Winds of Change

Job Search Workshop

~Change Your Direction ~Change your Career

~Change your Life

2014

Job Hunt Jungle

Capture the Winds of Change

Active Job SearchingoNetworking• Hidden Market, How & Where

oPresent Yourself• Elevator speech, Professional Dress

oEmployment Documents• Effective employment application

ACTIVE Job Searching• Planning, organizing, researching,

and courageously engaging in job search activities such as networking and the employment application process, while demonstrating your skills, which will solve a problem or meet a need for a potential employer, and result in landing of a job.

What’s the worse thing that can happen to you?

Traditional VS ActiveThe TRADITIONAL JOB SEARCH METHOD involves such strategies as looking in the want ads, searching through help wanted notices on bulletin boards, going to employment agencies, applying for jobs in the personnel office of companies, and even searching online job boards. All these traditional methods involve a person reacting to a job that has already been publicly offered.

20-30% of jobs are found in this “Open Market”

80% of job seekers use this method

Traditional VS ActiveThe ACTIVE JOB SEARCH METHOD does not involve waiting until the job is advertised. It involves techniques that lead to jobs being offered before they are publicly advertised. Instead of techniques, this job search method is more a state of mind.• This involves the “Hidden” job market

70-80% of jobs are found in the Hidden Market

Only 20-30% of job seekers use the hidden market

TRADITIONAL - Advantages ACTIVE - AdvantagesProvide a familiar structure. Allows one to find about unadvertised jobs.

Applicants who look very good on paper have an edge.

De-emphasizes comparison with others--emphasizes skills and abilities of individual.

People with interest and skills that fit standard positions have an edge.

Allows potential employees to find out about potential employers.

  Allows applicants to create jobs using their unique skills.

  More than 70% of job seekers who use this method find jobs.

TRADITIONAL - Disadvantages ACTIVE - DisadvantagesLess than 30% of job seekers find jobs using this method.

Unfamiliar to many job seekers.

Emphasis on fitting person to job not the job to a person.

Requires time and energy.

People who want to use a unique or unusual blending of skills rarely find positions this way.

Requires assertiveness and a take charge attitude.

Source: Kansas City Kansas Community College – www.kckcc.edu

Networking• Communicating who you are, what you can

do, and what you want to do with as many people as possible.o Networking Requires:

• Planning• Organizing• Research skills• Courage

o NOT – Asking people for a job!

o When should you start networking for your future job?

Yesterday!

Build Your Network

You

Instructors/

TeachersCommunity Groups

or Leaders

Sports Clubs

Fellow Students

Neighbors/Friends

Family Members

Volunteers

Co-Workers

Customers

Have you ever

landed a job through

someone you know?

Building Your Network• Customer

o “I think I might like to work in a business like this. What do you like about working in this field? How would you recommend that I get started in this field?”

• Volunteero “I’m excited to be a part of this event! Please let me know how I might

be of the most help. Do you volunteer with this project every year? Do you know of other community projects that need volunteers?”

• Current Jobo Do your best and keep a positive attitude. Be polite and helpful to

customers. • School

o Maintain good attendance, show a good attitude, be a good team player, complete projects/assignments to the best of your ability.

Online Networking• Facebook

o Maintain a professional profile

• Linked-In – www.linkedin.como Professional online networking siteo Search a company’s name on Linked-In to see your connections that

are connected to that company.

More than 75% of employers use social networks to look up potential employees!

When will you start your Active Job Search?Now you have a Round Tu-It….So just do it!!!

Stand and tell me when!

Coming Soon!

Networking to get a Job

The Elevator Speech/Pitch

• An elevator speech or pitch is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, product, service, or organization and its promise of value to be delivered. The name “elevator pitch” reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.

• Who am I? What do I offer? What problem can I solve? What are the main contributions I can make to the company?

• What should the listener do as a result of hearing this?

Developing your Elevator Speech• Know your audience and know yourself -- including

your key strengths, adjectives that describe you, a description of what you are trying to let others know about you, and a statement of your interest in the company or industry the person represents.

• Include the 3 P’so Previous Experience – from education or previous job experienceo Portable (transferrable) Skills – customer focus, leadership,

organization, communication, time management, budgetingo Personal traits/passions – quick learner, results-oriented,

positive attitude, creative, analyticalSources: http://careerservices.wvu.edu/students/build-it/interviewing/developing-your-elevator-speechhttp://www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/assets/departments/cws/files/elevatorspeech.pdf

Think Like the Employer

What does the employer need/want from a new employee?

Honesty / Integrity Loyalty

Focused

Problem Solver

Initiative

Trustworthiness

Team Player

Fit into Company

Culture

Customer ServiceWilling to Learn

Communication Skills

Positive Attitude

Flexible

Creative

Good Work Ethic

Positive Representative of Company

Technical Skills

Respectful

Professionalis

m

Dependability

Ability

Create your Speech/Pitch• Clarify your job target -- Until you know your

job target, nobody can help you find it.• Put it on paper -- Write down everything you’d

want a prospective employer to know about your skills, accomplishments and work experiences that are relevant to your target position. Edit it down to the most important points.

