Job Search Tool Kit

www.nhnusa.org

What is Neighbors-helping-Neighbors?Volunteer led job search support and networking

groupFounded in River Edge, NJ in January, 2011Over 1200 members and 323 success stories to dateWeekly meetings held at various libraries, colleges

and Microsoft storesRecognized by:

The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships

The United States Department of LaborThe New Jersey Department of LaborGovernor and Lt. Governor of New JerseyBergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders

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www.nhnusa.org

Purpose of the Group

Members include:

Recent college graduates

Laid-off workers

Unemployed or underemployed

professionals

Persons re-entering the job

market

Struggling small business

owners

Retirees looking for part time

work

Group members receive assistance

with:

Techniques/suggestions to improve job

search

Offers of support and help with personal

and professional networking to find a

position

Finding and utilizing resources available

at area libraries to assist with computer

searches and useful career sites

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A free, peer volunteer support group for people who are actively looking for work and would like to re-invigorate their job search.

www.nhnusa.org

NHN MissionCreate a network of peer-led, volunteer support

groupsCommunity based approach

Helping under-employed and unemployed residents get back to work

‘Pay It Forward’ EthosAsks all associates to contribute to other members by

sharing: Job Search Techniques Professional career development resources Personal referrals

Provide a forum to empower, energize and focus members on their job search.

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www.nhnusa.org

NHN GoalsProvide compassionate, nonjudgmental support to members

through: Networking Coaching  Leadership experience Camaraderie

Partner with community business leaders to match members with: Job openings Volunteer and/or paid consulting opportunities

Expand network reach throughout: Local Communities New York-New Jersey metro areaOther states

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www.nhnusa.org

NHN Core BehaviorsBe positive in approach and encourage others Remain positive when facing the inherent

challenges of the job searchBe compassionate and firm, as needed Maintain a productive meeting atmosphere for

consistent results orientation Be active in respective home towns by

developing the group and its role in each community

Take the extra step to help members by sharing personal network and job leads.

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www.nhnusa.org

What’s in a Job Search Tool Kit?

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AccountabilityYour job search is YOUR responsibility

You’ll get out of it what you put into itUse metrics to gauge your successes and failuresEliminate activities that are not yielding results,

focus on activities that do and don’t be afraid to try new things

Use your time wisely

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein

www.nhnusa.org

Resume Length – how many pages?Recruiters take 6-10 seconds to review a resume

Top 1/3 of the resume should attract interest to read the restApplicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for keywords

Use keywords from job descriptions (www.wordle.net)Don’t use the same resume for each job

Each application should have a “targeted” resume highlighting skills that meet the job requirements

Review, Review, Review – spell check and read out loudTypos and grammatical errors are not acceptableGet objective opinions from friends and family

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www.nhnusa.org

Elevator Pitch15-30 seconds in lengthGets people interested in you so they will want to find

out more about you and you can present your value proposition

What’s in an elevator pitch?Your name - begin and end your pitch with your name

Say it slowly and then pause to give people a few seconds to concentrate on you.

Your expertiseThe position your looking forYour target industries or companies

Practice to make it sound natural and don’t be afraid to refine it

For tips on creating an elevator pitch - www.15secondpitch.com

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www.nhnusa.org

Social Media – Are you using it?FacebookLinkedInTwitterGoogle+PintrestTumblrBlogsMany more…

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Social Media – Why should I use it?Presents you as technologically relevantFacebook and Twitter

Companies post jobsPosts and “tweets” add to your social media

presenceLinkedIn

92% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates

On-line profile helps you to be foundJoin groups and actively participate in

discussions Able to send Inmail to members of the group free.

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www.nhnusa.org

Social Media Do’s and Don’tsDo’s

Project a positive image and consistent on-line persona

Use it as a tool to increase your networkGoogle yourself – know what’s out there about youDemonstrate good communication skills

Don’tsPost embarrassing photosPost controversial or offensive statementsBe disrespectful or badmouth previous employersGet caught in a lie about your qualifications

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www.nhnusa.org

Networking – Why should I?Less than 2% of on-line applications are

successful85% of all available jobs are not advertised

Tap into the “hidden” job market

Most jobs filled through internal referrals

Let people know you’re looking for a jobGain confidence in talking about yourselfLearn from other people’s experiencesSupport and camaraderie

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www.nhnusa.org

Networking EtiquetteBe a giver first and a taker lastMake eye contact, smile, shake hands and

say helloBe a good listener – don’t interrupt when

others speakBe mindful of people’s timeBe specific when describing what you’re

looking forAsk for advice, not a jobSend a “thank you” when assistance is givenKeep in touch with your network09/25/2013 Slide 15

www.nhnusa.org

Career Services Job Search Skills

Resume Builder Resume Tips Interview Tips Job search letters

Employment Opportunities Available professional job

listings Part-time/Seasonal Employment Annual Career Days

Additional Resources Student Services Information and resources

Contact Information Location:

Student CenterLower LevelCenter for Student Success

Hours of Operation: Monday Through Friday:

8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.Wednesday:open until 6 p.m. during the academic year

Phone: 732-571-3471 Fax: 732-263-5167 E-mail:

careerservices@monmouth.edu Contacts

Will Hill – Assistant Dean

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http://www.monmouth.edu/university/career-services.aspx

www.nhnusa.org

Resources - samples Neighbors-helping-Neighbors web

site and social media groups www.nhnusa.org LinkedIn group: Neighbors-

helping-Neighbors USA Facebook group: Neighbors-

helping-Neighbors USA, Inc. Twitter: @NJNeighbors Extensive job-search document

library Other libraries – in progress

Monmouth County Libraries ReferenceUSA

Jersey Job Club

www.Jobs4Jersey.com www.Careeronestop.org NJ Dept of Labor

http://Lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/content/RealTimeJobsinDemand.html

www.Indeed.com www.SimplyHired.com www.SnagAJob.com NJ Civil / Government

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ Select Department agencies

Associations LinkedIn groups Alumni groups

Monmouth University Alumni Office of Alumni Affairs

Professional groups FENG, AITP

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