The Perfect Job Seeker - By Stuart Mease 2012 Edition
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The Perfect Job Seeker A step-by-step guide from selecting your major to accepting your offer. 2012 Edition By Stuart Mease
Photo Credits: Dale O’Dell/Alamy, p. 1; iStockphoto, pp. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Andy Sacks/Getty Images, Inc., p. 9; moodboard/©Corbis, p. 10; iStockphoto, p. 13; Thomas Barwick/Getty Images, Inc. p. 14; iStockphoto, p. 15; Reprinted with permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 16 This custom textbook includes materials submitted by the Author for publication by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The material has not been edited by Wiley and the Author is solely responsible for its content. Copyright © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2012 by Stuart Mease All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or oth- erwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rose- wood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, website www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, (201)748-6011, fax (201)748-6008, website http:// www.wiley.com/go/permissions. To order books or for customer service, please call 1(800)-CALL-WILEY (225-5945). Printed in the United States of America. ISBN 978-KMART-25951 Printed and bound by Bind-Rite Graphics 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to all job seekers who have been, are, and will be in
the unserviced workforce. It would not be possible without my wife, Allison,
and my daughter, Caroline, for allowing me to serve my vocational ministry:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Overview
This job search guide will provide a step-by-step,
detailed job search plan starting with selecting a
major and ending with accepting a job offer. The
guide has four parts, which are as follows:
1. Mission Phase — Selecting and
Articulating your Major LIC (Major, Location,
Industry, and Companies) and Developing
Your Branding Materials
2. Strategy Phase — Designing a Perfect Job Seeker Strategy
3. Implementation Phase — Creative Company Interaction
4. Closing Phase — Ask for the Job
This document is based on industry data, research, personal experiences, job
seeker testimonies, interviews, and over a decade of experience in connecting job
seekers and employers in the higher education, government, and private sectors.
Other distribution outlets for this document can be found on blog posts at www.
stuartmease.com, classroom presentations, guest speaking engagements, webinars,
and social media outlets, such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, SlideShare,
Wikipedia, and Google Docs. For more information, contact Stuart Mease at
stuartmease@gmail.com.
DISCLAIMER
By reading this guide, we cannot guarantee or “get” you a job; however, you can
create opportunities if you follow this guide. We share tips and techniques to
enhance your ability to convert these opportunities to jobs. It’s hard to help someone
who does not want help. You must come at least half way in this partnership.
Step 1: Determine your Major
(Major, Location, Industry, and Companies)
LIC
Where do you want to live?
Before you select a major:
What regions have the highest concentration
1) Identify which companies are hiring for that major;
of people in your background or major? For
instance, if you want to live in Omaha, Nebraska, 2) Know what the placement rate is for that major;
and you want to be an ocean engineer that may
3) Know the average salary for that major; and
not be a good fit. Resources like Chmura Eco-
nomics (www.chmuraecon.com) and the Cre- 4) Know what titles or functions those majors have.
ative Class Group (www. creativeclass.com) pro-
vide an insight into the region-wise opportunities
that are available. There What industry interests you?
are 360+ Metropolitan
Statistical Areas (MSAs) The North American Industry Classification
in the United States. Many System (NAICS) codes (www.naics.com) are
people refer to these used by many economists to determine jobs,
regions and employment companies, and functions. Although the average
data is based off of these person will not be able to recite the names, it will
regional designations. be useful to know yours when doing research.
What specific companies do you want to work for?
Name brands are important to people, especially college students. The business-to-consumer
model of marketing has contributed to this fact. Unfortunately, the majority of the companies with
brand names do not come to campus to recruit, and there are also fewer jobs at these firms.
Everybody wants to work for the name brand. As a result, competition is greater. Therefore, you
must employ tactics to differentiate yourself. Upwards to 75 percent of all new job creation is
being done by small businesses (under 100 employees). These firms do not have brand names,
but they do have growth potential. Identifying these small companies can be difficult, but Career-
Shift helps you identify some of these emerging firms. It is important to use CareerShift because
the small firms will not come to campus to recruit. They do not have the time or resources, to
dedicate a day, to recruit on campus to hire one or two students who may not be available for
another 6 months.
If you cannot determine your Major LIC, then you cannot create a career roadmap. You must have a
destination or goal and being able to answer these three questions is a must and is your first step.
Develop your
Step 2: Branding Materials
1. Now that you have discovered your Major LIC,
the next step is to create your branding materials. First,
you should create a 30-second commercial as your
branding material. Communicate who you are and
what you want to do. Be sure to use your Major LIC in
this commercial. The 30-second commercial should be
used for information interviews, writing cover letters, and
talking to people at job fairs.
2. Second, creating an effective resume is essential. There are many different types and
no one particular type is the best format. Keeping it to one page is helpful for recruiters because
it forces you to condense your information and highlight the most important parts. There are
many samples, just find one you are comfortable with and model it.
3. Third, writing cover letters to complement your resume is a standard marketing tool.
The best advice is making your cover letter stand out. Take a risk and show the reader you are
not like any other candidate. Do not write the same boring information everyone else writes.
Quote a famous person, highlight people you know, write a poem. Whatever it is, be unique.
4. Fourth, create a personal business card. This is a necessity in the business world. It will
demonstrate your knowledge of the unwritten and unspoken aspects of business. By distributing
your card you may receive one from the recruiter, but you may have to ask for it. Vista Print is a
firm where you can print business cards for free. Also, if you are using Outlook, you can create a
card as an attachment or add a signature.
5. Finally, create a portfolio (both online and offline) highlighting all of your important
accomplishments. Items to include are not limited to: academic transcripts, letters of recommen-
dations, resume, listing of relevant personal contacts, projects/white papers, and so on. It would
also be wise to keep a paper version in a folder and an electronic version on www.yourname.
com for easy reference and distribution.
Step 3:
Perfect Job
Seeker
Once you have declared a major, clearly articulated
your location, industry and company preference and
created your branding materials, the next step is to
design a diversified career strategy called the Perfect
Job Seeker.
A Perfect Job Seeker (www.perfectjobseeker.com)
invests time in four areas to maximize opportunities and
to spread career risk. Specifically, the steps include
Relationships, Humility, Study and Faith.
Relationships are king. Establishing and nurturing relationships are essential to the job search pro
cess as upwards to 80 percent of all jobs are never advertised and are uncovered through networking.
Humility is a disciplined and learned trait. If you do not humble yourself someone will do it for you. This
may mean taking a job that is “beneath” you or taking on multiple jobs simultaneously for a period of
time. Eliminate actions of entitlement and practice humility. Employers want humble job seekers.
Study is essential to keeping your skills current. You would have to invest in formal or informal continu-
ing education in this ever-changing and dynamic world. New job titles and tasks that we do not have a
vocabulary for, are being invented daily. We must stay relevant and ongoing study is the answer.
Faith is crucial. You need a personal Board of Directors to help you on this journey. There will be times
where you must take a leap a faith in making a decision or starting a business. Surround yourself with
people you can learn from.
Ultimately, this approach helps you to diversify your workable hours — the time you can devote to
a career. It is baffling how people invest all of their workable hours into one revenue stream for life
(parents at jobs for 30+ years) and then some unforeseen, uncontrollable event occurs and the sole
income stream ceases. This job seeker has not been actively networking, the job loss humbles them,
there is no thought given to continuing education or alternative revenue streams through business
creation. Diversify your workable hours NOW to minimize the risk of an employer laying you off with-
out any backup plan like so many people have experienced (perhaps someone you know) during the
Great Recession. Plan ahead. Be proactive. Create a long-term approach to your career by becoming
a Perfect Job Seeker.
Develop your
Step 4: Personal Network
Once you have your Major LIC identified and branding materials
created, you will want to engage your network through proven tech-
niques. Nearly 80 percent of all jobs are never advertised, and they
are uncovered through personal relationships. You cannot ignore
this tactic in your job search. Often, people do not know how to
reach out or do not feel comfortable asking for help.
Getting Started Once you conduct your information interview,
you will need to create an electronic database
You get started by conducting information inter- of contact information. You will want to add
views. The purpose of an information interview everyone you know to this list. You have the
is to expand your network by identifying people information — it is more than likely scattered
you want in it. The information interview is de in smart phones, email inboxes, business
signed to obtain information about a person, cards, Social Media sites, Google search,
his/her company and industry. Follow this 10- and so on. It would be wise to take some time
step process: to compile it for future easy retrieval.
1. W
rite a handwritten note to the person. As you meet more people, it will be critical
Why? When was the last time you got to create a systematic approach to keeping
one? It breaks through the communication in touch. Keeping in touch may mean elec-
clutter we receive on a daily basis and it tronically on social networking sites to formal
stands out. face-to-face visits, or anything in between.
2. T
ell the recipient who you are and why you The important thing is that you do it and often
are writing. times this step in the networking process
is the most difficult to complete. Selecting
3. R
equest a 10-miunte timeframe to ask a dedicated time and schedule will make it
about their company, industry and interests. easier.
4. A
sk for a convenient day and time for the Expand Your Network
interview.
In In addition to information interviews, attend
5. Say when you will follow up and do it. offline events, join offline groups, and volun-
teer for public speaking opportunities, as well
6. P
repare for the information interview by as, find a publisher of your written thoughts
researching the person, firm and industry. and ideas about a topic of interest. Online
7. B
e prepared to conduct the interview at activities such as blogging, LinkedIn, Twit-
any time. ter and Facebook are also useful but these
popular social networking techniques are just
8. K
eep notes during the interview and do one avenue to building your network.
not go over 10 minutes.
Networking is the first step to becoming a
9. A
sk for referrals at the end of the conver-
sation. Perfect Job Seeker. Step two will require you
to remain humble in your interaction with your
10. Write a handwritten thank-you note. network.
Step Practice
5: 5:
Step Humility
Practice Humility
The UNemployment
The UNemployment rate for recent
rate college
for recent grad- certaincertain
college
positions will not return. Creativity, unique-
positions will not return. Creativity, uniqueness,
ness, attitude and relationships are keys to becoming
uatesgraduates
in 2009 was 9% (1was
in 2009 out of 11 graduates).
