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Fundamental Truths of the Job Search

• There are always jobs out there.
• Whether you can find them or not depends on what method of job hunting you are using.
• The successful job hunter is the one who knows how to find them.
• Successful job-hunting is a learned skill, which can be studied and mastered-by you!

From What Color is Your Parachute
By Richard Bolles

Purpose

The purpose of this handout is to educate students on the most effective job search strategies.

Learning the skills of the job search now will enable you to use them throughout your career.

Remember, who gets hired is not necessarily the one who can do the best job, but the one who knows the most about how to get hired!

In the U.S. the typical job-hunt lasts two to four months, but one-third of job-hunters do not find a job during that time because they are using less effective job search strategies or give up after a short time.

Job-hunting demands persistence and courage, and works best when more than one job-search method is used.

The key is to learn effective job-search strategies and to not give up!!

Job Search Methods

The Hidden Job Market Only 20% of job vacancies are ever posted 80% of all openings are never listed anywhere

Most job openings are "hidden," that is, they are not posted anywhere. The only way to find out about the hidden job market is by using the informal methods of job hunting listed below.

"Informal" methods of job search are those in which job seekers use their own initiative to build upon personal contacts and make themselves known to potential employers.

These methods are quite different from "formal" methods which are more passive and rely on posted advertisements or employment agencies.

It is a proven fact that informal methods of a job search are much more effective, with current research showing the majority of jobs to be found through these methods.

Does this mean you should not use other more formal methods? Not at all!!! What this does mean is that you should prioritize your job search time with effectiveness in mind. Use any method at your disposal, but emphasize the informal, active methods more than the formal, more passive methods.

The Least Effective Ways to Find a Job

1. Randomly post or mail out resumes to employers.
2. Answer newspaper or internet ads.
3. Go to private employment agencies for help.

Less than 10% of jobs are found through job postings on the internet in most industries and locations

The Best Ways to Find Jobs

1. Ask for job leads from family, friends, community members, career center staff, and any other contacts you have. This has a 33% success rate.
2. Knock on the door of any company, organization or employer that interests you. This has a 47% success rate.
3. Use the Yellow Pages to identify subjects or fields of interest to you in the city where you live, then call up the employers to ask if they are hiring for the type of position you can do, and do well. This method has a 69% success rate.
4. Use the "Creative Approach" to job search, as outlined below. This is the single most effective job search method and has an 84% success rate.

The Seven Steps to Successful Job Search

1. IDENTIFY YOUR JOB GOAL

It's difficult to find something if you don't know what you are looking for!

This first step is to begin to familiarize yourself with what you might want to do. This involves evaluating your own interests and skills and matching them to the world of work.

Below are a few suggestions on how to begin this process.

• Identify your best and most fulfilling transferable skills.
  Not sure? Meet with a career counselor who can work with you to identify work interests and skills in a few appointments. They can also give you suggestions on how to navigate the sea of information.
• Know what kind of work you want to do and what field you would most enjoy working in. Not sure? See your career counselor to help clarify your interests.
• Talk to people who are doing the work you want to do. Find out how they got started, how they like their work, and what advice they have for your search. You'd be surprised at how many helpful hints you will get! You might even make a contact that could lead to a job. (See Handout on Informational Interviewing for more on this.)
• Develop an awareness of job functions and fields. Read the classifieds and other published job bulletins. Identify typical job titles in your areas of interest.
• Read for information. Check out the resources in Career Services or go to the Career section at your local bookstore. You might want to borrow or buy a title that provides you with the most relevant information.
• Use the Internet for research! There are great sources of career information, especially on the websites of professional associations. Pick up an Internet Research Handout in Career Services.

2. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

Once you have an idea of the type of position you are seeking, the next step is to begin to focus on what companies and organizations exist that might offer the type of position you are seeking.

The phone book and other local or online directories can be good sources for locating employers in your local area.

City or regional Chambers of Commerce often publish directories of employers. In addition, your Career Services Office and many public libraries have good resource directories in their reference sections including directories of local non-profit and social service organizations as well as local business and industry guides.

One of the best strategies is to ask friends, church contacts and associates to help you in your job search efforts. Find out where they work and what they do. Ask them for names of people you might talk to, for companies they know about, or for information on specific industries.
(See Networking Handout for more information on developing contacts.)

3. RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

Do some research in your chosen geographic area on those organizations or companies which interest you, to find what they do and what kinds of problems or challenges they or their industry is wrestling with. This is a critical step that many are tempted to skip, but is invaluable to a successful job search.

Don't worry if you aren't sure about how to go about this. Ask others for help, talk to your career counselor, or simply begin looking up the organization online for as much information as you can.

Most companies and organizations have websites. Use a search engine such as Google, Yahoo! or Lycos, input the name of the company and you will be instantly connected to both the company's website as well as other sites that may contain helpful information regarding the company's current status and future plans. Information that is published by the company can also be helpful.

