“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

2. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

3. OBJECTIVES Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career Conduct a targeted job search and create a job search portfolio Ensure a professional electronic image Identify references to be used in your job search Identify sources for job leads Define networking and create a professional networking list

4. THE JOB SEARCH Successful job search strategy identifies Type of job you will be looking for Needed tools and resources How to use tools and resources Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer

5. DECIDING ON THE RIGHT CAREER Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals Review Trigger Words Complete Accomplishments Worksheet Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

6. TALK IT OUT Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences?

7. CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE Introductory statements for résumé Both statements are used on résumé to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position Statement will be first item listed on resume

8. CAREER OBJECTIVE A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience Include interest in position Brief one line description of skills related to position and how you will utilize your skills Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective

9. CAREER OBJECTIVE Example: “Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company.”

10. PERSONAL PROFILE A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience Group key skills and accomplishments into general categories Identify key qualities that match target job Take information and turn into two-three sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications.

11. PERSONAL PROFILE Example: “Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish).”

12. INDUSTRY RESEARCH Identify and Target Industries that require your key skills Specific jobs in identified industries Desired work environment

13. THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers

14. PREPARATION Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means Conduct internet search on self Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other negative material Maintain professional e-mail address and voice mail Avoid text slang in written communications

15. TALK IT OUT What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see?

16. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews. Keeps job seeker organized and prepared while job searching Use binder with tabs Keep original and two copies of each item Place original documents in page protectors Interview Portfolio: contains items that will be taken on an interview (addressed in chapter 15)

17. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIOItems to include:

18. JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Personal Business Card Inexpensive and valuable networking tool Contains personal contact information Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail Make card professional and easy to read Share card with anyone you meet

19. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS Have completed generic application available Do not list social security number or birth date on application Applications are legal documents Credit checks Background checks Fully understand agreement prior to signing A typed application is best

20. Professional references Potential employer will contact Do not list on your résumé Create a separate page for references Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer Have a copy available at the interview PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

21. Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant Have at least three letters of recommendation No more than two years old Letters can be from past or present employers coworkers instructors someone you worked for as a volunteer PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

22. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Directly from target company Internet search Message boards and job-search sites Industry journals Industry associations Current employees of target industry/company Posted job positions Your professional network Government career assistance centers

23. SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Visiting a company for open positions Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of résumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job seekers

24. SOURCES OF JOB LEADSUnsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes Send two copies One to the human resource manager One to the manager of your target job Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers Correct spelling Correct gender Increases the opportunity to secure an interview

25. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking: the act of creating professional relationships

26. Person 3 tells Person 2 tells Person 6 tells Person 7 tells Person 5 tells Person 4 tells you tell Person 1 tells Andthisnetworkcontinues PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Building a Professional Network

27. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING People to include in network: Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends

28. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry A way to find out about a company Ask questions about: Jobs Hiring Company culture

29. Attending professional or trade association meetings Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events Volunteering for a local park clean-up day Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities

30. Talking to neighbors Striking up conversations with strangers while waiting in line Posting messages on mailing lists or in chat rooms Talking to salespeople PROFESSIONAL NETWORKINGNetworking Opportunities (cont.)

31. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Network list: a written list of all network contacts. Include contact’s: Name Address Telephone number E-mail address

32. PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources Beware of identity theft Ensure target employer is legitimate Do not share birth date or social security number

33. KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused

34. KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Keep job search confidential Do not quit current job before accepting a new job Do not bad-mouth your company or anyone that works for your current or former employer