Foreword
Networking-- The Golden Key 
of
the Job Search Process
Networking is a key
concept to the job search process, from start to finish.
Because of its importance, networking
is briefly introduced here. The definition, explanations and examples of networking are intertwined throughout
the book. Special care has been taken to draw your attention to this concept
whenever it's mentioned or implied. Look for the "key"
symbol to help you identify it throughout the text.
The following are 10
important points regarding networking. Look for these points and how they can
be applied throughout the job search process.
1.
Always Be Prepared-- Have business cards and copies of your resume with
you at all times. Opportunities will arise anywhere and everywhere.
2.
Stay in Contact-- Keep your contacts informed about your efforts in the
job search. They can be kept informed by short phone calls or brief handwritten
notes. Be sure to send a thank you letter within 24 hours of an interview. Be
consistent.
3.
Talk First with People You
Know-- Talk to your friends,
family, teachers, professors, former supervisors or managers, etc. Practice
selling yourself first to those who know you.
4.
Contact People You Don't
Know-- Begin contacting people to
whom your friends and acquaintances have referred you. Initiate each
conversation with information on how you received their name. Show an interest
in what they have to say, not just what they can offer.
5.
Ask for Information, Not a
Job-- This is called an
informational interview. Detailed information is at the end of the chapter Job Search Preparation.
6.
Keep Conversations Focused-- Use each conversation to get good information. Give
your contact a brief summary of your job search objective, major highlights and
accomplishments. Ask specific questions that will provide you with helpful
insights.
7.
Look for Opportunities to
Give Something Back-- Be prepared to
offer something of value to those who are taking time to help you.
8.
Keep Your Promises-- When you tell someone that you will call back, be
sure to follow-up. If they're difficult to reach, keep trying. It's your
responsibility to connect.
9.
Join Professional
Organizations-- Visit or join a
professional organization in the industry you wish to pursue. Many members are
eager to help job seekers and often know employers with open positions.
10. Get a Mentor-- Find people who
have experience in the areas you're pursuing and build a relationship with
them. Get their advice and use them as a sounding board for discussing your
thoughts and ideas. Ask for an opportunity to shadow them for a day in order to
get a better picture of what they do. This may also expose you to new contacts.
Be prepared (see point 1).
Introduction
There are many reasons why this information is important to you. We live
in a constantly changing economy. Corporate reorganizations, new technologies
and global competition affect all our lives. Workers today will hold many jobs
and will change careers several times. Workers who keep up with change will see
greater potential for personal growth and economic security.
The Minnesota Department of
Employment and Economic Development is dedicated to helping you achieve
economic security through employment. Minnesota WorkForce Centers offer a wide range of employment
services. Creative Job
Search is a progressive curriculum that teaches the skills needed to
conduct a successful job search. It's up to you to master these skills.
We encourage you to take
full advantage of these valuable resources. We wish you success in all your
employment endeavors.
--Creative Job Search Staff
One area of change is the
way people look for work. It isn't enough to be ready and willing to work. A
successful job search today requires a calculated effort. Job seekers not only
need marketable job skills, they need the skills to market themselves. You may
be motivated toward employment, and you may be good at what you do, but if you
cannot convince a potential employer that you're the most qualified, you will
not be the one who wins the job. Today's successful job seekers use a variety
of skills and strategies that can be learned. The information in this book and
in our Creative Job
Search seminars
will assist you in mastering your job search. Investment in learning this
information will provide job seekers an opportunity to reap benefits--
·
Shorter time to obtain a
new job
·
Increase in the number of
interviews and job offers
·
Higher starting wage
·
Reduced fear of
unemployment
·
Increase in potential for
job satisfaction
Creative Job Search
includes materials and seminars offered through the Minnesota WorkForce Center System and Internet resources.
Creative Job Search
has been recognized as a premiere resource by job seekers and employment
professionals from all over the world. Here are a few of their comments--
"I would like to thank
you for this information, I live in GA, but I was surfing on the web for some
help about filling out an application, and I run across this information, I
have always felt like I needed some assistance on this and I think this has
really helped me. Anyway, I feel better about this, I am encouraged. I have
been looking for work, off and on for 2 years, so my self-esteem was real low.
Thanks, again."
S.
"You have, by far, the
best information available in
Private Employment Counselor
"What a marvelous site
and a great resource for job seekers and those that help them."
Janeen Creighton, career and
academic specialist
"Yours has to be one
of the best sites on the Internet . . ."
Job Seeker
The Riley Guide lists Creative Job Search as a recommended
site and gave the following review--
"The Creative
Job Search, prepared by the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development, this is a great guide to the entire job search process,
starting with the initial transition and what you need to do to get focused on
your search all the way through the research, interview, and final acceptance
process. (Actually it's two guides. One for the traditional search and one for
the Internet, but you all know that the Internet search is merely a subset of
your traditional search, right?) This includes lots of forms that you can use
to help you plan your time, money and activities. Excellent guide for all
folks! You can even order a paper copy for yourself or your friends."
Transition
It's very hard to move
forward
if you're always looking backward!