9 percent (1 out of 11 attitude, and relationships are keys to becoming an
an indispensable employee. The Great Recession
The UNDERemployment rate is often measured
graduates). The UNDERemployment rate is of- indispensable employee. The Great Recession taught
taught us that even the most secure jobs – govern-
as twotentimes the UNemployment
measured as two times rate. Using
the UNemployment us that even the most secure jobs — government,
ment, teachers, etc. are not recession proof. Practicing
teachers, and so on — are not recession proof. Practic-
rate. Using
this figure, 18% are thisUNDERemployed
figure, 18 percentmeaning
are UNDER- humility is not based on your education attainment,
ing humility is not based on your education attainment,
employed
they are workingmeaning theyhad
in jobs they arenot
working in jobs geographic location, industry trends or market condi-
anticipated geographic location, industry trends, or market condi-
they had not anticipated with a college
with a college degree and quite likely could have degreetions. You control
tions. it. Separate
You control yourself
it. Separate from others
yourself by by
from others
andthat
received quite
joblikely could
without have received that job simplysimply
a degree.
being humble. If you do
being humble. notdo
If you humble yourself,
not humble yourself,
without a degree. someone else will do it for you.
someone else will do it for you.
We lose sight of this known, hard-to swallow
We lose sight of this known, hard-to swallow You may Youhave
maytohave
holdtodown
hold more
down thanmoreonethanjob forjob
one a for a
fact - the only reason a company hires people short-term periodperiod,
or you ormay have
fact — the only reason a company hires people short-term you maytohave
taketoa take
platform
a platform
is to make money off their time and talents. You job. A platform job is defined as a job that pays the
is to make money off their time and talents. You job. A platform job is defined as a job that pays the bills
are not entitled to a job with a degree. Compa- bills yet offers time and flexibility to go back to school,
are not entitled to a job with a degree. Compa- yet offers time and flexibility to go back to school, con-
nies are not in the business of creating job, but continue a job search or start a business. Food ser-
nies are not in the business of creating jobs, but tinue a job search, or start a business. Food service and
profits. Many jobs were lost in the Great Reces- vice and retail have been the common platform jobs of
profits. Many jobs were lost in the Great Reces- retail have been the common platform jobs of choice
sion, and they will never come back. Automation, choice for recent college graduates for years. The goal
sion, and they will never come back. Automation, for recent college graduates for years. The goal is to
cheaper overseas labor, and the fact that some- is to keep that platform job temporary and not long-
cheaper overseas labor, and the fact that some- keep that platform job temporary and not long-term.
one with more experience is always willing to do term. This requires a lot of discipline and commitment
one with more experience is always willing to do This requires a lot of discipline and by the
your job for less than you all are reasons why by the individual to not make it permanent.
your job for less than you are all reasons why individual to not make the platform job permanent.
Follow the proactive steps of these humble job seekers:
Follow the proactive steps of these humble job seekers:
• After
• Afterbeing
beinglaid offoff
laid a second
a second timetimein 12 months,
in 12 months,a lady decided
a lady decidedto
start a business
to start helping
a businessother job seekers
helping andseekers
other job taking courses in health
and started taking
care administration
courses in while
healthalsocareseeking other employment.
administration while also seeking other
employment.
• A banker in Charlotte lost her job and used the severance to put
herself• A banker
through in Charlotte
nursing school.lost her job and used the severance to put
herself through nursing school.
• After
• Afterrelocating
relocating forfor
a statewide
a statewide marketing
marketing position forfor
position a major soft
a major
drink company, nearly
soft drink one year
company, later,one
nearly he year
was driven home
later, he wasin his company
driven home
car with his items
in his boxed car
company up with
with nohis job.
itemsThe manup
boxed vowed to never
with no job. Thework
manfor
someonevowed
else again and work
to never startedforthree
someonesuccessful businesses
else again in thethree
and started area
he was planning
successfulto retire.
businesses in the area he was planning to retire.
An event like like
Events this these
will more
will than
morelikely
thanhumble you during
likely humble your career
you during whether
your career it is a demotion
whether or
it is a demotion or
layoff.layoff.
You will realize that you will have to engage your network for help and also determine
You will realize that you will have to engage your network for help and also determine how you
how you
will update your skills
will update yoursets
skill for
setsyour
for next
your job
nextthrough an ongoing
job through commitment
an ongoing to lifelong
commitment learning
to lifelong and and
learning
continuing education.
continuing education.