Many websites will link you to other resources as quickly as a touch on your keyboard.

Local or national professional associations can also provide information on specific industries or fields, as well as contacts in your area. Ask your career counselor, professor or academic department for associations in your field.

4. PREPARE YOURSELF

Preparation is key to a successful job search. You will be more efficient in the long run if you take time to prepare yourself and your marketing tools (resume, cover letter, interviewing skills).

First, prepare yourself.

• Make sure you are clear on the set of skills you are bringing as well as the skill sets for which employers are looking. See your career counselor if you are unsure, need help clarifying or just want some feedback.
• Build a professional wardrobe. Department and specialty store sales associates can help make selections. Pay attention to what professional people are wearing.
• Create a personal budget and know the salary range that you need, as well as the salary range for an entry-level position in your field.
• Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of Salary Negotiation. (See Salary Negotiation Handout)
  A good source is the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Salary Survey, published quarterly and available in the Career Services Resource Library. Salary ranges are given by job function and curriculum for recent college graduates.
• Set up a way to keep track of your Job Search activities. Make a daily action plan. Keep a log of your daily job search activities, with personal goals, date, company and person contacted, result of contact, whether you set up an appointment, made a phone call, sent a resume and cover letter, etc.
• Get the supplies you need.
  Make sure you have stamps for mailing, access to a computer to create targeted resume objectives, access to a good laser printer, and a good answering machine for picking up messages. Make it easy to reach you!

Second, prepare your marketing tools.

• If you haven't done so, write your resume (see the Resume Handout).
• Clearly state your job objective
• Highlight skills which relate to your targeted position or company
• Describe your skills and accomplishments from previous employment and educational experiences
• Summarize additional experience, skills, activities, honors, awards, or leadership involvements.
• Write a cover letter for each job to which you apply. (See Cover Letter Handout)
• Use a standard business letter format, and make sure to customize each letter to the particular company.
• Make sure the letter is addressed to a person and not "Sir, Madam or Director of Human Resources."
• Practice speaking about yourself and what you have to offer.
• Write a 30 second to Two-Minute Commercial about yourself, including your skills, accomplishments, experiences, education, professional interests and work values.
• Practice with a friend, your career counselor, or in front of the mirror.
• Be prepared to speak about your resume and its contents, as well as your interest in the company or organization you are contacting.
• Learn about the interview process (see Interview Handout for what to expect in Interviews).
• The Career Services Resource Library has several books on interviewing. In addition, local bookstores have many titles in the "Career/ Business" sections that will give you information on the interview process.
• Prepare answers to typical questions. Think of the skills you bring, and examples of those skills. Be prepared to describe your strengths and weaknesses, your professional goals and interest in the company.
• Prepare several questions for the employer regarding the nature of the job, company philosophies.
• Meet with your Career Counselor for a "Mock Interview."

5. INITIATE CONTACT

When you are basically clear about the type of position or organization at which you would like to work, you are ready to go after the type of job you want.

The most important step is to identify and seek out the person who actually has the power to hire you for the job you want.

For smaller organizations, it will be easier to find the hiring manager, as it will simply be the boss. You can find the manager's name by looking in the Yellow Pages or other business directory, or by simply calling the organization, and asking the receptionist for the name of the person responsible for hiring for the type of position you want.

For larger organizations, you will need to dig a little deeper to find the person responsible for hiring in the department you want. Then you will need to find a way to get in the door to meet with this person.

The best strategy is to find someone who knows the hiring manager, as this person can help open the door for you by calling on your behalf or otherwise getting you an appointment with the manager.

This is where your research and your contacts come in. Use all of your personal contacts to locate potential employers and hiring managers. This is also known as networking, and is the single most effective strategy for finding a job. (See Networking Handout for more information)

Talk to everyone about what you are looking for, and ask for referrals to people in potential companies or organizations. Get the word out about what you are looking for because failure to network or follow-up on leads is the number one reason people fail at getting a job they are satisfied with.

Be active in your pursuit until you find out the names of people in the companies or organizations in which you have interest.

Make friends with and get names of the receptionist or secretary in the company or department in which you want to work. These people are the gateway to your contact, and can at times make or break your opportunity to get in to see the manager.

6. TAKE ACTION

Take initiative to set up brief meetings (about 10-15 minutes) with hiring managers in organizations of interest.

Present yourself to the employer by describing your particular skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities in relationship to the company or department's needs.

Show the person with the power to hire you how you would benefit the company and help them with current needs or challenges, and how you would stand out as one employee in a hundred.

Follow up by sending a thank you letter to the person with whom you met. Reiterate what you have to offer and your enthusiasm for the company or position.

Stay active in the pursuit of what you want. Phone people, make appointments, mail resumes, research and network everywhere you go. Follow up any lead, interview or meeting. Return phone calls promptly.

7. DON'T DO IT ALONE!

Choose an accountability person to support you as you enter your job search. Ask them if they're willing to help. Assuming they agree, put down in both your schedules a regular weekly date when you will meet to track progress and re-focus your search, especially if you get stuck. Someone both supportive and organized will be most beneficial to you.

Don't take rejection personally. Remember, you are looking for the best fit for you -- a company and position that truly allows you to utilize those skills which you most love to use, and which fits your values and interests. Persevere and you will find what you are looking for.

How Long Will It Take?

A job search can take a day, six months, or a year depending upon how hard you work at it. The average job search takes 400 hours. That is ten weeks, working eight hours per day. Studies indicate that two-thirds of all job hunters spend five hours or less a week on their job-hunt. At this rate it could easily take one and a half years to find a job!

It is very important that you get started as soon as possible and steadily pursue your search. Plan to do something every day. Get into a routine. Set achievable goals for yourself. For example, "Today I will make three appointments and send out four resumes."

What Do I do If I Get Stuck?

Do not be discouraged if things do not happen overnight. Structure other activities that make you feel successful and satisfied so that you can pursue your job hunt within a context of overall happiness and self-esteem.

Maintain a positive attitude. Expect some disappointment and rejection. Do not become defeated. If you start feeling discouraged, talk with a friend or see your career counselor. You may have overlooked some possibility that could be a turning point in your job search.

If you find yourself thinking that you can't find a job because you don't have enough education, experience, contacts, or some other reasons, remember that everyone has a handicap of some type. Focus on what you do have to offer, what experience and skills you bring, and your enthusiasm for the job.

Check to see if you are following the rules for job-hunting survival, some of which are included below.

• Use as many different methods as you can.
• Invest the most time in the most effective methods.
• As much as you can, go face-to-face with people, rather than inserting a piece of paper (i.e. resume) or an instrument (i.e. the phone) between you and them.
• If your problem is getting an interview for a job, you will have to work hard on alternative methods of your job hunt, and focus on accessing the hidden job market through networking.
• If you have no trouble getting interviews, but nothing comes out of them, work on your interview techniques.
• If you are truly at the desperate, survival level, be willing to take any job temporarily, while you continue to pursue a job in the direction of your interests.
• If nothing is turning up, and you are really down to rock bottom, run-not walk, to your career center, which is experienced in the job search process, and ask for help.

Remember:

• There are always jobs out there.
• Successful job-hunting is a learned skill, which can be studied and mastered-by you!

Job Search Effectiveness Guide

Below is a listing of various job search methods and their effectiveness. Prioritize the time you spend in various types of job search with these rates of effectiveness in mind.

Remember, using several methods of job search is more effective than just using one, and certainly the more active types of job search are much more effective than those which are passive in nature.

Spend most of your time using strategies which access the "Hidden Job Market" and the least amount of time searching posted ads or randomly sending out your resume.

Hidden/Informal        75% of your search

Networking
Internships
Volunteering
Informational Interviews
Temp Work
Conventions
Conferences
Meetings
Career Days/Fairs
Local Employer Directories/Phone Books

Because people generally prefer to hire people they already know, or people that are known by others they trust, it is important to let everyone you know be aware that you are looking for a job and exactly what you are looking for. It is important to make yourself known to those who have the power to hire, or those who know someone in that position.
(See Networking Handout and Informational Interviewing Handout for more information)

Advertised/Formal           15 % of your search

Classified Newspapers
Magazines/Journals
Job Bulletins and Listings
Internet Job Listing sites
Company or Association Newsletters
Career Services Job Listings

When answering an ad or applying to a vacancy listing, be sure that your resume, letter and application are specific to the details of the ad. Research the employer before you apply to find current needs and challenges of the company, and then show in your cover letter skills you have to address those needs.

Agencies          7% of your search

Temporary Agencies
Personnel Agencies
Corporate Recruiters
State Employment Agency (EDD)

Research employment agencies carefully. Determine who pays the agency's fees, you or the employer. The employee generally should not have to pay for these services, so beware of businesses that do not have your best interest in mind.

Other         3% of your search

Start your own business
Mass resume mailings
Create your own job
Resume Banks

National Averages of Starting Salaries

Below is a listing of average starting salaries in various fields. Remember, these salaries are ballpark figures and the salary which you are offered may vary greatly. To find out the most accurate salary range for a position for which you are interested, ask others in similar positions their salary range. See the Handout on Salary Negotiation for specific ways to deal with the issue of salary during an interview or at the time of a job offer.

Accounting	40,293
Marketing	35,374
Business Administration	35,209
Logistics/Material Management	39,828
Computer Science	50,352
Chemical Engineer	51,254
Electrical Engineer	50,387
Civil Engineer	40,848
Mechanical Engineer	48,654
Psychology	27,106
Information Systems	41,414
Communications	29,114
Teaching	29,039
Environmental Science	37,872
Journalism	30,036
Nursing	36,254
Social Work	28,922
Performing Arts	27,303
Liberal Arts	27,235

Taken from NACE Salary Survey, Spring 2002

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