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07/07/05
How to Conduct an Effective Job Search
How to Conduct an Effective Job Search
How prepared are you for planning and conducting an effective job search? Successful job seekers must have both good information and well-developed job hunting skills. Three important factors for a successful job search are an awareness of your goals and skills, an understanding of the labor market, and a well planned job search campaign.
Experts recommend that you begin an active job search six to nine months in advance of your target employment date. You can begin the process by visiting the Career Center early (for students, nine months to a year before graduation).
The following six steps are used to conduct an effective job search.
STEP 1. Begin with Self-Assessment
The job search process begins with an identification of your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. How can you seek a position if you don't know what you want from a job and what you have to offer prospective employers? Self-assessment, though a time-consuming process, provides invaluable information to facilitate career decisions and to prepare you to market your background effectively.
Values
An awareness of what you value (qualities that are important and desirable) in a career will aid you in exploring career goals and attaining greater satisfaction in your work.
Review the following list of values and check those most important to you. Then rank your top five values in order of priority.
Job security
Working as part of a team
Working independently with little supervision
Making a contribution
Professional status
Mental challenge
Pleasant surroundings
Challenging, stimulating co-workers
Different tasks to accomplish daily
Financial rewards
Creating something
Ability to advance
Adapted from Training For Life, by Fred Hecklinger & Bernadette Curtin, T 1994. Reprinted with permission from of Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Interests
Interests (areas that arouse your attention or enthusiasm) are closely related to values and frequently trigger skill development. You can identify interests by looking at enduring themes in your life-activities that persist over time, consistent choices, recurring dreams, or the way you spend your time. Try keeping a time-log or examining your most enjoyable times in-depth. If after doing so, you are still not clear about your interests or cannot rank them, consider meeting with a Career Center consultant or use the vocational guidance and testing services of the University Counseling Center.
Skills
A skill refers to something you do well, including handling problems or tasks. The key to your successful job search is recognizing these skills and communicating their usefulness verbally and in writing to a prospective employer. Use accomplishment statements to do so. They should:
Describe your skills in concise, unambiguous terms.
Refer to actual experiences to demonstrate your skill level.
Connect your skills concisely to the needs of a prospective employer.
Some of the most marketable skills are those which are useful in a wide variety of work environments. These are known as transferable skills. For example, the ability to write effectively, communicate verbally, and use word processing or database software are valued skills in the private as well as public sectors.
How prepared are you for planning and conducting an effective job search? Successful job seekers must have both good information and well-developed job hunting skills. Three important factors for a successful job search are an awareness of your goals and skills, an understanding of the labor market, and a well planned job search campaign.
Experts recommend that you begin an active job search six to nine months in advance of your target employment date. You can begin the process by visiting the Career Center early (for students, nine months to a year before graduation).
The following six steps are used to conduct an effective job search.
STEP 1. Begin with Self-Assessment
The job search process begins with an identification of your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. How can you seek a position if you don't know what you want from a job and what you have to offer prospective employers? Self-assessment, though a time-consuming process, provides invaluable information to facilitate career decisions and to prepare you to market your background effectively.
Values
An awareness of what you value (qualities that are important and desirable) in a career will aid you in exploring career goals and attaining greater satisfaction in your work.
Review the following list of values and check those most important to you. Then rank your top five values in order of priority.
Job security
Working as part of a team
Working independently with little supervision
Making a contribution
Professional status
Mental challenge
Pleasant surroundings
Challenging, stimulating co-workers
Different tasks to accomplish daily
Financial rewards
Creating something
Ability to advance
Adapted from Training For Life, by Fred Hecklinger & Bernadette Curtin, T 1994. Reprinted with permission from of Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Interests
Interests (areas that arouse your attention or enthusiasm) are closely related to values and frequently trigger skill development. You can identify interests by looking at enduring themes in your life-activities that persist over time, consistent choices, recurring dreams, or the way you spend your time. Try keeping a time-log or examining your most enjoyable times in-depth. If after doing so, you are still not clear about your interests or cannot rank them, consider meeting with a Career Center consultant or use the vocational guidance and testing services of the University Counseling Center.
Skills
A skill refers to something you do well, including handling problems or tasks. The key to your successful job search is recognizing these skills and communicating their usefulness verbally and in writing to a prospective employer. Use accomplishment statements to do so. They should:
Describe your skills in concise, unambiguous terms.
