Gannon University

Finding a job is hard work. It takes time, effort and motivation. The goal is to connect with the job that matches your skills, education, personality, values and salary/benefits expectations. Whether the job market is strong or weak, competition is still intense in most fields, especially for the best and most desired jobs. To be competitive, you must learn how to conduct an effective job search and then put the plan to work. According to John Lefreve, author of How You Really Get Hired , "The best qualified do not always get hired. Those who know how to get hired - get hired." This manual will show you how to get hired.

It is important to examine your beliefs about job searching and to separate myth from fact. The way you will conduct a search depends upon your perceptions, so eliminating misperceptions and false beliefs will enable you to get positive results more quickly. Below are a few myths and their corresponding facts. If you have questions about these or other job search issues, contact Career Development & Employment Services to speak with a counselor.

When setting goals, think about both short and long term objectives. The first job is only the first step in a lifelong career path. Yes, the immediate objective may well be a job, but give thought to how that job fits into an overall career .

Answer some of these questions to narrow your goals.

• What has my degree prepared me to do?
• What are my skills?
• What position titles interest me? What position duties am I qualified to handle?
• What kind of employer do I want to work for (large/small, particular industries, etc.)?
• Would I take a low-paying job just to get a foot in the door at a company?
• Am I staying in town or can I move away? How far away?
• Can I consider part-time work?
• What is my salary expectation? Is it realistic for my field?
• Where do I want to be in one year? Three years? Five years?
• What skills do I hope to learn/build upon at my first job?

As you can see, there are many questions to be answered. Employers will ask you many of these questions during your interview. If these questions are difficult to answer, you may benefit from speaking with a career counselor.

Your goal should be flexible. For instance, if your target salary is $25,000, you should be prepared to take $23,000 if the job is right, and if opportunity knocks at a company much larger or smaller than you hoped, you should be prepared to give them a shot.

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Developing an effective job search plan can reduce the length of your search. The key is organization. A sample and a blank schedule are at the end of this guide.

• Identify your methods of searching . Some various methods outlined on pages 4-7. Be sure to utilize several methods that keep you active in the search.

• Schedule your time . Develop a plan outlining daily and weekly goals and STICK TO IT. A blank schedule is attached, as well as a sample for you to follow. For assistance in setting up your schedule, see a Career Development & Employment Services Counselor.

• Set reasonable short-term goals . Examples: While in school, try to expand your network by one or two people a week; identify and apply for three positions a week; research three companies a week. Objectives such as these will give you a sense of accomplishment on a regular basis while increasing your chances of finding work.

• Identify companies or organizations that you'd like to work for and collect information on each.

• Keep notes on your contacts , including correspondence, conversations and interviews. Use index cards, a notebook, or a computer database to track your network. This will help you recall people's names and your interactions with them.

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It is best to learn how to utilize a variety of job search methods and integrate them into your overall job search plan. The most effective job searches incorporate three to six different techniques at the same time. If you have questions about your search, visit Career Development & Employment Services.

What: A visit to a career counseling office full of great resources and knowledgeable, friendly counselors. You can get help with resumes or interviewing, set up a job search plan, or review information on companies and industries. And yes, we have job openings and networking opportunities.

Advantage: Experienced counselors and up-to-date resources. Shortens the job search and can increase entry level salary.

Disadvantage: May have to wait a few days for an appointment.

Tip: Call early, visit often.

Resource: Career Development & Employment Services , Gannon University, AJ Palumbo Center, 1 ^st Floor, Room 1040, 871-7680.

What: Getting people you know to help you in your job search. You should have a resume to give to each contact. Remembering names and faces will be critical, so take notes if you need to!

Advantage: Gives you an inside track to employers; about 2/3 of jobs are filled this way!

Disadvantage: Building a network takes time, effort & an assertive approach.

Tip: Start with the four F's - family, friends, former supervisors and faculty. – ( see expanded techniques later in this guide)

Resource: Networking Made Easy by Marler & Mattia, at Career Development & Employment Services.

