Job Search and Interview Basics
Starting the Job Search
• Research Careers/Job Titles and Employers
• Be Prepared!!• Stay Organized!!• Utilize all search
options• Networking• Follow-up • Do not get discouraged!
“The average job seeker spends fewer than 15 hours a week looking a for a job and gets fewer than two interviews…Job seekers who spend more time actually looking for work find jobs faster than those spending less time.”
– J. Michael Farr author of The Very Quick Job Search: Get a Better Job in Half the Time
Identifying Careers and Job Titles
• Career Research– www.bls.gov/oco– www.onet.org
• Informational Interviews • Job Shadowing• Volunteer Work• Internships
What to look for:– Job Titles– Related Careers– Requirements– Job outlook– Salary– Professional
Organizations
Employer Research• Visit website • Google.com• Vault.com
• What is their mission statement?• What is the company culture?
– Does it reflect your values?
• Is it a profitable/growing organization?• Are there other locations?• What are the benefits?• Public opinion?
Geographic Research
• Cost of living• Local job offerings• Local industry• Weather• Demographics• Community issues• Housing• Education• Healthcare• Political climate• Religion
• Résumés tailored to each job title• Cover letters• 3-5 Solid References
– Be sure to ask first
• Professional email and voicemail message
• Clean online presence-not just setting to private
• Portfolios• Thank- you cards
Preparation
Organization
Excel Spreadsheet– Company information– Contact information for
anyone you know in the company
– Contact information of the person in charge of hiring
– Job requirements– When you applied– Date to Follow-up– Interview information– Thank- you letter sent
Computer Files– Research about
company– Specific résumé and
cover letter sent– All correspondence
Job Search
Advertised Jobs- 10-20%• Search engines
– Job Tracks– Monster.com– City specific sites
• Job Fairs– MSU– Regional Fairs– Virtual Fairs
• Professional Organizations
Hidden Job Market- 80-90%• Target company directly:
– Company websites– HR departments
• Networking!
Networking
Traditional– Networking events– Basic phone calls– Collecting business cards
Online- Free!– Li
– Visual CV
– n
Networking
The Steps1. Identify your network2. Make initial contact
and introductions3. Follow-up on leads4. Keep in contact
The Rules1. Never ask for a job! – Ask for information
2. Be brief and respectful of time3. Do not do all of the talking4. Ask for suggestions on how to
expand your network5. Always follow-up6. Reciprocation is a must!7. Send a thank-you note!!!
Follow-up
• Contact to make sure materials arrived• Restate interest in company and position• Thank-you notes:–Network connections– Employers at career fairs–AFTER INTERVIEWS!!!
Do Not Get Discouraged!
• Stay positive and optimistic
• Be proactive!!
• Rely on a support system
• Stress Relief is Essential!!
The Interview
Preparation
Identify :– Who will be conducting the interview?
• Job tiles and how many people
– What type of interview?– When will the interview occur?
• Exact time• How long it will run• Do you need to complete an application on site?
– Where will the interview be taking place?• Exact location- address, building, & room number• Where you should park• Always arrive 20 minutes before scheduled time
• The Company– The more you know the better
you look
• The Position– Responsibilities– Salary ranges (salary.com)– Advancement potential– Identify the skills needed
• Yourself– Compile a list of your skills– List your accomplishments– Know your résumé
Research
Boeing
30 Second Commercial
Most Common Interviews
• Telephone Interviews• Long-distance
Interviews • Group/Panel Interviews • Behavioral Interviewing• Interviews Over Food
Telephone Interview
• Room with no distractions• Preparation• Cheat sheets• Listen!!!• Ask about next step
Long-Distance Interview
• No distractions or background noises
• Cheat sheets off camera• Practice to ensure
equipment works properly
In-Person
• What to Bring– Enough copies of your
résumé on résumé paper for each person conducting the interview
– A list of references on résumé paper
– Your portfolio (if needed)– A nice pen– Your planner/calendar
• What to leave at home– Cell phone (at least set to silent)– Your children
Group/Panel Interviews
• Find way to connect with each interviewer
• Maintain eye contact with each member
• Shake hands and collect all business cards
Behavioral Interviews
• Past behavior as an indicator for future behavior
• Ask for descriptions of how you handled work-related situations
• Think of stories that demonstrate your skills
• STAR: Situation-Task-Action-Result
Interview Over Food
• Avoid hard-to-eat or messy items
• No alcohol• Keep conversation
professional• Refresh eating etiquette
What to Wear: Women
• Clothing: conservative suit, knee length skirt, or dress pants (black, gray, or navy), with dress shirt
• Shoes: <2 inch heal, closed toed, and comfortable
• Hair: traditional styles and colors pulled away from the face
• Tattoos/body piercings: conceal tattoos and remove piercings
• Jewelry: simple, avoid dangles, 1-2 rings, one necklace and one watch/bracelet
• Make-up/nails: neutral shades and subtle. Avoid perfume.
What to wear: Men
• Clothing: conservative suit (black, gray, navy) with pressed shirt and tie
• Shoes: polished dress shoe
• Hair: well groomed and shorter styles
• Tattoos/body piercings: conceal tattoos and remove piercings
• Jewelry: watch and one ring acceptable
• Hands: clean and trimmed fingernails
• Cologne: avoid cologne or strong aftershave
Body Language
• Good Posture• Eye Contact• Hand Gestures• Nod While Listening• Smile• Don’t Fidget!
Decrease Anxiety
• PRACTICE!!!! – Practice interview with the Career Center
• The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better you will look
• Know your worth• Get plenty of sleep, eat prior to the
interview, and avoid too much caffeine
• Allow plenty of time for travel• Everyone gets nervous!• Practice relaxation techniques
Common Interview Questions
• Based around basic points:– How do you differ from other candidates?– What can you do for us?– Why are you here?– Can they afford you?
• Think about the intent of the question and highlight relevant skills
Illegal Questions
• National origin• Ancestry• Age• Marital status/dependents• Sexual orientation• Religion• Political affiliation• Height/weight• Disabilities• Criminal record• Military experience
How to Handle Them:
• Answer at your own risk
• Ask the relevance• Refuse- risk looking
confrontational• Examine intent and respond
appropriately
Prepare to Ask Questions
• Daily Tasks and Responsibilities• Short and Long-term Goals• Organizational Structure• Performance Evaluations• Company Culture• Effects of Current Issue (layoffs,
merger, etc..)• Promotion Potential
Key Points
• NEVER speak badly about a former employer/job
• Focus on the positive of every experience
• Always use each question to highlight your skills and capabilities
• Avoid “ums” and nervous laughter• Stay professional- no profanity!• Tell stories!• Do not initiate discussion about
salary or benefits
End of Interview
• Thank them for their time• Shake hands• Collect business cards• Establish next step• Send thank-you letters to each interviewer• Follow-up to determine if a decision has
been made
Job Offer
• Never accept right away!!• Discuss salary only after
offer has been made• Get the offer in writing
detailing all benefits• Be sure before accepting– NEVER back out of a job
after accepting the position!!!
Questions???
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