Change
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There is one thing in our
lives that remains constant . . .
change! Some changes are good and some bring sadness.
Sometimes we're filled with excitement, sometimes dread. No matter what the
change, there is a process we go through to successfully handle change. Change is an event
that's situational and continual-- the new boss, the new relationship, the
new house, the new job. In his book, Managing
Transitions-- Making the Most of Change, William Bridges defines
transition as "the process people go through coming to terms with the
new situation." He explains, "change is external," or comes
from outside of ourselves. It can be forced or something we choose to do.
"Transition is internal." It's our emotional reaction and attitude
we use in deciding to accept, adapt or resist change. Transition usually
starts with an ending or the realization that things aren't going to stay the
same. In order for us to move forward and have some control over the outcome,
we need to let go of the past and start exploring all our options and
opportunities. Prior to a change, we were comfortable because our
situation was familiar. We resist change due to fear of the unknown. As we move
toward new roles and routines, we may experience feelings of fear, anger,
sadness or resistance as well as relief, hope or excitement. It may feel
confusing and chaotic, but it can also be a time of creativity and challenge.
What we do with these feelings makes the difference. When we're able to find
something positive or see possibilities, we'll have energy and motivation to
take the next step. Thoughts + Feelings = Reaction We choose how to
respond to our thoughts
and feelings. This
determines our behavioral or emotional reaction to change, whether positive
or negative. Think of a recent change you've experienced. What were your
thoughts and feelings? How did they influence your reaction? What did you do
to get through it? Attitude/Emotions Attitude is everything.
It's important to take responsibility for our attitude, because it can give
us strength and control during change. Author and
multimillionaire W. Clement Stone said, "What the mind can conceive and
believe, it can achieve with a positive mental
attitude." This is contrary to the current expression, "to have an
attitude," which has an opposite or negative effect. Attitudes are like
a magnet. Negative attitudes attract negative results. Positive attitudes
attract positive results. Life isn't what happens to you, but how you respond
to it. You're in charge of your attitude. Our attitude,
whether positive or negative, shows in the job search process. Many employers
say attitude is more important than experience or education. They often use
attitude as the tiebreaker between two equally qualified candidates. |
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We cannot change the past
or how others act, but we can change our attitude. William James, the father
of modern psychology, said, "The most important discovery of our time is
that we can alter our lives by altering our attitudes." If we learn to
manage our attitudes, we won't feel paralyzed and the benefits will follow. Whether you're
unemployed, underemployed, employed but looking for a new job, entering the
workforce for the first time, or entering the workforce after a long absence,
you're facing change. Change causes transition, and transition starts with an
ending. For example, a relationship ends, a job ends, you
move, you graduate or you lose your financial support. Change affects our
emotions. You may feel relief, anticipation or renewal, or you may feel
anger, sadness, fear, depression or confusion. These feelings are natural.
Sometimes when endings happen, we grieve. You will survive, but it takes
time. Don't deny these feelings, but also don't be driven by them. As you
move through transition and accept the facts and find new options, you will
feel energetic, productive and hopeful again. Positive
Attitude Potential ·
You're more
employable with a positive attitude ·
You can be a
positive role-model for your children and others ·
Your self-esteem
will increase along with productivity ·
You will have more
energy to pursue your goals and dreams · You will have a better lifestyle for the future Imagine the Possibilities ·
Find meaningful
work that fits your skills ·
Return to school
to learn new skills ·
Start your own
business ·
Follow a dream you
have always had ·
Reevaluate your
goals and spend time with family · Meet new people and learn new things The possibilities
are endless. Look for them. Make change work for you. Change Issues We are all unique
and have different concerns about employment. Roberta is laid off from a major corporation that she worked at for 21
years. She is concerned about finding another job with similar pay and
benefits at her age. Marla has been out of the workforce for 10 years. She is concerned
about finding affordable childcare, maintaining health benefits and getting
transportation to work. Terry just graduated from an auto mechanics course at a vocational
technical college. He wonders how he will fit in with the experienced
mechanics. Mark is a recently separated veteran with an amputated left arm. He is
concerned about marketing his skills and getting a job with his military
experience as a radio operator. What are your issues
or concerns about finding work? |
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Structure and Routine When finding
yourself in a change situation with your career or job, you may be
experiencing transition in several different areas. That's why it's crucial
to create and maintain a job search structure for you. It will help you stay
motivated, on task and see the steps you need to take to make progress. Maintain
Structure Perhaps one of the
most important things lost or changed when unemployment occurs is structure. · Set an alarm clock to get up at your regular time · Dress as you would for work · Set aside a place in your home where you do all your
job search activity · Get out of the house and go to the |
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Family Life While you're
unemployed, your family life may be disrupted. Even though you have more time
to spend with your family, you feel the constant burden to find a job. Your
family isn't used to you being at home, and vice versa. They may experience
feelings of fear, anger and confusion about your job situation. Also,
sometimes in an attempt to keep things the same or protect family members'
feelings, you avoid talking about your feelings, asking for their ideas or
taking steps to accommodate this situation. In actuality, it
may be an opportunity for a spouse or another member of the household to get
