CHAPTER 16

JOB SEARCH AND CAREER MANAGEMENT SKILLS

JOB-HUNTING TACTICS

Identify your job objectives. Be aware of qualifications sought by

employers (such as relevant work experience and teamwork skills).

Identify your skills and potential contributions.

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy (try everything).

JOB-HUNTING TACTICS, continued

Use networking to reach company insiders.

Use multiple online approaches (including social networking sites).

Smile at network members and be enthusiastic.

Smooth out rough spots in your background (such as credit history).

TEN QUALIFICATIONS EMPLOYERS SEEK

1. Appropriate education and grades

2. Relevant work experience

3. Interpersonal skill

4. Motivation and energy

5. Adaptability

6. Emotional maturity

7. Emotional intelligence

8. Customer service orientation

9. Information technology skills

10. Likableness and sense of humor

THE JOB RÉSUMÉ

The résumé is a marketing tool for selling your skills and potential to handle new responsibilities.

Résumé length depends on experience, and should include skills and accomplishments. One page for career beginners, two pages for more advanced workers.

Check résumé guidelines carefully.

THE JOB RÉSUMÉ, continued

A specific job objective is helpful. Use key words that may attract

human or electronic résumé scanners (e.g., results-driven, e-commerce).

Video résumé must look professional. Creative format can work well for

some employers. Avoid incorrect statements of fact.

THE COVER LETTER

Must accompany résumé. Explains who you are and why you are

applying for position in question. Attention-getting type can get results. Should take about a minute to read. Bulleted list of accomplishments

useful. Outline your qualifications versus the

position requirements.

GENERAL IDEAS ABOUT THE JOB INTERVIEW

Telephone-screening interview often used to check your oral communication skills.

Do not conduct phone interview like a casual social conversation.

Be prepared for team interview, or speed interviewing (brief interviews with many people).

Present positive, accurate picture of self.

PERFORMING WELL INA JOB INTERVIEW

1. Be prepared, look relaxed, and make interviewer feel comfortable.

2. Avoid talking too much during the interview (compulsive talking is bad).

3. Establish link between you and employer (e.g., “I drink Dr. Pepper.”)

4. Ask perceptive questions (e.g., “What would be outstanding performance in this job?).

PERFORMING WELL IN A JOB INTERVIEW, continued

5. Be prepared to discuss your strengths and developmental opportunities.

6. Be prepared to respond to behavioral interview questions (relating to actual job behavior).

7. Show how you can help the employer (think of what value you bring to the employer, and why you should be hired).

PERFORMING WELL IN A JOB INTERVIEW, continued

8. Use body language that projects confidence and decisiveness (e.g., good posture, careful grooming).

9. Practice good etiquette during the interview, including during a meal.

10. Send a follow-up letter. (Duh! But even smart people can forget.)

THE VERTICAL CAREER PATH

A career path is a sequence of positions necessary to achieve a goal.

A vertical, or traditional, career path is synonymous with ”climbing the ladder.”

Career path should relate to present and future demands of firm or industry.

Personal goals should mesh with career goals to reduce conflict.

13

Career Paths

Vertical (traditional)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

8 16 24 32 40

Vice

PresidentManager, Materials Handling

Trainee

Asst.

PA

Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Supervisor

Purchasing

Mgr.

Years of Experience

Rent apt.

Earn BS degree

Marriage

Become parent

Own home

Work with children with Down syndrome

Travel to India

THE HORIZONTAL CAREER PATH

Instead of climbing ladder, person makes a series of horizontal moves.

Person advances by moving sideways.

Instead of advancement, employee focuses on learning diverse skills.

Fits employee who seeks work-life balance.

Might include lateral move to new firm.

15

Career Paths

Horizontal (modern)

0

1

2

3 6 8 11 13 17 22

Years of Experience

Electronics

Tech.

Computer Repair Tech.

Customer Service Rep.

Level

LevelRent apt.

Attend

seminars

Begin

Spanish

Sales

SupportMktg. Research

Outside Sales Rep.

Travel

Sales Mgr.

Business Owner

Invest for child’s education

Buy condo Marriage

& familyPolitics

CAREER ADVANCEMENT STRATEGIES AND TACTICS

Capitalize on your strengths and build your personal brand.

Be passionate about and proud of your work.

Develop a code of professional ethics.

Develop a proactive personality. Keep growing through continuous

learning and self-development. Document your accomplishments.

MORE CAREER ADVANCEMENT STRATEGIES AND TACTICS

Project a professional image. Perceive yourself as a provider of

services. (You are a business, offering the company a valuable service.)

Develop depth and breadth. (Breadth can be within one industry or across industries.)

Rely on a network of successful people.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT STRATEGIES AND TACTICS, concluded.

Work with a mentor. Find a good person-organization fit. Take sensible risks. Emphasize relationships to combat

being outsourced.

FIVE SYMPTOMS OF A PROACTIVE PERSONALITY

Constantly looks for new ways to improve life.

Gets excited about turning ideas into reality.

Fixes things he or she does not like. Excels at identifying opportunities. Always looking for better ways to do

things.

STEPS IN BUILDING YOUR NETWORK

1. Write down type of assistance you seek.

2. List people who might be helpful.3. Figure out how to make contact

with potential network members. (e-mail, gym, theater ?)

4. Identify help you will offer contacts.5. Maintain log of contacts.6. Update your log weekly because list

of contacts is dynamic, not fixed.

Final Thoughts from Julie

Be open. Be honest. Be kind. Work hard. Be the change you want to see in

the world.

Thanks for being here and changing my life for the better.