Developing an Effective Job Search Plan Participant Handout.Current.9.8.14

Copyright © 2011-2014 by National Able Network ®. All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2011-2014 by National Able Network ®. All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2011-2014 by National Able Network ®. All Rights Reserved

Participant Handout

Name:________________________________

Developing an Effective Job Search Plan

Copyright © 2011-2014 by National Able Network ®. All Rights Reserved

Studies show that most job seekers have not developed an effective job search plan and are not investing enough time into the job search process. Accordingly, it takes a lot longer to obtain the results they seek.

In this workshop, the key components to an effective job search plan will be discussed. The importance of networking, both face-to-face and via the Internet, will be reviewed. Strategies which enable job seekers to evaluate their progress as well as promote ongoing commitment to the job search process will also be presented.

Please think of questions you have and write them below before the workshop begins and throughout the duration of the presentation. We encourage you to

participate and ask questions to ensure your best training experience:

My Questions:

2


There are multiple challenges a job seeker faces when looking for work. It is a lot more difficult to obtain employment today than it was in the past. Some challenges are due to

changes in the job search process and others are due to what individual job seekers bring to the process.

Below are the 7 most common barriers to the job search process:

Common Barriers to Job Search Success

1. Working Solo

2. Not Utilizing Available Resources

3. Lack of Objectivity

4. Limited Experience in Performing Job Search Tasks

5. Job Search Skills Mismatch

6. Low Interest in Performing Required Job Search Strategies

7. Rejection, Discouragement

and Inactivity

What are other barriers you may be facing?

3

Brick Wall

Paths to Reaching Your Goals Defined Occupational Goal Core Message Development Targeted Lists and Communication Networking Evaluate Plan and Make Changes Commitment to Job Search Process


The first step in looking for work is defining your occupational goal. All subsequent steps in your job search journey will flow much easier once you know the job title you seek.

If you are unsure of what you want to do, assessment inventories such as the MyNextMove Interest Profiler, job readiness checklists (example, pg. 14), workforce/employment agencies, informational interviews and volunteering can provide insight into the skills you possess and what occupations best fit those skills.

Defining Your Occupational Goal

What are some community resources available that can assist you in further defining your occupational goal?

Use the Job Readiness Checklist on the following page to further investigate the position you desire.

4


Use this checklist as an ongoing measurement any challenges you may face as you begin looking for work.

This checklist will also be helpful if you are developing a job search plan with a workforce development professional.

I have a clearly defined job goal:

I have explored, reviewed and completed any licenses, certifications or degrees I will need.

I have:

I need:

I have explored, possess and can demonstrate the necessary skills to meet my desired job per the

MyNextMove.org Summary Report.

What I do well:

1 | P a g e

Desired Job:Alternate Job Titles:State Salary Range:Job Tasks:

Required SkillsCommunication:Tools:Technology:Knowledge Base:Personality Traits

Required EducationYears of Experience:Certifications:Degrees:

5

Job Readiness Checklist


What I need to improve:

I have explored targeted job search techniques specific to my field, such as:

I have prepared a targeted list of potential employers:

I have explored/performed information interviews.

I interviewed: _____________________

What I learned:

I interviewed:

What I learned:

I have practiced interviews (individual/group) and feel confident that I can communicate my skills and

2 | P a g e

CompanyName

PossibleJobs

Company ContactPerson

ContactInformation

Contact Made[Yes (Date)/No]

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

experiences with potential employers.

6


Questions that still give me trouble:

I have explored online resources to network professionally, develop and share my knowledge and

establish a strong online reputation/presence (if appropriate).

I have created a LinkedIn profile and use LinkedIn proactively to participate in groups and to connect

with potential employers.

I have used Twitter and/or other social media sites to network with other professionals and job seekers.

I have reviewed networking strategies and have explored personal contacts (former employers,

coworkers, classmates, teachers, counselors, etc.) and have communicated my job goal and related skills, accomplishments with them.

I have investigated other ways to further develop my skills and expand my network.

What may be a challenge for me?

What can I do to overcome this challenge?

Job Readiness Checklist08052014

3 | P a g e

Volunteer Experience Professional References Network Connections Social Media Contacts1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7


Use these web-based resources to find out just about anything

you need to know about a particular occupation

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticswww.bls.gov

O*NETwww.onetonline.org

My Next Movewww.mynextmove.org

8

http://www.onetonline.org/

http://www.onetonline.org/

http://www.mynextmove.org/


Your CORE MESSAGE

Also known as an “Elevator Speech”, your Core Message is what relays to your audience (Insiders, Interviewers, Decision Makers) what you can do, what you do well and

explains how you offer something different from (or better than) others who might do the same work.

