Kathryn Scahill, NCC, DCC, leads a presentation sharing valuable tips about getting noticed and getting the job.

1. Job Search in ANY Economy
Kathryn Scahill, NCC, DCC

2. What is “The Secret” to getting a job?
The process is simple, but not easy
–Once learned, it can and will be repeated throughout your career
– The keys are Research and Preparation using the 4-step process

3. Career Development Process
– Self Assessment
– Market Assessment/Decision Making
– Self Marketing
– Job Search

4. Start with some “Introspection”
Your Career Coach will guide you through Self Assessment – understanding the Brand Called You
 Values
 Interests
 Personality
 Skills

5. Values
•What is important to you?
–Work/life balance
–Short commute/ no commute, telecommute
–Room for growth
–Benefits
–Child care
–Reputation of company
–Example – Whole Foods

6. Interests
•What do you like (in your work life)
•Working with people
•Customer service
•Independence
•Team projects
•Deadlines
•Variety
•NY Career Zone

7. Skills
•Analytical
•Technical
•Teaching
•Counseling
•Training
•Leadership
•Top Skills Employers want

8. Personality
•Are you outgoing or shy?
•Are you assertive or passive?
•Do you seek out excitement or peace and quiet?
•Are you open to new experiences or do you avoid them?
•Are you anxious and nervous or usually relaxed?
•Do you act impulsively or do you take your time to make decisions?
•Are you patient and understanding or do you lose your temper easily?
•Do you like being the center of attention or blending in with the crowd?
•How would other people (family, friends, teachers) describe you?
•Do What You Are

9. I know myself, now what?
•Begin brainstorming some career ideas
–Why did you choose your major?
–What are some “dream jobs”?
•Investment banker, college professor, entrepreneur….
–List some careers you are curious about but do not fully understand
–Use a process of elimination
–Look at lists of fastest growing careers

10. Decision Making
•Now that you know what you want…how do you find it? What are your options?
•Consider
–Growth rate
–Geography
–Educational requirements
–Salary

11. Begin your Market Research
•Occupational Outlook Handbook
•Business Journals
–www.bizjournals.com/phoenix
–Book of Lists
•Professional Organizations
•Indeed
•Vault, WetFeet, Hoovers
•Forbes list
•Education Pays

12. Creating Target List
• What is your target?
– Job title
– Company
– Industry
– Location

13. Putting it all together
•You know who you are
•You know what you want
•You are aware of what options are available
•What next?
–Create your marketing materials
–Take your “brand” to market
–Apply and begin interviewing

14. Self Marketing
•Cover Letters and Resumes
•Articulate your “fit”
–Reference your values, skills, interests and personality as they relate to the job
–Describe your fit with their requirements and culture
–Focus on what you have to offer, not gain
–Customize documents for each job!

15. Cast a Wide Net
•There is not ONE way to find a job! Use all available avenues
•Two Categories: Active and Passive
Passive
oRecruiters
oPosting your resume
Active
–Postings online
–Networking
•phone calls still work!
–Career fairs
–Newspapers

16. Interviewing
•You must be able to sell yourself
–What message do you want to convey?
•Know the company/industry
•Practice interview questions
–Behavioral
–Industry specific
–Vault guides
•Be able to explain why you are a match
–Why should we hire you? (now you can answer with confidence!)

17. Click Submit to Apply
•If this is the only way to apply for a job, how can you stand out?
–Do you meet at least 75% of the requirements?
–Have you really read and understood the job description and know you could succeed in that role?
–Did you tailor your resume to the position?
–Did you submit a cover letter specific to the job, referencing your fit?
–Is there a way to follow-up?
–Can you use your network to get more information or connect directly with someone in the company?

18. Keeping Track and Following Up
•Organize your search process
•Follow up when possible (more than once)
•If you are not selected, ask for feedback
•Stay in touch
•Accept setbacks
•Expect responses!

19. Networking
•Not about asking for job
•Insider information (www.vault.com)
•Making professional connections
•Learning best ways to get into an organization
•Getting referrals to apply
•Make it a two-way street
•Do it all the time, not just when job searching
•LinkedIn is a great place to begin

20. There is a Secret to Success!
You stand out by… being the most prepared candidate!