a job and develop a career. Children can learn how to earn their own spending
money with paper routes, etc., and adult children can take out college loans
or pay rent. When people go to
work for the first time, their families and children may need to get used to
new routines, tight schedules, getting up earlier or attending daycare. They
will need to adjust to the fact that you aren't always at home. This can
cause chaos for a while, but with time, they will adjust. Their self-esteem
may be increased through independence and responsibility. Social
Life Your job situation
may affect your social life. If you've worked at a particular place for a
long time, you may have been through many stressful, difficult situations
with coworkers. Fellow employees are often close friends. After a job loss,
that daily contact may be broken. And, if they're still working, they may be
feeling guilty about being employed while you struggle to find a new job. It
isn't a comfortable situation for either of you. So, if you do contact them
by phone or meet with them for lunch, you may sense some tension or a feeling
that the relationship has changed. The reality is, it has. If you're new to
or haven't been in the labor market for a while, your social life also
changes. Leaving the comfort and security of home, school, friends and
neighbors is difficult and frightening at first. However, once you're on the
job, you will meet new friends and may discover strengths in yourself that
may not have been recognized before, like persistence, promptness,
resourcefulness, flexibility, dedication, a good phone manner or a positive
attitude. Income A job change may
affect your ability to support yourself or your family. Your income
determines your ability to pay bills, buy groceries, pursue your hobbies or
enjoy leisure time. Not having enough money to pay bills adds stress. If you
don't deal with this stress, the pressure builds and builds until something
just has to give! Developing and keeping a budget will ease your transition
through this time and also into the future. Identity What we do for a
living often defines who we are. When meeting a person for the first time,
the question usually asked is, "What do you do?" It's as if by
knowing what job a person has, we then know who the person is! What a
conversation stopper when you answer, "I'm between jobs right now,"
or "I'm unemployed," or "I've been a student or a homemaker.
Now I'm looking for work, but I don't know where or how to find a job because
I have no job search or work experience." However, once you have a job,
these feelings will change. You will feel you belong. |
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Attitude is often the key
to transition. The Change Cycle New opportunities, challenges and rewards come with
change. However, with change also comes loss. As with any loss, you may
experience varying degrees of sadness, anger or relief. Trying to move on
without recognizing and dealing with the feelings and emotions that arise
will make your job search very difficult. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a renowned author and psychiatrist,
researched what happens when people suffer loss. She identified five stages
of grief that can be similar whenever we feel we have lost something or
someone who is important to us. The stages also apply to what you might
experience when you lose a job. The person new to the labor market, a recent
graduate, a recently separated veteran or a person with a disability who was
unable to work can experience loss of their routine or lifestyle when they
begin a job. Although this is called a cycle, not everyone experiences the
emotional ride. However, it's very significant for some, with many ups and
downs. You may experience all these emotions or any number of them. Each
person's process is unique. The way you handle this process depends on your
attitude. Just remember, you must handle this transition before you can move
on with your job search. Change can be difficult for many. |
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The Transition Stages Denial "I know
they'll call me back. They'll find out how much I contributed and realize
that they can't continue without me." "My financial
support will continue or will be extended." Anger "It's all the
company's, the manager's or the government's fault." "I have the
right to be really angry about what they did to me. In fact, I was treated so
badly, I'm going to stay angry for a long, long time!" "I'll show
them that they can't treat me like that! I'm not even going to look for work
and see how they like that. I'm just going to collect benefits. They owe
me." Self-Blame/Depression "If only I .
. . It's all my fault that I'm in this predicament. I'll never get another
job. I don't have enough education. I'm not good enough. I'm too slow. I
don't have any skills, experience or the right clothes to get a job." "I'm so
worthless. I can't do anything right. I don't even want to get out of bed
today. I don't know what is wrong with me. No wonder I can't find a job! Who
would want to hire me? I've never done anything before. There are many other
people out there who have the experience and education." "I should've
seen it coming." Struggle "I guess it's
time to face the reality that I may need to lower my wage and job
expectations. I haven't had much luck finding jobs that will pay me what I
was making before, and the jobs in my field seem to have disappeared. When I
do get an interview, something always goes wrong." "I try to be
positive, but it's so hard. Sometimes I just don't know what I'm going to do.
Maybe if I send out enough resumes, I'll get a job." "What can I
learn from this? I accept the facts as they truly are, and I'm ready to move
on." "My old job
isn't there. I have skills, abilities and talents. I'll find something, maybe
even better, or I'll try something new." One thing to remember is each person goes through
change differently. The time spent in each stage will vary, as will the
sequence of the stages. No matter how the process plays itself out in your
life, it's the right process for you. Also remember "this too shall
pass," if you allow yourself the time to deal with each stage. |
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Things That Have Changed Let's examine the
way you're feeling about your employment situation. Now is the time to be
truly honest about those feelings. Many of us were
taught that if we worked hard, gave 110 percent to the employer, went the
extra mile and did our very best, the company would take care of us and we'd
enjoy a comfortable retirement. Suddenly, that was no longer the way
companies did things. More and more employers let long-term employees go.
