The best way to find a job no matter the

economic climate

Ute PerkovicB.A. Psychology, Certificate in Career Development

Employment Specialist

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Session Objectives By the end of this session, you will:

1. Know the 2 main ways to look for a job

2. Know of 2 specific job search techniques

3. Be able to define what the “Hidden Job Market” is

4. Understand what networking is all about

5. Know of 2 great ways to network

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How do I find a job?

There are only two ways to look for a job:

1. The employer looks for you – Advertised Job Market

2. You look for the employer – Hidden Job Market

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Developing Job Leads through the

Advertised Job Market

The employer looks for you through:1. Want Ads/Job Ads

I. NewspaperII. On-line job posting sites (i.e. Canada Job Bank) III. Post-secondary job centresIV. Professional / trade organization postingsV. Corporate Career Centre postings (HR)

2. Search Firms & Placement Agencies

11% of job seekers find work through this method*

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* www.quintcareers.com/smart_networking.html (accessed 27 Feb 2009)

Developing Job Leads through the Hidden Job Market

You look for the employer through:1. Networking 2. Cold calling3. Other research (through the Internet, referrals, etc.)

64% of job seekers have found work through Networking. 1

It's not what you know; it's who you know that gets you hired.[…]61% to 85% of people land new careers through Networking. 2

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1 www.quintcareers.com/smart_networking.html (accessed 27 Feb 2009)2 http://www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view&id=3737&newsletter_id=814&archive=1(accessed 21 Apr 2010)

Connecting with people

“More job leads are developed/discovered through networking than any other method.” (Hansen, 2009)

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Have the right mindset

1. It’s about getting out of your comfort zone

• Change can be uncomfortable• It’s easy to use the state of the economy as an excuse

2. It’s about cultivating relationships

• Farming vs. Hunting

3. It takes time

• Quality vs. Quantity

4. It requires some planning

• Do your homework• Know your focus

5. It’s about effort

• 0 x 0 = 0

6. It requires a positive attitude

• Your body language can be easily read by others. Smiling attracts others to you!

Meet people

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Connect with…1. Those you know already

2. Post-Secondary job centres

3. Alumni offices

4. Businesses as listed in the phone book

5. People at their work place

6. Employers at job/career fairs

7. Special events – trade shows, etc.

8. Contacts as listed on an organization’s web page

9. Human Resource department staff

10. Contacts within professional/trade organizations or associations

11. Search firms and placement agencies

12. People at church

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What do I say when I am networking?

1. Have some conversation openers

2. Have an Elevator Speech• Who am I?• What field or industry am I in?• In what capacity do I serve/work?• What makes me unique?• What benefits can employers derive from

my skills based on my proven accomplishments?

3. Listen and ask questions• Collaborate on needs• Ask for business cards• Ask for referrals• Ask permission to connect again soon

4. Give leads or referrals whenever possible• Practice the “givers gain” philosophy

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Take your networking tools with you everywhere!

1. Business cards• Your strengths, value, vision• Resume highlights• Give them to all you connect with

2. Letter of introduction and/or cover letter3. Resume4. Portfolio5. Phone 6. Thank you cards

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Network effectively

1. Incorporate different ways to network• Information Interviews• Cold Calling• Volunteering• Attend activities where you may network

2. Make lists• Of people you would like to connect with• Of questions you would ask• Of people you have contacted

3. Practice • Your Elevator Speech• Conversation Openers

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Network effectively cont.

4. Be courteous• Send a thank you email or note

5. Follow-up every job lead• Write on the back of a contact’s business card

how you met them and/or who they have referred you to.

• Be friendly, persistent, but don’t be a pest• Once you get a new job, keep networking!

The goal is you don’t have to be a networking super hero, just do a little something each day to get yourself “out there”…

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Be yourself!

• Be authentic

• Helps build trust

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Quiz

1. What are the only ways to search for a job?

2. Name 2 specific job search techniques.

3. Define the “Hidden Job Market”.

4. Networking is about

1. getting out of your _____ zone

2. _______ relationships, and

3. _______ (clue: 0x0=0)

5. What are two great ways to network?

Thank You&

HAPPY JOB FARMING!