• Format it -- A good pitch should answer three questions: Who are you? What do you do? What do you want?

Create your Speech/Pitch• Tailor the speech/pitch to them, not you -- It’s

important to remember that the people listening to your speech will have their antennas tuned to WIFM (What’s in It for Me?) So be sure to focus your message on their needs.

• Eliminate industry jargon -- make your pitch easy for anyone to understand, so avoid using acronyms and tech-speak that the average person or job interviewer might not understand.

• Practice reading your speech/pitch out loud -- writing is more formal and structured than speaking. If you’re not careful, your elevator pitch can come off sounding more like an infomercial than a conversation.

Source:http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/02/04/the-perfect-elevator-pitch-to-land-a-job/

• Hello, my name is Andrew Parker. My work experience is in the food service industry where I learned the importance of high-quality customer service. I will soon graduate from Kiamichi Technology Center’s Automotive Service Technology program. I am eager to begin a career where I can use my analytical skills, my passion for cars, and my automotive training to keep my customers’ cars running at optimal performance levels. I have a positive attitude and strive to do my best every day. Do I sound like someone you would want on your team?

• Hi, my name is Michelle James and I will soon be a graduate of Kiamichi Technology Center’s Health Careers Program. I have a passion for working with elderly people, and have recently completed the requirements for my Home Health Aide certification. I am looking forward to starting a career providing excellent care for senior citizens in our community. While completing my nurse aide clinical work, my clients commented that I provided excellent care and that I brightened their day with my visits. Could I schedule a time to discuss any opportunities that your company might have for a person with my qualifications?

Critically-Important SmileEye ContactHand shake

So tell me…•When is the Choctaw Career Expo?

February 26, 2014

Please stand if you know the answer!

Coming Soon!

HalliburtonVerizon CommunicationsTyson FoodsKelworth TruckingOU Medical SystemFedexTrinity IndustriesMercy HospitalLowe’sProvidence of OklahomaMays Home CareTulsa Life FlightSymbiotic AquaponicsOK Dept. of TransportationBancFirstChoctaw Nation HRMcAlester Regional Health

OSU-ITGrayson CollegeOSUOklahoma City UniversityOU Paris Jr. CollegeSt. Gregory’s University

Veterans Resource Center

Present Yourself• Dress like a Professional in your career

field.o 4 Words of Wisdom Clean Neat Conservative Well-fitting

o Ladies – not too short, not too low-cut, not too tighto Gentlemen – not too baggy, they don’t want to see

your underwear

What does your Clothing & personal

appearance say about your work habits?

**Jeans? – Only in career fields where jeans are acceptable or required (i.e. welding, construction, warehouses, etc.)

o ALWAYS: • Clothing that makes you look & feel

confident• Conservative clothing & shoes that are

appropriate for your industry

Sunglasses Flip-flops HatsT-Shirts Flashy jewelry Strong

perfume/cologneBright colors/designs

Stilettos Dramatic Makeup

Over-worn clothing

Shorts Spaghetti Straps

Chew gum Drinking soda/coffee

Taking cell phone

Show tattoos Jeans** Sandals (open toes)

(Avoid)

What’s right in my field?

• Research the companyo What does a professional person in my field wear to

work every day?

• Company website• Your network• Be a customer• Chamber of Commerce• Current employee of the

company• Research your industry

Appropriate?

Details• Personal Hygiene

o Soap/Shampooo Deodoranto Brush teetho Neat hair styleo Clean/neat finger nails

• Other o Wrinkle-free clothingo Clean shoeso Organization

• Folder, Briefcase, Purse• Ink Pen, Resume, Business Cards, Portfolio• Time management

Clothing Sources• Job search clothing may be obtained at a

variety of resourceso There’s no $ amount required

• Wal-Mart• Stage• Thrift store• Borrowed, Etc.

Visit the Dress For Success Exhibit at the Career Expo for additional information!

So tell me…• What will YOU

wear to the Career Expo to meet with a potential employer?

Please stand and share!

10 Lucky KTC Students will win $25 gift cards!

VIP Career Success Passport

• Lapel Pin

• Dress for Success in your Professional field

• Resume o www.okjobmatch.com (excellent Resume builder)o Resume Resources: www.choctawcareers.com, Employment Services

10 Lucky KTC Students will win $25 gift cards

Completing the “Killer App”

• The Employment Applicationo Organizations typically use the application

form as the initial screening device for applicants. What makes them "killer" is they too often ask for superficial information. Yet employers use this information to make deep cuts in the applicant pool, using applications to eliminate as much as 90 percent of the applicants.

Source: Dr. Robert Gatewood: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/04/25/how-to-complete-a-killer-job-application

What Does Your Application Tell About You?

