DETERMINING DESIGNING AND DEVELOPING:

EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The student will learn about the crucial transition between the world of education and the
world of work.

JOB HUNTING

1. Effective job hunting strategies

2. Networking – building a strong network to support your job search
3. The online job search – where to go on the Internet

DEVELOPING A “KILLER RESUME” – VARIOUS STYLES OF RESUMES

COVER LETTERS AND APPLICATIONS

1. Elements of a proper/professional cover letter

2. Filling out applications

INTERVIEW SKILLS

1. Preparing for your interview

2. What to do and what not to do in an interiew
3. Salary negotiations
4. Follow-up

WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE

1. The world of work

2. Teamwork – getting along with your colleagues
3. Conflict resolution – what to do if things get difficult
4. Establishing an appropriate relationship with your boss or supervisor
From School to Work

One of the most significant moments in our education and career is the transition from school to
work. There are many books out there that can guide you through this important moment in your
life. It would be highly beneficial to work with a Career Counsellor to advise you more
thoroughly, but here are some general tips for the skills you will need.
Click on the circles below to take you to the section which you wish to focus on:

JOB HUNTING
&
NETWORKING

DEVELOPING
THE WORLD A KILLER
OF WORK RESUME

JOB COVER
INTERVIEWS LETTERS
INTERACTIVE EXERCISE

How Prepared Are You?

The Skills I I Can Do This Still Learning The How To

Need To Do This Resources I Access Them
Need

Resume Design

Writing an
Effective Cover
Letter
Job Hunting
Skills
Networking
Skills
Interview Skills
Knowledge of
Workplace
Etiquette

JOB HUNTING

Effective Job Hunting Strategies

A common saying today is: “finding a job is a job in itself”. It can be as easy as someone
recommending you and you somehow get the job. That is rare. Usually securing a great job takes
time and effort. Here are some of the strategies you can use1.

Do You Know Yourself?

Begin your job search by taking a thorough inventory of your interests, skills, accomplishments,
experience, goals, and values. Make a detailed list. The key to a successful job search is to
recognize what makes you a unique candidate and to communicate this effectively to a
prospective employer, both verbally and in writing.

Aim For The Right Target

1
http://www.allbusiness.com/10-job-search-strategies/16569081-2.html
Try to match your skills, interests, and values with the right career choice. For example, if one of
your goals is to get a larger salary, don't focus on career paths that traditionally pay low salaries.
Conduct research on various fields and local companies within those fields. Learn about different
businesses that interest you, and target those that are more likely to have open positions

Be Assertive and Proactive

The old adage "Good things come to those who wait" does NOT apply to those in the market for
a new job. You've got to go out there and make it happen. Don't wait around for opportunity to
come knocking on your door. While cold calling potential employers can be intimidating, it
remains a powerful strategy. It's important to get through the door before your competition.

Do Your Homework

One key to breaking in is to understand the "hidden job market." Many job openings exist only in
the minds of directors, vice presidents, and other company bigwigs, long before the job is finally
advertised to the public. If you can present yourself as the perfect candidate at this early stage, an
employer may snap you up without looking elsewhere.

Work Your Network

Networking should be at the center of your job search strategy. Get the word out to friends,
trusted colleagues, and even relatives that you are actively looking for a job, and ask them to
keep their eyes and ears open for any opportunities. Also, expand your network and join
professional organizations, sign up for job search newsletters and e-mail blasts, contact former
professors and classmates, and participate in online discussion boards.

Use An Employment Agency

Employment agencies can be an excellent resource for job leads, and they come in all shapes,
sizes, and price ranges. Some specialize in very specific occupational areas, and many often have
exclusive arrangements with large companies. If you're interested in the services of an agency,
investigate it carefully. Determine what the agency will do for you and how much it will cost.

Consider Temporary or Freelance Work

Temp jobs are a great way to learn skills, gain experience, and earn money while looking for a
permanent position. They are also a way to prove your worth and be first in line when a full-time
position opens up. Working as a consultant or independent contractor in a company can also
eventually lead to steady, full-time employment.

Communicate Clearly
When sending out résumés, catch prospective employers' attention with a brief and concise cover
letter that clearly spells out how your qualifications match the job requirements. Connect the dots
for the reader, and make it obvious why you're the perfect candidate for the job.

Keep Good Records

Keeping track of the progress of your job search is important. Maintain a detailed record of all
the jobs you have applied to, including communications, interviews, referrals, and follow-up
actions. This will help you build a network of valuable contacts both for your current job search
and for any future ones.

Be Persistent

Job searching is difficult, and there are times when you will be discouraged. Just keep in mind
that everyone has been through the same grind at one point. Try to keep a positive attitude, and
look at your job hunt as an exciting challenge. Your perfect job is out there somewhere. Good
luck!

Networking – Building A Strong Network To Support Your Job Search2

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s
why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to
take advantage of networking because they’re afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-
serving. But networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s
about building relationships.

YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO NETWORK

Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you’re
already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking when you strike up a
conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your
child’s school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with
your neighbor. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.

Tapping the hidden job market may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it’s
much more effective. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping
others in good times and bad—will help you find the right job, make valuable connections in
your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search.

2
http://www.helpguide.org/life/job_networking_how_to_find_job.htm
NETWORKING IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A JOB BECAUSE:

People do business primarily with people they know and like. Resumes and cover
letters alone are often too impersonal to convince employers to hire you.
Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition
with many others. Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller
pool.
The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and
job leads, often before a formal job description is created or a job announced.

JOB NETWORKING TIP 1 : YOU KNOW MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU THINK

You may think that you don’t know anyone who can help you with your job search. But you
know more people than you think, and there’s a very good chance that at least a few of these
people know someone who can give you career advice or point you to a job opening. You’ll
never know if you don’t ask!

MAKE A LIST OF THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NETWORK

Your network is bigger than you think it is. It includes all of your family members, friends,
neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances. Start writing down names,
and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the list grows.

Think about people you know from former jobs, high school and college, church, your child’s
school, the gym, social media, or your neighborhood. Also think about people you’ve met
through your close connections: your sister’s co-worker; your best friend’s boss; your college
roommate’s spouse; friends of your parents; your uncle’s business partner. Don’t forget to
include people like your doctor, landlord, accountant, dry cleaner, or yoga instructor.

If you’re nervous about making contact—either because you’re uncomfortable asking for favors
or embarrassed about your employment situation—try to keep the following things in mind:

It feels good to help others. Most people will gladly assist you if they can.
People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise.
Almost everyone knows what it’s like to be out of work or looking for a job. They’ll
sympathize with your situation.
Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with others, you’re sure to
get some much needed encouragement, fellowship, and moral support.
Reconnecting with the people in your network should be fun—even if you have an
agenda. The more this feels like a chore the more tedious and anxiety-ridden the process
will be. 

JOB NETWORKING TIP 2: REACH OUT TO YOUR NETWORK

All the connections in the world won’t help you find a job if no one knows about your situation.
Once you’ve drawn up your list, start making contact with the people in your network. Let them
know that you’re looking for a job. Be specific about what kind of work you’re looking for and
ask them if they have any information or know anyone in a relevant field. Don’t assume that
certain people won’t be able to help. You may be surprised by who they know.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU START NETWORKING

Networking is most effective when you have specific employer targets and career goals. It’s hard
to get leads with a generic “Let me know if you hear of anything” request. You may think that
you’ll have better job luck if you leave yourself open to all the possibilities, but the reality is this
“openness” creates a black hole that sucks all of the networking potential out of the connection.

A generic networking request for a job is worse than no request at all, because you can lose that
networking contact and opportunity. Asking for specific information, leads, or an interview is
much more focused and easier for the networking source. If you’re having trouble focusing your
job search, you can turn to close friends and family members for help, but avoid contacting more
distant people in your network until you’ve set clear goals.

START WITH YOUR REFERENCES

When you are looking for a job, start with your references. Your best references—the people
who like you and can endorse your abilities, track record, and character—are major networking
hubs.

Contact each one of your references to network about your possibilities and affirm their
agreement to be your reference.
Describe your goals and seek their assistance.
Keep them informed on your job search progress.
Prepare them for any calls from potential employers. 
Let them know what happened and thank them for their help regardless of the outcome.

