Job Search Strategies Workshop

Jerry Donahue, Career CounselorEngineering Career Resource Center

jerryuod@umich.edu

Job Search is a Process. . . .

Step One - understand and articulate your value Assess your skills, interests and achievements Understand what employers want Create compelling messaging to attract employer interest

Step Two - create your action plan manage as a project

Broaden your list of target jobs Research companies and industries Expand and work your network Actively pursue positions of interest

Step Three - conduct a reality check Evaluate how well your tools are working Adjust your tools and seek assistance as needed

Step Four - maintain a positive, proactive mindsetStep Five - repeat Steps 1-4 until desired result achieved

What makes YOU unique?

Tell your story

What are you most proud of?What are you really good at? How do you know?When did your extra effort pay off?What would a boss/instructor say about you? Why?How did you contribute to a team’s goal?When did you solve a complex technical problem?When were you really energized by a project? Why?

Recognize the value in these experiences and communicate it throughout your search.

What employers want

Communication skillsHonesty/integrityInterpersonal skillsMotivation/initiativeStrong work ethicTeamwork skillsSelf confidence

Computer skillsAnalytical skillsFlexibility/adaptabilityDetail-orientedOrganizational skillsLeadershipTechnical skills

Tailor your messaging

ResumeFocus on achievementsClearly demonstrate relevant skillsElevator PitchName, degree, grad dateStrengths, achievements, goalsInterview StyleArticulate impact Demonstrate how you will be successful

How’s it working for you?

Are you finding jobs that interest you?What feedback are you getting from recruiters?Are you getting interviews?Are you making it to the second interview?Have you received an offer?

Be honest with yourself. Adjust what you’re doing if necessary to increase your likelihood of

success.

Organize your search

Develop your plan- utilize a diverse approachIdentify target companies and research

available career opportunitiesCreate a job log to track your activitySet timelines for required actions and follow upMaintain a list of contacts and record activityDo something every day – keep up the

momentumBalance your time between Internet job

postings and networking

Sources of Job Leads

ENGenius.JobsNACELinkCompany WebsitesNetworking ***Company Events Alumni NetworksProfessional AssociationsChambers of CommerceJob Boards

Campus and Local Job Search Resources

ECRC - career.engin.umich.eduCareer Center Connector –

careercenter.umich.eduUM Library – www.lib.umich.eduAlumni Association –alumni.umich.eduAnn Arbor Spark - www.annarborusa.org

Top Online Resources

Vault.comWetfeet.comCollegegrad.comEngineerjobs.comGoing Global - online.goinglobal.comUSACareerGuides.com – powered by

GoingGlobalInvestor Relations Information Network –

irin.comHoover’s, Inc. – hoovers.com

Why Networking?

Networking is a great way to gain valuable insight into careers

About 40% of high tech jobs available in the market are in small companies who often do not advertise openings or recruit on college campuses

Many jobs lie in the hidden job market

References: U.S. Small Business Administration, sba.gov

In addition, networking is. . . .

A ticket to the hidden job marketA way to gain insider information about the

hiring practices of specific companiesA means to receive valuable advice about the

job search processAn opportunity to promote yourself and leave

others with a positive lasting impression of you

Networking – how to work it

Introduce yourself and communicate with vast audiences Start with people you already knowCreate opportunities to get connected - follow up on leadsOnline Network – LinkedIn, ENGenius.Jobs, InCircleNetworking and Association EventsInformational Interviews

20-30 minutes to learn more about a field or industry Make a positive and lasting impression Ask for names of others you can contact Write a thank you and keep them informed of your progress

Maintain a positive mindset

Broaden your search Track milestones and celebrate small successesBe patient – average length is 4-6 monthsRemember turn-downs are not personalRecognize that each experience is a learning

opportunity and gets you closer to your goalFocus on the journey – you’ll make it to your

destination.

INDEED.COM & SIMPLYHIRED.COM EMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSIONS FACEBOOK CONTACTS LINKEDIN.COM (GROUPS) PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, E .G. ASCE FACULTY & STAFF MEMBERS JOB SEARCH LINKS BY DISCIPLINE(SEE CIVIL ENGRG.

LIST) BUSINESS JOURNALS, E .G. CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Sources of Job Search Leads

Civil Engineering Job Search Websites

ASCE Jobs(http://careers.asce.org/search.cfm) - Lists current jobs for Civil Engineers

The Blue Book (http://www.thebluebook.com/links/ilhead.htm)- The Blue Book of Building and Construction

CleanTechRecruits.com -(http://www.cleantechrecruits.com/) From internships for college students to jobs for Ph.D.s.Engineering, business and environmental jobs in sectors including: Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass, biofuel, clean coal, green construction, hydropower.

Civil Engineering Jobs (http://www.civilengineeringjobs.com/)- Find civil engineering jobs quickly

Civil Engineering Jobs(http://www.icerecruit.com/civil/jobs.asp)- Search for civil engineering jobs in the UK and Europe.

Construction Jobs (http://www.construction-jobs-search.com/)- Construction and related vacancies nationwide

E Jobs: Environmental Jobs and Careers (http://www.ejobs.org/)- Useful information on job listings nationwide.

Ecojobs.com( - Hundreds of environmental jobs in various industries (user ID=berk, password=uca)

Engcen(http://www.engcen.com/civil.asp)- Jobs for civil engineers

Environmental Jobs(http://environmentalcareer.com/job-board/)- Environmental Career Center - The leading site dedicated to environmental employment

The Fulcrum International (http://www.thefulcrumintl.com/Home/Default.aspx)- Resources for architectural, engineering, and construction industry job seekers

Green Careers Guide.com - Information on a wide variety of careers that have an environmental impact.

Green Dream Jobs(http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/greendreamjobs.main/?CFID=4455998&CFTOKEN=30126893)- Lists career and internship openings, links and resources.

Green Jobs Network (-http://greenjobs.net/) Searchable database of environmental and social responsibility positions throughout the US

Greenjobs.com - Job board focused specifically employment in renewable energy worldwide.

Institute of Transportation Engineers (http://jobs.ite.org/)- Employment Center Job Search

Civil Engineering Job Search Websites, cont.

Internships with the Environmental Careers Organization (http://www.eco.org/)

Intern with the Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/careers/gradopp.html)

Structural Engineering Jobs (http://www.structuralengineerjobsource.com/)- Jobs for structural engineers

Structural Engineers Association (http://www.seaint.org/)- Connect to structural engineering employers

Web Directory (http://www.webdirectory.com/) - Directory of links to various environmental organizations.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (http://www.usace.army.mil/Pages/Default.aspx) - Corps does hire civilian personnel

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/) UtilityRecruiter.com (http://

www.utilityrecruiter.com/Candidates_JobSearch.aspx) - View job listings; no resume posting by candidates.

Remain open minded

Be open to opportunities outside of your fieldBuild skills that will prepare you for your

dream jobConsider new geographic areas, industries, and

company profilesConsider part-time, contract and volunteer

positions that give you desired exposure to your target

Get going. . . . .

Do something for your job search every day, but don’t let it consume you

Job search activities should be part looking at websites for job postings and part reaching out to people/networking/informational interviews

Have a back-up plan. Be prepared to accept a position that could lead to your dream job

Questions?

Engineering Career Resource Center

230 Chrysler CenterMonday through Friday, 8:00 AM to

5:00 PMhttp://career.engin.umich.edu

ecrc-info@umich.edu