Refer to actual experiences to demonstrate your skill level.
Connect your skills concisely to the needs of a prospective employer.
Some of the most marketable skills are those which are useful in a wide variety of work environments. These are known as transferable skills. For example, the ability to write effectively, communicate verbally, and use word processing or database software are valued skills in the private as well as public sectors.
06/07/05
How to Conduct an Effective Job Search
How prepared are you for planning and conducting an effective job search? Successful job seekers must have both good information and well-developed job hunting skills. Three important factors for a successful job search are an awareness of your goals and skills, an understanding of the labor market, and a well planned job search campaign.
Experts recommend that you begin an active job search six to nine months in advance of your target employment date. You can begin the process by visiting the Career Center early (for students, nine months to a year before graduation).
The following six steps are used to conduct an effective job search.
STEP 1. Begin with Self-Assessment
The job search process begins with an identification of your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. How can you seek a position if you don't know what you want from a job and what you have to offer prospective employers? Self-assessment, though a time-consuming process, provides invaluable information to facilitate career decisions and to prepare you to market your background effectively.
Values
An awareness of what you value (qualities that are important and desirable) in a career will aid you in exploring career goals and attaining greater satisfaction in your work.
Review the following list of values and check those most important to you. Then rank your top five values in order of priority.
Job security
Working as part of a team
Working independently with little supervision
Making a contribution
Professional status
Mental challenge
Pleasant surroundings
Challenging, stimulating co-workers
Different tasks to accomplish daily
Financial rewards
Creating something
Ability to advance
Adapted from Training For Life, by Fred Hecklinger & Bernadette Curtin, T 1994. Reprinted with permission from of Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Interests
Interests (areas that arouse your attention or enthusiasm) are closely related to values and frequently trigger skill development. You can identify interests by looking at enduring themes in your life-activities that persist over time, consistent choices, recurring dreams, or the way you spend your time. Try keeping a time-log or examining your most enjoyable times in-depth. If after doing so, you are still not clear about your interests or cannot rank them, consider meeting with a Career Center consultant or use the vocational guidance and testing services of the University Counseling Center.
Skills
A skill refers to something you do well, including handling problems or tasks. The key to your successful job search is recognizing these skills and communicating their usefulness verbally and in writing to a prospective employer. Use accomplishment statements to do so. They should:
Describe your skills in concise, unambiguous terms.
Refer to actual experiences to demonstrate your skill level.
Connect your skills concisely to the needs of a prospective employer.
Some of the most marketable skills are those which are useful in a wide variety of work environments. These are known as transferable skills. For example, the ability to write effectively, communicate verbally, and use word processing or database software are valued skills in the private as well as public sectors.
STEP 2. Research and Explore Career Options
The next step in the job search process is to explore the "matches" between your identified skills, interests, and values and the demands of career fields and organizations. Resource materials on occupations and employers (available in the Resource Room) and informational interviews are two excellent tools for this search. (See How to Develop Opportunities Through Networking, and Explore Careers Through Informational Interviewing)
Perhaps the best way to explore career options is to try out intended jobs through internships, cooperative education positions, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer opportunities. To better understand how to pursue these methods of gaining exposure to jobs, read the sections on these topics.
STEP 3. Choose a Career Field, then Target Employers
After thoroughly researching possible careers/jobs, several field options will emerge as most realistic and attractive. These options should become your career or job search goals. It is probable that no single career will have the potential to utilize all your skills, allow you to develop all your interests, and incorporate a value system completely compatible with yours. Therefore, try to target a career field that will satisfy some of your high-priority needs. Other needs of less importance can perhaps be satisfied in your leisure time activities.
At this point, it is useful to get realistic feedback from experts in the field or career consultants to determine if your assessment is realistic. A meeting or two with a Career Center consultant is strongly encouraged to discuss your analysis and decisions. During this or any other part of your job search, expect to use the resources of the Career Center frequently.
Good research on employers will not only give you the competitive edge, but also help you decide which employers you want to reach and which strategies you will use to contact them. For help with locating employers, see the article Researching Employers.
STEP 4. Prepare Job Search Materials and Develop Job Search Skills
Once your job goals have been targeted, resumes and application letters can be tailored to reflect your qualifications as they relate to the interests of prospective employers. Guidelines for developing these job search materials start with Designing Your Resume, Resume Checklist, and Sample Resumes.
While most job applicants are well aware of the need for well prepared resumes and cover letters, many do not realize the need to spend an equal amount of time mastering job search skills necessary to be effective in today's market. Learning which job search strategies are productive, how to interview effectively, how to market yourself well, and how to handle salary issues once an offer is made may be the subjects of regularly scheduled workshops offered by your Career Center. See your Career Center for more information.
Experts recommend that you begin an active job search six to nine months in advance of your target employment date. You can begin the process by visiting the Career Center early (for students, nine months to a year before graduation).
The following six steps are used to conduct an effective job search.
STEP 1. Begin with Self-Assessment
The job search process begins with an identification of your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. How can you seek a position if you don't know what you want from a job and what you have to offer prospective employers? Self-assessment, though a time-consuming process, provides invaluable information to facilitate career decisions and to prepare you to market your background effectively.
Values
An awareness of what you value (qualities that are important and desirable) in a career will aid you in exploring career goals and attaining greater satisfaction in your work.
Review the following list of values and check those most important to you. Then rank your top five values in order of priority.
Job security
Working as part of a team
Working independently with little supervision
Making a contribution
Professional status
Mental challenge
Pleasant surroundings
Challenging, stimulating co-workers
Different tasks to accomplish daily
Financial rewards
Creating something
Ability to advance
Adapted from Training For Life, by Fred Hecklinger & Bernadette Curtin, T 1994. Reprinted with permission from of Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Interests
Interests (areas that arouse your attention or enthusiasm) are closely related to values and frequently trigger skill development. You can identify interests by looking at enduring themes in your life-activities that persist over time, consistent choices, recurring dreams, or the way you spend your time. Try keeping a time-log or examining your most enjoyable times in-depth. If after doing so, you are still not clear about your interests or cannot rank them, consider meeting with a Career Center consultant or use the vocational guidance and testing services of the University Counseling Center.
Skills
A skill refers to something you do well, including handling problems or tasks. The key to your successful job search is recognizing these skills and communicating their usefulness verbally and in writing to a prospective employer. Use accomplishment statements to do so. They should:
Describe your skills in concise, unambiguous terms.
Refer to actual experiences to demonstrate your skill level.
Connect your skills concisely to the needs of a prospective employer.
Some of the most marketable skills are those which are useful in a wide variety of work environments. These are known as transferable skills. For example, the ability to write effectively, communicate verbally, and use word processing or database software are valued skills in the private as well as public sectors.
STEP 2. Research and Explore Career Options
The next step in the job search process is to explore the "matches" between your identified skills, interests, and values and the demands of career fields and organizations. Resource materials on occupations and employers (available in the Resource Room) and informational interviews are two excellent tools for this search. (See How to Develop Opportunities Through Networking, and Explore Careers Through Informational Interviewing)
Perhaps the best way to explore career options is to try out intended jobs through internships, cooperative education positions, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer opportunities. To better understand how to pursue these methods of gaining exposure to jobs, read the sections on these topics.
STEP 3. Choose a Career Field, then Target Employers
After thoroughly researching possible careers/jobs, several field options will emerge as most realistic and attractive. These options should become your career or job search goals. It is probable that no single career will have the potential to utilize all your skills, allow you to develop all your interests, and incorporate a value system completely compatible with yours. Therefore, try to target a career field that will satisfy some of your high-priority needs. Other needs of less importance can perhaps be satisfied in your leisure time activities.
At this point, it is useful to get realistic feedback from experts in the field or career consultants to determine if your assessment is realistic. A meeting or two with a Career Center consultant is strongly encouraged to discuss your analysis and decisions. During this or any other part of your job search, expect to use the resources of the Career Center frequently.
Good research on employers will not only give you the competitive edge, but also help you decide which employers you want to reach and which strategies you will use to contact them. For help with locating employers, see the article Researching Employers.
STEP 4. Prepare Job Search Materials and Develop Job Search Skills
Once your job goals have been targeted, resumes and application letters can be tailored to reflect your qualifications as they relate to the interests of prospective employers. Guidelines for developing these job search materials start with Designing Your Resume, Resume Checklist, and Sample Resumes.
While most job applicants are well aware of the need for well prepared resumes and cover letters, many do not realize the need to spend an equal amount of time mastering job search skills necessary to be effective in today's market. Learning which job search strategies are productive, how to interview effectively, how to market yourself well, and how to handle salary issues once an offer is made may be the subjects of regularly scheduled workshops offered by your Career Center. See your Career Center for more information.
