Chapter 13 JOB SEARCH SKILLS Professionalism Skills for

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ” Confucius Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

OBJECTIVES • Utilize the self-discovery process to identify the right career • Conduct a targeted job search and create a job search portfolio • Ensure a professional electronic image • Identify references to be used in your job search • Identify sources for job leads • Define networking and create a professional networking list Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

THE JOB SEARCH • Successful job search strategy identifies – Type of job you will be looking for – Needed tools and resources – How to use tools and resources • Goal of job search is to secure an interview and job offer Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

DECIDING ON THE RIGHT CAREER • Self-Discovery: process of identifying key interests and skills built upon career goals • Review Trigger Words • Complete Accomplishments Worksheet • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

TALK IT OUT Review your completed accomplishments worksheet. What career area do you believe suits your skills and previous experiences? Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

CAREER OBJECTIVE and PERSONAL PROFILE • Introductory statements for résumé • Both statements are used on résumé to relate to target career, target employer, introduce key skills, and express interest in a position • Statement will be first item listed on resume Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

CAREER OBJECTIVE • A Career Objective is for individuals with little or no work experience – Include interest in position – Brief one line description of skills related to position and how you will utilize your skills – Acceptable to use “I” and “my” in career objective Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

CAREER OBJECTIVE • Example: “Seeking a position with an established accounting firm where I can utilize and apply my current accounting and computerized skills toward the excellence of Bell Company. ” Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PERSONAL PROFILE • A Personal Profile is for individuals with extensive work experience – Group key skills and accomplishments into general categories – Identify key qualities that match target job – Take information and turn into two-three sentence statement that provides snapshot of professional qualifications. Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PERSONAL PROFILE • Example: “Highly professional and detail-oriented accounting professional with demonstrated leadership and success in the areas of payroll, collections, and project management. Excellent analytical, communication, computer, and organizational skills. Bilingual (English/Spanish). ” Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

INDUSTRY RESEARCH • Identify and Target – Industries that require your key skills – Specific jobs in identified industries – Desired work environment Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

THE TARGETED JOB SEARCH • Leads you through process of identifying open positions at target employers Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PREPARATION • Electronic Image: image formed when someone is communicating or researching you through electronic means • Conduct internet search on self • Delete defamatory photos, writings, or other negative material • Maintain professional e-mail address and voice mail • Avoid text slang in written communications Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

TALK IT OUT What type of photos, writings, or materials do you think are inappropriate for a potential employer to see? Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO • Job Search Portfolio: collection of paperwork used for job searches and interviews. • Keeps job seeker organized and prepared while job searching • Use binder with tabs • Keep original and two copies of each item • Place original documents in page protectors • Interview Portfolio: contains items that will be taken on an interview (addressed in chapter 15) Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO Items to include: • Network list • Résumé • Reference list • Transcripts • Awards, certificates & work examples • Copy of ID and/or driver’s License • Small calendar, note pad, & pen Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt • Personal business cards • Cover letter • Letters of recommendation • State licenses • Completed generic application • Personal commercial • Performance appraisals from previous jobs Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

JOB SEARCH PORTFOLIO • Personal Business Card – Inexpensive and valuable networking tool – Contains personal contact information • • Name Mailing address Phone number E-mail • Make card professional and easy to read • Share card with anyone you meet Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS • Have completed generic application available • Do not list social security number or birth date on application • Applications are legal documents – Credit checks – Background checks • Fully understand agreement prior to signing • A typed application is best Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS • Professional references – – Potential employer will contact Do not list on your résumé Create a separate page for references Do not send references with résumé unless it is requested by employer – Have a copy available at the interview Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PERSONAL REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS • Letters of Recommendation: written testimony from another person that states credibility of applicant • Have at least three letters of recommendation – No more than two years old – Letters can be from • past or present employers • coworkers • instructors • someone you worked for as a volunteer Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS • • • Directly from target company Internet search Message boards and job-search sites Industry journals Industry associations Current employees of target industry/company • Posted job positions • Your professional network • Government career assistance centers Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS • Visiting a company for open positions – – – Treat as interview Dress professionally Have extra copies of résumé Display confidence Bring interview portfolio Be polite and respectful of other job seekers Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS Unsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes • Send two copies – One to the human resource manager – One to the manager of your target job • Prior to sending, call company to secure names of both managers – Correct spelling – Correct gender • Increases the opportunity to secure an interview Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING • Networking: the act of creating professional relationships Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Building a Professional Network you tell Person 1 tells Person 2 tells Person 4 tells Person 3 tells Person 5 tells Person 6 tells Person 7 tells And this network continues Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING • People to include in network: – – – Coworkers Supervisors Instructors Family Friends Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING • Informational interviews: when a job seeker meets with a business professional to learn about a specific career, company, or industry – A way to find out about a company – Ask questions about: • Jobs • Hiring • Company culture Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking Opportunities • Attending professional or trade association meetings • Talking to parents when attending children’s sporting or music events • Volunteering for a local park clean-up day • Visiting with members of social clubs or religious groups Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Networking Opportunities (cont. ) • Talking to neighbors • Striking up conversations with strangers while waiting in line • Posting messages on mailing lists or in chat rooms • Talking to salespeople Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING • Network list: a written list of all network contacts. – Include contact’s: • • Name Address Telephone number E-mail address Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY • Be cautious and only share personal information with reputable sources • Beware of identity theft • Ensure target employer is legitimate • Do not share birth date or social security number Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE • • • Stay positive Stay active Keep learning Stay connected Stay focused Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]

KEEPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE • Keep job search confidential • Do not quit current job before accepting a new job • Do not bad-mouth your company or anyone that works for your current or former employer Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint]