1	Entering the Workforce Presented by: Amy Simon Director of Graduate Marketing Emporia State University
2	Job Market Outlook CollegeGrad.com survey (October 2006) reports an expected increase in hiring by top entry-level employers NACE reports the market for this year’s graduating seniors is the best in years Expect to hire 17.4% more than last year Start early – don’t wait until the semester is over – in the process of hiring now
3	Annual Recruitment Cycle First Quarter – A New Year’s Wave of Hiring Major hiring initiatives in January and February Make contact right at the start for best chance Second Quarter – Gearing Up for Summer Spring is when hiring peaks Third Quarter – Recruiters Relax a Bit Slows down before July before picking up at the end of August Fourth Quarter – A Rush, Then a Lull Most complex hiring dynamics Major slowdown around December
4	20 Rules for Successful Job Searching Get motivated Believe in yourself Don’t make excuses Focus Be prepared to spend some time Begin to identify suitable opportunities Think creatively Look for change Be aware of current events Keep an open mind You can be too narrow in your choice Focus Develop a plan Develop superior job search materials Send your materials to the right place Send your materials to the right place Make the phone an integral part of your strategy Don’t wait for an organization to announce a vacancy Follow-up Hang in there!
5	Traditional Job Searching Job Search Engines Monster Instant Job Search Yahoo! Hot Jobs Help Wanted Ads Better for local and regional searches Newspaper Chamber of Commerce website Employment Offices Career Services Job Fairs
6	Job Searching Three-fourths or more of all jobs are unadvertised Don’t depend only on listings People do business primarily with people they know and like Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants Job may not be advertised at all
7	Job Search Networking Commit to marketing and selling with integrity Get over your fear of self-promotion Think of marketing as sharing your value with others Networking – using your current connections to answer specific questions or help you connect with others
8	Job Search Networking About making contacts and building relationships - can help obtain leads, referrals, advice, information and support Know how to make your pitch Clear about your employment goals Prepare talking points and practice delivering them Keep track of your contacts Keep detailed records of networking activity Persist and follow-up Expand your horizons Alumni, classmates, former employers, friends, hobby groups Build your “Net Worth” Thank everyone and keep them posted Make yourself a resource for others
9	Job Search Networking Successful Tips Conduct informational interviews Follow through with referrals and always thank them Create an inventory of your accomplishments Make a list of the assets you will bring as a prospective employee Bring business card and a pen Write some notes so you’ll remember the details on who you meet When online, keep track of who you’ve emailed and where you have posted
10	Job Search Networking Things to Remember Goal is to exchange ideas, not seek a job Treat is as a long-term relationship Provide other professionals the ability to solicit your help Being punctual to meetings is imperative Send a thank you note Over-preparing is essential Network anytime – people can’t help you if they don’t know you are looking
11	Job Search - Cold Calls You initiate contact by either sending a letter or making a phone call Used when Really interested in working for a company but don’t see any openings posted Want to learn more about a career Really interested in a company Before you make a call or send any letters, need to do substantial amount of research
12	Job Search – Cold Calls Need to: Know who you are Clearly identify what you are looking for Be able to explain why you are looking for the position you want Take time to: Develop a set of letters and resumes Develop a set of pitches (mini-commercials) Practice! Practice!
13	Job Search – Cold Calls Identify potential contacts using your network Employers for your field by location or industry Related employers, competitors, and basic contacts within a company, association, organization or firm Research your target Online tools, including news, industry news sites, employee web boards and web resources Track networking activity Dates of correspondence, follow-up calls Names of ALL contacts Notes on timelines for hire, application process, etc
14	Job Search – Cold Calls Perfecting Your Phone Personality Name of the person you are calling and their title Correct name and acronym of the company Focused description of the job Current news in your industry or at the company Be Polished Write a script Practice, practice
15	Job Search – Cold Calls Anatomy of a Cold Call Refer to the person by name and err on the side of formality Introduce yourself using your full name and immediately drop the name of the person who referred you Always say please and thank you Never keep a potential employer waiting Be prepared to answer a returned call Listen Tell them that you are looking for information Ask specific questions Stop and listen Close the deal
16	Job Search – Cold Calls Be Positive Sit up straight when you speak, smile Share your excitement Keep conversation short Speak clearly and concisely No slang or profanity Outgoing professional message Take notes quietly Bad Cold Calls Never make anyone guess who you are No negatives Don’t point to lack of experience or knowledge Ask if they received resume
17	Five Faux Pas of Job Seekers Covering too Much in the Cover Letter Read in 1 minute Include a clear value proposition Well written and proofed Running on at the Resume Not Properly Preparing for Interviews Come late or not prepared Don’t know anything about company Playing It Too Straight Making Too Much of Yourself
18	Cover Letters Three General Types Application letter – responds to a known job opening Prospecting letter – inquires about possible positions Networking letter – requests information and assistance in your job search Should be designed specifically for each purpose and position Effective letters explain reasons for your interest and identify most relevant skills or experiences
19	Cover Letters First Paragraph: Why you are writing Referred to a potential employer Mention up front to keep reader reading Response to a job posting Mention where you learned of the position and the position title Express your enthusiasm and the likely match Prospecting letter State your specific job objective Even more important to capture the reader’s attention Networking letter – make request clear
20	Cover Letters Second Paragraph: What you have to offer Advertisement Refer specifically to the qualifications listed and illustrate how your abilities and experiences relate Prospecting letter Express potential to fulfill the employer’s needs Not what they can do for you Refer to your resume, provide additional details Relate education and works skills to the position Requesting an informational meeting Write about your interests, skills, or experiences as they relate to the person, organization, or field
21	Cover Letters Concluding Paragraph: How you will follow-up Bid directly for the job interview or informational interview Indicate how and when you plan to follow-up References Indicate availability upon request If you have a portfolio or writing samples, also indicate availability
22	Resume Before you begin… review your information Skills and Achievements Explanations must be concise and effective impact statements Highlight skills and achievements Edit out pronouns and articles Begin phrases or sentences with verbs Be Selective Put yourself in the employer’s position Prioritize Information What is the greatest interest to the potential employer Quantify as much information as you can
23	Top 10 Resume Mistakes Typos and Grammatical Errors Lack of Specifics Attempting One Size Fits All Highlighting Duties Instead of Accomplishments Going on Too Long or Cutting Things Too Short A Bad Objective No Action Verbs Leaving Off Important Information Visually Too Busy Incorrect Contact Information
24	References Plan ahead and have references in order before you need them Good references can help you clinch a job offer When asking a reference Always have their permission Make sure they are appropriate to give you the best reference Review the type of positions you are applying for with them Who to ask Former bosses, co-workers, vendors, colleagues, professors When starting out can use character or personal references
25	References Make a list Not included in your resume Separate list on the same paper as resume Ready to give out when interviewing Include 3 or 4, with job title, employer, and contact information Check it twice for accuracy Request a reference letter When you change employment ask for a reference letter from supervisor or co-worker Create a file of recommendations from people you may not be able to track down later
26	References Keep references up-to-date Let them know where your job search stands Inform them of who might call Don’t forget to send thank you notes Maintain your network Periodically contact them with updates Requesting permission Prospective employers should ask for permission to contact references But always have a list that is safe to contact, ex. current boss
27	Job Interviews Prepare properly The better prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be Practice interview questions and answers Dress in appropriate interview attire After the interview, send thank you letters to interviewers Preparation Tips Research the company Learn about the position Prepare your answers Create a list of questions Practice interviewing Videotape your practice sessions
28	Job Interviews Researching the company and position Who will you be talking to What are the expectations Know recent news Look at the company websites Get a good night’s rest and get an early start Have directions Time the trip if necessary
29	Job Interview First impression is going to based on how you look and what you are wearing Men Suit, long sleeve shirt, belt, tie Dark socks, leather shoes Neat, professional hairstyle Limit the aftershave, neatly trimmed nails Women Suit, coordinated blouse Conservative shoes, limited jewelry Professional hairstyle, light make-up and perfume, manicured clean nails
30	Job Interview 10 Dressing Faux Pas Wild nail polish Jewelry that jangles Open-toed or backless shoes Bare legs Out-of-date suits Short skirts Leather jackets for men and women Turtlenecks for men Printed or trendy handbags Red briefcases
31	Job Interview Take along Your resume and references Pad and paper Business card The intangibles A smile J Company Research Don’t bring Gum Cell phone Ipod Coffee or soda Cover tattoos
32	Job Interview Six Answers Interviewers Need to Hire You Do you have the skills to do the job? Do you fit? Do you understand the company and its purpose? How do you stack up against the competition? Do you have the right mind-set for the job and company? Do you want the job?
