YES YOU CAN Find Your Dream Job Presented

YES YOU CAN Find Your Dream Job Presented by Dr. Philip Weast February 25/26, 2009 Authored by Ms. Patty Kirkley

Like Playing Darts You Need Targets in Mind

Have a Plan Successful job searches do not happen by Accident ØDetermine businesses that hire people with your degree ØIdentify job titles appropriate to your degree ØReview job descriptions on the Internet and in the newspaper ØIdentify companies in your field of interest ØResearch companies of interest

Get Organized Ø Identify a work space Ø Double check arsenal of sales materials – resume, sample cover letter, and reference list. Contact your references. Ø Collect the information you will need to fill out job applications Ø Listen to the voice mail messages on your cell and home phones and be sure they sound professional Ø Create and practice your commercials & scripts

Keep Track… Ø If you do not have them, buy a planner/ schedule book & a portfolio Ø Buy a 2 -inch binder (and a hole punch) Ø Make copies of tracking forms Ø Prepare to track every call and letter (and the expenses you incur) – (see sample forms: Internet/Newspaper, Letters, Contacts)

Be Realistic • You need work experience in your career field • You will not start in the executive office – you will have to prove yourself • Understand likely starting salary range • It is easy to get discouraged and give up – you need a positive “headset”

Secrets You Need to Know Three Types of People Hiring Managers Want to Avoid ØThose that cannot learn the job ØThose who will not do the work ØThose who are not cooperative or have an over-inflated sense of their worth

Persistence is the Key to Finding a Job Ø Recognize that finding a job is hard work Ø It takes time and effort Ø Dedicate a minimum of 25 hours each week to calls, follow up contacts, and research Ø Your goal is to identify every possible lead

Ways to Get Job Interviews ØNetwork ØSend letters to specific businesses asking for an interview ØCall companies, especially hiring managers ØAnswer employment ads ØUse the Internet ØRegister with an employment agency

Tapping the Source of Secret Jobs. . Conquer your fears and learn to “Network” Ø 75% of all jobs are not advertised (hiring managers know the best employees come from employee referrals) ØPractice your personal commercials – 30 second & 2 minutes ØThen start talking …

Who Do You Talk To? v Talk to friends and relatives v Talk to people who know lots of other people – teachers, the guy you know at the local coffee shop, members of your church …everyone you know or can identify v Ask for help (additional contacts or info about available jobs) v Your network is larger than you think. . .

Remember the Verizon Ad

Send Letters… ü First identify specific industry or business ü Find names and addresses of businesses in geographic area you are targeting ü Send a minimum of 5 letters a day ü Increase chances of success by sending letter to the hiring manager and a few days later, following up with a phone call

The Telephone Can Be Your Friend… ü Before you begin calling, develop your personal calling script ü Practice it with a friend ü When you are ready, call a real manager ü Don’t give up if you get nervous or bomb the first couple of times ü Call before 10: 00 (often before 8: 00 & after 5: 00 is the trick)

Respond to Ads Ø Check out the employment ads every day Ø To respond to an ad, first read it carefully Ø Write each employer a letter telling them how you can help them

Respond to Ads. . . more Ø Mention the requirements listed in the ad and specifically describe your ability to meet them Ø Do not forget to include advertisement code if there is one Ø Mail letter and your resume to the indicated address

Use the Internet Ø Post your resume to one or more of the big job boards (you may be one of the lucky ones) Ø Check out posted jobs on the job boards and apply for the ones you are qualified to do Ø Go to the web sites for targeted companies and look for openings § 53% of Internet hires come through company’s own website

Employment Agencies • Identify employment agencies who specialize in your chosen occupation • Do not rule out temporary jobs – many work into employment opportunity or new contacts and references • To find these agencies in your field, ask your friends or instructors or check the yellow pages.

Questions?

Good Luck! Resources: The Job Hunting Handbook, Dahlstrom & Company, Inc.