JOB SEARCH PROCESS

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Learning objectives
1. Develop and use a network of contacts in your job search.
2. Assemble and evaluate information that will help you select a job.
3. Identify the sources that can lead you to an employer.
4. Compile print and digital resumes that are strong, complete, and organized.
5. Write targeted cover messages that skillfully sell your abilities.
6. Explain how you can participate effectively in an interview.
7. Write application follow-up messages that are appropriate, friendly, and
positive.
8. Maintain your job-search activities.
 For success in job
seeking, use the
following procedures
The Job Search
Building a Network of Contact
 Broaden your circle of friends
 Know your process
 Meet business people
 Work with community organizers
Obtaining An Internship
1. Internship are great ways to gain experience in your field
2. Many companies hire from intern programs
Analyze yourself
Begin With A Self-analysis Covering;
◦ Education (specialized curricula) Consider the quality of your
educational record (grades, honors, courses taken)
◦ Personal qualities (people skills, leadership ability)
◦ Work experiences (with interpretation)
◦ Special qualifications (language, communication)
◦ Consider external factors also
Finding Your Employer; search for potential
employers by using these sources;
 University career center (?)
 Your network of personal contacts
 Classified advertisements
 Online sources.
 Employment agencies/head hunters/HR companies
 Personal search agents
 Webpage profile
 Prospecting techniques
Preparing the application documents
Pursue job openings by personal visit, online, mail,
email, or any other
You are likely to use resume, cover messages, and
reference sheets in your job search
Prepare them as you would prepare a sales mailing
Study the product (you) and the work.
Next, decide on whether to send a message alone, with a
resume, or with a resume and a reference sheet
CONSTRUCTING THE RESUME

Choose the print or digital format

Select and order the parts to the

particular job
TRADITIONAL PRINT RESUME
Follow The Plan In Constructing Resume
Selecting the Background Facts
Begin with reviewing the facts you have assembled.
Select the facts that will help the reader evaluate you.
Arranging the facts into Groups
Sort the facts by conventional Education
groups, job functions, time, or Experience
a combination. Skills or interests
Also consider groups such as
,,
achievements and ,,
qualifications
,,
Achievements
Qualifications
Constructing the Headings
Write headings for the resume and its parts
Your name should be considered the main heading
Consider using descriptive headings for resume sections.
Use a special font to distinguish the headings from the
other information

Resume Headings and Title

Including Contact Information
Display your contact information prominently.
Anticipate changes in contact information.
Including a Statement of Objective
Consider a statement of your objective.
The statement should cover the job you seek and more,
as in these examples.
Presenting the Information
List the facts under the headings.
When covering work experience, at a minimum include
dates, places, firms, and responsibilities.
When appropriate, show achievements
Use action verbs to strengthen the appeal
Step Two of Job Search
Process
Exploring Options
Exploring Options
How can I learn about the job market?
◦ Career alternatives;
 Based on your skills, interests, values, personal style, significant others,
learning experiences, work/life experiences, career opportunities.
Self Exploring Process
Based on your skills, interests, values, personal style,
significant others, learning experiences, work/life
experiences, career opportunities.
Brainstorm five careers that fit you.
1. Career 1_____________________________
2. Career 2 _____________________________
3. Career 3 _____________________________
4. Career 4 _____________________________
5. Career 5 _____________________________
Identifying the Suitable Job
Once you’ve done some self-exploration, it’s time to
look around to see what type of jobs might suit you.
Labour Market Information can help you make decisions
about the type of work you’d like to do.
◦ Job description
◦ Wages/salaries
◦ Employment requirements
◦ Trends or outlooks
◦ Unemployment or labour shortages.
Informational Interviewing
Once you’ve narrowed down your interests, try to talk to
people who work in the jobs in which you are interested.
informational interviewing is a great way to get first-
hand information and a chance to ask questions.
Career Research Worksheet
Once you begin your research, you’ll need to keep track
of your findings.
Use the Career Research Worksheet to guide your
research.
It’s a good idea to research at least three to four of the
career alternatives that interest you.
Career Research
Worksheet
Career Opportunities
After researching jobs that interest you, complete the
“Career Opportunities” section of your Wheel.
Be realistic about the work that is available and the
trends that may have an impact on your industry or job.
For example, you may be interested in forestry and you
know that most local mills are downsizing. You realize
this trend means that fewer forestry jobs may be available
in the future.
Career Opportunities: Example
 Sarah Jones: Sarah is interested in customer service in a retail store or a
bank. When she was researching these jobs she learned that a big bank is
opening a new branch near her home and will be training 15 new customer
service representatives. She also heard on the news that retail clothing sales
are down. Based on this information, Sarah thinks that banking has the best
career opportunities right now.

Career Alternative Research Results Career Opportunities

(Good, Stable, Poor)
e.g. Bank customer service 1. New bank branch opening Good
representative 2. Training offered in-house
3. 15 positions
Career Opportunities: Worksheet
For each job you have researched, identify three
important highlights or trends. indicate whether your
research suggests that the career opportunities will be
good, stable or poor.
Before deciding on a career, consider the work available.
If you can’t find the job you want, be creative and open
to possibilities.
Explortion: What are the Different Ways of Working?
When planning your career, it’s important to consider all
of your work options.
Depending on the type of work that interests you, there
are lots of different “ways” of working.
Depending on your needs and the type of work you want
to do, you may have options about “how” you work.
Every option has benefits and drawbacks, so try to think
about what type of work best suits your preferences and
needs.
Some Of The Different Ways Of Working Include
Making Decisions
4: Setting Goals
How To Set Goals?
Short-Term
SMART Long-Term

Specific
Measurable
Actions steps to reach these
Achievable goals.
Relevant
Time-limited
5: Implementing Your Plan

How to take action?

To increase your
chance of succsess;

Create a support
Select people who can
network of friends,
help you meet your
family members or
goals.
former co-workers.