What: An interview with someone working in the career field you hope to enter. Ask general questions about the work they do, how they got to their position, and other related questions. A polite phone call or letter requesting a short (30 minutes or less) amount of time will usually get you a meeting. Use your network to identify potential people.

Advantage: Learn a lot about an industry or company quickly. Get face to face with employers. Expands your network.

Disadvantage: Not appropriate to ask about openings.

Tip: Prepare a written list of questions – see samples later in this guide . Never ask directly for a job or job leads-your purpose is to learn about the career and expand your network.

Resource: Information Interviewing , by Stoodley, at Career Development & Employment Services.

What: Using the World Wide Web to locate positions.

Advantage: Locate jobs outside your area. Particularly good for technical careers. Source of company background and contact information.

Disadvantage: Narrowing searches takes patience.

Tip: Make your search general at the beginning and then narrow it from there. Review a wide range of sites and pick out the best ones for you.

Resource: Career Development web page for some great links.

What: Accepting an entry-level position, or volunteering your time within an organization, allows you to apply from within for jobs that interest you.

Advantage: Getting to know the employees (and the boss) and having them get to know you. You'll hear of positions sometimes before they're advertised. You're gaining valuable experience.

Disadvantage: Entry-level jobs don't pay well, and volunteering doesn't pay at all. This strategy requires patience.

Tip: Always dress and behave professionally. Take advantage of every learning opportunity.

Resource: The Ultimate Job Hunter's Guidebook , by Greene & Martel, at Career Development & Employment Services.

What: Job listings in the newspaper.

Advantage: You know there's an opening, usually with a job description.

Disadvantage: They only represent about a fifth of what's out there, and usually need to be filled immediately.

Tip: Use the language of the ad in your cover letter.

Resource: Help Wanted USA, available at your local library.

What: You telephone or visit a company to inquire about job opportunities. Usually you have a script or prepared statement before calling.

Advantage: Get to speak with an employer or fill out an application. An assertive method.

Disadvantage: Difficult to reach the appropriate person. High rejection rate.

Tip: Good for people with strong communication/presentation skills who have an assertive personality.

Resource: The Complete Job and Career Handbook , by Feingold & Feingold, at Career Development & Employment Services.

What: You prepare cover letters and a resume, and send them to companies that interest you or that hire people in your field. Then you begin to follow up with the companies in which you have the greatest interest.

Advantage: You reach large numbers of companies in a short period of time.

Disadvantage: Not all of them are hiring. Low return percentage.

Tip: Get the name of the college recruiter or department supervisor in your field and direct the letter to that person. Send out about ten a week. Follow up with a phone call if possible.

Resource: Standard & Poor's 500 Guide , in the school or public library reference section.

What: Companies use employment agencies to locate full-time, part-time and temporary employees. If you meet the employer's criteria, the agency will place you.

Advantage: Wide variety of jobs, with the opportunity to get in at entry-level and move up from there. Interviews are less intense than a traditional employer interview. Opportunity to evaluate your "fit" for the position before being hired permanently. Use "employer fee paid" listings only.

Disadvantage: The company may also terminate you if they think you are not a good fit. Many positions do not require a college degree. Jobs may be on a short term basis. Watch for hidden fees.

Tip: Be clear & selective about what jobs you will & will not take.

Resource: Erie area Employment Agency list, at Career Development & Employment Services.

What: Seek positions within federal, state and local government agencies.

Advantage: The government seeks a wide variety of backgrounds and skills. Once you get a position, moving to other government jobs is much easier. Positions are relatively secure.

Disadvantage: Competition is very intense for jobs. Most require an exam, which may require travel to take. The hiring process is very slow (it may take months).

Tip: Read the job descriptions carefully and only apply if you meet ALL requirements.

Resource: Your local Job Center has information on civil service tests and government openings. Also try the library, and the Office of Personnel Management web: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov

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It's important to develop a positive attitude toward your job search. Employers want candidates who will be a "good fit" for their companies, and negative, depressed, desperate job seekers do not inspire confidence in recruiters! Remember to focus on the skills and background you possess, and to build on the results you have accomplished.