Step 6: STUDY (Continuing Education for Lifetime Learning) The third step of becoming a Perfect Job Seeker, after network- ing and humility, is study or continuing education. A person at- tending any form of college, seminar, company-sponsored train- ing program or simply reading a book, magazine, newspaper, or website is committed to continuing education. It does not matter if it is formal education (degree) or informal education (on your own), the important point is that you are committed to it over your lifetime. Many think their college degree is all the education they will need in their careers. Sadly, that is not the case. Most graduates will now switch jobs/careers 11 times in their lifetimes. Typically, the most in demand jobs are ones we do not have a vocabulary for 10 years prior to the demand. Think back to the early 1990s and if someone said they needed a webmaster, more than likely, a person would not have thought about the Internet rather than some type of pest elimination specialist. Also, think back to 2000 and if someone would say they are a social media manager, you may have thought they hosted parties for newspaper journalists instead of managing a company’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. When thinking about graduate schools, ask yourself if a particular degree is in demand in the region I want to live. By having this degree, will I have more employment options? Will my compensation be significantly more if I did not have this degree? Also, if the graduate degree is pursued full-time you must account for the lost salary during the time period of obtaining the degree. Often times we see far too many people seeking refuge in graduate schools rather than facing the reality of the job market and their ability to become employable. No one is going to argue that more education is better, but what you are being educated in and at what time you receive this education, along with how much you pay for it are certainly factors to consider. The following chart indicates in dollars how remaining constant in your education attainment does not provide a lifestyle that it used to, in the past. Avg US Life Wages Life Wages % Salary in 1979$ in 2004$ Change Less than High School Graduate $18,641 $1,577,466 $960,365 -39.1 High School Graduate (Equivalent) $26,123 $1,814,595 $1,380,636 -23.9 Some College or Associate’s Degree $31,936 $2,007,712 $1,738,411 -13.4 Bachelor’s Degree $45,221 $2,736,270 $2,702,793 -1.2 Graduate of Professional Degree $59,804 $3,039,355 $3,506,939 15.2 The last thing you want to do is to borrow money to acquire a degree that does not give you the return on your investment and it ends up putting you in a bigger hole. When getting the formal degree, make certain that the degree is in demand in the region you are living in, and that you can easily recoup the personal investment you are making. Not all degrees are created equal.
Take a
Take a Leap
Leap ofof Faith
Faith
Step 7:
Step 7: Start a Business Start a Business
The last step of diversifying your job search process en route to becoming a Perfect Job Seeker
The last step of diversifying your job search process en route to becoming a Perfect Job Seeker
requires relinquishing control of your situation, taking risks and trusting and relying on others for
requires relinquishing control of your situation, taking risks, and trusting and relying on others for
guidance.
guidance.
No one
No one will
will ask
ask you
you whether
do you want
you to work
want to for
worksomeone else or
for someone for or
else yourself – and—then
for yourself andshow you how
then show
to work for yourself. But that is exactly what colleges and universities must do – promote
you how to work for yourself. But that is exactly what colleges and universities must do — promote student
entrepreneurship.
student The US The
entrepreneurship. economy needs you
U.S. economy to think
needs youabout how
to think you can
about howcreate a business
you can create a and
become aand
business member
become of the Free Agent
a member Free (Read
Nation
of the Free Agent
Agent Nation (readNation by DanNation
Free Agent Pink.) by
Approximately
Dan Pink.)
70% of all new 70
Approximately jobpercent
creationofisallstarted
new jobby creation
small businesses. A little
is started by smallover
1.2% of all working
businesses. US adults
A little over are entrepreneurs.
1.2 percent of all working Are
U.S.you oneare
adults of them?
entre
preneurs. Are you one of them?
No one says your small business has to be your primary income stream.
Start
No onesmall
saysand
youronline
smallasbusiness
serial entrepreneur
has to be your Cameron
primaryJohnson
income advises
stream. in
his book
Start You
small andCall the Shots.
online as serial entrepreneur Cameron Johnson advises
in his book You Call the Shots.
Online businesses in particular are easier to start than ever before. First,
the Virginia
Online Tech Pamplin
businesses Business
in particular Information
are easier Technology
to start Department
than ever before. First,
has created a class and enterprise called the Online Business
the Virginia Tech Pamplin Business Information Technology Department Guidebook
that created
has gives step-by-step
a class anddirections
enterpriseincalled
takingthe
your idea Business
Online online. Second, Inc.
Guidebook
magazine’s
that gives step-by-step directions annual
in taking list idea
your of theonline.
fastestSecond
5000 private companiesannual
Inc. magazine’s in the list
USof
indicated
the fastestthat 87%
5000 werecompanies
private self-fundedinwith
theaUnited
median investment
States of $25,000.
indicated Third, there
that 87 percent of theare organi-
companies
zations
were in Blacksburg,
self-funded with aVA (Day One
median Ventures,
investment NCTC, VT
of $25,000. KnowledgeWorks,
Third, Businessin
there are organizations Technology
Blacksburg,
Center, etc. ) willing to invest and help you start now!
Virginia (Day One Ventures, RBTC, VT KnowledgeWorks, etc.) willing to invest and help you start
now!
So what are you waiting for, perhaps validation of your idea from a mentor or trusted advisor. It’s a
good
So idea
what to you
are get that feedback.
waiting As relationship
for, perhaps guru
validation of yourKeith
ideaFerrazzi states in
from a mentor orhis bookadvisor.
trusted Who’s Got
It’s
Your Back creating a personal board of directors will help you take a leap of faith in launching
a good idea to get that feedback. As relationship guru Keith Ferrazzi states in his book Who’s Got a
business
Your Back,and help make
creating important
a personal lifeof
Board and career decisions.
Directors Find
will help you these
take people
a leap in your
of faith network a
in launching
(Step 4 – and
business Conducting
help makeInformation
importantInterviews).
life and career decisions. Find these people in your network
(Step 4 — Conducting Information Interviews).