05/07/05
How to Find Local Job Listings
How to Find Local Job Listings
Are you looking for a local job and not having much luck finding local job listings? There are variety of ways to narrow down your local job search to focus on jobs in the locations where you are interested in working.
Start Your Local Job Search
Start your job search by utilizing local resources. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But, it does make sense. Our local Chamber of Commerce web site, for example, has been an excellent resource for job seekers in my town. Employers that are members of the Chamber of Commerce can post job opportunities free and those local job listings are often posted on the web site before they are advertised elsewhere. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a directory you can use to find your local Chamber.
Check the Classifieds
The next step in conducting a local job search is to check your local newspaper classified ads on a daily basis.
Many newspapers are affiliated with CareerBuilder, but, not all are and some small to mid-size employers only advertise locally. Most newspapers are available online. Use this Online Newspapers directory to find your local and regional newspapers.
Even television stations are getting into the local job listings business. WRGB, in Albany, NY, for example, feature Jobs Online which is a database of local job listings.
Use Local Job Search Resources
Use our Jobs by State directory to access the job and career resources for the region, state or city you're interested in. America's Job Bank contains Department of Labor listings for all 50 states. Many employers post local jobs directly with the Department of Labor office in their state. The database currently contains almost 1,300,000 jobs, and is searchable by job title and location. Users can register and post your resume, create cover letters, track your job search, and develop a personal online career account.
Check the top job banks, as well. Monster and the other job banks do contain local job listings and are searchable by zip code or city/region.
Read the News
Be aware of the latest business news in the community you're interested in. American City Business Journals contains information on business in a variety of cities. Each journal is updated weekly and should be required reading for anyone interested in the pulse of the local business community including new businesses, expansions and cut-backs.
Find Companies
Use the Verizon Yellow Pages to search for local companies by keyword and/or location. You may find potential employers that you didn't know about. Then visit the company's web site to review job openings and career information.
Finally, don't forget to network. Up to 80% of all jobs are found by networking. It really does work!
Are you looking for a local job and not having much luck finding local job listings? There are variety of ways to narrow down your local job search to focus on jobs in the locations where you are interested in working.
Start Your Local Job Search
Start your job search by utilizing local resources. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But, it does make sense. Our local Chamber of Commerce web site, for example, has been an excellent resource for job seekers in my town. Employers that are members of the Chamber of Commerce can post job opportunities free and those local job listings are often posted on the web site before they are advertised elsewhere. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a directory you can use to find your local Chamber.
Check the Classifieds
The next step in conducting a local job search is to check your local newspaper classified ads on a daily basis.
Many newspapers are affiliated with CareerBuilder, but, not all are and some small to mid-size employers only advertise locally. Most newspapers are available online. Use this Online Newspapers directory to find your local and regional newspapers.
Even television stations are getting into the local job listings business. WRGB, in Albany, NY, for example, feature Jobs Online which is a database of local job listings.
Use Local Job Search Resources
Use our Jobs by State directory to access the job and career resources for the region, state or city you're interested in. America's Job Bank contains Department of Labor listings for all 50 states. Many employers post local jobs directly with the Department of Labor office in their state. The database currently contains almost 1,300,000 jobs, and is searchable by job title and location. Users can register and post your resume, create cover letters, track your job search, and develop a personal online career account.
Check the top job banks, as well. Monster and the other job banks do contain local job listings and are searchable by zip code or city/region.
Read the News
Be aware of the latest business news in the community you're interested in. American City Business Journals contains information on business in a variety of cities. Each journal is updated weekly and should be required reading for anyone interested in the pulse of the local business community including new businesses, expansions and cut-backs.
Find Companies
Use the Verizon Yellow Pages to search for local companies by keyword and/or location. You may find potential employers that you didn't know about. Then visit the company's web site to review job openings and career information.
Finally, don't forget to network. Up to 80% of all jobs are found by networking. It really does work!
04/07/05
Job Search Advice from the Experts
Recently, I reached out to some of the most respected authorities in the field of employment and asked if they could share some of their best job searching suggestions. These experts in job searching and career development techniques were very gracious to offer some of their tried and true tips on how to maximize everyone's potential to land that "special job." Suggestions range from the traditional to the creative and all the advice is well-worth integrating into your job search.