Along with the layoff comes the cancellation of life, health and dental
insurance. The pension some of us were counting on to make retirement dreams
come true ends up being spent to pay bills for health insurance, mortgage and
car payments. This isn't at all what we expected. And even if this wasn't
your plan, whatever happened to being treated fairly? If you're new to
the labor market or haven't worked for a while, you might wonder where the decent
paying jobs are. You're ready, available and looking for work, but there are
no jobs. Exercises The exercises in
this chapter ask you to take an honest look at where you are in the process.
They cover some very personal feelings. Therefore, complete them in a place
where you feel safe. The exercises don't need to be finished in any given
order and they can be "for your eyes only." Say or write down
what's on your mind about your last job. This doesn't have to be sensible or
logical . . . no one else needs to see this. How do you feel about your job
situation? Write what you're feeling. Don't censor yourself; just let it out.
(If you're having trouble identifying your feelings, the words
listed below might be helpful.) What changes have
occurred in your life over the past 12 months and how do you feel about these
changes? The changes may have occurred in your employment situation or in
other areas of your life. No matter what the changes may have been, it's
valid to look at how you feel about them. "To exist is to change, to change is to mature, Henri Bergson, French
philosopher |
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What has changed? |
I feel . . . |
What was lost? |
I feel . . . |
What are the opportunities? |
I feel . . . |
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"Feeling" Words |
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Sad |
Scared |
Angry |
Ashamed |
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Tips for Managing Feelings
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Talk to Others Now that you've
identified your feelings, how do you deal with them? Talking them out with
others often helps. You could talk with a friend, family member, employment
or school counselor, minister, social worker or psychologist (someone you
know and trust). Let them know you don't want or necessarily need advice. All
feelings are valid and acceptable. You just need to have someone listen to
you. Ask for constructive feedback if you want it. Support Groups If you have a
support group or job club in your area, don't hesitate to attend. It can
provide you with much needed nonjudgmental support from others going through
the same things. You may also find valuable tips, job leads and an
opportunity to network and get new ideas. Inquire at your Write a Letter If you're uncomfortable
expressing your feelings, write them down. Write a letter to your former
boss, telling her/him exactly how you're feeling. Write down how you're
feeling about starting to look for work and the changes it has brought. Don't
worry about the content or structure of the letter, because you aren't going
to send it. Writing it down may release some anger you might be experiencing.
This will help restore the feeling that you're in control of your life. After
you've written the letter, read it aloud and then dispose of it. You could
rip it up into small pieces and then burn it. You could wad it up into a
ball, bat it around outside and throw it in the trash. Just do something to
get rid of it. A recent study found that people who write about their anger
get another job faster than those who don't. Breathe Deep When you've
completed writing your letter(s), sit down with both feet on the floor, close
your eyes, take a long, deep breath, picture a peaceful, pleasant place, then
exhale completely. Repeat until you feel relaxed and calm. |
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Physical Exercise Anger is a natural
emotion, but it can be destructive. Therefore, we need to recognize it and
take steps to control it. One way to handle anger or negative feelings is by
doing something physical. You could go outside and exercise, play basketball,
take a vigorous walk, go bowling, play baseball or tennis, workout or clean
the house, garage or car. You can decide to walk away from your aggravating
situation by doing something else like positive self-talk, counting to 100,
diverting your attention or talking to someone. As you use these
positive ways of dealing with your feelings, your anxiety will lessen and
your health and mood will improve. You won't be as likely to take things out
on your family, friends or pets. However, if you feel you can't contain your
anger and may hurt yourself or others, put your children in a safe place and
then call your local crisis center. Face Your Fears It's normal for
everyone to be afraid of something, but fear can be our biggest enemy. If we
allow it to rule our lives, it can keep us from realizing our goals, dreams
and true potential. Fear can make false events appear real. Sometimes we
create excuses for ourselves so we don't have to face our fears and take a
risk. For example, "No one will hire me because I am . . . too old, lack
experience, have been on welfare, etc." These things don't have to stop
you. Dealing with Fear ·
Recognize everyone
is afraid of something. ·
Identify your
fears. Figure out exactly what you're afraid of (rejection, success, failure
or what others might say). Naming your fear can reduce its power. ·
Talk with someone
you trust. Are you being realistic in your own self-evaluation? ·
Recall your
strengths and successes. How have you handled other fearful situations? ·
Evaluate how
likely your fears will become reality. If the worst happens, how terrible
will it be? ·
Write an action
plan to ensure it won't happen. Fear is absence of a plan. Action is the best
remedy. ·
Take a low-risk
action. If you fear interviewing, practice interviewing with a friend or
counselor. ·
Use affirmations
and self-talk. Visualize a positive, successful outcome. · Face your fears. Take the risk. You can do it!
