THE JOB HUNT

Senior Transition Center

Week 8

Objectives

To identify the best practices and resources for a successful job search.

To more efficiently search for jobs that will

satisfy your wants, needs, and career interests

To learn ways to explore the open and hidden job markets

CONDUCTING A JOB SEARCH

For more techniques that you can use in your job search, visit www.careertv.com and navigate by industry or company.

These short videos will give you tips on when to submit a resume, how the size of the firm you are pursuing will affect your job search, and how to utilize

websites for job searching.

The job search process can take quite a bit of time, be prepared to invest energy in to the process. Keep in mind that it will not happen overnight, but with proper planning & exploration you’re sure to have success. This lecture we will explore types of job markets as well as helpful tips to increase your chances for a successful job search. While exploring potential jobs, you’ll find that there are 2 types of job markets, the hidden & the open.

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1. Hidden job market (90% of the job market)

Jobs that can be found through referrals, networking, as well as memberships in professional associations

2. Open job market (10% of the job market)

Jobs that are openly advertised to everyone – most often through larger job search engines

ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCHING

TECHNIQUES

JOB SEARCH 101: UTILIZING THE “HIDDEN” JOB MARKET

According to job-hunt.org, the hidden job market is where job seekers will find 75% to 85% of all available jobs!

The trick is making your way into the hidden job market. The next few slides will provide great tips on how to tap into the hidden job market and uncover fantastic job opportunities.

Networking

At this point in internship, you’ve most likely come to realize that networking is a way of life.

Especially if you want to be successful in your job search!

Below are the some helpful networking tips taken from jobwhiz.com

Networking with others in your industry probably is the best use of your job search time. Be clear on your objective which makes it simpler for someone to know how to help you.

If you’re looking to get your foot in the door to a specific company or industry, the most successful way to do so is through a personal referral – network your way in. Let your network spread the word and keep networking to expand your exposure to new opportunities in the unadvertised or hidden job market.

The more extensive and better quality your connections, the greater your advantage when it comes to finding out about potential job opportunities as they arise.

As you meet new professionals be sure to stay in touch regularly.

What it really all comes down to is whom you know not just what you know that equals success. Stay in touch, be friendly, cooperate, and don't burn any bridges. Remember that networking is a two way street; it isn't called a circle of contacts for nothing. Keep networking!

Establish networking as a priority. It is not just socializing. Information is exchanged that has value to both sides in the transaction.

Social Networking Social Networking is an amazing way to find out what positions

companies are looking to fill. By keeping your online profile up to date, you are instantly at an advantage for success. While you may be familiar with Facebook and Twitter, there are many other sites that will expand your online identity for the most success! Here are some site that you should check out and see which work best for you!

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is similar to Facebook, you are able to have friends, join groups, participate in activities and learn about events! The only difference, they are all professional and only build your professional Image!

• Twitter with LinkedIn: Twitter is a great tool to know what is going on and being connected to professionals in the field you are interested in. However, it is necessary to provide a link to your professional website (ex: LinkedIn). This will provide them with the extra information that you may not have in your Twitter profile but want to share!

• Facebook: Many people know that Facebook is a valuable tool but not sure how to use it in their career search. The first way to search is to go into the market place, people in your area can post up there and you can see what is going on and what you have access to being a part of. Also, joining a companies group or fan page will allow you to instantly contact someone if you see something you are interested in!

Social Networking Continued…

Once you have created your online personality, networking and applying for jobs is the next step! One of the most important aspects of networking is keeping in contact with your connections.

JobFox: Is a great website in connecting you to your perfect match! This website likes to gain as much information about you and where you want to be. That way they can provide all of your professional information and share it with companies they think will fit perfectly! It encourages connections to you and the employer and provides more than just your resume!

Plaxo is an online address book. This will allow you to enter all of your networking contacts in a safe place that you can access at anytime. This will allow you to organize it in a way that keeps you up to date on contacting them and staying in touch (www.plaxo.com)

Specific Agency Websites

Often times an agency may not post on major job search engines but will post their available positions on their website. Agencies frequently post available positions on their website in a “Careers” or Human Resources (HR) section.

It is likely that an organization may post a position on their website that they may not have posted anywhere else. By doing this they are able to attract serious applicants that have a strong interest in their organization. Some agencies will even allow you to post your resume directly to their site, even when a relevant job is not available, keeping your resume on file as positions become available.

Additionally, don’t just restrict yourself to the agency’s website. Pick up the telephone and contact the Human Resources department and inquire about job openings. Be proactive and inquire even if the job is not advertised!