Susan Heathfield
About Guide to Human Resources
When you search for a job, network with everyone you know and never leave the meeting without asking for a referral to more people. I once picked up a half-time consulting assignment when a friend referred me to an associate who referred me to an associate, and so on. The actual assignment came from the fourth associate I met. The person who provided the job didn't even know the person who had started the chain of referrals. This has always been the most important way I have obtained jobs.
Something else that I feel is very important is to keep your resume' and other job hunting materials always current. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. You need to be prepared to immediately respond when opportunity comes knocking.
Finally, use the interview to find out as much as possible about your fit with the culture of the organization to which you are applying. People who interview get into the "win" mode and want to receive a job offer at any cost. This is the wrong approach unless you are really desperate. You need to use the interview to assess your fit with the organization, to determine if you like the people, and how you are likely to get along with them. You need to ask a lot of questions about how the organization treats and values employees. You need to know that the organization will help you continue to develop your talents and skills as well. Because you spend so many hours at work, these kinds of serious questions are most important.
Tory Johnson
Women For Hire
Do not underestimate the power of networking. The majority of successful candidates find their positions through networking--not by sitting back and waiting for online job boards to deliver offers to their desktop. It's not just for powerful titans of industry; anyone can learn to network successfully. Start small by paying more attention to people around you. Don't be shy about calling long lost relatives or chatting up the person sitting on the treadmill next to you at the gym. Tell them what you're looking for and find out who they know or how they might be able to help. Expand your network by joining professional associations and attending local events. Finding a job is a fulltime job--stay positive, stay focused and don't give up!
Ken Ramberg
MonsterTrak
A successful job search strategy will consist of both an online and an offline approach. To find the "hidden" job market one should focus on building his/her network including professors, friends, and relatives, and former employers or any professionals these people recommend. Successful networking requires that you have as many contacts as possible hear your story, so they realize you are in the job market. To find "published" opportunities, the Internet is clearly the place to go. Sites like Monster.com continue to take market share from the newspapers' help-wanted ads as the Internet has proven to be a faster and cheaper alternative to print.
Kay Stout
Right Management Consultants
Alumni are not just "old grads"...they can be the key to your first (or next) career position.
Example:
You graduated from the University of Missouri, but you want to live near great skiing in Denver, Colorado. There's no better way to begin the journey than in the alumni director's office. Spending a few hours looking through the directory and identifying people who either currently live in the Denver area or alumni who share your degree can be the start of something BIG... i.e. a paycheck.
A well written letter, with the first paragraph linking the two of you to the same university and/or degree will catch their attention. The rest of the letter is "as Paul Harvey says"...the rest of the story...It should be a letter asking for an opportunity to visit with them either in person (if you're headed to Denver).... or by phone for their advice and input on where you should begin your career search.
Friendly Reminder:
You should always be a member of your college alumni association, and all other organizations to which you belonged while cramming for the big tests to get that diploma. They can be wonderful resources for your career.
Susan Heathfield
About Guide to Human Resources
When you search for a job, network with everyone you know and never leave the meeting without asking for a referral to more people. I once picked up a half-time consulting assignment when a friend referred me to an associate who referred me to an associate, and so on. The actual assignment came from the fourth associate I met. The person who provided the job didn't even know the person who had started the chain of referrals. This has always been the most important way I have obtained jobs.
Something else that I feel is very important is to keep your resume' and other job hunting materials always current. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. You need to be prepared to immediately respond when opportunity comes knocking.
Finally, use the interview to find out as much as possible about your fit with the culture of the organization to which you are applying. People who interview get into the "win" mode and want to receive a job offer at any cost. This is the wrong approach unless you are really desperate. You need to use the interview to assess your fit with the organization, to determine if you like the people, and how you are likely to get along with them. You need to ask a lot of questions about how the organization treats and values employees. You need to know that the organization will help you continue to develop your talents and skills as well. Because you spend so many hours at work, these kinds of serious questions are most important.
Tory Johnson
Women For Hire
Do not underestimate the power of networking. The majority of successful candidates find their positions through networking--not by sitting back and waiting for online job boards to deliver offers to their desktop. It's not just for powerful titans of industry; anyone can learn to network successfully. Start small by paying more attention to people around you. Don't be shy about calling long lost relatives or chatting up the person sitting on the treadmill next to you at the gym. Tell them what you're looking for and find out who they know or how they might be able to help. Expand your network by joining professional associations and attending local events. Finding a job is a fulltime job--stay positive, stay focused and don't give up!