You're ready! Go for it! Remember, Babe Ruth struck out many more times than
he made home runs. Abraham Lincoln had many setbacks before he was elected
president. After you've
confronted your fears, you'll be surprised how your confidence will be
strengthened. Counseling It's necessary to
work through emotions. You can get stuck in your emotions and create negative
patterns that will hinder your job search and career. If the previous
suggestions don't help you handle your anger, depression, fears or anxiety so
you're able to do an active job search, it's a good idea to talk with a
professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist. Everyone's stress level
and pressures are different. Don't be reluctant to get the help you need. The
sooner you take action to get help, the sooner you'll feel better. Counseling can be
very helpful in broadening your perspective, finding new ways of looking at
the situation and getting the support and encouragement you need. Resources Check with your |
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Stress Management Techniques People are often
unsuccessful in their job search because they haven't dealt with their
feelings surrounding a job change. If not dealt with, feelings have a way of
creating stress and can sometimes cause illness. Therefore, it's extremely
important to use healthy ways of handling stress. Here are some suggestions.
Put a checkmark by the techniques you can do during your job search.
You can't sell yourself to a new employer if you're
still angry with the last one! |
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Identity Worksheet |
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Who are you? It's
easy to respond by naming the roles we play. But do those roles truly define
us? Since our roles in life often change, we can maintain a healthy
self-image by learning to recognize ourselves apart from those roles. In the following
exercise, think about how you'd describe yourself without using the roles you
fill. For example, a person might say they were sociable, stubborn and
thoughtful. Maybe they'd use words such as mystical, confident and playful.
Use words that you feel truly describe you. |
I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am _____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ I am
_____________________________ |
Making Ends Meet
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Let's be honest. When we find ourselves unemployed or underemployed,
the most pressing thought is how we're going to pay the bills! It's hard to
survive in today's world with little or no money. There are some practical
things you can do to keep your head above water. First, develop a realistic budget. By doing this you will find out
just how much and to whom you owe money. Listed below are some steps to
setting up a budget. Using the worksheets
below, gather all your bills. Go through each of them and record the name
of the creditor, the total amount you owe and the amount of any monthly
payments. List any bills
that aren't due monthly, such as car insurance or water bills. Looking
through your checkbook will help you to remember these bills. Consider all the
items you purchase with checks (food, rent, entertainment, gas, medication,
etc.). Review your checkbook for common expenses. Write all these down. When you've listed
all your bills, compare the amount you owe each month with the amount of
income you'll have. Don't be discouraged if you have more in the expense
column than in the income column. We'll provide you with some suggestions
about how to pay these bills. Take a good, hard
look at your expenses. Are there obvious places where you can cut corners?
How about the number of times you've eaten out in the past month? How many
trips to the store resulted in your purchasing only items you absolutely
needed? Can you reduce entertainment expenses? It's important to allow
yourself some entertainment each week, but it doesn't always have to cost
money. Consider items you can cut and items that must remain in your budget. Now that you've
cut some "fat" out of your expenses, consider what you can truly
spend on the bills you have. For example, if you have a credit card bill with
a minimum monthly payment of $100, can you pay $50 or $75 each month? Don't
worry about the credit card company yet, just put down what you think you can
afford to pay. After you've done that, compare the expenses total with the
income total. Getting closer? Once you have the
income and expense columns equal, contact your creditors and explain what's
happening. Let them know your intentions to put forth a good-faith effort by
continuing payments on these accounts. Making these contacts with creditors
can help you to maintain a better credit rating. If you want more
advice on budgeting during this time, contact the nearest If you need credit
advice, contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a nonprofit service
in some communities. If you owe child
support, check to see if your county has a "Parent's Fair Share
Program" for financial assistance. Save your
receipts, because some job search expenses can be deducted from your income
tax. If you're receiving
Unemployment Insurance (UI), you're required to report on your tax forms the
amount of UI you receive during the filing year. Depending on the amount of
other income you earned during the filing year, you may be required to pay
income tax on the UI. It's a good idea to contact the Internal Revenue
Service or other tax professionals when estimating the amount you may need to
put aside for payment of this tax. You can choose to have taxes withheld from
your UI benefits. |
|
Tips For Saving Money
|
|
INCOME |
PRESENT INCOME |
ANTICIPATED INCOME |
|
Wages / Unemployment
Insurance |
$ |
$ |
|
Interest |
|
|
|
Savings |
|
|
|
Child Support |
|
|
|
Loans |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Monthly Total |
$ |
$ |
|
EXPENSES |
PRESENT EXPENSES |
ANTICIPATED EXPENSES |
|
HOUSEHOLD |
|
|
|
Rent / Mortgage |
|
|
|
Furnishings / Equipment |
|
|
|
Maintenance / Repair |
|
|
|
Taxes |
|
|
|
UTILITIES |
|
|
|
Electricity |
|
|
|
Heat |
|
|
|
Water / Sewer |
|
|
|
Telephone |
|
|
|
FOOD & GROCERIES |
|
|
|
Food at Home |
|
|
|
School / Work Lunch |
|
|
|
TRANSPORTATION |
|
|
|
Car Payment |
|
|
|
Gas |
|
|
|
Maintenance / Repair |
|
|
|
Bus / Taxi |
|
|
|
MEDICAL |
|
|
|
Doctor / Dentist |
|
|
|
Prescriptions |
|
|
|
CHILD CARE |