In creating your Core Message, remember the following tips:

1. Don’t underestimate your value

2. Leave out the negatives

3. Use your Success Stories to convince the audience

4. Identify what makes you unique

5. Focus on what makes you really good at what you do

6. Show interest with your behavior and attitude

7. Your résumé demonstrates your Core Message on paper

8. Incorporate your strongest skills and experience

9. Focus on what you have, not what you may lack

10. Remain realistic – your Core Message must be full of things you can do, and will do well.

Core Message Development

9


Who you areHello, my name is…

I am interested in…

Because…

Relevant title or credentialsI am/was…

At…

Areas of skills/accomplishmentsFor the last __ years, I have…

My expertise is in…

QualificationsI am…

I would be a great fit for…

because…

What you are looking forI am currently looking for an opportunity to…

Creating Your Core Message

10


Sample Core Message Content

Good afternoon! My name is ___________ and I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about your challenges in finding an

administrative assistant. I have more than 10 years’ experience in office management and administrative support. In my most recent

position I was an Administrative Assistant in the Finance Department. Along with managing the day-to-day office

operations, I supervised 2 assistants and served as liaison to upper management. In this position I had the opportunity to reorganize

office set-up procedures which increased both customer satisfaction and department efficiency.

I’m proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook, having written numerous organization communications for different

managers. I use an engaging yet efficient approach when balancing multiple responsibilities which puts everyone at ease

and gets things done. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I could address your administrative needs.

11


Targeted Lists and CommunicationsOnce you have created your core message, you will be better prepared to inform

individuals both within and outside of your desired industry what you can bring to a potential employer. Determining your Target Market (Industry), Decision Makers

within that industry will ensure that your cover letters, resumes and other support materials get to the right people. Networking with others can also assist in

Decision Maker list development.

Examples of Target Market and Networking Lists can be found starting on the next page. Remember – You should begin with a list of 40 employers to start and continue to add to your Target Market List as your job search moves forward.

Employers

Placement

Agencies

Human Resources

Representatives

Department Managers

Recruiters

Cover Letters

Résumés

“Cold Call” Letters

12


Target Market ListEmployer Industry Desired

PositionDepartment

ManagerContact

InformationLinkedIn(Yes/No)

13


HOW YOU KNOW THEM THEIR NAMES

Family

Friends

Neighbors

Hobbies and Activities

Community Groups

2nd Degree LinkedIn Connections

Friends of Friends on Facebook/Google+

Place of Worship

Alumni

Former Employers or Coworkers

Customers and Clients

Trade and Professional Organization Members

Professionals Whose Services You Use Regularly

Establishing Your NetworkDirections: Identify people who might have industry-related information

or relevant contacts who could help you in your job search.

14


Stay Organized

15

Monitor Your Job Search Activities – Track your efforts

Weekly Job Search Schedule Job Search log or Excel spreadsheet Support materials Networking contacts Follow-up strategies Job Search Progress Chart

Stay Engaged Keep developing skills Stay positive Understand the hiring process Job search is your job

Stay Focused Do Your Research – Know Your Companies Contemplate any “No’s” ahead of time Don’t Get Sidetracked by Other Activities Be Positive, Persistent and at Your Best at all times Make Your Job Search Your Highest Priority

Copyright © 2011-2014 by National Able Network ®. All Rights Reserved 16

JOB SEARCH LOG Stay organized in your job search by using a log to keep track of employer correspondence. Make copies as needed.

Organization Name: ____________________________________ Recruiter Name: ____________________________

Address: ______________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Fax: ___________________

Email: ________________________________________ Website: _________________________________________

Position Open: _________________________________ Application Deadline: _______________________________

Research company via Internet, library directories, Career Resource Center or other sources

Send targeted résumé and cover letter (and any additional requested information Date Sent: _________________

Follow-up phone call to confirm receipt of resume and schedule interview Date of Call: ________________

Interview Date: _______________________ Date Thank You Letter Sent: __________________________

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________



Email: ________________________________________ Website: _________________________________________






Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________



Email: ________________________________________ Website: _________________________________________






Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________


Your name Date your search began

JOB SEARCH PROGRESS CHART

For the month: (circle one) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

AVERAGE per week last

month

TOTAL for the month

AVERAGEper week

this monthWeek beginning on: (date) (date) (date) (date) (date)

EMPLOYER CONTACTS

JOB SEARCH CONVERSATIONS

TOTAL for the month

TOTAL for entire search

JOB INTERVIEWS

Instructions for using this Job Search Progress Chart are on page 70 of Team Up! Find a Better Job Faster with a Job Search Work Team. Definitions of the categories used in the second column from the left are on the other side of this sheet.

Copyright 2014 Orville Pierson. All rights reserved.

# of Decision Maker conversations that were job interviews

GEN’L NETWORK- search conversations with anyone at all

TARGET MISC.- conversations with misc. insiders

TARGET PEER- conversations with insiders at your level

DECISION MAKER (& above)-initial contact only

DECISION MAKER (& above)- follow-up contacts with DM’s

TOTAL conversations for the week-Total the five categories above

JOB POSTINGS -# you responded to

DIRECT EMPLOYERCONTACT - initial

DIRECT EMPLOYERCONTACT – follow-up

TOTAL HOURSin job search this week

17


JOB SEARCH PROGRESS CHART: DEFINITIONS OF CATEGORIES

TOTAL HOURS in job search this weekThe total number of hours you spent in job hunting in the last seven days, including research, educating yourself on effective job hunting, talking to people, applying to posted jobs, administration, e-mailing, and everything else you did in your search, whether or not you regarded those activities as productive or successful.