Ken Ramberg
MonsterTrak
A successful job search strategy will consist of both an online and an offline approach. To find the "hidden" job market one should focus on building his/her network including professors, friends, and relatives, and former employers or any professionals these people recommend. Successful networking requires that you have as many contacts as possible hear your story, so they realize you are in the job market. To find "published" opportunities, the Internet is clearly the place to go. Sites like Monster.com continue to take market share from the newspapers' help-wanted ads as the Internet has proven to be a faster and cheaper alternative to print.
Kay Stout
Right Management Consultants
Alumni are not just "old grads"...they can be the key to your first (or next) career position.
Example:
You graduated from the University of Missouri, but you want to live near great skiing in Denver, Colorado. There's no better way to begin the journey than in the alumni director's office. Spending a few hours looking through the directory and identifying people who either currently live in the Denver area or alumni who share your degree can be the start of something BIG... i.e. a paycheck.
A well written letter, with the first paragraph linking the two of you to the same university and/or degree will catch their attention. The rest of the letter is "as Paul Harvey says"...the rest of the story...It should be a letter asking for an opportunity to visit with them either in person (if you're headed to Denver).... or by phone for their advice and input on where you should begin your career search.
Friendly Reminder:
You should always be a member of your college alumni association, and all other organizations to which you belonged while cramming for the big tests to get that diploma. They can be wonderful resources for your career.
01/07/05
Networking & Your Job Search
What is Networking?
Networking is the art of building alliances. It's not contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any job openings. Networking starts long before a job search, and you probably don't even realize you are doing it.
Kelly Pate of the Denver Post wrote in her article, Everyday People Key in Job Networking (March 30, 2003), that "Friends, friends of friends, a barber, a neighbor and former co-workers are often the best resources for job seekers, especially in a market with far more people out of work than job openings, job placement experts say."
You are networking when you
attend professional or trade association meetings
talk to other parents when attending your child's sporting or music events
volunteer for a local park "clean-up" day
visit with other members of your social clubs or religious groups
talk to your neighbors
strike up a conversation with someone else waiting at the veterinarian's office
post messages on mailing lists or in chat rooms
talk to sales persons who are visiting your office
In Terms of a Job Search, Networking is the way to Go!
Networking is also consistently cited as the Number 1 way to get a new job. You know how everyone says that "80% of the jobs available never get advertised? Well, folks, this is how you find them and get them!
According to the 1999 Career Transition Study done by Drake Beam Morin, 64 percent of the almost 7500 people surveyed said they found their new jobs through networking.
You're probably saying to yourself, "but that's senior management. What about those of us on the production line?" Still works the same way. The folks who do the hiring for the factory floor would much rather talk to someone who's been recommended by someone they already employ. It's not only easier for them because they have your first reference, it saves them considerable effort in advertising the position and sorting through all the resumes and phone calls.
My Own Networking Story
I am where I am now because of networking, especially networking online via mailing lists. When I was ready to make the transition from university librarian to private consultant, it was my network that presented the initial opportunities to get me going (an introduction to the senior management at Drake Beam Morin, a request from the Employment and Training Administration for project work, an invitation from the National Business Employment Weekly to do some writing, and even an offer of a book contract.) Even today, the network is there to provide support and assistance when needed, and I am there for them when they need me
What Networking Isn't
Networking isn't a process of making cold-calls to people you don't know. It's talking to people you do know or asking them to introduce you to others.
Networking does not have to be a carefully-choreographed process of meeting and greeting people. It's much better done on a more informal basis, but remember that networking is always a two-way street. It must benefit both persons to be most effective, so as you ask your network for help when you need be prepared to return the favor when asked.
We have several articles with Tips on Networking. Once you are comfortable with the general practice, then it is easy to take it online because the same basic principles apply.
Top of Page
How Do I Network Using the Internet, and Why?
The Internet can be a great way to begin those casual relationships that turn into wonderful networking opportunities. Since we aren't face-to-face with the other person, the stress of making these new connections is greatly alleviated, but don't think that it's an easy market out there. It is very important that we begin these relationships in the right way. Since we can't use our voices or body language to express ourselves, we are limited to making sure the words we use and the ways in which they are presented properly represent our intentions. To be blunt,
Don't make a mess of a great opportunity
to connect with people in hiring places!