|
|
|
CLOTHING |
|
|
|
Laundry / Dry Cleaning |
|
|
|
PERSONAL CARE |
|
|
|
Hair Care |
|
|
|
INSURANCE |
|
|
|
Automobile |
|
|
|
Home / Renter's |
|
|
|
Life |
|
|
|
Medical |
|
|
|
RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT |
|
|
|
Cable TV |
|
|
|
Movies / Rental Movies |
|
|
|
Magazines / Newspapers |
|
|
|
Cigarettes / Alcohol |
|
|
|
Gambling / Lottery |
|
|
|
Eating Out |
|
|
|
GIFTS |
|
|
|
CONTRIBUTIONS |
|
|
|
INSTALLMENTS |
|
|
|
Department Store Credit
Cards |
|
|
|
Bank Charge Cards |
|
|
|
Loans |
|
|
|
CHILD SUPPORT |
|
|
|
Children's School
Expenses |
|
|
|
JOB SEARCH |
|
|
|
Postage |
|
|
|
Copies |
|
|
|
Resume Paper / Supplies |
|
|
|
MISCELLANEOUS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MONTHLY TOTAL |
$ |
$ |
|
"What to Keep" Worksheet |
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|
Now that you've looked at your budget, consider what you need to keep
and what has to go. Most of us think about eliminating entertainment and
hobbies when money gets tight. This may not be a good idea. You may need to
keep activities that provide a release from tension and stress. For example,
now may not be the time to give up your health club membership. Working out
is one way to reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook. Looking your
very best as you're seeking employment may require keeping your appointment
with the hair stylist/barber. Staying in touch with coworkers and friends is
an excellent way to network during this time. Perhaps you will want to
continue having lunch with them occasionally. List the activities in your life that provide relief from stress, help
maintain a good self-image, enable you to continue communicating with people,
etc. Then decide if the activity is one you can keep in your schedule -- or
not.
|
|
Affirmations can help you obtain your goals and dreams. Repeating
positive statements about yourself will help you stay focused, motivated and
create ways to achieve your goals. If you repeat them out loud several times
a day, you will believe them and avoid falling into negative self-talk and
actions. Since your thoughts and beliefs direct your actions, you will feel
good about yourself, look confident and have a sense of control over your
future. Choose one affirmation each day to use in all your activities. See if
you become more positive about yourself and your life. Try writing your own
unique affirmations.
|
Job Search Preparation
Be
prepared . . . a must for every job seeker.
Organization
|
A successful job search requires organization and effort. You cannot
simply walk out the door and wander around asking about jobs. Nor can you
look for work only when you feel like it or when it's convenient. Planning and
organizing are critical to job search success. For those who are accustomed
to self-directed activities, this won't be difficult-- but for those who are
used to having someone else organize their activities, this will require
mastering new skills. You may not consider yourself an organized person, but
you can learn this skill. Organizing your job search will save you time and
effort. Good self-management and organization skills are valuable resources
no matter what your experience might be. You will need to develop a new routine to be successful in your job
search. You may have to create a new set of priorities and schedules. Be
aware that there will be many things that will distract you. Just about
anything will sound better than looking for work. Don't be fooled; your
number one priority is finding that new job. Don't let anything get in your way. Time and Job Hunting Before we look at the finer points of organizing a job search, we need
to make something clear-- looking for work is hard work! It takes time and
energy to be successful. Most people work a 40-hour week. If you're
unemployed, those hours are available for your job search. If you're employed
but seeking new opportunities, you need to make time for your job search. Be
consistent in the amount of time you spend each week looking for a job. Don't
spend 40 hours one week and then nothing for the next two weeks! The hardest
part is getting started. Once you get the momentum into your search, you will
want to keep moving forward. Don't think of yourself as unemployed. You have a job-- a full-time
job. If you're employed, think of your job search as a part-time job. You're
engaged in a very calculated sales and marketing campaign designed to sell
your skills and experience to a prospective employer. You're now
self-employed-- you're the boss. It's up to you to make sure the job gets
done. Set your schedule and stick to it. The only reasons you wouldn't
conduct your job search would be the same reasons you'd use for not going to
work. |
|
Advance Scheduling Successful job seekers have mastered the art of managing their
schedules. Job search scheduling and goal setting should be done daily and
weekly. Establish measurable goals.
For example, block out the hours you've committed to the search and identify
what you plan to accomplish. If you set 9- Make Yourself Accountable Create an area in your home where your entire job search is centered.
This will help you feel like looking for a job when you're in that area. If
you keep all your job search equipment, supplies and information there, you
will stay organized and ready to look for work. Check your progress at the end of each day and week. See if you
accomplished your goals. When you do, commend yourself and decide if you can
set tougher goals next time. If you didn't accomplish the goals, explore why
and decide what you need to do to succeed in the future. Maybe your goals
were not realistic-- you tried to do too much. Learn from this and plan more
realistic goals for the future. It may be a good strategy to involve someone
else in your search. Talk with a trusted friend; give them permission to hold
you accountable to your plans. Attending a job club would also enable you to
discuss your job search with others. Keep Accurate Records If you're conducting a serious job campaign, you may make hundreds of
contacts and generate new opportunities daily. Don't simply rely on your
memory. You need to have and maintain a filing system, just as you'd make a
grocery or "To Do" list. There are a variety of systems you can use
including alphabetized three-ring binders, small pocket calendars and
notebooks. Check your local office supply or discount store for examples.