Of course, owning your own business is not as easy or glamorous as you may think. And it is not
for course,
Of 99% of the population.
owning your own It takes sacrifice,
business is not long
as easyhours, uncertain revenue
or glamorous streams,
as you may think.high
And,levels of
it is not
risk tolerance, persistence, passion, commitment, vision, determination, luck and
for 99 percent of the population. It takes sacrifice, long hours, uncertain revenue streams, high lev-the execution of
an idea.
els of riskMany new businesses
tolerance, persistence, diepassion,
in the first year and most
commitment, dodetermination,
vision, not make it after year
luck, andthree. But the
the execu-
ride of
tion and
anthe reward
idea. Manycould
new be the best of
businesses dieyour life.first
in the It’syear
worth
andtaking
mostthe
dorisk
not now,
makeas a young
it after yearadult,
three.
before
But theother life commitments
ride and the reward could suchbeas the(spouse,
best of mortgage,
your life. It’schildren, poor health,
worth taking the risketc.)
now,make that
as a young
leap ofbefore
adult, faith much
other more difficult.
life commitments (i.e., spouse, mortgage, children, poor health, etc.) make that
leap of faith much more difficult.
However, self-employment is a viable and real option that cannot be overlooked or dismissed. It is
another avenue
However, on your career
self-employment path and
is a viable anddeserves
real option careful consideration.
that cannot be overlooked or dismissed. It is
another avenue on your career path and deserves careful consideration.INTERACTION WITH COMPANIES
INTERACTION
Interaction withWITH COMPANIES
Research and Prepare
Companies
step:
step:
8 for Company
Research
Research and
and Interaction
Prepare
Prepare
step: 8
8 for
for Company
Company Interaction
Interaction
You can now articulate your MAJOR LIC, you have developed your unique branding materials, and
You
you can now articulate
understand your job
the perfect Major LIC, strategy,
seeker you haveyou
developed
are nowyour unique
ready branding
to contact materials,
companies. But before
You
and can
youyou now articulate
sendunderstand
that email,theyour MAJOR
pickperfect
up thejob LIC,
seeker
phone you have
strategy,
or apply developed
you you
online, your
are need unique
now ready branding
to contact
to know information and
materials,
relevantcompanies. about
you
But understand
before you the
send perfect
that job seeker
e-mail, pick upstrategy,
the you
phone orare now
apply ready
online, to
you
the firm you are contacting and use that knowledge in your correspondence. contact
need companies.
to know But
relevant before
you send that
information email,
about thepick
firmup youthe phone
are or apply
contacting andonline,
use that youknowledge
need to know relevant
in your information about
correspondence.
the firm you are contacting and use that knowledge in your correspondence.
Theeasiest
The easiestandandmost
mostcommon
commonway waytotoresearch
researchcompanies
companiesisistotovisit visittheir
theirwebsites.
website. However,
However, this
information
this
The informationis company
easiest and ismost
company selected.
common It’stoIt’s
selected.
way filtered. It’scompanies
filtered.
research positive
It’s info
positive they want
isinformation
to visit you
theirthey towant
knowHowever,
website. about
you their
to knowthisfirm.
Another
about
information common
their firm.
is companyapproach
Another commonis Google
selected. approach
It’s search.
filtered. But
isIt’s
Googlethere
positive is toothey
search.
info much
But information
there
want is too
you to much
knowwithabout
this format
information and
their firm.
with
it is this
Another format,difficult
extremely
common and it is
to extremely
approach filter
is Google difficult
and find search.to filter
exactly and
whatthere
But youfind exactly
need.
is too Most
much what you will
people
informationneed.do Most
this people
these
with two activi-
format and
will
itties do these
and be done
is extremely two activities
withto
difficult and
it. filter be
But ifand done
youfind
want with it.
to getwhat
exactly But if
noticed you
youand want
need. to get
be coveted, noticed
Most people and
you will
will dobe coveted,
do these
more.two activi-
you will do
ties and be more.
done with it. But if you want to get noticed and be coveted, you will do more.
• Ask
• Ask your
your network
network of of contacts.
contacts. Remember
Remember Step
Step 4?
4? When
When conducting
conducting information
information interviews
interviews ask
•people
Ask your network
for informationof contacts. Remember
you cannot Step
find online 4? When
from people conducting information
who currently interviews
work atwork
youratdesired ask
ask people for information you cannot find online from people who currently your firm.
people for information you cannot find online from people who currently work at your desired firm.
desired firm.
• Career
••
Career Shift
Shiftisis
CareerShift isaadatabase
databasethat
thatgives
databasethat
gives aplethora
plethoraofofofpertinent
givesaaplethora
pertinent informa-
pertinent informa-
tion
tion aboutcompanies.
companies.
information
about Youmust
mustregister
about companies.
You register
You musttoregister
to use. to use.
use.
•••
Social
Social media
Social media
media sites
sites
sites such
such
such asas
as LinkedIn
LinkedIn
LinkedIn and
and
and Twitter
Twitter
Twitter provide
provide
provide current information
current
current information
about
about peopleininthe
information
people theorganization,
about organization,
people in the products, services
organization,
products, services andother
other
products,
and detailed
services and
detailed data
data
other detailed data points.
points.
points.