And I'm not just referring to the new Internet users. A lot of Internet oldie-moldies need a reminder that there are real people behind the electrons, and real people make real decisions based on your electronic communication blunders.
Advantages of Online Networking
There are thousands of discussion groups and community forums covering hundreds of subjects.
You can "break the ice" before meeting someone in person.
You can listen, engage, or be engaged as you wish. No one can see you sweat, and you don't have to feel like a wallflower since no one can see you standing off by yourself.
Many recruiters are lurking the lists to find potential candidates.
Disadvantages
Networking online is just as difficult as networking in person! In fact, it may be harder because you can't really establish a true personal relationship online.
First impressions count even more. Be very careful with your first public posting.
Your online behavior matters more than you think. Don't be a jerk, and I really mean it!
You may chuckle at that last one, but a friend of mine who participated in a mailing list for professional engineers told me that one participant on the list was so nasty online that no one would attend his presentations at conferences nor refer business opportunities to him. Talk about having your online persona affect your offline professional reputation.
Networking is the art of building alliances. It's not contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any job openings. Networking starts long before a job search, and you probably don't even realize you are doing it.
Kelly Pate of the Denver Post wrote in her article, Everyday People Key in Job Networking (March 30, 2003), that "Friends, friends of friends, a barber, a neighbor and former co-workers are often the best resources for job seekers, especially in a market with far more people out of work than job openings, job placement experts say."
You are networking when you
attend professional or trade association meetings
talk to other parents when attending your child's sporting or music events
volunteer for a local park "clean-up" day
visit with other members of your social clubs or religious groups
talk to your neighbors
strike up a conversation with someone else waiting at the veterinarian's office
post messages on mailing lists or in chat rooms
talk to sales persons who are visiting your office
In Terms of a Job Search, Networking is the way to Go!
Networking is also consistently cited as the Number 1 way to get a new job. You know how everyone says that "80% of the jobs available never get advertised? Well, folks, this is how you find them and get them!
According to the 1999 Career Transition Study done by Drake Beam Morin, 64 percent of the almost 7500 people surveyed said they found their new jobs through networking.
You're probably saying to yourself, "but that's senior management. What about those of us on the production line?" Still works the same way. The folks who do the hiring for the factory floor would much rather talk to someone who's been recommended by someone they already employ. It's not only easier for them because they have your first reference, it saves them considerable effort in advertising the position and sorting through all the resumes and phone calls.
My Own Networking Story
I am where I am now because of networking, especially networking online via mailing lists. When I was ready to make the transition from university librarian to private consultant, it was my network that presented the initial opportunities to get me going (an introduction to the senior management at Drake Beam Morin, a request from the Employment and Training Administration for project work, an invitation from the National Business Employment Weekly to do some writing, and even an offer of a book contract.) Even today, the network is there to provide support and assistance when needed, and I am there for them when they need me
What Networking Isn't
Networking isn't a process of making cold-calls to people you don't know. It's talking to people you do know or asking them to introduce you to others.
Networking does not have to be a carefully-choreographed process of meeting and greeting people. It's much better done on a more informal basis, but remember that networking is always a two-way street. It must benefit both persons to be most effective, so as you ask your network for help when you need be prepared to return the favor when asked.
We have several articles with Tips on Networking. Once you are comfortable with the general practice, then it is easy to take it online because the same basic principles apply.
Top of Page
How Do I Network Using the Internet, and Why?
The Internet can be a great way to begin those casual relationships that turn into wonderful networking opportunities. Since we aren't face-to-face with the other person, the stress of making these new connections is greatly alleviated, but don't think that it's an easy market out there. It is very important that we begin these relationships in the right way. Since we can't use our voices or body language to express ourselves, we are limited to making sure the words we use and the ways in which they are presented properly represent our intentions. To be blunt,
Don't make a mess of a great opportunity
to connect with people in hiring places!
And I'm not just referring to the new Internet users. A lot of Internet oldie-moldies need a reminder that there are real people behind the electrons, and real people make real decisions based on your electronic communication blunders.
Advantages of Online Networking
There are thousands of discussion groups and community forums covering hundreds of subjects.
You can "break the ice" before meeting someone in person.
You can listen, engage, or be engaged as you wish. No one can see you sweat, and you don't have to feel like a wallflower since no one can see you standing off by yourself.
Many recruiters are lurking the lists to find potential candidates.