Just keep it easy to use and maintain. (See Checklist
of Job Search Supplies.) People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan. |
|
Checklist of Job Search Supplies |
|
|
Having the necessary
tools and supplies available for your job search will help manage your job
search time. Below is a sample checklist of helpful job search supplies. |
|
|
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|
Job
Seeking Activity Goals Period: _________________ to ________________ |
||
|
Activity Familiarize yourself with
the WFC Resource Area Review electronic job
search tools Attend job search training
sessions or related training Research employers or go to
the library Attend support groups/job
clubs Read local newspapers Read trade journals Read other publications Network Make cold calls (phone/in
person) Complete/update resume Send cover letters/resumes Attend job fairs Participate in
informational interviewing Talk to someone every day
about your job search Attend professional
organizations Talk to your references and
write your reference sheet Make follow-up phone calls Follow-up on job leads Interview with employer Send thank you/follow-up
letters Others _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ |
Goal __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ |
Actual __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ |
|
Job Search
Schedule Sample Week of September 7 |
|
TIME |
SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
|
8:00 |
Shower and dress. Read
the newspaper. |
Shower and dress by 8:30.
Set goals for the day/week. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday. |
Go to the farmers'
market. |
|
9:00 |
Read Sunday paper. Get to
the ads by 9:30. |
Respond by phone to
Sunday ads. |
Make networking calls. |
Return calls. Schedule
appointments. |
Attend Job Club. |
Return calls. Schedule
appointments. |
|
|
10:00 |
Take a walk, play with
the kids, etc. |
Get info for writing
responses to ads. Go to the |
Make networking calls. |
Attend Job Fair. |
Attend Job Club. |
Make networking calls. |
|
|
11:00 |
Have some fun! |
Write cover letters. Make
changes on resume. |
Return phone calls.
Schedule appointments. |
|
Do informational
interview. |
|
|
|
12:00 |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
|
1:00 |
|
Appointment |
Appointment |
Check out |
Appointment |
Research the employer for
the interview next week. |
|
|
2:00 |
|
Appointment |
Appointment |
Call on leads obtained at
|
Appointment |
Research the employer for
the interview next week. |
|
|
3:00 |
|
Appointment |
Appointment |
Appointment |
|
Research the employer for
the interview next week. |
|
|
4:00 |
|
Walk |
Walk |
Walk |
Walk |
Walk |
|
|
5:00 |
|
Evaluate today. Review
tomorrow. Send thank you notes. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday. |
Same as Monday and review
the week. |
|
|
Job Search
Schedule Week of ____________________ |
|
TIME |
SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
|
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Networking
Log It's important to document and follow-up all job leads. Use this sheet
for keeping track of all your networking activity. Always ask if your
contacts will suggest another contact. Keep the ball rolling! |
|
Contact Name ________________________________________________ Date Called __________________________________________________ Employer Name _______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ Action Plan ___________________________________________________ Fax _________________________________________________________ Appointment Date/Time __________________________________________ Email Address _________________________________________________ Follow-up ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ |
|
Contact
Names Received In making your network contact, did you receive other job leads? If
so, list them below. |
|
|
Name |
Name |
|
Position |
Position |
|
Employer |
Employer |
|
Phone |
Phone |
|
Fax/Email |
Fax/Email |
|
|
|
|
Name |
Name |
|
Position |
Position |
|
Employer |
Employer |
|
Phone |
Phone |
|
Fax/Email |
Fax/Email |
|
Job Lead
Worksheet No matter where you get your job leads, it's important to keep track
of them. Follow-up on each lead, which may provide you with other job leads.
