance

– Short commute/ no commute, telecommute

– Room for growth

– Benefits

– Child care

– Reputation of company

– Example – Whole Foods

Interests

• What do you like (in your work life)

• Working with people

• Customer service

• Independence

• Team projects

• Deadlines

• Variety

• NY Career Zone

Skills

• Analytical

• Technical

• Teaching

• Counseling

• Training

• Leadership

• Top Skills Employers want

Personality • Are you outgoing or shy? • Are you assertive or passive? • Do you seek out excitement or peace and quiet? • Are you open to new experiences or do you avoid them? • Are you anxious and nervous or usually relaxed? • Do you act impulsively or do you take your time to make

decisions? • Are you patient and understanding or do you lose your temper

easily? • Do you like being the center of attention or blending in with the

crowd? • How would other people (family, friends, teachers) describe you?

• Do What You Are

I know myself, now what?

• Begin brainstorming some career ideas

– Why did you choose your major?

– What are some “dream jobs”?

• Investment banker, college professor, entrepreneur….

– List some careers you are curious about but do not fully understand

– Use a process of elimination

– Look at lists of fastest growing careers

Decision Making

• Now that you know what you want…how do you find it? What are your options?

• Consider

– Growth rate

– Geography

– Educational requirements

– Salary

Begin your Market Research

• Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Business Journals – www.bizjournals.com/phoenix

– Book of Lists

• Professional Organizations • Indeed

• Vault, WetFeet, Hoovers • Forbes list

• Education Pays

Creating Target List

• What is your target?

– Job title

– Company

– Industry

– Location

Putting it all together

• You know who you are

• You know what you want

• You are aware of what options are available

• What next?

– Create your marketing materials

– Take your “brand” to market

– Apply and begin interviewing

Self Marketing

• Cover Letters and Resumes

• Articulate your “fit”

– Reference your values, skills, interests and personality as they relate to the job

– Describe your fit with their requirements and culture

– Focus on what you have to offer, not gain

– Customize documents for each job!

Cast a Wide Net

• There is not ONE way to find a job! Use all available avenues

• Two Categories: Active and Passive

Passive

o Recruiters

o Posting your resume

Active

– Postings online

– Networking

• phone calls still work!

– Career fairs

– Newspapers

Interviewing

• You must be able to sell yourself – What message do you want to convey?

• Know the company/industry

• Practice interview questions – Behavioral

– Industry specific – Vault guides

• Be able to explain why you are a match – Why should we hire you? (now you can answer with

confidence!)

Click Submit to Apply

• If this is the only way to apply for a job, how can you stand out? – Do you meet at least 75% of the requirements? – Have you really read and understood the job

description and know you could succeed in that role? – Did you tailor your resume to the position? – Did you submit a cover letter specific to the job,

referencing your fit? – Is there a way to follow-up? – Can you use your network to get more information or

connect directly with someone in the company?

Keeping Track and Following Up

• Organize your search process

• Follow up when possible (more than once)

• If you are not selected, ask for feedback

• Stay in touch

• Accept setbacks

• Expect responses!

Networking

• Not about asking for job

• Insider information (www.vault.com)

• Making professional connections

• Learning best ways to get into an organization

• Getting referrals to apply

• Make it a two-way street

• Do it all the time, not just when job searching

• LinkedIn is a great place to begin

There is a Secret to Success!

You stand out by… being the most

prepared candidate!