 

Informational Interviews & Volunteering

Conduct informational interviews. Just like your assignment for class, informational interviewing is a great practice to utilize. If you know someone who is in the profession you are interested in, contact them to conduct an informational interview. They can be one of the best forms of establishing your professional network, and your professional network is one of the best ways to learn about job opportunities. Some available positions may never be publicly posted- instead getting filled through referrals. Chances are that the more professionals who know the type of position you are interested in, the more your name will be given as a referral for possible openings.Volunteering is also a great way to continue networking. In

addition, you can add new skills and experiences to your resume and continue to define your career path. Volunteer opportunities are available in virtually any field.

Search recent job postings & Connect with URI Alumni using

RhodyNet

If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to visit RhodyNet at http://career.uri.edu URI’s Career Database.

With RhodyNet you can search available job descriptions (full-time, part-time, internship & volunteer). You can also sign-up for on-campus recruiting and interviewing opportunities.

In addition you can connect with professionals through the Mentor database. The Mentor database offers a wide range of professionals who have volunteered to serve as a resource to URI students. You may find a mentor in your area of interest or even at a company you are hoping to network your way in to. This is a great way to build professional contacts and enhance your professional network.

Professional Associations & Publications

Professional Associations One of the best ways to tap into the “hidden” job market is to join a professional association. This is one of the best places for an employer to search for a potential employee because they can select from a group of professionals who are serious and invested in their field. As a member of a professional association, you get access to relevant job positions available only to association members. In addition, some national associations will even offer job placement interviewing at conferences as well as great networking opportunities! Google professional associations in your field (e.g. “Marketing Professional Associations”). Now is the best time to join, it is usually MUCH cheaper to join as a student.

Professional Publications/JournalsSubscribe to professional journals and trade publications. Professional publications in your field will yield more jobs relevant to your particular search. Look on-line to find and subscribe to the publications for your field. Many are affiliated with professional associations and may be included in your membership fee.

Temporary Work

If you’re having trouble getting your foot in the door, you may want to consider exploring the possibility of a temporary position. Temp Agencies can will help to place you a short term position. Sometimes temporary positions can lead to full time jobs, if they do not lead to full time employment you will still have the benefit of gaining additional work experience.

Temp work is almost like doing another internship: It allows you to explore different organizations, prove yourself as a professional, and meet and network with other professionals. Google “temp agency” and your area of interest.

 

The Open Job Market

Although the “open” job market can provide a significant amount of job opportunities, keep in mind that anyone will have access to these positions.

If you only use “open” job market tools, you are greatly limiting your opportunity to find a job. This is because employers will often be selective where they post their positions in order to avoid an overload of applicants. Remember that the open job market only has about 10% of available job.

Therefore, the best approach you can take in your job search is to: use multiple resources!

JOB SEARCH 101: UTILIZING THE “OPEN” JOB

MARKETAttend job fairs. This is a great way to meet with recruiters face-to-face and distribute your resume to a number of potential employers in a short period of time. URI Career Services arranges multiple job fairs a year. Also, conduct a Google search for job fairs in your area (eg. “Job Fair Boston”) and you should find a list of job fair opportunities. You may even find specialized job fairs just for careers in your field of interest. You can also consult your local Chamber of Commerce. Go to: http://career.uri.edu/resources.html to download a hand-out detailing appropriate job fair etiquette and expectations.

 Use Internet job search engines like JobsInRI.com, Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, Indeed.com, etc. There are countless job search engines available- both broad (e.g. Craigslist.com) and specific (e.g. www.TalentZoo.com- careers in advertising, marketing, & media). On-line sites allow you to make your job search specific to your needs, wants, and career interests by letting you specify the occupations, industries, companies, and locations that are most appealing to you.

Conducting an Online Job Search

Tips For Job Hunting

Use multiple resources for your job search

Network! Network! Network!

Always follow up with a potential employer

True Story

During her Informational Interview with Chris, the Director of Marketing for the Boston Bruins, Danielle inquired about resources to locate available jobs. Chris mentioned teamworkonline.com, which is a website database of positions in sports and live events. In her field, this was a valuable resource, for example, the NHL and AHL use this website consistently.

However, Chris warned Danielle that while teamworkonline.com is great for posting jobs, teams are often overwhelmed with the quantity of resumes that come in for posted positions. He mentioned that a few months ago, they had an entry-level marketing job open and received roughly 2,000 resumes!

Chris advised Danielle that it is often hard to "come in off the street" and get a job with a team; it helps to have connections. He mentioned that he often talks to his colleagues in the business for recommendations to see if they know of anyone suitable for the job. In addition, Chris stressed the fact that job candidates really need to be open to relocating to get into the business, which was something Danielle was prepared to do!*Please notes, names of individuals have been changed.

NEXT…

Please refer back to your assignment schedule and forum discussion schedule to see what else you need to accomplish this

week!