Non Academic Job Search

by

Darren KaltvedSchool of Public Health

Sarah CovertCollege of Education & Human Development

AgendaI. Job Market Trends

II. Qualities, Mindset & Fit

III. Research

IV. Job Search Strategies

V. Networking

VI. Elevator Speech

VII. Informational Interview

VIII.Social media’s impact

Job Market• The labor market has declined (about 15% fewer jobs for

2010 grads) – expected for another 24 months

• Start-ups to mid-size employers

• College hiring starting to increase slightly compared to last year

• College graduates can expect competition from experienced workers for the same positions

• Baby Boomer exit

Job Market & Recruitment TrendsDecrease in• On-campus interviews• Listing positions on search sites

Increase in• Career Fairs• Internships & Co-ops (post grad)• Campus referrals from faculty• Professional networking and social media

(LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek

• Communication skills• Honesty/Integrity• Interpersonal skills• Strong work ethic• Analytical skills• Motivation/Initiative• Flexibility/Adaptability• Technical/Computer• Detail-oriented• Teamwork

Provided by the NACE Survey

What mindset do you need for a search?

• Willingness to take control of the search process

• Tolerance for ambiguity (the path may not be clear)

• Openness to taking risks (consider all possibilities)

• Self-Confidence (what you offer, articulate it, believe)

• Resilience (don’t give up, identify a support system)

• Patience (4-8 months on average for a search)

Factors Influencing Position and Fit

• Personal Factors

• Family Concerns

• Professional Goals

• Educational Values

• Teaching Practices

• Scholarly Considerations

• Reward Structures

• Work Environment

• Social / Community Dynamics

• Affinity / Cultural Connections

• Affordability

• Life – Work Integration “Why fit in when you were born to STANDOUT! “~ Dr. Suess

Researching Opportunity• “Follow the money.” What US government programs will be

hiring because they got stimulus money (check out the stimulus bill at http://www.ncsl.org/)?

• What areas of the United States do NOT have a deficit and have lower unemployment?

• Internationally, do similar research. Where are there local opportunities and resources? Where are there opportunities with international organizations or global corporations?

Sources for market research• Unemployment nation-wide in February 2011 was 8.9%. For

people with college degrees it was 4.4%. www.bls.gov (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• State governments http://www.ncsl.org/ plus websites of individual states

• Nonprofits http://www.mncn.org/ (MN) National nonprofit career information: www.idealist.org

• Federal hiring -- USAjobs: www.usajobs.gov, plus http://www.ourpublicservice.org

Sources, cont.• Minnesota workforce statistics:

www.deed.state.mn.us/lmi

• Interested in science careers? Go to http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/

• International jobs? Start with www.devnetjobs.org or www.fpa.org (Foreign Policy Association job board)

• Check out the websites of the professional associations for your particular field to find specialized job information. And TALK to professionals in your field. Go to http://www.weddles.com

Proactive Job Search - Strategies• Experience counts (NACE 2010 Job Outlook):

– 95% of employers factor in experience when hiring– 75% of employers prefer related work experience

• GoldPASS– http://goldpass.umn.edu (Search by position type & job category)

• Contact companies/agencies directly (Letter of Inquiry)– Library Services (Wilson Lib.) – company/industry databases– Job/Career Fairs; Conferences; Seminars

• Professional associations/societies– www.weddles.com– Cognitive Science Society (CSS)– Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)

• Networking (80% of Jobs Obtained)– On-line Presence (i.e. LinkedIn)

Global thinking: Looking for jobs outside US• Research opportunities through websites and conversations

• Network, network, network. How can your local network connect you to international opportunities?

• Consider internships and other apprenticeships (such as Peace Corps) to get experience on the ground

• Study languages and cultures. Know the job search conventions in your target area.

