The job market today is very competitive, therefore, you need to
be proactive and take charge of your job search. When
managing your job search it is critical that you rely on more than
one method to obtain job leads. Balancing different
strategies simultaneously can help you work smarter, not harder,
and increase the probability of your career success. There
are eight methods which will be discussed:
1. The Career Center
2. Networking
3. The Internet
4. Executive Search Firms, Employment Agencies, Temporary
Agencies
5. Classified Ads
6. Professional Associations
7. Trade Papers
8. Target Mailings
The Career Center
Individual Advisement
Based on your professional career objective an advisor will meet
with you to review your resume and cover letter, develop a job
search marketing plan, perform a mock interview and discuss
strategies for salary negotiations.
Self-Assessment
A career advisor will assist you in exploring your skills,
interests and career options, using computerized career guidance
tools including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong
Interest Inventory.
Conveying Your Message
It's important for you to talk with as many individuals in your
field or industry as you can. The Career Center and the
Office of Alumni Relations have developed an alumni mentor network
titled Count On Alumni for Career Help (COACH). This is a
database of St. John's alums that have volunteered their time to
speak with students and alumni. If you are interested in changing
careers, this program is especially important and an excellent way
to research out a new industry. Communicating with others,
becoming more visible and "putting yourself out there" will help
you to learn about potential career opportunities.
Register with MonsterTRAK today to begin connecting with other
alums.
Networking
Networking, communicating and connecting with others is still
the most effective job search method you can utilize.
It is estimated that approximately 80% of all jobs are
unadvertised, which means they are part of the hidden job
market. For your job search to be successful you must explore
this market. The more people you speak with the more likely
you will uncover viable prospects. Begin by developing a
Networking Hit List include names of people you know in your
everyday life - through work, business, family, professional
organizations, and religious groups. Do not eliminate anyone;
you never know where you may uncover a lead.
Informational
Interviewing
The purpose of an Informational Interview is to speak with
individuals employed in the field you are interested in to gain
knowledge and widen your circle of contacts. You will not be
asking for a job. This type of meeting is especially
important when making a career change. Since you are
requesting the meeting, you are responsible for preparing the
agenda.
Informational Interview
Questions
- What are the major responsibilities and specific duties of your
position?
- What duties of your job would you delegate to others?
- What do you believe is the best educational background for this
field?
- What types of personal qualities are necessary for this
occupation?
- Where do you see growth opportunities in this field?
- What was your career path from college to present?
- What do you think of my background so far in terms of entering
this field? What would you suggest to improve my
qualifications?
- May I have names of other organizations that hire people in
this field?
- Could you suggest anyone else for me to speak with about this
field?
Be sure you send a thank you note after each networking
meeting. Also, do not end the relationship after you have
gotten a job. Staying in touch with your networking contacts
allows you to share industry information and assists you in the
future when you are seeking new opportunities.
The Internet
Utilizing on-line resources is currently the "hottest" and the
newest job search method. Not only can it be used to identify
potential job opportunities, but also for researching and exploring
industry information and networking. Keep in mind the web is
an important job search strategy, but you cannot restrict your
search to only utilizing the web.
Web Resources
Career Center
Website
Career and Job Search Links, DBM Career Services, Experienced Level
Opportunities, Government Opportunities, Professional
Associations
Vault
Provides industry and company information, career profiles and
advice, career news and job listings.
Wet Feet
Provides information on career management, job search strategies,
company profiles, job listings and salary negotiation.
Riley Guide
Features information and articles concerning job transition, career
options, researching companies, networking and more.
6figure Jobs
Job related information for executive level positions.
Chief Monster
Provides senior level job opportunities from employers and
executive search firms.
Hoovers
Excellent way to research target companies.
Executive Search Firms
Although some individuals think negatively about executive
search firms, you should definitely include them in your job search
strategies. Registering with 3 or 4 firms would be
recommended. Search firms, commonly called "recruiters,"
represent employers, not you. They are local, national and
even international and specialize in certain industries, positions,
salary levels or geography.
To select a reputable search firm, you should ask other
individuals seeking employment, your networking contacts and human
resources professionals to recommend you to a firm specializing in
your profession, industry or compensation level.
Also, you could research firms by using the Directory of
Executive Recruiters , (Kennedy Information), Executive
Recruiter Almanac (Adams Media Corp.) and many Chamber of Commerce
offices have publications that specifically identify resources in a
local area. The website, Blue Steps , which may have a
fee involved, might also be of assistance.
When meeting with an individual from a search firm you should
present yourself as if it was an interview, never pay a fee (it is
the employers responsibility) and make known your salary
expectations. Your entire compensation package may include
salary, benefits, pension, bonus potential and vacation time.
Agencies
Just like executive search firms, employment agencies do not
work for you, but for the employers who hired them to find the best
candidate for the job. Employment agencies may also be
referred to as staffing and employment services. They usually
handle jobs with certain salary levels under $50,000 and in certain
types of positions such as human resources, financial and
technical. You may be asked to complete an application that
will incorporate an employment agency contract. Read this
very carefully and never sign anything where you commit to paying a
fee. Most reputable agencies will indicate their positions
are "fee paid."
Temporary Agencies
Professionals in a variety of different industries (i.e.
accounting, law, and finance) have begun to consider temporary
agencies as a viable source to use when job searching. Many
individuals including executives are able to secure short-term
projects while continuing their job search. Sometimes these
assignments lead to permanent employment. This type of
employment gives you the opportunity to expand your contacts, try
out a company and provides you with a source of income.
Classified Ads
Employers, executive search firms and agencies place classified
ads. Responding to classified ads is not the most effective
job search method, however, you should always respond when you see
something that interests you. Spend the time to review the
local and national papers, particularly the Sunday editions.
Do not be discouraged if you do not receive a response.
Because of the volume of resumes received and the cost involved,
most employers will only respond to you if your resume clearly
reflects the job requirements.
There are two types of classified ads, open ads and blind
ads. Opens ads specify the company name, address and at times
the contact person. Also, they list the qualifications they
are looking for. Blind ads do not list the company name or
information and are typically used by search firms. Employers
may use blind ads to build their supply of prospective candidates
whose skills and experience meet their needs in a certain
area. Use caution when answering a blind ad, it may be your
current employer.
Advertisements can be used as a source of information. You
could learn which companies are hiring, you will get a realistic
overview of the job market and you will become familiar with words
to use when compiling a cover letter that describes your
qualifications.
Classified Ads - Web
Resources
Wall Street Journal's
Career Journal
New York Times
Links to local
newspapers
Professional Associations
These organizations are a valuable source of job leads.
They provide you the opportunity to network with seasoned
professionals within your industry of interest. Many
associations publish a monthly newsletter or publications where
they advertise job openings and conventions on the national and
local level. If you do not belong to an association, you may
want to consider obtaining membership.
Professional Journals - Trade
Papers
You should regularly read trade and professional papers to stay
current on the latest trends and changes that impact the job market
and your industry, i.e. mergers/acquisitions, expansion, new
products, etc.
Target Mailings
Target mailings are not generic mailings of hundreds of
resumes. Rather, a target mailing campaign involves sending a
tailored cover letter and resume to the head of the department in
which you would like to work and the Human Resources Director at
each company on your target list of companies. Attempt to get
the names of these individuals by accessing the companies website
or calling the company and asking for the name of the individual
who heads the department that interests you. Show you have
done your research on the company by mentioning trends or recent
developments affecting the organization or industry and how your
background and experience could be of value. Target letters
should be followed up with a phone call.