Job search & self-branding

1. JOB SEARCHJOB SEARCH
& MARKETING “ME INC.”& MARKETING “ME INC.”
Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking & InterviewsResumes, Cover Letters, Networking & Interviews
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2. TODAY’S OBJECTIVES ~TODAY’S OBJECTIVES ~ Brief OverviewBrief Overview
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Understand a “Big Picture” view of Job Search Marketing .
List four resume styles & when appropriately used.
Compare and contrast an effective Resume & Cover Letter
Identify the 4 P’s of Networking & Interviewing with excellence.
Write and practice a 30 Second “Me Inc” Pitch/Summary.
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3. By the end of this session, participants willBy the end of this session, participants will believebelieve that:that:
You can confidently move forward, find the necessary
resources and services to begin to prepare your marketing
materials for an effective job search.
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4. AGENDAAGENDA
Introductions 15 Minutes
Warm-up ~ The Story of “ME” 25 Minutes
Brainstorm 10 Minutes
Overview Resumes & Cover Letters 20 Minutes
Group Exercise 20Minutes
Break 15 Minutes
Brainstorm 10 Minutes
Overview of Networking & Interviews 20 Minutes
Group Exercise 30 Minutes
Summary & Wrap-up 15 Minutes
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5. GROUP NORMSGROUP NORMS
Participate and contribute your thoughts and ideas.
Listen actively and attentively when others are speaking.
Please do not interrupt.
Respect other’s opinion.
Limit side conversations while others are speaking.
Put hand up, nod or make gesture to facilitator to
acknowledge the need to speak.
Be here and in the moment.
Anything else?
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6. The Story of “ME” ~ Warm-Up ExerciseThe Story of “ME” ~ Warm-Up Exercise
Instructions:
1. Fold a piece of flipchart paper in half and then half again to
form a book.
2. Choose & write your favourite or a popular song as your
title.
3. Inside front cover, list a table of contents.
1. Name of the place you were born
2. Description of your first job
3. Number of years you have been working for your company
4. On page three, draw a picture of your family.
5. On the back cover, write where you want to be in 5
years.
6. Think fast ~ 10 minutes to complete.
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7. The Story of “ME” ~ Warm-Up ExerciseThe Story of “ME” ~ Warm-Up Exercise
Using your book as a visual aid, tell your story to the group.
We want to hear from everyone so keep it brief and have
fun!
15 minutes
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8. “What appears to be the end of the road may
simply be
a bend In the road.”
-Dr. Robert Schuller
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9. What Are Your Marketing Tools?What Are Your Marketing Tools?
Resumes (Word & Text Format)
Cover Letters
Portfolio (Diplomas, Certifications, Work Samples Etc.)
Business Cards
30 Second Summary, Blogs, Profiles
Association Memberships & Affiliations
Website, FaceBook, MySpace
Interview Preparation
References
Any others?
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10. Let’s Get Focused ... Getting StartedLet’s Get Focused ... Getting Started
Brief Overview & Key Points for Today:
 Resume
 Cover Letter
 Networking
 Interviews
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11. “When one door closes another door opens;
But we often look so longingly
and so regretfully upon the door that closed, that we
fail to see
the one that has opened for us.”
- Helen Keller
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12. Resume StylesResume Styles – Page 7– Page 7
Chronological:
 Steady career progression, proof of expertise and credibility
Functional: Skill or Accomplishment Based
 Experienced worker, career changer, lots of job movement or
no job movement
Combination:
 Functional/ Skill or Accomplishment Based format within a
chronological work history
Technical:
 Educational, training & technical background
 Can be worked into one of the other styles
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13. Important: On-line & Text ResumesImportant: On-line & Text Resumes
Your on-line resume can be developed by using and
converting from any one of the other basic styles.
Make sure you read the instructions for submitting on-line
(e.g. PDF, Text, MS Word file etc.).
Keyword Summary.
Removing formatting.
 Employment Resource Centres (ERCs) and Information Resource
Services (IRS’) can teach you how to do this.
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14. Resume Top Ten TipsResume Top Ten Tips
Brief OverviewBrief Overview
1. Be positive.
2. No errors.
3. Standard size paper in neutral shades.
4. Brief and uncluttered – 1-2 pages.
5. Short concise, succinct sentences. Less is more.
6. Emphasize accomplishments.
7. Use action verbs and past tense – watch your tenses.
8. Avoid underlining , italics, fancy fonts.
9. Keep records of resumes sent and the job posting.
10. Lose “I” and “me”.
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15. Cover Letter Top Ten TipsCover Letter Top Ten Tips
Brief OverviewBrief Overview
1. Address to a specific person. Never “To Whom It May
Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
2. No errors – Business Letter format.
3. State why you are approaching that organization.
4. Demonstrate excellent written communication skills.
5. Point out most relevant accomplishments, skills experience.
6. Make sure it is targeted.
7. 1 page – 3-4 paragraphs – various styles & approaches.
