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KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL JOB

SEARCH
 True or False
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The most effective way to get job interviews is the old adage,
“See a guy who knows a guy,” A technique known as
“Networking.”
 True or False
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A job interview is really a sales presentation by the

applicant. Therefore, the job seeker must sell his or her
personality, potential, strengths, and experience.
 True or False
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Approximately 2% of job seekers are successful in

obtaining an interview when responding to a blind ad.
 True or False
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The job application is considered a tool of the employer,

while the resume is considered a tool of the job seeker.
 Before you start knocking on doors, you’ll want
to prepare for your search.
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1. Self Assessment
2. Explore Career Options
3. Research Employers
4. Prepare Job Search Materials
 A self assessment will help you identify what
you are looking for in a job.
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You should be able to:

 Describe what you want to do

 Match your skills, values, and interests to career fields and

job titles

 Research your career fields

 Researching Employers can help you learn about the
organization and determine your place in it.
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1. Make a list of preferred employers to target

2. Learn more about the employers by researching
 Employer Websites  Newspapers
 Networking Opportunities  Fellow Professionals
 Job Related Search Engines  Competitors
 Annual Reports
 Internet
 Trade Associations
 TechConnect

3. Consider conducting informational interviews

 Prepare Job Search Materials
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 Prepare an effective resume and cover letter – getting a job

is SALES!
 1 page accomplishments based resume
 Proof-read!
 Practice interviewing
 Review practice questions before going to an interview

 Purchase appropriate interview apparel

 Focus on the employer’s needs

 Top 10 Job Search Survival Tips
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1. Visit University’s Job Placement center

2. Talk to Your Instructor
3. Networking with Friends & Past Employers
4. Consider Volunteering
5. Join a Professional Association
6. Consider Temping
7. Read the Want Ads, Beware of BLIND ADS
8. Get an Internship
9. Give yourself a Break
 #1- Consider Volunteering
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 Volunteering with help build your network of local

professionals

 It also may provide experience in your field. For example: A

marketing student may help plan and advertise for a
fundraising event
 #2 - Consider Temping
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 Working for a Temporary Agency has many benefits:

 Get your foot in the door of a good organization
 “Try before you buy” – You are able to try out an organization
without much of a commitment
 Get valuable professional work experience
 Meet professionals working in your field
 Earn a few dollars during your job search
#3 - Join a Professional Association
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Professional Associations provide:

 Journals

 Provide up to date information about your field (great for

interviews)
 Highlight the ‘movers and shakers’ in your field
 Provide connections to professional development and
conferences
 Access to member information – great for networking!
 Job Listing services
 Great resume builders
 Local Chapters
 #4 – Be Vigilant
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 Good jobs don’t stay open long- act immediately if

you are interested in a position
 #5 - Use the Career Center
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 Use the Career Center in person or online

 Individual appointments to assist with your job search

strategies are available

 Check out university job placement office for the latest job
search news, job listings, workshops, networking
opportunities and links to area employers
 #6 - Network Intelligently
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 Networking is not just about asking someone for a job

 Develop contacts and build long term relationships
 Most jobs come through people who know you and your
skills
 Tell everyone you know that you are looking and what you
Networking
are looking for 30-49%
Direct contact with Decision-Makers 19-
37%
Published Job Openings 15-24%
All others 1-16%
 #7 - Turn off your computer
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 The internet provides a massive amount of information,

however it does not replace valuable personal interaction
 Use your computer as one of many tools necessary for a
successful job search, not the only tool for your job search
 Most people find jobs through other people, not via the
internet
 For each hour you spend online, try to match it with one hour
of phone calls and personal interaction
 #8 - Give yourself a break
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 Don’t be too hard on yourself. A job search can be a

difficult task.

 Don’t try to compare yourself to others, the job you decide

to take has to be right for you.
 Your goal is multiple job offers!
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 You have the most control when you have choice

 You have no decisions to make until someone makes you

an offer

 Pursue every option until you get an offer