YP4 Webinar: How to Find a Progressive Job

1. YP4 Webinar:How to Find a Progressive Job June 10, 2010 Alyssa Best, Career Consultant

2. Goals for the Webinar Learn about your career interests De-mystify networking Discuss how you can tap into the contacts you already have for job leads Develop strategies for targeting the right kind of job Provide resources for the job search process

3. Q: What are the types of jobs you’re interested in pursuing?

4. Importance of Networking Networking is about building relationships Building relationships is fundamental to many aspects of activism Gain access to information and job leads Find and pass along opportunities Connect your work and ideas with other people and organizations

5. Build Your Network Look to informal and formal relationships Attend events and take advantage of opportunities Ask people for their business cards and follow up with them Create your own business card before you land a job Join professional groups or listservs Utilize Facebook and LinkedIn or other social networking sites as professional networking tools

6. Develop Your “Elevator Pitch” Develop your “elevator pitch” in order to clearly and concisely talk about yourself: Who are you? What you’re looking for and why A specific outcome

7. Example of an “Elevator Pitch” My name is Alyssa Best. I’m a recent graduate of Rutgers University. I’m really interested in economic policy and I recently worked on a campaign to guarantee paid sick days for all DC employees. I’m currently looking for employment opportunities doing similar work. Do you know of someone working in the field of public policy and economic security? OR Is there someone on staff I could connect with to learn more about their work? OR Could I set up a time to talk with you more about your work and how you got into this field?

8. Q: What are your ideas for building your network?

9. Informational Interviews What is an informational interview? What are the benefits? Broaden your network and learn about other job leads Learn about position/organization and if it’s a good match Learn how to translate your academic, activist, and work experience into marketable skills for a job Learn about different departments and what might be the best fit for you

10. Informational Interviews How to request an informational interview Keep e-mail or phone call short How you came to know of the person Who you are and what you’re looking for How this person could be a resource Specific time frame for meeting How to conduct an informational interview

11. Task: Write down three people whom you’d like to meet for an informational interview. Now, write down a date when you plan to contact each person.

12. Searching for Jobs Use your network to find jobs Online job hunting Match your skills and interests to job descriptions Organize your job search Stay open-minded and optimistic Temp while you’re waiting

13. Online Job Resources Idealist: www.Idealist.org Young NonProfit Professionals Network: www.ynpn.org Jobs that are Left: www.jobsthatareleft.com Democratic GAIN: www.democraticgain.org EMILY’s List job bank: www.emilyslist.org/about/jobs Feminist Majority Foundation Career Center: www.Feminist.org Craigslist: www.craigslist.com Local professional listservs Local newspaper websites

14. Another Great Online Resource Idealist.org’sIdealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers

15. Q: What are other online job search sites that you’d recommend for finding a progressive job?

16. Contact Information Contact me with any questions or comments or to share your success story! Alyssa Best Career Consultant alyssa@alyssabest.com www.alyssabest.com LYJ (Love Your Job)Blog: http://lyjnow.wordpress.com