33	Job Interview Interview Questions: Work History What were your expectations for the job and to what extend were they met? What were your responsibilities? Why are you leaving your job? Job Interview Questions About You What motivates you? Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? What type of work environment do you prefer? Job Interview Questions About the New Job and Company What interests you about this job? Why are you the best person for the job? What can you contribute to this company?
34	Job Interview Interview Questions: The Future What are you looking for in your next job? What are your goals for the next five years? What are your salary requirements? What to Say If You’ve Been Fired Interview Questions to Ask How would you describe the responsibilities? Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do? What is the company’s management style? How much travel is expected? What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
35	Job Interview Interview Types Behavioral Logic is that you how you behaved in the past will predict how you behave in the future Employer has decided what skills are needed and looking for the candidate that possesses those Lunch and Dinner Interviews Check out the restaurant ahead of time Be polite Start on the outside and work in, liquids on right, solids on left Remember your manners Don’t order messy or expensive food Don’t drink alcohol
36	Job Interview Interview Types Cont. Telephone Interviews Resume, pen and paper, clear the room Smile, don’t smoke, chew gum, eat or drink Take your time, speak slowly and enunciate clearly Video Interviews Send any materials, arrive early, ask for assistance Dress professionally, make eye contact, eliminate noise Second Interviews Get the agenda Dress professionally Chance to say what you didn’t say Chance to ask questions you didn’t ask Chance to find out if there is a fit
37	Thank-You Letters Not just a formality Marketing tool that can have tremendous value Thank you letters can Overcome objections Reiterate your expertise Highlight your core professional competencies and successes One page is the norm, but can be two pages depending on the amount of information you want to communicate. Email vs. Snail Mail Handwritten notes are heartwarming but take time Should be sent within 24 hrs of your interviews Don’t miss out on a position because someone beat you to the punch
38	Salary Negotiations Research to find out much the job (and you) are worth Understand the career field, averages Understand the geographic location Can find information at Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook HomeFair.com’s Salary Calculator People currently in the field
39	Salary Negotiations Five Most Common No-Nos Initiating negotiating too soon Wait until formal offer has been made If it meets your needs, accept it Nothing wrong for asking for more time Only negotiating salary Benefits that are non-negotiable: vacation and health insurance coverage Negotiable can include: signing bonuses, unpaid leave, relocation expenses, flextime, severance Mistrusting the system Them vs. Me mentality Understand companies have predetermined budgets
40	Salary Negotiations Five No-No’s cont. Assuming your degree entitles you to a higher starting salary Advanced education is nothing more than a threshold requirement Having relatively little real-world experience – your degree may keep you in the running, but won’t entitle you to a higher salary Believing every negotiation will end in your favor Not a win-lose proposition, it’s a compromise Accepting a job just for the sake of a paycheck could lead to mutual dissatisfaction Make sure you are receiving enough to pay the bills! Don’t look at what your friends are making!
41	Job Offer Number of factors to consider in a job offer What carries a lot of weight for some of us is insignificant to the rest of us Evaluating the offer Salary Office environment Corporate culture Commute time Your boss/co-workers
42	Decision Time Accept/Decline Inform the employer who made the offer Done formally, in writing, may telephone as well If yes, makes a good first impression If no, doesn’t burn bridges Job Rejection Grieve the lost possibility Seek the reasons for your rejection Consider the fact that the job was the right fit for you Pick yourself up and try again
43	Thank you! The best of luck to you on your job search! Information found at: www.about.com www.monster.com www.helpguide.org www.womenforhire.com www.jobwhiz.com University of Florida – Career Services Emporia State University – Career Services