YES YOU CANFind Your Dream Job

Presented by Dr. Philip WeastFebruary 25/26, 2009 Authored by Ms. Patty Kirkley

Like Playing DartsYou Need Targets in Mind

Have a PlanSuccessful job searches do not happen by AccidentDetermine businesses that hire people with your

degreeIdentify job titles appropriate to your degreeReview job descriptions on the Internet and in

the newspaperIdentify companies in your field of interestResearch companies of interest

Get Organized

Identify a work space Double check arsenal of sales materials – resume,

sample cover letter, and reference list. Contact your references.

Collect the information you will need to fill out job applications

Listen to the voice mail messages on your cell and home phones and be sure they sound professional

Create and practice your commercials & scripts

Keep Track…

If you do not have them, buy a planner/ schedule book & a portfolio

Buy a 2-inch binder (and a hole punch)Make copies of tracking formsPrepare to track every call and letter (and the

expenses you incur) – (see sample forms: Internet/Newspaper, Letters, Contacts)

Be Realistic

• You need work experience in your career field

• You will not start in the executive office – you will have to prove yourself

• Understand likely starting salary range

• It is easy to get discouraged and give up – you need a positive “headset”

Three Types of People Hiring Managers Want to Avoid

Those that cannot learn the jobThose who will not do the workThose who are not cooperative or

have an over-inflated sense of their worth

Secrets You Need to Know

Persistence is the Key to Finding a Job

Recognize that finding a job is hard work It takes time and effortDedicate a minimum of 25 hours each week

to calls, follow up contacts, and researchYour goal is to identify every possible lead

Ways to Get Job Interviews

Network Send letters to specific businesses asking for an

interviewCall companies, especially hiring managersAnswer employment adsUse the InternetRegister with an employment agency

Conquer your fears and learn to “Network”

75% of all jobs are not advertised (hiring managers know the best employees come from employee referrals)

Practice your personal commercials – 30 second & 2 minutes

Then start talking …

Tapping the Source of Secret Jobs..

Who Do You Talk To?

Talk to friends and relatives Talk to people who know lots of other people

– teachers, the guy you know at the local coffee shop, members of your church …everyone you know or can identify

Ask for help (additional contacts or info about available jobs)

Your network is larger than you think.....

Remember the Verizon Ad

First identify specific industry or business

Find names and addresses of businesses in geographic area you are targeting

Send a minimum of 5 letters a day

Increase chances of success by sending letter to the hiring manager and a few days later, following up with a phone call

Send Letters…

The Telephone Can Be Your Friend…

Before you begin calling, develop your personal calling script

Practice it with a friendWhen you are ready, call a real managerDon’t give up if you get nervous or bomb the first

couple of timesCall before 10:00 (often before 8:00 & after 5:00

is the trick)

Respond to Ads Check out the

employment ads every day

To respond to an ad, first read it carefully

Write each employer a letter telling them how you can help them

Respond to Ads...moreMention the requirements listed in the ad

and specifically describe your ability to meet them

Do not forget to include advertisement code if there is one

Mail letter and your resume to the indicated address

Use the Internet

Post your resume to one or more of the big job boards (you may be one of the lucky ones)

Check out posted jobs on the job boards and apply for the ones you are qualified to do

Go to the web sites for targeted companies and look for openings 53% of Internet hires come through company’s own

website

Employment Agencies

• Identify employment agencies who specialize in your chosen occupation

• Do not rule out temporary jobs – many work into employment opportunity or new contacts and references

• To find these agencies in your field, ask your friends or instructors or check the yellow pages.

Questions?

Good Luck!

Resources: The Job Hunting Handbook, Dahlstrom & Company, Inc.