• Attaain Inc. is providing a real-time mash up of Web information from various sources to give job
seekers a more comprehensive
• Attaain and organized review of companies.
• Attaainisisproviding
providingaareal-time
real-timemash
mashupupofofweb
webinformation
informationfrom
fromvarious
varioussources
sourcestotogive
givestudents
students
a more comprehensive and organized review of companies.
a more comprehensive and organized review of companies.
• The best opportunity for successful job prospecting is job fairs. To maximize the opportunities
presented at job fairs, you must learn how to prepare for a job fair. View this video for a step-by-
step approach (www.stuartmease.com/uncategorized/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-fair/).
•Now
Thethat
best opportunity
you have usedfor a successful job sources
myriad of data prospecting is job fairs.
to assimilate To maximize
a good the opportunities
and thorough understanding
presented
• The at
best job fairs,
opportunity you
for must learn
successful how
job to prepare
prospectingfor
is a job
job fair.
fairs. View
To this
maximizevideo
the for
of your target company, you are now ready to apply that knowledge in your initial interaction a step-by-step
opportunities
with
approach http://www.stuartmease.com/uncategorized/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-fair/
presented at job fairs, you must learn how to prepare for a job fair. View this video for a step-by-step
companies.
approach http://www.stuartmease.com/uncategorized/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-fair/
Now that you have used a myriad of data sources to assimilate a good and thorough understand-
ing of your target company, you are now ready to apply that knowledge in your initial interaction with
Now that you have used a myriad of data sources to assimilate a good and thorough understand-
companies.
ing of your target company, you are now ready to apply that knowledge in your initial interaction with
companies.Step 9: Be Unique in Applying for Jobs. N Now that you have researched your companies, you need to respond by contacting recruiters. The common practice is to apply online, and many recruiters will tell you that’s the only way, but it is not. The reason you are given this information is that the online application provides an easy way for them to monitor, search, and report on their recruiting activity. Find another way to apply, such as: “A student walks into a job fair wanting to im- “As a lifetime UNC basketball fan, I wanted press his top employer Philip Morris. He has to use a similar technique to apply for the nothing to lose. When he walks into the room, current Director of Basketball Operations he is not dressed in a suit like everyone else, job that became available with my favorite but he is wearing a cowboy outfit identical to sports team. I sent a Carolina blue and white the Marlboro Man — white t-shirt, jeans, boots, basketball overnight FedEx with pieces of my belt buckle, and hat — and is smoking a ciga- resume pasted on each leather strip and a rette. He clearly articulates his desire to work cover letter outlining everyone in my personal for Philip Morris; submits a resume and walks network who would be a reference and had out. It stopped the fair. It was the best unique ties to the university and the key decision first impression ever.” maker.” These stories illustrate how you should make your first impression with your Number 1 employer. You cannot and should not do it for every application, but reserve for jobs you really, really want. Here are some more suggestions: Essential Basics Conduct Informational Interviews — See Step 4 on Networking. It is better than applying online. Contact Staffing Agencies and Headhunters — These people work with dozens of recruiters. Volunteer — Many influential people serve on non-profit boards. Show them your skills as a volunteer. Coffee Shop Job Searching — Setup your office there, schedule appointments and meet others. Be a Voracious Reader — Through local/industry publications you can be educated on current trends. Bold Basics Overnight FedEx — Anyone can apply online. People open these immediately and must sign for it. Write your own Job Description — If the job is not advertised, then tell them what you can do for them. Offer to work part-time, short-term — A solution to company budget constraints and a differentiator. Stop and Drop — Drop your application in person and perhaps you meet the recruiter face-to-face. Auction You — Design a PR stunt with a local media outlet to benefit a charity. Social Media Basics Blog about an Expertise You Have — Show your skills and talents about a topic online for others to view. Social Media Bounty Fee — Motivate your Facebook friends with a cash bounty for help in landing a job. Tweet Deck Monitor Mentions — Use this platform to connect and follow recruiters. Google Job Experiment — Watch this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FRwCs99DWg. Not all of these tactics will result in an immediate response. You must follow up, again and again…
Step 10: Following Up You have just created the most unique initial interaction with a company recruiter ever. You are feeling pretty confident. Time passes and you have not received an immediate response. Do not be discouraged, this is normal. Recruiters Work Load — Recruiters are not online every minute of the day like you are. Recruiters are in meetings, interviews, handling employee complaints, on the phone, traveling, dealing with personal business, on vacation, and are hiring for more positions than the one you are applying for. Bottom line they are busy and interact with many people on a daily basis. It is easy for a recruiter not to follow up in a timely, personal fashion. It’s okay, it does not mean they have rejected you. Sometimes, it takes persistence on your part. My unique application for the UNC basketball job never received a response, but I realized that I never followed up. I thought the idea was good enough to get a call back, but it did not. Therefore, what should I have done? Ideally, you want to give enough time for a person to respond, and without knowing their schedule, a week to 10 days would be ideal. When you do follow up, make certain that you use a different communication vehicle than the one used initially. So, if you wrote a letter, then you may want to call this time. If you did a stop and drop, then maybe an e-mail will suffice. What if I do not receive a response after the follow up? You must decide how badly you want the position you have applied for. This is where determination and persistence can differentiate you from everyone else. If you really want the position, then wait another 7 to 10 days and respond differently. If not, let it go and move on to the next opportunity. You cannot fixate on one job. You must have mul- tiple options available at all times. Do not stop prospecting. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Tip to Get a Response or to Schedule a Meeting — Earlier you were given a step-by-step process of conducting an information interview. Step 5 of that process is “Say when you will follow up and do it.” This step is where you can almost guarantee a follow-up from the receiver. When you write your information interview handwritten note, cover letter, e-mail, phone call, and so on, state that “if I do not hear from you by `x’ date (i.e., January 3), then I will call you on `y’ date (i.e., January 5 at 11 a.m. EST).” If they respond before January 3, then it is a mute point. If they do not respond by the January 3 time period, then perhaps they may be testing you to see whether you will call. Maybe they have put the “meeting” on their calendar and are expecting you to call them. When you do call asking for the person, reference the letter. If they are not prepared or their assistant did not put the “meeting” on their calendar, then they will feel like they made a mistake and will want to more than likely try to make up for the mistake by taking your call. It works. Try it and find out. Ultimately, you are trying to get a response. You want that response to be positive based on your follow-up techniques. You are hoping that a positive impression of your style and technique has been formed by the recruiter and it will be just enough for them to ask you for a formal interview.