GoinGlobal• 80,000 Country Specific Career and Employment Resources

• USA and Canada City Career Guides

• Worldwide Internship and Job Postings

• Learn about corporate culture for a particular country

• See CV/resume guidelines for different countries

• H1B Visa Employer Listings

GoinGlobal

To Access:• Visit GoldPASS at http://goldpass.umn.edu• Sign into your account• Click on the GoinGlobal logo:

What is Networking?• Using social, personal and professional contacts to help

you to learn more about a field of interest.• Telling your contacts your story, so they realize you are:

– looking to grow professionally– are in the job market and can give you job leads and information about

unpublished job opportunities.

• Reframe the concept of Networking from “using people” to:– Giving someone a chance to be helpful – and to be helped in return

someday– Asking for advice and/or information– Becoming a “known expert” – Personal Branding– Being curious about people and what they do

• A reciprocal relationship – i.e. volunteering, mentoring, referrals, etc.

Advantages of Networking• Competitive Market:

– Supply exceeds demand– Referrals (recommendations by people they trust) – 40% of jobs obtained– Good people know other good people. Therefore, it’s easier and safer to

recruit an employee who, by word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.

• Strong Networking = Shorter Job Search• 5-10% of Jobs are Advertised• It is all about who you know or need to get to

know, and what you do with what you know.

Networking for Introverts• Drop the word “networking”. Instead, refer to this process as

“gathering information”, “having coffee with someone”, or “building a few in-depth relationships with someone”.

• Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.• Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals

to get the ball rolling. • Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family

members, close friends, people close to them). • Join at least one professional association and attend related events –

this strategy is uncommon, but the most beneficial. • Conduct information interviews with professionals whose jobs

interest you.• Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well

as blogs, discussion groups/listservs, etc.

Networking: Where To Start• Start with your immediate circle of friends / family

• Expand to colleagues, professors, classmates, alumni, and others you share common interests– Tell them what type of job you are looking for– Give them a resume / business card stating your skills and

background– Always follow-up on leads– Always send a thank you – Focus on skill based – not as degree focused

30 Second Pitch• Who am I?

• What are my interests/passions?

• Where do I want to be in the future?

• What do I have to offer? (accomplishments, skills)

• Example: “I’m Anna Zhang. I’m getting my masters in public policy this spring, and I want to help rural communities in Minnesota develop new types of business.”

Practice Starting ConversationsExercise:• Take 5 minutes to write a 30-second elevator speech. • Practice with 2 others in the room whom you have not met

before.

Informational Interviews: Goals• Brainstorm

– Seeking ideas, not a job

• Research– Seeking information, not a job

• Job Specific– Seeking information about a particular job

• Remember– It’s not hierarchical!

Ask for….• Information (trends, challenges, opportunities, great

organizations in the field)

• Advice (skills I should develop, changes in my resume, related jobs I should consider)

• Referrals: Who else should I talk to? May I use your name?

Tips for Success• Be proactive - Initiate• Be prepared• Be an active listener• Take notes• Limit your meeting (30-45 minutes)• Be appreciative• Send a thank you note• Keep in touch

Online Social NetworkingLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com • LinkedIn has over 100 million members in over 200 countries and territories

around the world. • A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of

our members are outside the U.S. • 85% of employers indicated they are using LinkedIn to find and review

candidates.• Professional Profile is key (i.e. summary, specialties, recommendations, and

blogs)• Under the “More” Category – click on SKILLS

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com • High School friends can sometimes repay a favor• Employers are using Facebook

Twitter: http://twitter.com • Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and

stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?)

• Video (Social Media Revolution)

Summary• Research your options

• Develop strong professional relationships

• Present your knowledge, skills and abilities effectively for each organization you target

Take Action!• What 3 actions will YOU take in the next 2 weeks to move your

job search forward?

• Be specific: I will identify and contact 2 professionals in my field for informational interviews by April 15. I will talk to my faculty advisor this week to ask her for 2 names.

• Write this down and tell someone else – and arrange to report on the results.

Questions?

Find your Career Services Office:http://www.career.umn.edu