Don't be afraid to ask for other contacts or leads. |
|
Employer |
|
Contact Person |
|
Address |
|
Phone |
|
Fax/Email Address |
|
|
|
Position |
|
How did I find out about
this job? |
|
|
|
|
|
Response |
|
Date Sent or Faxed Resume
|
|
Follow-up Date |
|
Results and Other Useful
Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Research
|
Research is another important part of your preparation. When some
people hear the word "research," they have visions of a mad
scientist surrounded by test tubes, microscopes and Bunsen burners. Others
might think of endless trips to the library where they have to read stacks of
books. The type of research needed in the job search isn't what you might
think. Why do research at all? When you research an industry, occupation or
employer, you gain the information you need to make a good decision about the
direction of your job search. You get to decide whether to apply for a job at
a specific employer based on facts, not on feelings. You're in control. The
information you gain while conducting this research will also impress the
prospective employer during the interview. It says you're serious about your
job search. Research can be done on occupations, industries, individual companies,
availability of jobs in your area and on other topics. Research doesn't have to be time-consuming. You don't have to check
out 25 books from a library. Research can be as simple as looking at
newspaper employment ads. Newspaper ads, the Internet, employer brochures and
Internet home pages can be good resources for discovering what experience,
training and knowledge are required by a variety of employers. You can
measure your qualifications against those required by the employer. Do you need to get more training in a certain area? Does your resume
cover the qualifications most requested by the employer? Sources of Published Information
Benefits
of Research
Before you apply for a job at a particular employer, you should learn
as much about that employer as you can. Researching the employer will give
you the information you need to decide if this is an employer for which you'd
like to work. Would employment with them meet your career values? |
|
John was
looking for a welding job, although he had very little work experience. He
did not think it was necessary to do research as he had an interview already
set up with a small employer. After completing his job search training, he
decided it might be to his benefit to research the employer. After
researching, he went to his interview. One of the first questions asked of
him was, "Tell me what you know about this company." Since he had
done the research, he was able to impress the interviewer with the knowledge
he had learned. The very next day John was offered the welding job. Listed below are some of the many sources that have information about employers--
Sample Questions
|
|
Labor Market Survey The purpose of a labor market survey is to figure out if an occupation
or specific line of work is appropriate for you. A labor market survey may be
conducted over the telephone, by email or on Internet newsgroups. You will
want to find out about--
Talking with people currently working in the occupation you're
interested in is one way of getting up-to-date information about this
occupation. You will need to have a clear idea of the specific occupation or line
of work that interests you. You can clarify an occupational definition by
consulting the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), Minnesota Career
Information System (MCIS), or other reference books available at Minnesota WorkForce Centers or your local employment service,
public libraries, technical schools, colleges and universities. Conducting a Labor Market Survey
What is It? It's not an interview for a position. It's a meeting of usually 15 to
30 minutes with a person who has hands-on experience in the area you want to
know more about. The purpose of an informational interview is to help you
define your career options. It's also useful in researching companies where
you may want to work. Informational
Interviewing Objectives
Be sure they don't get
the impression you're asking them for a job! Don't misrepresent yourself
either. Be honest. |
|
Who Do I Contact? Everyone you know. Ask, "Do you know anyone who works for General Mills?"
"Do you know anyone in a nonprofit organization?" "Do you know
anyone who does freelance writing?" Then, once you have a name . . . Preparing for the Interview Select questions relating to the occupation or business you're
considering. Research key areas of potential discussion. Take an active role
in the interview. Encourage suggestions. Ask questions that provide the
information you want. Show your interest and knowledge. Keep in mind that you can also ask about other things. Get a sense for
whether they enjoy their work. Decide what they actually do, how they spend
their day and what are their short- and long-term responsibilities. Look for
the answers behind the answers. Develop rapport with the interviewer by recognizing similar interests
and being agreeable. It's important to gauge just how friendly your contacts
really are. If they're sympathetic, you can ask hard questions which may
reveal doubts about the field. If they're standoffish or judgmental, be
cautious. Don't be afraid to ask technical questions, especially if it shows
what you already know about the field. The Sample
Informational Interview Questions lists questions that you may want to
ask. When You Go This is an opportunity to meet a person in the profession you're
hoping to enter. Dress professionally, take paper for writing notes and take
an extra resume in case there is an opportunity to have it critiqued or to
leave it with the employer. Avoid anything that might jeopardize your interviewer's desire to
refer you to other people. One important objective is getting additional
leads and referrals, which may eventually lead to a job. When It's Over
"Mrs. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you. My name is
Steven Olson and I am interested in the ________ field. I could use some
advice from someone who is in this field. Do you have any time this week when
I could meet with you? I know you're busy, so I only need about 15 minutes of
your time. I would really like to learn more about your company and the
________ field from someone like you." You may also want to explain a little about your employment background
and why this area is appealing to you. Location The number of jobs available in your field will likely be much greater
if you are willing to consider commuting or relocating to other areas. Where
you work is a very personal decision with implications for family, friends
and even your way of life. At times, advancement in an organization is only
possible through relocation. If you are considering relocation as an option,
there are a number of websites that have tools which help you plan that move.
Use a search engine to look for "relocation resources."
|
|
Research and Labor Market Information Worksheet |
|
Employer |
|
|
Address |
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Business |
Year Business Started |
|
Financial Status |
|
|
Number of Employees |
|
|
Product and Services
Description |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Contact Person |
|
|
Date Contacted |
Date to Follow-up |
|
Other Subsidiaries |
|
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|
|
What are the background
and training requirements for this occupation? (For more information on
occupations, call the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development, Research and Statistics Labor Market Information HelpLine at 651.259.7384, or email deed.lmi@state.mn.us) |
|
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How many applicants do
you usually have for a job opening in this field? |
|
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How many employees have
you hired in the last year? |
|
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What is the typical
entry-level wage for this occupation? |
|
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What is the typical top
wage? |
|
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What recommendations could
you give for someone who is considering or may be entering this field? |
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Consider using open-ended
questions that elicit more than a yes or no answer.
|