Disadvantages
Networking online is just as difficult as networking in person! In fact, it may be harder because you can't really establish a true personal relationship online.
First impressions count even more. Be very careful with your first public posting.
Your online behavior matters more than you think. Don't be a jerk, and I really mean it!
You may chuckle at that last one, but a friend of mine who participated in a mailing list for professional engineers told me that one participant on the list was so nasty online that no one would attend his presentations at conferences nor refer business opportunities to him. Talk about having your online persona affect your offline professional reputation.
30/06/05
Ten Time Saving Tips to Speed Up Your Job Search
Ten Time Saving Tips to Speed Up Your Job Search
Here are some quick time-saving job search tips that will help your hunt for a new job go smoothly.
BE PREPARED. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system in place and sign-up for a professional sounding email address.
BE MORE THAN PREPARED. Always have an up-to-date resume ready to send - even if you are not currently looking for work. You never know when an opportunity that is too good to pass up might come along. Have a supply of good quality resume paper, envelopes and stamps on hand.
DON'T WAIT. If you are laid-off, file for unemployment benefits right away. You may be able to file online or by phone. Waiting could delay your benefits check.
GET HELP. Utilize free or inexpensive services that provide career counseling and job search assistance such as college career offices, state Department of Labor offices or your local public library.
CREATE YOUR OWN TEMPLATES. Have email and paper versions of your cover letter ready to edit. That way you can change the content to match the requirements of the job you're applying for, but, the contact information and your opening and closing paragraphs won't need to be changed. The same holds true for your resume if you use different versions for different types of jobs.
JOB SEARCH ENGINES. Search the job search engines. Use the sites that search the major job banks, employer sites and electronic news groups for you.
JOBS BY EMAIL. Let the jobs come to you. Use job search agents to sign up and receive job listings by email. All the major job sites have search agents and some web sites specialize in sending announcements.
TIME SAVERS. Strapped for time? Consider using a resume writing service or resume writing software to help write or edit your resume. Resume posting services that post your resume to multiple job sites at once can save hours of data entry.
REFERENCES READY. Have a list of three references including name, job title, company, phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers.
USE YOUR NETWORK. Be cognizant of the fact that many, if not most, job openings aren't advertising. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Ask if they can help.
This tip isn't a time saver, but, it will broaden your online job search resources.
DON'T STOP. Don't limit your job searching to the top sites like Monster, CareerBuilder and HotJobs. Check the smaller niche sites that focus on a particular geographic location or career field and you will find plenty of job listings.
29/06/05
Job Searching
Job Searching
Ten Steps to a Successful Career Change
1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Keep a journal of your daily reactions to your job situation and look for recurring themes. Which aspects of your current job do you like/dislike? Are your dissatisfactions related to the content of your work your company culture or the people with whom you work?
2. Assess your interests, values and skills through self help resources like the exercises in What Color is Your Parachute. Review past successful roles, volunteer work, projects and jobs to identify preferred activities and skills.
Determine whether your core values and skills are addressed through your current career.
3. Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives by discussing your core values/skills with friends, family, networking contacts and counselors. Visit career libraries and use online resources like those found in the Career Advice section of the Job Search website.
4. Conduct a preliminary comparative evaluation of several fields to identify a few targets for in depth research.
5. Read as much as you can about those fields and reach out to personal contacts in those arenas for informational interviews.
6. Shadow professionals in fields of primary interest to observe work first hand. Spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days job shadowing people who have jobs that interest you. Your college Career Office is a good place to find alumni volunteers who are willing to host job shadowers.
7. Identify volunteer and freelance activities related to your target field to test your interest e.g. if you are thinking of publishing as a career, try editing the PTA newsletter. If you're interested in working with animals, volunteer at your local shelter.
8. Investigate educational opportunities that would bridge your background to your new field. Consider taking an evening course at a local college. Spend some time at one day or weekend seminars. Contact professional groups in your target field for suggestions.
9. Look for ways to develop new skills in your current job which would pave the way for a change e.g. offer to write a grant proposal if grant writing is valued in your new field. If your company offers in-house training, sign up for as many classes as you can.
10. Consider alternative roles within your current industry which would utilize the industry knowledge you already have e.g. If you are a store manger for a large retail chain and have grown tired of the evening and weekend hours consider a move to corporate recruiting within the retail industry. Or if you are a programmer who doesn't want to program, consider technical sales or project management.
