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.

www.deed.state.mn.us

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. Selph, GA, Job Seeker

"You have, by far, the best information available in America."

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

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.

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.