JOB NETWORKING TIP 3: IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Effective communication is a cornerstone of job networking. As simple as communication may

seem, much of what we try to communicate—and others try to communicate to us—gets
misunderstood.

Effective communication combines a set of learned skills: attentive listening, recognizing and
using nonverbal cues, managing stress in the moment, and understanding your own emotions and
those of the person you're communicating with.

The Online Job Search – Where To Go On The Internet

The Riley Guide is perhaps the best place to begin for your online job search. So, start here:

http://www.rileyguide.com/jobsrch.html

Additional Issues Related to the Online Job Search3

Online job search resources, including job search sites, job search engines, networking sites,
online job search tools, and tips to ensure that you are using all the Internet job search resources
available to help find a job online.

Job Search Engines

Use a job search engine to expedite your search for a job online, by searching all the top
job sites, company sites, and niche job sites for job listings.

Job Listings
Online job search resources including job listings, job banks, job sites, and employment
opportunities listed by location and career field.

Online Networking
Online professional and social networking can help you find employment opportunities
and build your career. Here's how to network your way to a new job or career.

How to Ensure Employers Can Find You

When you're conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you
online.

Online Job Search Tools

Widgets, gadgets, and tools that will help expedite your Internet job search.

Job Search Word Tips

What words should you use to get the best results when searching a job board? The key is
using the right combination of search words to find job listings quickly.

Job Search Internet Privacy

Information on what employers can find out about you and how to keep your personal
information private.

3
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/findajob/a/onlinejobs.htm
 Online Job Applications
Job application resources including completing a job application, online job applications,
and applying via email.

JibberJobber
JibberJobber helps job seekers track where they have sent resumes and jobs applied for,
plus users can track both their networking contacts and the status of each job as they
proceed through the hiring process.

LinkedIn and Your Job Search

How to use LinkedIn as part of your job search, including how to increase your visibility
and connections, so employers and recruiters can find you.

Using Instant Messenger (IM) to Job Search

Instant messaging (IM) services can be a good tool to use when job searching. If you
have an instant message account you can use it for networking, both with the people on
your buddy list, and with professional contacts.

VisualCV
Visual CV - A Visual CV is an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional
resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

INTERACTIVE EXERCISE

Now, let’s put your new skills to work. One of the themes that keeps repeating itself in the job
search is NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. So, let’s build your network. Use the diagram
below to get you thinking about who you can approach to build your own extensive, support
network. The task in this exercise is to sit down and make the biggest list you can possibly
create. The most extensive list will come out of MY COMMUNITY. This is where you really
have to think about who you know and who you might be able to approach.
 TEACHERS & FELLOW
FRIENDS FAMILY STUDENTS

REFERENCES MY COMMUNITY

DEVELOPING A ‘KILLER’ RESUME4

CHRONOLOGICAL

Lists information, most recent to least recent, and focuses on where and how skills were
obtained.

This style is effective when:

The name of last employer and/or school is well recognized.

Applying to highly traditional fields.
Staying in the same field as your prior positions.
Past job/leadership titles are impressive.

The chronological style may not be effective when:

Work history is sporadic.

You have changed employers frequently.
There is no previous work experience in your target field.

Download a sample here:

http://careerweb.georgetown.edu/prepare/resumes/ChronologicalSample_1.pdf

4
http://careerweb.georgetown.edu/prepare/resumes/6637.html
FUNCTIONAL

A functional resume focuses on your professional skills by grouping positive attributes together,
rather than straight work experience.  Events are listed in reverse chronological order (the most
recent events at the top).  The focus of a functional resume is your talents and where they have
been cultivated and put to good use.

This style may be effective when:

Skills and where you developed them are your greatest strengths
You lack formal work experience.

The functional format may not be effective to use when:

Capabilities and accomplishments are unclear.

COMBINATION

Weaves the best from the chronological and functional formats together by classifying positions
and responsibilities under functional headings in reverse chronological order. The focus is on
skills and emphasizing the environments in which they were developed.

This style may be effective when:

Highlighting capabilities not used in recent work experience.

Skills and where you developed them are your greatest strengths.
Much of your work has been freelance, consulting or temporary.

The combination format may not be effective to use when:

You lack relevant work experience.

Capabilities and accomplishments are unclear.