Step 11: Interviewing After successfully contacting and fol- lowing up with companies to secure an interview, you must repeat Step 8 by researching the company before your interview. During your research, list some questions you may have about the position, the company, and its cul- ture — anything showing that you are prepared to seriously consider this firm as your future employer. Interview Stream is a wonderful interactive tool to help you prepare for your interview in front of your own computer. Also, watch this video to see a sample interview (http://www.blueridgepbs.org/videos/local-productions/ jobquest/jobquest-video-archives/223-job-interview-pointers). You may even get a friend to ask these or other questions in preparation for the real thing. Dress in professional attire or one level above what you would wear every day to work. If you do not know the dress culture of the company, then play it safe and wear a business suit. Arrive early for the interview. If you are able and willing, go to the site before the interview to know exactly where you need to be. Types of Interviews — If possible, ask before arriving what your itinerary will be on the day of the interview. This information will show whether you will have one-to-one individual and/or a group/panel interview. If names of the interviewers are listed, then Google your interviewers. Try and find a nugget of infor- mation that you can casually bring up and that will build instant rapport with the interviewer. You will more than likely receive some questions that start out “tell me about a time when . . .,” these are behavioral interview questions. Recruiters know that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. That is why these questions are asked. If you respond to one of these questions with a story exposing a weakness, then be certain to share what you learned from the experience and, if possible, tell a short second story about how you applied the lesson learned in a similar situation. If you are asked a question you do not have an answer for, use one of these three stall techniques: 1. Ask them to repeat the question — perhaps you now better understand it. 2. Drink some water — it will give you a couple extra seconds to think of a response. 3. Ask them do you want a personal, academic or work example — this is risky, but can give you some more time and it shows them you have many experiences and you can think on your feet. Never bring up compensation until the company mentions it first. Ask for the job — If at the end of the interview, you know that you really want the job, then ask for it. At the end of the interview, be certain to send handwritten thank you notes or emails to those who interviewed you. This simple follow up technique is only done by less than 10% of job seekers. After your interview your patience will be tested. So be prepared.
Step 12: Accepting, Rejecting,
Your point of contact with the company you inter-
and Negotiating
viewed with may not be the final decision maker. Typically, it is the hiring manager. Uncontrollable
market circumstances can derail hiring plans in an instant. There is nothing you can do about it. Things
change within the economic market of your potential future employer. So, you must be patient.
Realize that you are not the only one being interviewed for the position. It takes a lot of time and
coordination to get calendars, travel plans, and changing schedules to come together perfectly. Most
recruiters are not working on filling only one role but many roles simultaneously, so the process can
be very tedious. Again, hiring managers and recruiters have many different tasks that may be more
important than filling an open position or filling a newly created position. Using the techniques in Step
10 on Follow up is essential. There will most likely be unexpected and awkward twists and turns from
this point forward, just know that this is part of the process. Not every recruiting department is as or-
ganized as you may think. So, you must be patient.
Handling Rejection — If you are contacted and the message conveyed is that you did not get the job,
then politely ask why and gather that feedback for future interviews. Additionally, a classy move would
be to send another thank you note to the company recruiter showing your
appreciation in making it that far through the process. Also, 3 to 6 months
from the time of the rejection, follow up with that same contact and ask
them how the new person is doing. You may be surprised that their first
choice was a mistake and by simply following up, you may get another
chance at the position. So, you must be patient.
Accepting — You get the call or e-mail, and there is the formal offer. Do
not accept the position on the spot. The offer is usually valid for about a
week. Use this time wisely by carefully reading the employment contract
(perhaps seek a legal review), consult with your personal Board of Directors (see Step 7), and use
as leverage with other companies that have interviewed you but who have not extended an offer (tell
them you have an offer with another company that ends by “x” date). You must be patient.