EMPLOYER CONTACTSJOB POSTINGS - # you responded toThe total number of individual job postings that you responded to, regardless of where they appeared.

DIRECT EMPLOYER CONTACT – initialThe total number of employers you contacted without an introduction or posting, either by phone (cold calling) or by e-mail/snail mail (direct mail). This category includes only the first contact with each. Voicemails,e-mails and letters with no response are all counted. Completed job applications count as contacts here. Making an initial contact with a staffing or search firm is counted here, since they are an outsourced part of the employer’s staffing function. If you actually had a conversation with someone, count it in JOB SEARCH CONVERSATIONS below.

DIRECT EMPLOYER CONTACT – follow-upThe total number of employers you attempted to follow-up with by phone or in writing, after an initial cold call or direct mail contact. This includes only second and successive contacts. Voicemails, e-mails and letters with no response are all counted. If you actually had a conversation with someone, count it in JOB SEARCH CONVERSATIONS below. Please note: this is follow-up with Decision Makers that you have NOT spoken with.

JOB SEARCH CONVERSATIONS

GEN’L NETWORK- job search conversations with anyone not at a targeted organizationThe total number of job-search related conversations you had with anyone who is not currently employed in one of your target organizations. Successive conversations with the same person are all counted here, as are two-way conversations with staffing or search firms.

TARGET MISCELLANEOUS - conversations with miscellaneous insidersConversations with anyone inside a targeted organization who is not a peer or Decision Maker.

TARGET PEER- conversations with insiders at your levelConversations with anyone inside a targeted organization who is more or less at your level.

DECISION MAKER (& above)- initial contact onlyConversations of any length – in person or on the phone — with a person who could be your next boss, or with that person’s boss or anyone above them. Count only the first conversation with that person in this category. Count all successive contacts in the follow-up category, so that this number is the number of different Decision Makers you’ve talked to. An e-mail exchange in which each party sends three or more e-mails is counted as one conversation.

DECISION MAKER (& above) - follow-up contactsThis is where you count all successive contacts with Decision Makers contacted above. Research shows that job hunters who re-contact each and every Decision Maker every two to four weeks find jobs more quickly than those who do not do this. These follow-up contacts do not need to be conversations. While conversations are much better if you can politely get them, these can also be contacts with no response, just like Direct Employer follow-ups.

JOB INTERVIEWS

# of Decision Maker conversations that were job interviewsThis is a sub-category of Decision Maker contacts, so any actual job interview – no matter how you got it — is counted in both categories. Initial post-interview follow-up is usually in writing and should be carefully thought out. If you are not selected, continue to do Decision Maker follow-up as above. You were a finalist. They liked you. Let them off the hook for not selecting you. Do not put them on the defensive. Continue to tell them how you would still like to work there, should another opportunity arise. This is just as important as other follow-up.

18


Create a FLEXIBLE Schedule

NETWORKINGFriends/family/regular

contactsLinkedIn ConnectionsProfessional

Association Networking Events

Informational Interviews

Job FairsCareer Fairs

TOP PRIORITIES: New Job Leads, Networking, Interviewing

Plan on a Daily Basis

SKILL DEVELOPMENT Mock Interviews Career Centers Classroom/Online

Training Programs Volunteer

opportunities Temporary Jobs

RESEARCH New job leads Job boards Companies Internet Resources Online Job Postings

NURTUREReadExerciseGo to a movieSpend time with

supportive friends/family

Set aside “Me” time

TARGETINGCompaniesJob postingsRésumésCover lettersOther Supportive

Resources

FOLLOW-UP/ONGOING ACTIVITIESSocial media job

alertsComplete online

applicationsThank You notesReview week’s

job search progress

Interview analysis

19


Weekly Job Search ScheduleExample

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Seek out new job leads Review Job Postings Attend Job Fair

Research Companies

Respond to social media job

alerts

Complete online applications

Send Thank You notes

Practice answering interview questions

Review Job Postings

Analyze Interview

Volunteer to develop skills

Pursue New Job Leads; Networking

Opportunities; Interviews

Attend Networking Event

Go to a movie Send Thank You notes

Check out job boards Interview

Attend Informational

Interview

Target résumés

Go out with friends

Exercise Get Organized Review week’s job search progress

20

Your Next Job is Here!Stay Committed

to Your Job Search!


Developing an Effective Job Search PlanPost-Workshop Activities

You received a lot of information today! Below are 3 questions for you to focus on as you take action and begin putting your new knowledge to

work:

1. Make a list of networking opportunities

2. Identify how you can maintain productivity in the job search process

3. Identify what you’re going to do as a result of participating in this workshop

Notes:

21


Additional Workshops

On behalf of the Training Team at National Able Network, THANK YOU for your participation today!

Please join us for any/all of the workshops listed below. Please confer with your Career Counselor or call us at 855-994-8300 for

upcoming dates and times.

Preparing for the Interview

Résumé and Cover Letter Development

How to Complete an Effective Online Job Application

Introduction to Social Media

Harmony in the Workplace

Providing Exceptional Customer Service

22

Documents

Developing an Effective Job Search Plan Participant Handout.Current.9.8.14