Transcript: Lesson 1: Job Search Overview

Hello. In this video, we will talk about the job search process and introduce you to each of the 7 steps in the
process.

Did you know that the average U.S. worker today holds 10 different jobs before age 40?

For younger workers just beginning their career that number is between 12 and 15 jobs. This means that workers
in the United States and around the world will probably change jobs often. Each time they change jobs, they have
to take part in the process known as the job search.

Searching for a job is part of career development. It's important to remember that searching for a job is part of a
process which takes time and requires several steps.

The Steps of the Job Search Process

Let's think about the search as a journey on a train. The train will stop at many places along the way to its final
destination, just as job seekers complete multiple steps in their job search.

Step 1: Identify skills and areas of interest

In the first step, job seekers need to identify their skills and areas of interest.

When looking for a job, you should ask yourself, what am I good at? What do I like to do? What have I studied?
Your answers to these questions will help you to create a clear, professional profile.

Step 2: Create a professional profile

In the second step, you create a professional profile. You write information about your education, your past work
experience, volunteer experiences, or special training. Your professional profile can also list hobbies and interests
that tell more about you as a person.

After reflecting on skills and creating a profile, it's time to start looking for a job. There are many places to search
for jobs online, in newspapers, and in person.

Step 3: Look for a job

In the third step, job seekers will need to read and understand the advertisement or job description. Then, decide
if their skills match the job description.

Step 4: Write a resume

In the fourth and fifth steps, the job seeker moves into the application part of the process. In this part of the
process, job seekers send their information to the employer to apply for a job.

In the United States, a person will send a resume and cover letter to formally apply for a job. A resume is a written
document of one's employment, education, and skills.
Step 5: Write a cover letter
The cover letter is a formal letter addressed to the employer to introduce the job seeker, show qualifications, and
ask for an interview.

© 2021 by FHI 360. “Transcript: Lesson 1: Job Search Overview” for the Online Professional English Network
(OPEN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. government and
administered by FHI 360. This work is an adaptation of “Video: Job Search Overview”, by The University of 1
Pennsylvania licensed under the Creative Commons Share-Alike License. To view a copy of the license, visit
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Step 6: Network and build relationship
In addition to cover letters, many people use networking events as a way to introduce themselves to future
employers. This is the sixth step in the process. When networking, job seekers talk to many people about their
skills and experience in conversations. Networking is focused on meeting people and building relationships in
person. Whether it is through a cover letter or a short conversation, job seekers are trying to get an interview for a
job.

Step 7: Interview for the job

As the seventh step, the job interview is the best chance for the candidates to show their interest in the job and
demonstrate to employers how they are qualified for the job. Formal interviews are often in person but can
sometimes be done by telephone or video. In all of these interviews, the job seeker needs to be able to ask and
answer questions briefly and clearly.

Summary
Let's review the job search process. Job seekers begin by identifying their skills and interests, create a professional
profile, and read job descriptions. After choosing a job, they write a resume and cover letter to formally apply and
request an interview. Job seekers often talk to many people casually in networking events. In a formal job
interview, candidates really present their skills to a future employer.

What’s Next?
Now, let's move on to identifying skills and interests.