Creating a Job Search Strategy in a Tough Economy

1. Work Smarter, Not HarderCreating a Job Search Strategy in a Tough Economy Sue Danbom | UsmanChaudry| Sebastien Cobut Volt Workforce Solutions October 08 2009

2. Overview Creating a Job Search Strategy: Building a resume Building a virtual presence Finding opportunities Interviewing

3. Building a Resume Building a resume

4. Building a resume 2 Formats: Chronological Functional Does your resume… Scream “Call me” Have MSA’s? (If not, get them!!!) Keywords

5. Made, Saved, and Achieved’s… Quantifiable Made: Products/Services you’ve created Ideas you’ve created Sales Saved: Time Money Reduction in costs Achieved: Greatest Accomplishments

6. MSA Example What have you made, saved, or achieved for your employers? Provide example Give quantifiable results “I provided technical support to 300 employees with computer difficulties locally and remotely using Altiris Remote Control, resulting in a reduced response time from 3 ½ hours to 2 hours. I reduced number of service tickets 30% from 100 to 70 in my first month.”

7. Building a virtual presence

8. Building a Virtual Presence Attract Attention Choose appropriate site Prepare profile carefully Post picture Experience and education MSA’s Keywords Contact information Create network Update frequently

9. Building a Virtual Presence Create On-line Profiles on Social Media Sites Linked In Facebook Twitter Google You Tube

11. Finding Opportunities Where do you find jobs? What is the most effective method? Post and Pray? Submit to jobs on job boards? Networking?

12. Finding Opportunities Where do you find jobs? If your only answer is… “Applying to job ads and postings…” …that’s NOT ENOUGH in today’s economy.

13. Finding Opportunities Apply directly to company websites Apply directly using Job Aggregators Indeed.com Simplyhired.com clickajob.co.uk Join groups to network Ning.com Google Groups Yahoo! Groups MSN Groups

14. Job Search Strategy Take a comprehensive approach Update your resume with MSA’s Add keywords to be searchable Post to the major job boards: i.eMonster, Steptsone, CareerBuilder ... Apply directly to target companies Network Family Friends (Friends of friends/family) Colleagues, Managers (Past and present) Associations/groups

15. Job Search Strategy How will they find you? Tweak your resume for each job. Applying via e-mail… Include your resume and cover letter in the body AND Attach resume and cover letter soft copy Create a follow-up spreadsheet to track applications Follow up with applications on a weekly basis.

16. Interviewing for Success

17. Interviewing for Success Know the job description Research the company What can you contribute? (MSA’s) To the position To the company What personal characteristics make you successful? (Examples) Why do you want the position? Prepare questions

18. Interviewing for Success Be prompt Dress appropriately Treat everyone with respect Bring your resume Turn off your phone Give a firm handshake Be positive and make it a conversation

19. Practice, Practice, Practice 5Ps: – James Baker Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance TO INTERVIEW

20. Follow Up Thank everyone you spoke to

22. Building a virtual presence and networking

23. Finding opportunities – use a comprehensive, proactive approach

24. Prepare and practice for interviewing