Negotiation — Typically, , the first financial offer extended to you is their base, low amount. They prob-
ably have a high amount and another amount in between. Most people take it and do not ask for more
by building a logical case. During the week provided to you for considering your offer, it would be very
wise to construct data for why you should receive more money, vacation, or other benefit. The web-
site www.salary.com, cost of living websites, network of contacts, and existing employees can provide
bits of data to provide a range of pay for your services. It would be wise for you to create similar low,
high, and in-between amounts. Some larger organizations who hire many, many college graduates
will not budge. It is what it is. You do not want to push them too much or they will push you away. This
tactic works better with smaller firms, so you must be patient.
Once you accept the offer, the proper ethical job search etiquette is to cease all other interviewing
by notifying any other companies you are actively pursuing. Those students not compliant with this
etiquette damage their own reputation, their school’s reputation, and can adversely affect future
students’ chances of working for that company.Action:
Step 13: Gain Experience through internships,
Externships and Volunteering
Paid internships are the desired outcomes, but
What is the next step? If you are currently in only 50 percent of all internships are paid. You
must ask yourself, what skills I can possess that
the job market put this information into action. a company can make money off of me, by pay-
If you are a college student, read this final step. ing me an hourly rate. This is why only one in two
internships is paid.
The methods and techniques to get full-time
jobs are the same for internships. Experience is Therefore, volunteering or unpaid internships
will be done by the other half. It is important to
the number one factor employers look for when
have some experience on your resume before
seeking out college students — not just GPA. your senior year in college. If possible, try and
get academic credit, but do not pay summer
tuition for it. Academic departments may have
an internship program during the semester to help with credit and obtaining an unpaid internship. If
volunteering is the only way, then do it. No one is asking or expecting you to work full-time for free
during the summer.
As a result, I often recommend hybrid internships. These are work situations where you volunteer half
time for the company in your field of study and the other time you are making money working in retail,
food services, or on the golf course. A future employer will not care if that summer experience is 20 or
40 hours a week. The main goal is that you had that experience.
An emerging trend for underclassmen, especially for accounting majors who want to work for the Big
Four, are externships. These are one-day to one-week sessions with employers for you to learn about
their profession and company and for them to learn more about you. It is a great resume builder.
Cooperatives are internships that last for a summer and a fall or spring semester. They are almost
always paid, but it does usually delay your graduation date. Schedule wisely.
One of the biggest deciding factors in determining your summer internships plans revolve around
housing for the summer. Typically a student will want to work at home where they can live with par-
ents or in their college town where they have a lease. Those students who are willing to go elsewhere
during the summer, and are willing to secure their own short-term housing, may have more opportu-
nities and also differentiate themselves from other students. Some companies also provide housing
assistance and it would be appropriate to ask that question to an employer.
At the end of the internship, a company may ask your plans for next summer or post-graduation. If
the firm is interested in you, then they will extend a full-time offer after the internship. Upwards of 50
percent of interns will receive such an offer. Many students accept full-time jobs with companies
before they start their senior year.
Finally, remember that there is no such thing as a bad internship. Each experience is short term and
you can determine a career path you do not want or validate a desire that you do have. Again, the
main goal is getting experience in preparation for graduation and the full-time job search process.About Stuart Mease Stuart Mease’s primary focus is “connecting people” to create mutually beneficial relationships. This mission is currently being filled as the Director of Undergraduate Career Services in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Prior to his current role, Mease served as the Recruiting Leader for the publicly traded Blacksburg division of Rackspace Email and Apps. Mease previously worked for the City of Roanoke, Virginia, to create programs and events aimed at attract- ing and retaining the creative class workforce for the RNR (Roanoke and New River Valleys) region. These activities and programs have been uniquely recognized by many local, state and national media outlets and organizational groups, including the International Economic Development Council annual conference in 2008. His strategy was to implement new Web technologies in the traditional industry of economic development to highlight people and place generating thousands of contacts, friends, connections, followers, and subscribers. This style and strategy was recognized by the Creative Class Group as it selected Roanoke as one of only three cities globally to partner in their Creative Community Leadership Project in 2008. Mease’s work in “connecting people” has been recognized over 100 times in various news outlets. Nationally, he has appeared in Tech Crunch, Staffing Management Magazine, Florida Times Union, Providence Journal, St. Petersburg Times, Strengthening Brand America, Innovators Traction, and www.CreativeClass.org. Blue Ridge PBS also recognized Mease’s work and invited him to be a content contributor to the Emmy Award-win- ning “JobQuest,” a live monthly television show assisting job seekers in the RNR. Mease is married, has one child and enjoys spending time with his family, studying Christianity, playing golf, watching sports, following politics, and engaging in the community. Speaking and Consulting: Stuart Mease’s expertise with “connecting people” is evidenced by the number of organizations that have asked him to serve as a speaker. He has presented keynote speeches on areas related to his core expertise (e.g., career development, personal networking, generational differences, and workforce development) to over 150 diverse audiences in the private, educational, and government sectors. To request Stuart Mease to be a guest speaker in your organization, E-mail: stuartmease@gmail.com Twitter: @stuartmease LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stuartmease Facebook: Stuart.Mease Blog: www.stuartmease.com
You can also read