8. Include your contact information and availability.
9. Convey “fit” for the job & the opportunity to meet/interview.
10. Always have someone proofread.
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16. Brainstorming: Resumes & Cover LettersBrainstorming: Resumes & Cover Letters
Group Exercise – Page 15
What factors seem to be common among effective resumes
and cover letters?
Do you consider it important to tailor your resume and
cover letters for a specific job? Why?
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17. “One of life’s most painful moments
comes when
we must admit that we didn’t
do our homework,
that we are not prepared.”
- Merlin Olsen
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18. What is Networking?What is Networking?
People talking to people to get information.
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19. The 4 P’s of Networking & InterviewsThe 4 P’s of Networking & Interviews
Prepare:
 Know Yourself. Take stock of your skills, knowledge, values, needs,
beliefs, interests and personal characteristics. Research and know
what you can contribute and offer.
Practise:
 Practise what you will say and how you will say it. The 30 Second Sales
Pitch/Summary is a good place to start.
Participate:
 Get involved, show enthusiasm, and always present your best self.
 Make sure your network contacts know what you are looking for.
 Create new contacts. Do whatever it takes. e.g. Cold Calling etc.
Be Positive:
 Use all resources and develop an action plan to stay motivated.
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20. BRAINSTORMING: Networking &BRAINSTORMING: Networking &
InterviewsInterviews
Individual & Group Exercise
 We’re throwing down the gauntlet!
Write a 30 Second Sales Pitch/Summary
 See page 21
The many uses of a Sales Pitch/Summary :
An introduction when you are Networking
Cold Calling introduction
A variation will answer, “Tell me about yourself”
and “Why should we hire you?”
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21. ““Pitch Me” ~ Your “Edge”Pitch Me” ~ Your “Edge” Page 21Page 21
Write one comprehensive sentence per prompt.
Step 1 :
Name ~ First, Last Name
Job Title/Target:
Step 2:
I am a ...
Specializing in ...
Step 3:
What do you do ...
Step 4:
Why you are the best at what you do ...
Step 5:
Your call to action ...
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22. Networking Top Ten TipsNetworking Top Ten Tips
Brief OverviewBrief Overview
1. Be prepared.
2. Be open minded.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Treat everyone as equals.
5. Build your network on information, not status.
6. Say “thank you”.
7. Don’t waste your resources.
8. Give without expectation.
9. Set realistic achievable goals.
10. Be committed and determined to do whatever it takes.
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23. Interviewing Top Ten TipsInterviewing Top Ten Tips
Brief OverviewBrief Overview
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! Anticipate questions.
2. Know the job posting/description thoroughly.
3. Research the company.
4. Use positive body language, sit up straight & maintain eye
contact.
5. Understand the process ~ Opening, Body, Close
6. Prepare for Behaviour Interviews & use P.A.R.
7. Prepare your questions to ask the Interviewer.
8. Actively listen and then ... Listen! Ask for clarification.
9. Dress appropriately.
10. Send or email a “Thank You!”
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24. “I must do something”
will always solve more problems than
“Something must be done.”
- Bits & Pieces
“It’s only too late if you don’t start now.”
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25. Call to ActionCall to Action
Read through this information
Use all resources available to you
Attend workshops and seminars
Access services and programs available to you
Be accountable and accept the challenge
Start preparing your Resumes, Cover Letters
Prepare for Networking and Interviews
Good Luck ~ You Can Do It!
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26. Personal Action Plan –Personal Action Plan – Page 28Page 28
Take some time and devise your plan for next steps (Page 28)
Fill in an evaluation (Page 29)
Identify three key ideas from the session that are the most immediate priorities for your job search.
1.
2.
3.
What is one step you can take immediately to act on your idea(s)?
What do you need to take action? ____________________.
When will you do this? ________________________________.
Who will support you? _________________________________.
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27. “If you demand perfection of yourself, you’ll
seldom achieve it. Fear of making a mistake
is the biggest single cause of making one.
Instead of pushing for perfection, relax and
pursue excellence.”
- Bud Winter, Track Coach
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Final ThoughtFinal Thought