• Attention to detailo Did you fill in the blanks correctly?

• Problem solving skillso Did you read and analyze questions on application?

• Ability to follow instructionso Can/did you take the time to read and follow instructions?

• Organizational skills and neat work habitso Can you write legibly ? Can you organize & communicate

information?

Filling out the Application• Dress professionally (you never know who you will meet!) • Don’t take your cell phone in with you!• Take 2 identical black ink pens (fine point)• Take your resume &/or portfolio (it has information

that will help you)• Take identification – at least 2 types• Take applicable certificates/licenses• Take a dictionary (and use it!)• Tell the TRUTH, don’t try to hide anything &

don’t exaggerate!

Use Caution• READ the entire application (including

instructions) before you write anything!• Never leave blanks – if the question doesn’t

apply, write NA or N/A or --------• Write within spaces allowed.• ALWAYS PRINT!.......NEATLY!!! If they can’t

read it, it goes in the trash.• Errors? Draw a single line through it. White-

out may be used very conservatively.NEATNESS COUNTS!

A neat application tells the employer that you take pride in your work.

The Questions• Position –

o Never write “Anything”. It gives the employer no clues about your skills; be specific & tell the employer exactly which position you want

• Start Date – o 2 week notice, reliable transportation, child care,

appointments; Never write ASAP… give them a date• Salary Desired –

o Entry Level, Negotiable, Open• Education –

o Correct dates & hours/years completed, school names & addresses, certificates, degrees

• Work History –o Be honest, never write “Quit”, be Positive, COMPLETE

work history

The Big Blank Space

Many applications have a space that says something like… “Please list additional skills or training applicable to the position

for which you have applied”.This is a chance to sell yourself!• Know the “minimum requirements” & “desired qualities” for

the job you want.• List ALL of your technical skills, qualifications, certifications,

soft skills, computer skills, etc. that might be useful in meeting the requirements of this job.

• Give examples!• Make a bullet list OR write in sentence format.• FILL the space!• Watch your spelling!• Prepare your statement/list ahead of time!

What do Employers want?

References• Individuals who can Honestly Say Good Things

About You! – supervisors, teachers, coaches, co-workers, customers, community leaders, prominent people who know you

• References should be 18 or older• Never use relatives as references• ASK BEFORE YOU LIST

o Spell names correctlyo Get correct mailing addresses & phone numbers

Hiring managers WILL contact your references!

Background ChecksIf the manager wants to hire you,

he/she can check…These may be National checks!

• Past Employment• Education• References• Professional Licenses• Criminal Convictions• Sex Offender Registry• Credit Report• Social Security Number• Marriage/Divorce Records• Motor Vehicle Reports• Worker’s Compensation

Claims

• Terrorist Search• Address History• Lawsuits• Judgments & Liens• Bankruptcy Records• News & Media Reports

They may also…• Check your MySpace or

FaceBook or Twitter!!!• Google your name…??!!

Complete the Application

• Sign it! – write in cursive!• Date it! Be sure you know the date!• Read it over!• If you completed it at home… Don’t fold it, keep it

neat & clean!• Ask if you may attach your resume.• Politely turn it in!

What does an incomplete/soiled/ wrinkled application say about your work habits?

On-Line Applications• Locate the application and the job description on the

company’s website• Identify key terms in order to match your skills to the

position• Download and print appl. for review• Fill out a written rough draft• Review written copy for accuracy• Type the correction information into the online form• Proof and submit

Just as with a paper application, include “Key” words that match the job description.

• Neatness Counts!... Watch for typos

Summary

• How is Active Job Searching different from traditional job searching?

• How/where can you build your Network?

• Should you ask a person in your network for a job?

• What should I wear as a “Professional” in my field?

• What skills can I communicate through my employment application?

So tell me…• How might a KTC student be

qualified to get a VIP Career Success Passport at the Expo?

• Wear Winds of Change Lapel Pin

• Dress Professionally• Bring your Resume

Additional Information

Need help with your Resume, Applications, Interviews?Find webinars and tons of helpful job search information at:

www.choctawcareers.com/jobs

Workshop hand-outs and Job Search Webinars are available at:www.choctawcareers.com Click on Employment Services

then Find A Job

Thank you / Questions

We hope that you will capture the Winds of Change – Active Job Search strategies to reach your job search goals!

Bryan Martin– Leflore, Latimer, & Haskell countiesJane Buffington -Atoka, Coal, Pittsburg, Hughes counties **

Deidre Inselman – Bryan county and Texas **Stacy Hallmark – Choctaw, Pushmataha, & McCurtain counties

Rhonda Mize – Oklahoma, Logan, Payne, Pawnee, Creek, Tulsa, Rogers, & Lincoln counties **

** These specialists also work with clients in OK counties outside of Choctaw Nation boundaries.

Choctaw Nation Career Development580-920-2260 | 866-933-2260

www.choctawcareers.com